Year: 2018

Top 5 International Travel Tips

Posted on by waleed

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or going abroad for the first time, there are a few essential things you should do before you go abroad. The most importantly, obviously, is making sure you have a passport and it’s up to date.

Don’t have a passport or your passport is expired? No problem! The US Passport Help Guide will walk you through the process of either getting your first passport or getting a new one. While the process typically takes 4-6 weeks,  if you happen to realize last minute that your passport is lost or expired, you can expedite the passport process for an additional fee.

Having a passport for your international trip is obviously non-negotiable, as you won’t even get through airport security without it. Once you have your passport secured, there are a few other things that – while not essential – will certainly make your travels easier and more enjoyable.

Here are our Top 5 International Travel Tips:

1.Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for all international travelers. It’s hard enough being in a foreign country where you may not fully understand the culture and customs, but now imagine getting sick or injured. Not only would you be forced to deal with hospital bills (sans insurance, those really add up), but you’d also have to spend your time canceling hotels, excursions, and plans, changing flights, and so much more… If you have travel insurance, all that and more would be taken care of for you.

Travel insurance offers peace of mind and protection against the unexpected, whether it’s a medical emergency, lost luggage, an unforeseen weather calamity, or worse. There are a variety of packages, some covering only healthcare, some covering lost baggage, and some covering pretty much everything. Going abroad is stressful enough – getting travel insurance gives you one less thing to stress out about!

2. Cultural Insights

While not everyone gets travel books to prep for trips anymore (thank you, Google), it’s still important to do a bit of research into cultural norms before you go abroad. This will not only save you a bit of embarrassment but could also save you some legal trouble, depending on the country you’re visiting.

Make sure you research everything from proper greetings (ex: should you shake hands, kiss on the cheek, bow, etc) to average dinner times. If you’re renting a car, make sure you know what side of the road to drive on. If you’re conducting business, make sure to know how to properly accept a business card.

In addition to learning a bit about the culture, make sure you take the time to learn a few keywords in the local language. Words such as “please,” “thank you,” and phrases such as “where is the bathroom” and “do you speak English” will go a long way.

3. Medications (and vaccines, if necessary)

In addition to gaining knowledge of a few cultural insights of the country, you plan on visiting, make sure you check whether or not vaccines are required. If so, book an appointment for them well in advance of your trip.  Obtain fresh refills of any necessary prescriptions as well, and also make sure to stock up on your favorite OTC (over the counter) drugs.

Medicine is not universal. While the main compounds may be, the brand names are not, and thus, if Aleve is the only OTC medicine that can subdue your migraines, make sure to bring a bottle. Many people suffer from stomach upset when going abroad. This can be due to new foods and spices, different bacterias in the water, or even “travel stomach.” While Americans may consider Tums to be a staple in every pharmacy, they are not universal, so if you have a weak stomach, make sure to bring a few rolls of tums.

4. Electronic Check

Even if you’ve never left the US, we shouldn’t have to tell you that outlets are not a “one size fits all.” American plugs will not work in other countries, so do not try to force it, no matter how similar it may look.

Make sure you find out in advance which currency your destination uses, and which plugs will fit their standards. While we recommend investing in a converter for any basic electronics, we also suggest purchasing local plugs for essentials such as laptops and cell phones. Once you have the base, you can then use a charging cord to connect your device to.

While converters work most of the time, they have been known to “fry” devices from time to time. If you’re a woman and use a hair straightener, you should consider leaving it at home, as converters have been proven to destroy them. This is similar for hairdryers, as American versions often have a higher wattage than many foreign outlets can handle.

5.  Financial Preparation

This doesn’t just refer to having enough money to cover your trip (we assume you have enough money in your account to cover the trip, otherwise you definitely shouldn’t be going abroad).

What we are referring to is telling your bank and credit card companies that you’re going abroad, making sure you’re okay with your daily spending limits, and perhaps getting a bit of foreign currency in advance if you’re going somewhere remote that may not have easy access to ATMs and banks (or, if you want to arrive prepared rather than have to look for an ATM in the airport.

Most credit card companies will flag your card if you make an international purchase without first informing them that you’re going abroad, and the only way to unflag it is by calling them. Which, if you’re abroad, can be quite costly (not to mention annoying, as it’s taking time away from your other travel-related activities).  In order to avoid this, simply log into your credit card and bank accounts and set up a “travel alert.” You can select which countries you are going to, and for how long. Doing so will enable you to use your cards worry-free.

If you have a low limit on the amount of cash you can take out each day from your bank, consider raising it. Most banks will charge an international fee of $2.50 or more each time you withdraw from an ATM, so you’ll want to take out as much cash as possible while abroad. If you don’t know what your limit is, make sure you inquire with your bank.

While in truth the only thing you really “need” to have before going abroad is a passport, the above five tips save you a lot of stress and help ensure you have as enjoyable a trip as possible.

Online Guide to Working Holiday Visas for U.S. Citizens

Posted on by Jhen Rondilla

There are many opportunities for college students and grads who would like to work abroad and travel at the same time. To do so, you must first get a working holiday visa. A working holiday visa is a resident permit allowing the holder to undertake employment in the country they obtain the visa from. Having this type of visa enables the holder to experience living in a foreign country and earning money at the same time.

How Does a U.S. Citizen Apply for A Working Holiday Visa

Like the U.S. H-1B visa that allows US companies to employ graduate level workers in specific fields such as IT, finance, accounting, engineering, etc., other countries offer similar visas. But, these visas have restrictions on who can apply for them. Most countries have an age limit and want an individual with a good health history. Generally, they are open to young people between the ages of 18-30 years old.

So, if you are a U.S. citizen and a senior college student or a recent grad who is ready to move abroad, the working holiday visa is one option to move temporarily to another country.

Where can you get a Working Holiday Visa?

There are a few countries that offer U.S. citizens working holiday visas. Each has its own rules and regulations that every applicant must follow. Before anyone gets to approve, each applicant undergoes a process before approval. For some country, the process starts by completing the application online and later conclude by a one-on-one interview. Since the stay time is short, 6-12 months or sometimes a little longer, the individual must provide proof of finance to help with their stay for the given time.

At the moment, five countries offer working holiday visas to qualify U.S. citizens. These countries are:

Other nations provide other types of visas that have different requirements. So, if you want a visa that differs from the working holiday visa, start by looking at other countries and see what they have to offer.

What You Should Know About a Working Holiday Visa

Every country has its own sets of rules and requirements for an applicant who is ready to relocate. Once you meet all of these requirements, you will have an opportunity only a few will have in their lifetime.

First, you must have a clean bill of health. Remember, you plan to go and work. If you are unable to do so because you are sick, then you will be denied the visa. The next is to have a clean criminal record. Many countries have restrictions that do not allow felons with a passport inside their country. Again, this will disqualify anyone with a felony conviction who applies for the working holiday visa.

Australia’s Working Holiday Visa

Australia’s working holiday visa is known as Subclass 462 Visa and to get one you must meet these criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18-30 years old
  • Prove to have sufficient funds for AUD 5,000 or $3,802 US
  • Pay the application fee of AUD 420 or $320 US

The application is available online to complete. You will have 12 months to work but can work up to 6 months with each employer.

Ireland’s Working Holiday Visa

The requirements are similar to Australia’s except there is no age limit. Here is a list of the criteria:

  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen
  • No age restrictions
  • Applicant be a student in postsecondary education or recently graduated
  • Prove to have sufficient funds in the amount of €1500 or $2245.15 US
  • Have a return travel ticket or €3000 or $4490.30 US
  • Pay the application fee of €250 or $374.08 US
  • Provide proof of academic status

To apply, you can in person or by mail at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington or the Consulates General of Ireland in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.

New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand post-study work visa has similar requirements to Australia. What change are the proof of funds and the cost of the application? Here is a list of the conditions:

  • Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18-30 years old
  • Prove to have sufficient funds for $4,200 NZ or $2,950.88 US
  • Pay the application fee of AUD 420 or $295 US

If you plan to work in agriculture or the horticultural sections, you are given an additional three months. So you overall stay becomes 15 months instead of the standard 12 months given.

The Republic of Korea’s Working Holiday Visa

South Korea’s working Holiday visa is known as H-1 Visa. Like the other participating countries, South Korea has restrictions like limitations on the type of work to apply for. Also, the fund’s requirements are more when compared to the other countries. Here is the list of conditions the country has in place:

  • Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18-30 years old
  • Must currently be a post-secondary student or graduated from a university in the past year
  • Must have funds to support up to three months and a total of $10,000 US
  • Must have a return ticket
  • Pay the application fee of $45.00 US

To apply, you must visit the Republic of Korea Embassy or Consulate near you. An interview may be required.

Singapore Working Holiday Pass

The criteria are somewhat similar to the other participating countries. Here is the list:

  • Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18-25 years old
  • Must currently be a post-secondary student or graduated from a university in the past year
  • The university must be in the top 200 for overall academic performance
  • Pay the cost of the pass which is $150 US

How Long Will it Take to Get a Working Holiday Visa?

Australia and New Zealand will give you response the same day or earlier since the application can be completed online.

Singapore’s pass can take up to 21 days since the application must be mailed in. It is suitable for six months, and the cost is more reasonable when compared to the others.

Ireland and The Republic of Korea have no set time since part of the requirement is to complete an interview at one of their embassies. So, it all depends on the applicants and how quick they can proceed with the process and finish it.

How to Get Your Working Holiday Visa

Australia and New Zealand give electronic visa. So, your visa is automatically linked with your passport. To provide proof of getting a visa, print your email with the visa approval and show it to an immigration officer at the airport and then when boarding your flight.

Singapore’s pass has to be pickup at the Employment Pass Center. Once you receive the approval and pay the fees, you must schedule an e-appointment to give fingerprints. Since the pass is for six months only, it is best to look for a job before going to Singapore. Also, you have up to three months after getting approval to get your pass. If the time overlaps, you will forfeit it and must reapply again.

Ireland and Korea will give you a visa once you complete the interview and get approval. The visa is stamped in your passport.

Jobs You Can Apply For With Your Working Holiday Visa

The most common job most people apply to is teaching abroad. Many non-speaking countries prefer higher Americans to teach English. If you prefer to go to one of these countries, then this is where you are most likely to go. There are other areas; if you have the qualifications, you can work. Sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, and bars. Some countries hire engineers and architects. Other professions will require a different type of visa. Make sure to apply for the one you want and not another.

Are you ready to Travel Abroad?

If you fit the criteria to work abroad, then the working holiday visa may be the right way to earn money while learning a new culture. A working holiday visa also gives you the opportunity to travel to two countries and work in a year. So, you this is something you plan to do in your senior year of college, start saving your money so you can get approval and go to your dream destination.

16 Ways to Get TSA Precheck for Free

Posted on by waleed

Nobody likes devoting a huge amount of their travel day to going through security at the airport. But now, thanks to programs like TSA Precheck, this isn’t nearly as lengthy or as frustrating of a situation as it used to be. The ultimate goal of TSA PreCheck isn’t just to reward travelers with a better, more fluid experience at airports. It also gives TSA officials more time to focus on passengers who may fall into a “high risk” category. Or, those who are generally less well-known during their trip.

What is TSA PreCheck?

Since its inception, TSA PreCheck was a program administered by the Transportation Security Administration. This allows low-risk travelers to participate in expedited security screenings at airports around the country. Once a traveler gets approval, they can go through shorter and faster security lines at the airport.

For those unaware, TSA Precheck is a program offered by the United States Transportation Security Administration that costs $85 for every five-year period you participate in. It lets you move through security at 200 participating airports much faster than average and also prevents you from needing to remove your shoes, your belt, any light jacket that you may be wearing and more. You also don’t have to remove liquids, laptops or other items from your carry-on bag.

One study even reports that the average TSA Precheck participant only spends about five minutes in the security line at the airport.

The good news for travelers everywhere is that a program like TSA Precheck exists in the first place. The better news is that you can often participate in the program WITHOUT paying the $85 fee at all. You just need to keep a few key things in mind about the many ways you can get TSA Precheck for free right away.

Getting TSA Precheck for Free: What You Need to Know

One of the easiest – and most common – ways to get TSA Precheck utterly free of charge involves owning one of a number of very popular credit cards. Many people don’t realize that to incentivize people to sign up, certain credit card companies cover the cost of membership for TSA Precheck and other programs for at least a year, often longer.

As of 2018, the following credit card companies offer TSA Precheck for free:

  1. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card
  2. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
  3. The Mastercard Black Card
  4. The Mastercard Gold Card
  5. The U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold Card from American Express
  6. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Infinite Card from Visa
  7. The SunTrust Travel Rewards World Elite Card from Mastercard
  8. The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
  9. Certain American Express Credit Cards (Check Your Membership Agreement for Details)
  10. The Citi Prestige Card
  11. Expedia + Voyager Card from Citi Bank
  12. The Diners Club Carte Blanche Corporate Card

Additionally, a number of loyalty programs from prominent hospitality industry brands also offer TSA Precheck for free. If you’re currently a member of any of these programs or are considering signing up, this would be just another in a long line of ways to extend those benefits even further. These programs include:

  1. The Marriott Rewards Program
  2. The IHG Rewards Club
  3. The Club Carlson Rewards Program
  4. The United MileagePlus Program

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of cards and loyalty programs that offer TSA Precheck for free. With the right combination of credit/loyalty cards and membership agreements, you’ll be able to enjoy a more convenient travel experience in no time. So take the time to review your options today so that you can start taking advantage of this great benefit tomorrow! Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, and happy travels!

20 Travel Apps for 2023

Posted on by waleed

Who still needs a travel agent when they’ve got a smartphone? You no longer have to go a lot of hassles when planning your trip to whatever place on earth. We’ve critically evaluated a plethora of travel apps, and we sample the top 20 that you’ll want in 2018. The collection combines the best travel Apps from both the Google Play store and App Store.

Passport Photo Creator (Android, iOS; Free)

You don’t want to miss your trip due to a delayed passport application. The Passport Photo 360 app offers a new and faster way of creating your passport and visa photo that meets the specified criteria. Once you’ve taken your passport or visa photo, you can approve it to print and Walgreens, and you’ll be having your passport photo in less than an hour.

Skyscanner (Android, iOS; Free)

Looking through numerous websites to find the cheapest flights to your destination is a difficult task to accomplish. That is why you need Skyscanner. It has lots of filters to help you identify the most affordable and comfortable flight. The app will help you find a perfect balance between flight cost and convenience.

Google Now (Android, iOS; Free)

Google Now will help you find quick information about your flight or anything else. It’s the front-end to Google, and you know what Google can help you achieve. It’s even easier to use the app since you can simply utter “OK Google” and then enter your request.

Dark Sky (Android £2.99 per year, iOS £2.99/year)

The Dark Sky app work in the USA, Ireland, and the UK and it will help you know whether your planned day trip is going to turn into a torrent. It provides custom weather notifications and will notify you when it’s about to rain, or the temperatures are about to get high.

Google Maps (Android, iOS; Free)

Getting lost isn’t fun, and Google Maps is here to help you figure out your way. As long as you have a web connection, you’ll have access to the local map, street view, live transport information, and local information. The turn-by-turn option within the app will work even when you don’t have an internet connection.

Google Translate (Android, iOS; Free)

Google Translate is essential if you’re moving to a foreign country that speaks a different language from yours. It will help you avoid embarrassment due to your inadequate language skills. With Google translate, you get instant camera translation from over 29 languages, and it works perfectly even the letters are too tiny.

Wiffinity (Android, iOS; Free)

This app will help you avoid the expensive roaming fees since it serves as a WI-FI identifier. You no longer have to incur the roaming fees that will make you even suspect your mobile provider. You can also download maps with the app.

FlightAware (Android, iOS; Free)

If you’re tired of downloading individual airline or airport apps, then you need this app. The FlightAware mobile app will let you track any flight in real-time while receiving important alerts and seeing airport delays if any at the same time. Save yourself from the stress and focus on other things.

Duolingo (Android, iOS; Free)

If you don’t want to use Google Translate, then you have to learn the other languages, and no other app offers you a perfect learning platform than Duolingo. It covers over 27 languages and allows you to start with the basic verbs, phrases, and sentences.

Touchnote (Android, iOS; Free)

This app represents a perfect blend of old and new imaging technologies. It lets you create amazing and personalized postcards using your images, Simply open the app, select the image that you want to use, add some text and an address and your postcard will be ready.

CityMapper (Android, iOS; Free)

 

This is perhaps the new version of Google Maps covering specific cities. Currently, the app includes 36 cities, and it combines all the transport modes available in each city. It is simple to use and effective in suggesting the best way to transit from point A to point B.

Skype (Android, iOS; Free)

Skype is an essential travel app that allows you to stay in touch with your family and friends back at home especially if you’re traveling far away alone. The video calls will even let you make everyone back at home jealous, and it’s free.

AroundMe (Android, iOS; Free)

 

AroundMe becomes your favorite travel partner especially if you’re in a new place and you can’t locate things such as a hotel. AroundMe app will identify where you are and list all the nearby banks, hospitals, gas stations, bars, supermarkets, movie theatre, and even taxi! It’s a useful travel app that you can’t ignore.

Airbnb (Android, iOS; Free)

 

 

Airbnb is a household name that you can’t ignore while traveling. If you hate the idea of staying in a hotel, then Airbnb got you covered. It offers you the authentic experience of staying with a local in their home. The app recently added a lot of new features and is set to become an all-in-one app for planning your travel.

Uber (Android, iOS; Free)

 

Uber is currently active in over 80 countries worldwide. The app is particularly important when you’re abroad. With Uber, you can quickly request a cab with the app after going through the vehicle assortments and fare charges. You can then connect with the nearest driver, track your approaching car and safely pay with a credit card.

 

TripAdvisor (Android, iOS; Free)

 

TripAdvisor is always a go-to app when planning your journey. The app allows you to go through millions of customer reviews, photos, and videos about almost everything related to your trip. You can also use the app’s Near Me function to find well-reviewed places close to you quickly, and it’s just everywhere.

 

First Aid (Android, iOS; Free)

Accidents may occur anytime anywhere even when you’re enjoying your holiday somewhere. Although you might have taken a course on first aid, everything seems to get out of your head when caught up in an emergency situation. However, the First Aid app will always have a reference you can go to in case of an emergency.

XE Currency (Android, iOS; Free)

This is a robust currency converter app that you will need when you’re traveling to a foreign country. It offers live exchange rates for almost every world currency including the precious metals. The app can even store the most recent exchange rates so that you can access them even when your phone is offline.

Kayak (Android, iOS; Free)

Kayak is similar to Skyscanner since it searches across various travel sites for cheap hotels, flights, and rental cars. The app usually ha exclusive deals that you can’t find on the sites and you can use the Price Forecast tool to see whether you should buy now or wait.

Google Trips (Android, iOS; Free)

This is a relatively new travel app but its gaining popularity since it can do several things. It can pull reservations from your email and even add car rentals, hotel bookings and many more. Typically, it generates an underlying framework for your trip without you having to do so much. Once it is set up, you can check the app for suggestions on popular places you can visit or eat plus many other things.

Passport Required for Domestic Flights [2023]

Posted on by waleed

If you’re a legal resident of the United States, you may be under the assumption that you do NOT need a passport to travel so long as you have no plans on actually leaving the country. In the past, you would be absolutely correct, but as of 2023, you’re going to want to double-check things before you head off to the airport. After an extension of The Real ID Act expired on October 10, 2017, residents in some states may need a passport to travel – regardless of whether or not they’re taking an international trip – as of January 22, 2018.

The Real ID Act: What Is Going On?

The Real ID Act of 2005 is a piece of legislation that insisted that state-issued IDs and similar forms of identification are more than adequate to meet the minimum security standards now set by the United States federal government. The problem is that the act had an extension that expired on October 10, 2017, meaning that it is no longer valid and could pose significant travel issues depending on where you live and where you might be headed.

What Documents Do I Need to Fly Within the U.S.?

Now that the Real ID Act has expired, certain state residents may need a valid United States passport to fly domestically. This includes those residing in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Washington, as these are all states which did not meet the security requirements set by the federal government. If you’re a resident of one of these four states (or if you’re unsure), it is highly recommended that you obtain a valid U.S. passport prior to any travel.

For residents of other states, the federal government recommends carrying proof of ID such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card when flying domestically; however, having a passport is always the safest option and may be necessary for specific flights. You must check with your airline before traveling and ensure you have the required documents.

In addition to carrying proof of identification when flying domestically, a valid U.S. passport is also required for international travel. Depending on where you’re going, certain countries may have specific visa requirements that must be fulfilled to enter the country legally, so it’s essential to check with both the U.S. Department of State and the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting before any travel.

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport o Fly Domestic?

The TSA Security Checkpoint

In order to get past a TSA security checkpoint at an airport in any of these states, another form of identification will likely be required beyond your state-issued ID. This means you’ll need a passport, a permanent resident/green card, or a valid military ID. This is true for ANY commercial flight that you may be taking.

Equally important to note is that all of this information could change at any moment. But suppose things stay the way they are right now. In that case, you will need a passport or similar form of identification to take any commercial flight – whether international or domestic – when the current grace period expires on January 22, 2018. If you do not have a valid United States passport, now would be an excellent time to resolve this issue.

On the subject of getting your passport, it’s important that you have several viable options for getting your document in your possession as quickly as possible. Expedited passport services are likely available in your area that can collect and submit all necessary documents on your behalf, cutting the processing time down from the standard six to eight weeks (or longer, depending on the time of year) to 24 to 48 hours depending on where in the country you currently live.

Related Read: Can a Convicted Felon Get a Passport?

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s important to take action to ensure you have a valid United States passport in your possession before the current grace period expires on January 22, 2018. With expedited services available, several options exist for obtaining a passport quickly and efficiently. Once you’ve taken care of this necessary step, you can then focus on making travel plans with the peace of mind that a valid passport will provide.

For those who have additional questions about the United States Passport Help Guide or need assistance with obtaining a passport, our helpful customer service team is here to answer any inquiries you may have. We are available by phone or email and can help guide you through the process of getting your passport quickly and efficiently.