Category Archives: Travel Tips
US Travel Tips for International Travelers Gay and Non Gay
When ever you go to a country for the first time, it helps to be aware of local customs and practices, so you don’t look like a total fool!
THRILLIST put together a great list of tips this week, for the international traveler coming to the US.
Everything from tipping to ice to how to handle police! It’s very cute – check it out!
Gay and Straight Travel – Cities and Countries You Might Get Kidnapped!
GREAT ARTICLE this week at THRILLIST..
7 Countries Where You Are Most
Likely to be Kidnapped!
Gay travel or straight travel!
MEXICO – in Juarez, Tijuana and Tampico – Puerto Vallarta IS TOTALLY FINE!
HAITI – very unsafe everywhere.
BRAZIL -Sao Paulo and Rio – they look for wealthy businessmen and their family members mostly. But I have friends got to both cities, and during big events like Carnival and Pride, they do prey on all tourists to steal from and pick pocket.
Philippines – They watch for tourists.
India – Foreign and tourist abductions are rare. But they prey on Indian children.
Columbia – avoid rural areas, jungles and mountains – cities are usually OK
Venezuela is now considered the most dangerous country in Latin America
See all of the details at Thrillist
Twitter can be your Best Friend when Traveling
There was a great article recently in Conde Nast Traveler which revealed how TWITTER can be your best friend when traveling. Take for instance American Airlines. A consumers luggage was lost. The traveler was in Quito Ecuador and she could not get assistance from the airport – allegedly they had no lost luggage system. The traveler tweeted AA and her luggage was located quickly.
Airlines and Hotels DO NOT want bad publicity. And they have discovered that an angry tweet can be very damaging. They want to fix it fast.
Want to switch flights? Don’t try to call by phone and don’t stand in lines – TWEET the airlines with your request. Most airlines are happy to put you on standby.
Have a dirty hotel room and the front desk says, “Sorry, we are sold out.” TWEET photos of the dirty room, and just see how fast they react to make things right!
@AmericanAir
@AVIS
@ChoiceHotels
@DeltaAssist
@HyattConcierge
@Marriott
@SheratonHotels
@United
@WaldorfAstoria
@WHotels
SPEED PASS with TSA PRE
LOVE THIS! TSA PreCheck!
With the TSA PreCheck program, you’ll get to use a special screening lane with fewer people in it. Plus, you’ll get to keep on your shoes, light outerwear, and belt, and also leave your liquids and laptop in your carry-on. You pay $85 for these privileges, though (good for a five-year membership in the program).
The TSA Pre✓™ application program is a DHS Trusted Traveler program. TSA began accepting taking TSA Pre✓™ applications on Dec. 4, 2013. TSA Pre✓™ allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers the opportunity to apply for expedited screening at participating U.S. airports.
First Class….or Bust!
FIRST CLASS is nice, I have to admit! I have been very very fortunate over the years, because I am a writer, I have been gifted first class several times – and on international flights, its quite amazing to have the space and luxury.
But is it worth it? to pay all the extra money – for most people no. However sometimes you can scoop a first class seat for pennies. Someone recently tweeted that their economy class fare of $124 originally and they were able to get first class for just a $90 upgrade! That is rare, but it can happen.
For me it has nothing to do with status. I enjoy the space, the seats, the comfort, the food, the drinks – it is special. Airfare Watchdog did a great article about it recently. Check it out!
Travel Can Make Your Brain Happy!
You go to work; make some money; eat some food; interact with friends, family or co-workers; go home; and watch some TV. Nothing particularly bad happens, but you still can not shake a feeling of stress, or worry, or inadequacy, or loneliness. Whether you have a stressful life and need a break to relax, or you are feeling in a rut and could use some mental stimulation, taking a vacation can provide the perfect change of pace your mind needs. Studies have shown that vacations can help excite your brain and make it “feel happy” much like exercise does.
A change of scenery will do you good! When you visit someplace you have not been before, this gives your brain the most stimulation. Vacationing in the same place year after year might be enjoyable to you, but it will not stimulate your brain as much as seeing something new. Your brain thrives on activities that it considers new. St. Augustine said “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” So you do to want to keep reading the same page, but instead expand your line of vision.
Eating different foods, meeting new people, exploring and finding your way around unfamiliar places, and taking different modes of transportation are all ways that travel makes your brain work and exercise. Travel forces you to think and use skills that remain dormant and boosts your confidence. If you stop pushing yourself to try new things, eventually your world and confidence shrink, and so does your brain.
Travel Alert Warning for Olympics in Russia from US State Department
The US State Department made special note of Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law in a travel alert it issued on Friday (10 January) for those traveling to Sochi for the Olympics.
The alert mentions Russia’s ban on ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual
relations,’ the controversial anti-gay law that went into effect last
year, and states it will be applied to visitors as well as Russians.
– See more at:
www.gaystarnews.com/article/us-state-department-issues-travel-alert-olympics-warns-russias-anti-gay-propaganda-law110114#sthash.4FTwmXl4.dpuf
5 Hot Spots for Gay Travel in Mexico
Machismo is a way of life for many Mexican males, and because of this
inherent homophobia passed on through generations, Mexico was slow to create
LGBT communities — making it a less than desirable destination for gay travelers. Things have come a long way in this beautiful country, and
individual cities and states are opening their arms to the gay community.
In March 2010, Mexico City approved same-sex marriage, and in 2013, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage in Oaxaca was unconstitutional. These
incredible advancements for gays in Mexico have cleared a path for more cities
and states to follow.
From all-inclusive, romantic beach vacations to nightlife, city life and
history — many areas have become hot spots for gay travel, and for good
reasons. Whether you’re looking for a vacation destination or a place to settle
down for a while, these top five locales are not only gay-friendly, they have
large LGBT communities too.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was one of the first coastal locations to
welcome the gay community, and it has transformed into the perfect mix of
beaches, nightlife and culture to suit party-goers, beach bums, foodies and
shoppers alike. Vallarta attracts gay travelers from around the world as well
as the bigger Mexican metropolises of Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Puerto Vallarta offers hotels, restaurants, clubs, guesthouses, bars and
even beaches that cater specifically to the LGBT community. From the famous gay
beach to gay boating adventures, there’s something for everyone in the
incredibly open, friendly and gorgeous Bahia de Banderas area.
Travel Tips: Mistakes NOT TO MAKE When Traveling
DID YOU KNOW -Your passport is not always valid right up to the expiration date?! Russia, China and the U.A.E., among others, require that a passport be valid for AT LEAST 6 MONTHS past the date of your flight home. 26 European nations require that passports be valid for AT LEAST 3 MONTHS past the date of your flight home. You can check the State Departments website for entry and exit requirements. travel.state.gov
Time wasting – So you cut corners and are staying at a hotel with no concierge. And you are trying to figure out on your own, how to find a doctor, how to get tickets, how to write a note to your Czech driver instructions on where you need to go … no worries – walk over to the nearest 5 star hotel and go to their concierge! They are always happy to help anyone in need – even if you are not a hotel guest. It’s nice to give them a tip for their help!
Bring a travel first aid kit
with you – saves you time hunting around a city for first aid needs: Pseudoephedrine (nasal decongestant, helps with “ear pop” from planes) ibuprofen (or other pain killer), decongestant,
NyQuil, bandages, pepto bismol, imodium, hydrocortizone cream. You will not believe how often
it will come in handy.
VIP PERKS – Traveling and celebrating a special occasion? Make sure your hotel knows that! Many hotels give free upgrades to milestone birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Hotels want your stay to be memorable.
Credit Card Fee’s out of the country – many credit and debit cards add on a 3% foreign transaction fee. Not so much anymore. Capital One started waving fee’s a while back – now Chase has 10 travel-rewards credit cards that waive surcharges and can even include free checked baggage. And they are FREE for the first year.
I Can’t Carry On my Carry On? – More and more the overhead bins are exploding as travelers try to cram everything they have into a carry on, to avoid checking luggage. Many people also put valuables, jewelry, designer belts, cameras and tablets in the carry on, to keep them safe. So what happens when the bins are full and you are told you must surrender your carry on?! Keep all your valuables together, in a small bag, inside your carry on, that can easily be grabbed out at the last second and stored under your seat.
I start packing 2 weeks before I leave. The second you think of packing something, PACK IT. If you wait, you will forget.
Chicago for the Holidays!
BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN CHICAGO
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
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Why Should You Use a Travel Agent?
When the internet exploded, many travelers went out on their own, searching, looking for deals and bargains, booking things themselves – I never understood that. Why would I want to spend HOURS doing all the work – when a travel professional probably knows most of the answers!
They know what deals are happening – they know how you can save money – there are over 100 REASONS to use a travel agent –
here are just a few…..
Convenient One-Stop Shopping
Travel agents can
handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging,
ground transportation, activities, tours and more.
Consumer Advocate
If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitution’s are made.
Expert Guidance
Travel
agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and
in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed
were possible.
Save Time
Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call around and do all the time consuming work of planning a complex itinerary.
Choice
Travel
agents offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of
travel suppliers, giving you the upper hand when making your final
travel decisions.
Less Stress
Planning a trip
can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about.
Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.
Updated Information
Travel
agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus
giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental
agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you
plan your trip.
Customer Service
Travel
agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience-
Offering help and advice that a website cannot provide.
Travel Expertise
Many travel agents are
considered experts in the area you are traveling to and have probably
already been to your chosen destination.
Best Value for Your Money Spent
Travel
agents can help you to make your dollars go farther while you are
away. They have access to finding all sorts of deals ranging from
flights to hotels to dinner recommendations.
Location, Location, Location!!!!
Travel
Specialists can help you to find a place to stay pretty much anywhere
you desire. If it’s a hotel with a view of the ocean in Hawaii or a
jungle hut in the Nilgiri foothills, a travel agent can help you make it
happen.
Knowledge of All the Ins and Outs
Travel specialists can help bring you up to speed on the local laws and regulations of wherever your travels take you.
Avoid International Flight Confusion
Travel specialists can help organize those confusing international flights that internet search engines don’t cover.
Personalized Trips
A travel agent can prepare you a personalized trip based on where you want to go and what you want to do.
Where to Go to Avoid Kids
Want
to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel
agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults
only.
Local Traditions
Travel
specialists can update you on all local traditions and customs of
places you are visiting, so you make a good impression. For example, in
Japan many people expect their visitors to take their shoes off before
entering their homes.
Complicated Itineraries Made Simple
Travel
experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around
the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them,
such as hotel and transportation along the way.
Special Deals Worked Out in Advance – Travel
agents may have a relationship with certain tour operators and could be
able to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available.
Difference in Days to Save Money
Instead
of playing around with dates on the internet for hours, your travel
agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save
you hundreds of dollars.
Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions
Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.
They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists – Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a pre-programmed website?
It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
They’re Out There… Use Them
Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can.
Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right. They Sure Have a lot of Business
Travel
agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all
cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car
rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.
It Makes Traveling Easy
Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.
We highly recommend Dave at Donovan Travel!
Donovan Travel
Let Dave help YOU with YOUR next Trip!
1-800-942-1280 E-MAIL THEM
Gay Travel News – Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City CONTINUE TO BE SAFE
As of this past month, our government here in the US is still saying, there is no recommendation against travel to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and also Mexico City. THEY ARE SAFE!!!
Exclusive Interview about LGBT Travel Safety and the U.S. Department of State
By Sophie Needelman
The LGBT travel niche has become a thriving economist force in tourism
both domestically and abroad. Given the diversity in backgrounds and
experiences around the world, LGBT travel safety is being promoted more
and more on a political level to promote awareness and education across
all realms of society. For better or for worse, a destination’s attitude
toward the LGBT community is an important factor to keep in mind when
planning travel and tourism details. The U.S. State Department is
spearheading the efforts of promoting and circulating LGBT travel
information online by developing resources and support regarding travel
for the LGBT community. Consequences for engaging in homosexual activity
vary around the world, so it is important to have an understanding of
the context of where you are traveling.
GayTravel.com’s
CEO Steve Rohrlick was recently invited to a roundtable with the State
Department in D.C. to discuss the importance of promoting LGBT travel
safety for Americans traveling abroad. This roundtable consisted of a
variety of government officials and leaders from the gay travel
community to start a dialogue on how the government can facilitate
travel safety awareness. Specifically, the State Department has put
together an online forum of resources:http://travel.state.
Since
the roundtable, GayTravel.com got the inside scoop through this
exclusive interview with GayTravel.com CEO Steve Rohrlick, as well as
Jack Markey, the Division Chief for Africa in the U.S. Department of
State’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management about
LGBT travel safety. Check it out!
GT: How did you get involved in the State Department’s roundtable on LGBT Travel Safety abroad?
JM:
I am a division chief in the Office of American Citizens Services and
Crisis Management. This office – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. Our
State Department Travel Warnings and Country Specific Information
documents are two good examples. We recently started a systematic
expansion of the information we provide to LGBT travelers through our
Country Specific Information sheets. A roundtable discussion on how U.S.
citizens obtain important travel information overseas was a great way
to highlight this, in addition to highlighting the debut of our LGBT
travel information page.
GT: What sort of perspective were you able to offer the group on the needs of the LGBT travel community?
JM:
An informed traveler is a smart traveler. LGBT travelers needed access
to official, accurate and timely information that is also relevant to
the specific concerns facing LGBT travelers overseas. It’s important to
know whether certain over-the-counter medications are banned in some
countries, or that certain styles of dress are frowned upon by the local
community. But it’s even more critical for travelers to know whether
there are cases of harassment, threats, or violence directed towards
LGBT persons in a particular country, or that a country criminalizes
consensual same-sex sexual relations, with legal implications. Finally,
it’s important for LGBT travelers to have the assurance that they can
turn to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates for help if
they run into trouble abroad.
SR: The team at gaytravel.com
fully supports what it is the state dept is doing. One of the things
that became apparent from the meeting is that it takes about 6 months
for the State Department to update any changes in a specific location.
That is understandable with all the destinations they are covering.
However things can change significantly in a six month period. I
suggested that With the power of the internet gaytravel and other LGBT
travel related websites could help facilitate feedback from LGBT
residents and travelers in a real time fashion, thus enhancing the great
work the State department is already doing.
GT: What are the goals of the State Department regarding LGBT travel safety and how are you able to contribute to their efforts?
SR:
The state dept. is responsible for all U.S. citizens once they leave
the United States. The travel safe program is good for all travelers,
and with the recent developments also address specific issues relevant
to LGBT travelers. We plan to utilize the power of internet and our
network of millions of travelers at GayTravel.com-to track on the ground
changes in a more timely manner. As part of our site redesign this
Fall, we plan to add an RSS feed from the State Department, along with
our own updates with regard to attitudes and treatment of LGBT
individuals around the globe.
JM:
One of the top priorities of the State Department and the Bureau of
Consular Affairs is protecting the lives and interests of U.S. citizens
abroad. Keeping travelers informed and updated with the latest and most
accurate information helps U.S. citizens travel safely. One of the
best ways for U.S. citizens to stay connected to this information is
through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which also allows loved
ones in the U.S. to locate you in times of distress or emergency.
Additionally, travelers should also visit travel.state.gov
to get the latest country-specific information, and make sure they have
adequate health and travel insurance for emergencies. LGBT travelers
should read our LGBT Travel Information page, and review the linked
resources. Our Country Specific Information for LGBT travelers is
undergoing a systematic expansion. All of this information is reviewed
and updated at least every six months.
GT: Will you/how will you continue to stay involved with the State Department and its efforts to promote travel safety?
JM:
As I mentioned earlier, my office – the Office of American Citizens
Services and Crisis Management – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. In
addition to our Country Specific Information and Travel Warnings, we
also publish information for niche market travelers, available on our
Bureau of Consular Affairs website. We have information for older
Americans, Americans retiring abroad, medical tourism, voluntourism all
on our website, and a related website for students planning overseas
studies or travel.
SR:
GayTravel.com will definitely stay in touch with the State Department-
they are providing a valuable service to all U.S citizens. We plan to
harness the power of the global LGBT community to provide additional and
more current safety related information on the gaytravel.com
website in a more real time version as an enhancement to what the State
Department is doing. The work both organizations do are complimentary
to one another so it is absolutely a priority a priority for us to
remain involved.
GT: How should safety and homophobia influence travel for the LGBT community?
JM: Safety should be a top priority for every overseas traveler. We
never tell U.S. citizens that they can’t travel to a particular
location, but we do make every effort to provide them with an accurate
assessment of safety and security concerns abroad for them to use in
determining their own acceptable level of risk. LGBT travelers should
carefully consider the laws, customs, and culture of the countries they
are planning to visit, and decide what measures they want to take in
order to protect themselves. Good judgment and knowledge of local laws
and customs before traveling abroad will help ensure personal safety.
LGBT persons traveling abroad for leisure have the option to decide
where they will travel. Business travelers and younger persons
accompanying their parents may not have the same flexibility in choosing
where to travel, and may find themselves in a country where the culture
or custom where there are criminal penalties simply for being LGBT.
SR:
At the end of the day that is really a question that each traveler
needs to answer for themselves. A smart traveler is a safe traveler, so
you have to do your homework in advance.
GT: What resources are available for the LGBT community regarding travel safety abroad?
JM: The State Department publishes Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts,
Country Specific Information, and a wide range of facts sheets on our Travel.State.Gov
website. We also have an LGBT Travel Information page that identifies a
number of resources, both general and LGBT-specific, for LGBT
travelers. You can download our free Smart Traveler App, available
through iTunes and Google play, to have this travel information at your
fingertips. If you sign up for our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP), you will also have up-to-date safety and security messages sent
directly to your email inbox when you’re abroad by the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.
Finally,
but very importantly, you can contact the American Citizens Services
(ACS) Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular
officers there may be able to help you if you run into problems
overseas, especially if you feel that you can’t approach the local
police or encounter difficulties with local authorities. Consular
officers will protect your privacy, and won’t make generalizations,
assumptions, or pass judgement. They also monitor and record incidents
U.S. citizens report to them about the treatment they receive from host
authorities. Our embassies regularly raise issues of concern,
especially inappropriate treatment or harassment of our citizens, with
relevant officials.
GT:
What can members of the LGBT community do to promote travel safety both
at home and abroad? How can LGBT travelers get involved in these
efforts of the State Department?
JM:
Perhaps the best thing that individual travelers can do is to research
their travel destinations before leaving home, and make wise decisions.
And by all means, let your friends and family know about the
information on our website and the resources, like STEP and our Smart
Traveler App, that we offer. LGBT media, travel, and business
organizations can place our icon on their websites to direct visitors to
the LGBT information on our website.
SR: We plan to proudly display the LGBT State Department icon on the gaytravel.com
site and to provide access via an RSS feed. We will also have a
methodology on the next version of our site for LGBT travelers and
citizens to inform the LGBT community at large as to their observations
on the ground wherever they may be.
Is It Really Safe to Travel to Puerto Vallarta?
Is it safe to travel to
Puerto Vallarta?
In a word, the answer is BIG yes! It is safe to travel to Puerto
Vallarta.
PV is part of the very diverse and large Mexican state of
Jalisco. Some sensational news outlets have incorrectly reported that the US State
Department is warning against all travel to Jalisco. NOT TRUE.
The US Department of State said for Puerto Vallarta – There is no recommendation
against travel to Guadalajara and Puerto
Vallarta. There is also no recommendation against travel on principal
highways in
Jalisco between Guadalajara including the
portions that cross in to the southern portions of the state of Nayarit.
Also – Mexico City (also known as the Federal District): No advisory is in effect.
Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Board has commissioned a study from the security consulting firm Thomas Dale and Associates (TDA).
The firm found that “the number of negative events involving foreigners
or non‐foreigners is fractional compared to the large ex‐pat resident
population and the millions of visitors that come to vacation each year
in Puerto Vallarta.”
you can read more at Visit Puerto Vallarta.
Unless you were under a rock the last few years, you could not help but hear how
dangerous parts of Mexico has become, and yes, it’s true drug wars have
escalated violence in parts of Mexico. “Collateral damage” the news calls it – which really means that innocent people
have been robbed, hurt or killed.
was. I walked the streets Vallarta alone day or night. I never felt
uncomfortable or scared.
or run-ins with bad guys or police (well, there was that ticket for
using my cellphone while driving…), ” says Paul who owns Hotel Mercurio.
Puerto Vallarta is the most visited gay destination in Mexico.
It has always been a safe place to live and visit and continues to be!
State Department Meets with Gay Travel Representatives
TRAVELING ABROAD can be a little scary – walking into a strange country, not quite sure knowing what to expect. And gay travelers need to be informed. Some countries do not take a liking to us!
efforts to provide LGBT-specific information to Americans who plan to
travel overseas.
“We want all of our citizens to be informed about their destinations
abroad and any particular challenges that they may face,” Janice Jacobs,
assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, said.
“We want them to know about the services that are available to them at
our embassies and consulates if problems should happen, despite their
precautions.”
Jacobs’ comments come five days after the Bureau of Consular Affairs added LGBT-specific information to its website
that includes travel warnings, alerts and other country-specific
advisories. These include references to “widespread” anti-gay
discrimination in Ukraine, efforts to curb “the promotion of
homosexuality” in Russian cities and an advisory that urges LGBT
travelers to “consider exercising caution when visiting Estonia” because
of harassment and violence those who have publicly shown affection have
experienced.
The country-specific profiles also include information about HIV/AIDS travel restrictions.
READ MORE at Washington Blade
United New Baggage Delivery Service for a Fee
Tired of schlepping your over-packed bags?
and arriving at select U.S. airports, so you can skip the wait at the
baggage carousel and go straight from your arrival airport to your
actual destination. This service provides you with the convenient option
of having your baggage delivered right to your home, hotel or
office.
flight’s arrival if your destination is located within 40 miles from the
airport. If your destination is located between 41 and 100 miles from
the airport, you’ll receive your baggage within six hours after the
arrival of your flight.
Russia Could Enact Anti-Gay Law Nationwide
Russia was never on the top of my short wish list, of places to visit. Now it looks like I will never go there!
Church would make it illegal nationwide to provide minors with
information that is defined as “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism,
bisexuality and transgenderism.”
events that promote gay rights. St. Petersburg and a number of other
Russian cities already have similar laws on their books.
The bill is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values as
opposed to Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and church see as
corrupting Russian youth and by extension contributing to a wave of
protest against President Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Samburov describes the anti-gay bill as part of a Kremlin crackdown on
minorities of any kind — political and religious as well as sexual —
designed to divert public attention from growing discontent with Putin’s
rule.
READ MORE AT ABC
Booster Bag Scam at Airports – BEWARE!
They say do not leave your bags unattended…well, DO NOT LET YOUR BAGS OUT OF YOUR SITE!
Enjoy Oahu Without The Car Rental Expense
With
gas prices what they are, renting a car on your vacation can prove to be one of
the larger expenses that you’ll face. Fortunately, you have options when
visiting Oahu, and you’ll quickly find that getting around without a rental car
is simple. The island features public transportation methods that can deliver
visitors to every corner, while renting bikes and cruising along one of the
many palm tree-lined boulevards to one of the many attractions around Waikiki
is also a great way to scratch things off of your itinerary. If you’re hoping
to keep travel costs down, consider the following options when visiting the
Gathering Place to make sure you’re able to see all that this dynamic island
has to offer on the cheap!
Staying Around The Capital
Picking a central location, such as the Ewa Hotel in the thick of
Waikiki, will ensure that you’re never far from a good time. With beach
activities, historical sites, and fantastic hiking just minutes away, hoofing
it won’t be a problem, helping you cut down on those gas expenditures and
giving you the opportunity to walk off that dinner while being bathed in the
light of a Hawaii sunset. Don’t miss Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Beach, or the
Honolulu Zoo while you’re making your way around one of the preeminent vacation
spots in the world.
Heading East To Kailua
Headlining the marquee for things to do on the Windward (Eastern) side of the
island is the charming city of Kailua. Home to some of the most pristine and
sought-after beaches, getting to this slice of paradise by bus from your hotel
in Honolulu or Waikiki is a breeze. The Bus system can carry you and your group
out to Kailua from Ala Moana on the Route 56 bus for $2.50 each way! Pack
yourself a picnic, hop on some eco-friendly public transportation, and go have
yourself a time at Kailua Beach.
Making It To North Shore
You won’t want to head back home without first heading to Oahu’s North Shore.
The promised land for surfers due to its absolutely awe-inspiring waves of
incredible force, watching people zip back and forth across these faces of
water will definitely give you a thrill. Once again, relying on the bus system
is no problem; it may take a bit longer, given the distance, but the ease of
the trip and the views that will accompany you along the way make this ride a
breeze. Bus 52 will get you there in no time so you can see what all of the
fuss is about!
TSA Could Be Stealing Your iPads…and More
It is now being uncovered, hundreds of thefts by TSA
officers are taking place, apparently stealing passenger belongings. Last year over 350 TSA were fired for stealing.
Recently, an iPad left behind at a security
checkpoint in the Orlando airport was tracked as it moved 30 miles to
the home of the TSA officer last seen handling it.
Confronted two weeks later by ABC News, the TSA officer, Andy Ramirez,
at first denied having the missing iPad, but ultimately turned it over
after blaming his wife for taking it from the airport.
The iPad was one of ten purposely left behind at TSA checkpoints at
major airports with a history of theft by government screeners, as part
of an ABC News investigation into the TSA’s ongoing problem with theft
from passengers.
The full video report was on “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” and “Nightline.”
MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICES HAVE INSTALLED THE FREE APP – FIND MY iPHONE – which will also track your iPad.
Global Entry Fast Lane Speed Pass for Gay Travelers
Travel a lot to other countries? Now, you can skip the lines!
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that
allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon
arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international
travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for
the program. Participants may enter the
United States by using
automated kiosks located at select airports.
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