Tag Archives: foreign travel

Irish Spring

Spring has sprung in Ireland, but unless you are jetting off to the Emerald Isle tonight or tomorrow then you likely won’t get the chance to spend St. Patrick’s’ Day there. Buck up, there’s no need to cry in your corned beef and cabbage. After all, several tour companies are still offering travel deals to the popular European destination with late spring and early summer departures. Which means you still have time to make plans to indulge in the perfect pint of Guinness across the pond for a great price. For less than $800 you can take in the beauty … Continue reading →

Travel Deals to Europe (Minus the Worries Related to the Weak State of the Dollar)

I’ve discussed the weak state of the U.S. dollar (against the euro) in several previous blogs and if any (or all) of them has deterred you from traveling abroad, perhaps this posting will change that. The good news is that there are many ways to stretch your dollar in Europe–as long as you know where to go. A number of countries have yet to enter the European Union or adopt its currency, and you might be surprised at just how affordable they are, even after the exchange rate. So, if you are looking to save some dough on your next … Continue reading →

What is a Biometric ID Card and Why You Might Need One if You are Traveling Abroad

Biometric ID cards are issued to foreign travelers and contain a digital photo and details of the cardholders’ immigration status, whether they are allowed to work, receive government benefits and how long they can stay. The cards also contain a “biographic footprint” of personal history and “biometric data” such as fingerprints on the cardholder. The information on each card (which is about the size of a credit card) can be read electronically and matched against a computerized National Identity Register that will retain a cardholder’s fingerprints and personal information. If you are an American studying in Britain for more than … Continue reading →

Traveling Abroad with a Weak Dollar

As I write this one Euro is worth roughly 1.5 American dollars. Which means your trip to Paris or Barcelona will likely take a real toll on your bank account. While it’s no secret the dollar is worth significantly less in Europe the bigger issue now is how to make every cent count when traveling internationally. One suggestion: Go elsewhere. In places such as Thailand, and Morocco (which are just as rich in history as popular European destinations) the local currency is worth a lot less than the dollar, allowing American tourists the opportunity to experience new cultures without going … Continue reading →

Should You Rent a Vehicle in a Foreign Country?

In a previous blog I noted that motor vehicle crashes – not crime or terrorism – are the No. 1 killer of healthy Americans in foreign countries. That blog certainly didn’t make a very good argument in support of getting behind the wheel of a car when traveling abroad. And I didn’t even touch on the financial pitfalls associated with renting a vehicle in foreign land. For example, the car and gas will cost more than in the United States. Also, you may need to purchase additional insurance since the chances of something going wrong are much higher than they … Continue reading →

What To Know Before You Visit—AUSTRIA, SPAIN and PORTUGAL

Continuing my series detailing the social conventions practiced in foreign lands (things you should know BEFORE you leave on your trip abroad) this blog highlights the social norms Austria, Spain and Portugal. AUSTRIA Residents in Austria tend to be quite formal in both their social and business dealings. Which means they do not use first names when being introduced. Handshaking is expected when greeting local Austrians. Also, it is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without saying “Guten Tag” or “Grüss Gott.” Similarly, it is considered rude to leave without saying “Auf Wiedersehen.” Social pleasantries and some exchange … Continue reading →

Where to Roam in Rome

When in Rome… well, you know the rest. If you are planning a trip to the ancient city in the next few weeks you have the opportunity to be one of the first to experience the restored ruins of two opulent Roman villas and private thermal baths that recently opened to the public. Each villa boasts a 3-D reconstruction that offers a virtual tour of the luxurious residences found in downtown Rome. Local archaeologists uncovered an ancient neighborhood, where historians believe senators and knight used to live. The 2,000 square-yard complex dates back to the 2nd century and is now … Continue reading →

Foreign Travelers Score Big with Refunds… Maybe

If you traveled abroad and used a Diners Club, MasterCard or VISA ATM, credit or debit card between February 1, 1996 and November 8, 2006 while on your trip you could be getting an early Christmas gift in the mail… well, some Christmas anyway. Let me explain. In the next few days more than 20 million travelers will be receiving notices from a New York federal court regarding potential refunds for some of the foreign currency exchange fees paid using the credit and debit cards I listed above. If you qualify you can expect a minimum payment of $25, which … Continue reading →

Affordable Hotels

Affordable… but small. In a previous blog I told you about the new option tired travelers have at some of the world’s busiest airports—-Pod Hotels. This week a brand of pod hotels called Yotels opened in Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport. The company, which launched its first property in London’s Gatwick Airport this summer, charges about $50 for four hours in a standard single “cabin” and $115 for an overnight stay. Yotel also offers a double cabin for families, which costs about $80 for four hours and $170 for a night. If you are looking for budget accommodations these … Continue reading →

Prepare For More Passport Changes

Consider this your passport wake up call: As of Monday, U.S. airline passengers will once again need to carry a valid passport when traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. I have dedicated a series of blogs to the ongoing saga of passport changes. If you are planning to travel to a foreign destination any time soon you may want to familiarize yourself with the many changes that have occurred within the past year or so. You can do so by reading the following: · Revised Passport Rules · Holiday Travel: Important Passport Information For Parents and Children · … Continue reading →