Here in the US we may be tightening our belts and opting for a staycation, but it’s not so elsewhere.  Research from Visit London and Visit Britain have found that convincing Brits of the value of a staycation has been a very tough sell.  Despite challenging economic times, UK residents will cut back in other areas of the budget in order to put a priority on vacation.
The research showed that although 90% of the population was cutting back on spending in general, only 45% were cutting back on holidays, breaks, or day trips.  Instead, spending was reduced on items such …read more

Having a passport was once only for travelers with extensive international travel plans, but now it is required for visits to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean as well — even if you’re driving or going by cruise ship.
If you don’t have one, and have summer plans that include international travel, you need to apply right away.  The State Department is expecting the number of applications to soar, as new regulations go into effect.
To apply for a passport, you will need to have a passport photo taken.  This must be a headshot, with a neutral expression (this means no big …read more

In yesterday’s Countdown-to-Christmas giveaway, it was Merissa who won the Rosetta Stone Language Software commenting:
I’d like to learn French – I want to travel to Paris to see the Louvre.
We will contact Merissa via email and her prize will be on the way shortly!
Remember, we’ll be giving away a travel gift each day right up until Christmas, so keep checking back every day!
Thanks to Rosetta Stone for sponsoring the giveaway!

Photo credit: Rosetta Stone

If you are planning a trip to a foreign country, get prepared by learning the language. Language classes are sometimes inconvenient or ineffective. Instead you can learn with an interactive software program from Rosetta Stone.

As the leading language software in the world, Rosetta Stone provides a fast, effective way to learn a foreign language by creating an environment of complete immersion into a new dialect. It distinguishes itself from similar programs by teaching communication skills the same way a person’s first language is learned in childhood – by connecting the language with its meaning, in real life context.
Rosetta Stone …read more

How many countries have you visited?***
I always have to write them down and count them out, and with countries changing over the last couple of decades, it can be confusing at times.
For some people it may not matter, but I know more than a few people who have their eye on joining the Century Club, that special club limited to those individuals who have visited at least 100 countries.
If you want to keep track of your international travels, the Globetrotter’s Log Book may come in handy.  The pocket-sized logbook lists 193 countries and 58 dependencies, territories, and autonomous regions …read more