Where would you like to travel on your next vacation, family holiday or special getaway for the two of you?
Whatever you are planning, Cheap Travel by Mission Springs is your one-stop
discount travel resource for hotels, airline tickets, cruise packages, car
rentals, tours and attraction packages, travel insurance, and much more all
at the lowest prices. Check out the travel video store for exciting videos
from around the world that give you information and insights into exotic
places to visit on your next vacation. We are sure you will not find a more
complete travel marketplace on the Internet then ours. Let us know if you
find sources or merchants that we should include.
Where In The World Are You Going Next?
Tips for Travel Planning
Making plans to travel can be exciting but can also be a little confusing at times. If you are working on your plans without the aid of a travel agent you will need some help. We will provide you with some planning tips and links to other sites that will help you with your planning process.
When
you are planning a trip to another country you will need a
US
Pass
port. Application for your passport can be made at many
locations around the US including your county office building, post offices and
other sites. You will need to get a passport photo taken and have 2 photos
with you when you apply. Many studios can do this for you. Some of the
best deals can be found at your local discount chains or department stores that
have their own studios.
Some countries will require that you get a Visa from them which gives you permission to enter and leave their country. Visas are not required for American tourists on short-term visits (usually less than 90 days) by any member countries of the European Travel Commission. Turkey requires that U.S. citizens must obtain visas ($100 as of December 2002) before entering. For other countries you will need to check with their local consulates. Some countries may require a Letter of Invitation from someone within their country inviting you to make a visit.
Preparing To Go
Packing light, especially for international travel is a good idea. In Europe and most other countries of the world almost everything is smaller in size than we Americans are used to at home. Cars, buses, taxis and trains will be easier to ride with smaller suitcases and less items to carry and account for. Most places that you visit will have shops where you can purchase your necessities within walking distance from you hotel.
Lost luggage is always a problem when traveling. When you fly it's a good idea to take a small carry-on with you that includes a change of clothes and some basic toiletries. That way, if your luggage is lost or misdirected you can survive a day or two. Most airlines will allow a carry-on plus a computer type case.
World Time
Time changes can be hard on the body and mind when you travel long distances. If you don't keep track of the time changes as you travel, making airplane connections can be a challenge too. Here is a link to the World Time Clock web site which can give you great information to plan ahead and know what the time zone is where you are traveling.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance plan for anyone traveling outside the borders of the USA. Few insurance companies provide coverage as part of your standard medical package. Those on Medicare and managed-care plans are not covered. Travelers should consider a good third-party provider that specializes in the following products; Medical Expenses, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Baggage Loss and/or Damage coverage and one that provides 24 hour travel assistance from anywhere in the world. One excellent company that we have been using for the past three years is Wallach & Company Travel Insurance.
Weather
Weather
can be a big factor when you travel. Weather related flight delays ca
n
really mess up a wonderful vacation. Although you can't do anything about
the weather checking ahead to find out the normal conditions to expect and
looking at a 3 - 5 day forecast can help you to better prepare.
Here are a few web sites that you can check into before you leave and along the way when you have Internet access. The MetOffice Forecast Weather for Europe. Weather.com
And there is my favorite site the Severe Weather Web where you can see what is happening in the USA before you leave or before you return.
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