US Travel Alerts : USA

Winter vacation bargains.

Mike Leco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:57:00 GMT

With the US dollar at an all-time low against the Euro and other currencies, now is a great time to find vacation bargains in the USA. The USA offers some great destinations for winter vacations and some outstanding bargain shopping opportunities. Why not think about a winter vacation in the sunny climates of Florida or the Southwestern states combined with a shopping expedition?

Florida is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations for many European visitors, and it offers a mild sunny climate during the winter months along with beautiful beaches, golf courses, fishing opportunities and an array of amusement attractions. It also has some great bargain shopping malls especially near Orlando and in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale areas. At this time, the hotel accommodations, the car rentals and the vacation house rentals are priced very competitively.

Las Vegas is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations for US residents. It offers a warm dry desert climate along with fabulous casino-hotels, golf courses, restaurants and hundreds of world-class entertainment venues. Most of the casinos and hotels are now offering some really great bargains on accommodations and on packages including entertainment and dining. There are several large bargain outlet malls in the vicinity.

Phoenix and Tucson in the deserts of southern Arizona are often overlooked by foreign visitors, but are perennial favorite winter vacation destinations for US residents. These cities both offer a diverse array of cultural and sports activities, a myriad of golf courses and lots of shopping opportunities. Accommodations and car rental rates are very reasonable in both locations.

I just returned from a short trip to Las Vegas and Tucson. It was the beginning of November and folks were walking about with short trousers, tee shirts or halter tops during the daytime, and without a jacket at night. Many folks were lounging by the swimming pools basking in the warm sun, and a few were even venturing into the water. In the desert surrounding Tucson, the midday sun was oppressively hot, but the nights were cool and comfortable.

If you want to escape the cold winter weather of the northern climates, and find a few shopping bargains at the same time, why not plan a trip to the southern parts of the USA?

Highway Travel Increases in USA

Mike Leco — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:36:00 GMT

After nearly two years of decreased highway travel in the USA, the end of this travel depression may be near. During May of 2009, highway travel increased slightly for the first time in sixteen months. It may be premature to call this a trend, but it certainly looks promising.

Lower gasoline prices and an increasingly optimistic attitude toward future economic improvements have likely encouraged US travelers to go back on the road. This means you can expect slightly higher numbers of tourists on the roads and at the popular tourist destinations this summer.

Summer Airfare Bargains

Mike Leco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:32:00 GMT

The current worldwide financial crisis has had a significant negative impact on all of the US air carriers. Declining numbers of vacation travelers and less business travel have left the airlines with a significant reduction in passengers and increasing revenue losses.

The coming summer travel season is normally the busy time for airlines. It is usually the time when they increase their fares. This summer will be different. Southwest Airlines, the largest discount air carrier in the USA, has published significant fare reductions through the summer travel season. Most other airlines have countered with matching fare reductions. It appears that we can expect an air-fare price war this summer.

This is great news for vacation travelers. It means that bargain air fares are currently available. You can now fly coast-to-coast from New York to Los Angeles for only $120. You can fly from New York to Orlando Florida for less than $100. Even the overseas prices have plummeted during this normally high-priced summer travel season. Air fares to Europe are nearer to $500 or $600 for a round trip instead of the normal $900 to $1000 during the summer.

Visa Waiver Travel Extended

Mike Leco — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:40:00 GMT

President Bush recently announced that the visa waiver program, for travel to the USA without a visa, will be extended to seven more countries. There are currently 27 countries in the visa waiver program that allows its residents to visit the USA for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. By mid November 2008, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea and Slovakia will join that list.

Residents from these seven countries will be able to visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they posess a biometric passport and they register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

This new online travel registration system is now fully active, and available for all visa waiver visitors to the USA. So far, it has been a voluntary convenience, but in January of 2009 it will become mandatory for all visa waiver visitors.

You can get information about ESTA in nine languages at this US Customs and Border Patrol webpage.

Or you can register directly on this ESTA webpage.

Visas for HIV Positive Travelers

Mike Leco — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The US Department of Homeland Security has finally issued a new set of rules governing the issuance of visas for travelers infected with the Human Immunodefficiency Virus (HIV). This new regulation streamlines the process of obtaining a short-term visitors visa to visit the USA.

Previously, persons infected with HIV were denied access to the USA unless they obtained a special individual waiver from the Department of Homeland Security. Now, anyone infected with HIV that meets all the other visitor qualifications, can obtain a visitor's visa from the US consulate in their home country. This should make the process much more convenient and rapid.

Neue Visa Erlass Webseite

Irmgard Castleberry — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:14:00 GMT

Die neue Visa Erlass Webseite Das neue elektronische System für Reisegenehmigung (ESTA) ist jetzt wirksam. Wenn Sie in einem Land leben, das Reisen ohne Visum erlaubt, und wenn Sie die USA ohne ein Visa besuchen wollen, brauchen Sie nicht mehr das Formula I-94 im Flugzeug auszufüllen. Sie können im Netz zu der US Staatssicherheitsagentur Webseite gehen und Ihre Einreisegenehmigung erhalten ehe Sie abfahren. Momentan ist diese bequeme Methode nicht vorgeschrieben. Am 1. Januar 2009 wird es obligatorisch sein, die Einreisegenehmigung im Netz mindestens drei Tage vor der Abreise auszufüllen. Wenn man einmal seine Genehmigung erhält , ist sie zwei Jahre gültig. Hier ist ein Link zu der ESTA Webseite. Geschrieben von Mike Leco Übersetzung von Irmgard Castleberry

Le site des exemptions de visas touristiques

Carole Duchesne — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:34:00 GMT

Le nouveau système électronique pour les voyages autorisés sans visas (ESTA) est dorénavant disponible. Si vous vivez dans un des pays oû le visa de visite n' est pas nécessaire pour un séjour de moins de trois mois et que vous décidiez de venir visiter les USA il n' est pas nécessaire de remplir le formulaire I-94 dans l' avion. Vous pouvez le faire avant votre visite sur les pages du site officiel de Homeland Security, le département de la sécurité intérieure, pour obtenir votre autorisation d' entrée avant même votre départ. Maintenant cette demande est une méthode convenable et optionnelle. A partir du premier janvier 2009 il sera obligatoire de la faire avant tout départ pour les territoires américains au moins trois jours à l' avance . Une fois faite elle sera valable pour deux ans. Voici le link pour le site officiel ESTA webpage.

New Visa Waiver website

Mike Leco — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:53:00 GMT

The new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is now active. If you live in a visa waiver country, and intend to visit the USA without a visa, you no longer need to fill out a I-94 form on the airplane. You can go online to the US Homeland Security webpage and obtain your entry authorization before you depart.

For now, this convenient method is optional. On January 1, 2009, it will be mandatory to obtain your entry authorization on line at least three days before you depart. Once you obtain an authorization, it will be valid for two years.

Here is a link to the ESTA webpage.

Changement des exemptions de visas de voyage

Carole Duchesne — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:14:00 GMT

Le département de la Sécurité Nationale US Homeland Security a récemment annoncé un changement pour 27 pays et leurs résidants qui veulent venir visiter les USA sans visa, celui de visite qui n' est pas nécessaire. La liste de ces pays qui se qualifient au programme de visas touristiques sont la plus part des pays d' Europe de l' Ouest et quelques autres qui ont des accords semblables avec les USA, leurs résidants pouvaient venir librement en voyage de moins de trois mois sans visa. Avec le nouveau programme, tous visiteurs entrant aux USA, sans visa, seront obligés de s' incrire sur Internet deux jours au moins avant leur départ. Présentement tous visiteurs sont obligés de remplir un formulaire durant leur vol avant de débarquer sur le sol des USA celui-ci étant inspecté à l' arrivée par un agent d' immigration ou de sécurité. Le directeur du département US Homeland Security indique que ce procédé sera un meilleur moyen de vérifier chaque visiteur avec la liste de terroristes avant leur départ. Tous visiteurs qui rentrent aux USA sans visa n' auront besoin de s' enregistrer que tous les deux ans. Cet enregistrement sur Internet sera valable pour plusieurs voyages aux USA. Ce n' est pas précisé si ce changement aura un effet d' amélioration (bénéfique) ou d' inconvénience (néfaste) sur le service. Le nouvel enregistrement sur Internet sera mis en place pour Août 2008 mais ne sera pas obligatoire avant Janvier 2009. Bienvenue à la Paranoia des USA!

Visa free travel changes

Mike Leco — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:09:00 GMT

The US Homeland Security Agency recently announced a change in the visa waiver program that continues to allow residents of 27 countries to visit the USA without a visa. The list of countires covered under the visa waiver program includes most Western European nations and various other countries that have established reciprocal agreements with the USA to allow visa-free travel.

Under the new program, all visitors to the USA, that come without a visa, will be required to register on the Internet at least two days before departure. Currently, all visitors coming to the USA without a visa are required to fill out a written document en route, and have it inspected by a security officer at the point of entry. The US Homeland Security Director said that this new procedure will allow them to check the visitors against their terrorist watch list prior to departure.

Visitors entering the USA without a visa will only need to register once every two years. One on-line registration could cover multiple trips to the USA. It is unclear whether this new policy will result in any improvement of service or any added convenience to the traveler.

The new on-line registration will be available by August 2008, but will not become mandatory until January 2009. Welcome all to the United States of Paranoia!

Les coûts des voyages

Carole Duchesne — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:39:00 GMT

Le mois de juin marque le début de la saison estivale et des vacances d' été aux USA; mais cette année beaucoup de gens se réservent pour leurs dépenses et leurs vacances à cause des prix élevés de n' importe quelle sorte de voyage. Le prix de l' essence n' a pas fait qu' augmenter le montant aux pompes et le coût de chaque trajet, il fait augmenter les prix d' avion pour toutes les compagnies aériennes ainsi que tout ce qui touche au tourisme. Présentement le prix du gallon est de $3.80 à $4. Ce qui veut dire $1 à $1.05 le litre. Pour les voyageurs d' Europe et d' autres pays ce sont des prix considérés bas mais pas pour nous citoyens américains, ces prix sont exhorbitants. Le prix du fuel diesel est encore plus élevé entre $4.65 et $4.85 le gallon ou $1.22 et $1.28 le litre. Le taux d' échange du dollar à comparer avec les autres monnaies rend encore tout assez abordable. Même $4 par gallon semble une bonne affaire pour la plus part des voyageurs d' outre mer qui viennent aux US.

Travel costs

Mike Leco — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:11:00 GMT

The month of June marks the beginning of the summer vacation season in the USA; but this year, many people are scaling back their family vacations due to the high cost of travel. High fuel prices have not only increased driving costs, but also raised the price of airline tickets and the price of many travel expenses.

Currently, the price of regular gasoline is hovering near $3.80 to $4.00 per gallon. That equates to approximately $1.00 to $1.05 per liter. For travelers from Europe and many other countries, these prices are still a bargain, but for most US citizens, the prices are considered exhorbitantly high.

The price of diesel fuel is significantly more expensive at $4.65 to $4.85 per gallon or $1.22 to $1.28 per liter.

The low exchange rate of the US dollar against most other currencies makes most prices in the USA very affordable. Even the $4.00 per gallon gasoline will be a bargain for many overseas travelers coming to the US.

Time changes on March 9

Mike Leco — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:57:00 GMT

In most of the USA, people will be moving their clocks one hour ahead on Sunday March 9. This is the beginning of the annual summer time reckoning known as "Daylight Savings Time". The custom has existed in most parts of the USA for many years, but the change normally occured on the last Sunday in April and continued until the last Sunday in October. Since 2007, the Daylight Savings Time period was expanded to always begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November.

Beginning this Sunday, most people in the USA will be arising, going to work, and ending their work day one hour earlier. They will have an extra hour of daylight for outdoor activities every evening, but will be going to bed an hour earlier.

All airport schedules, train schedules, bus schedules and business hours will be changed to reflect the new times. It will take effect in nearly every state. Only Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not adhere to Daylight Savings Time.

Travel Bargains in USA

Mike Leco — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:38:00 GMT

With the exchange rate of the US dollar near historic lows compared to the Euro and other world currencies, travel to the USA is a great bargain. The price of hotel rooms, airfares and entertainment is now much less expensive for foreign visitors. In addition, most US merchandise is bargain priced; thus making shopping in the USA very attractive. Remember, the USA does not utilize a value added tax system, so most goods are typically lower in price than their European equivalent. Now, the favorable currency exchange rates, make them even more attractive.

Why not plan a combination vacation/shopping trip to the USA this summer? You can easily fly to one of the major cities in the USA, partake of some of the entertainment options, travel to a few attractions, lie on a sun-drenched beach, then conclude your trip with a shopping binge at a major discount outlet before returning home.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to consider:

You can fly into New York City, see all of the sights in the Big Apple, catch a Broadway show and take a tour about town. For the last few days of your trip, rent a car and drive to the Woodbury Commons 90 minutes north of the city; and fill an empty suitcase with bargain merchandise before you catch your return flight.

Fly to Orlando Florida and spend a four or five days at Disney World and the surrounding attractions. Drive down to Fort Lauderdale and rent a hotel room on the beach for a few days. You can lie in the sun during the daytime and spend your evenings at the gigantic Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall with its 500 shops during the evenings. If you are not an amusement park fan, just go straight to Fort Lauderdale and spend all of your free time on the beach or at the nearby Miami entertainment scene while you get in your shopping during your spare time.

On the West Coast, you can fly to Las Vegas, catch the desert sun around the hotel pool, gamble in the casinos, have dinner in the great restaurants, see some of the great shows, and shop at the nearby outlet malls during your spare time.

Wherever you choose to go, your hotel and entertainment will cost you less because of the cheap dollar. The shopping bargains will be outstanding.