July 30, 2007

Can (Thousand) island hopping getting you arrested?

The Thousand Islands region spans both Canadian and American borders, so exercise caution when traveling amongst them.

Even though the islands act as stepping stones between the two countries, entry requirements still apply. It is illegal to go ashore without reporting to an immigration officer at a port-of-entry (even if it is unintentional), and doing so could have serious consequences -- including a fine, arrest, or removal from the U.S.

More information can be found from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov. The department publishes a site for Reporting Requirements for Pleasure Boat Operators.

Also, you should note that Canadian boat tours make stops at Boldt Castle -- an American tourist attraction. If you wish to disembark, you will be subject to U.S. Customs & Immigration laws and will require necessary identification and documentation.

July 26, 2007

Hey, where is everyone?

In France, the locals take holidays in August. How can this affect your plans?

Traditionally, August is the time of year when the French take their vacations. In fact, some people even take the entire month off, leaving businesses and government offices running with a small staff.

If you’re willing to brave the heat and expensive airfare and lodging costs, there can be many benefits to traveling in France this time of year. There are numerous festivals and events occurring, and some attractions may be less busy and stay open for longer hours. However, some areas may be even more crowded with domestic tourists, and closures can leave you disappointed.

Do a little research when planning your trip to compensate for the pitfalls and take advantage of interesting opportunities. About.com has a section specifically on France and Paris Travel in August.

July 20, 2007

By my watch or yours?

Time is measured a little differently in Ethiopia. Days start at dawn rather than at midnight, and the year has 13 months (twelve months with 30 days, and one month with 5-6 days). To add further confusion, Ethiopia goes by the old Julian calendar, which they are almost seven years behind the West.

According to an article from IOL Africa, this difference in time can cause travel confusion. Some companies close their books according to the Gregorian calendar, while others prefer to use the local calendar. Even meeting a friend for coffee can be confusing depending on how you measure the time of day.

One of the benefits of the local calendar is that the new millennium hasn’t happened yet. Ethiopia is now counting down to September 12, 2007 date. Major celebrations are being planned throughout the country.

July 18, 2007

Sweet rewards for safe drivers

What are Swiss police doing to encourage safe driving habits? The answer is "sweet".

Following a recent run of serious road offences in Fribourg, police have added a little reward to their road side checks: chocolate.

According to an article in the Mail & Guardian, police launched a one-day “Thank You” campaign aimed at rewarding good drivers as well as punishing offenders. Motorists with a “clean sheet” were rewarded with bars of chocolate. Offenders were handed out penalties.

The article notes that in the last six months at least 830 drivers have been charges during road side checks. Speeding, drunk driving and license offenses are the most common issues.

July 16, 2007

“Arrangiarti” in Italy

Frequent transportation strikes are a part of everyday life in Italy. Can they disrupt your plans?

According to tourist website Summer in Italy, transportation strikes are so common that they have become a way of life. The site notes that Italians "ci arrangiamo" (“we do the best we can”).

In order to minimize the disruption, it’s the law that advanced notice must be given for strikes. Details are posted on the Commissione di Garanzia (the official strike authority) website. If you don’t speak Italian, Summer in Italy has a comprehensive list to keep travellers aware and informed.

Most strikes are of short duration, but job actions involving airline or airport personnel can lead to cancelled flights. If you anticipate a problem, check with your travel provider.

New restrictions “fore” improved security

Why are golf carts appearing at U.S. Congress?

It may look like U.S. Congress is opening up a golf course, but the fleet of golf carts set to appear on Capitol has little to do with recreation and more to do with security.

According to an article in Travel Weekly, new security regulations restrict tour buses from dropping off visitors on Capitol Hill. The measure, which Capitol Police say is a “precautionary move” rather than a response to a known threat, may make the distance from the bus drop-off location to the Hill a little too far for some people. The article reports that a fleet of golf carts will be brought in to transport people who may not be able to walk.

Should travellers be worried? Not according to the article: Capitol Police say the restrictions are a “precautionary move” rather than a response to a known threat.

July 12, 2007

Losing the green on vacation

A new survey shows that when travellers hit the road conservation stays at home. Despite the popularity of eco-tourism and growing awareness of climate change few American travellers take their environmentally friendly habits on vacation, a new survey commissioned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts reveals.

Most of the respondents from the over 1000 American travellers surveyed indicated that they are less likely to conserve water and electricity while they are away. In fact, more than 60 % admitted they used more of these resources because it was “free”. The same number said they were more likely to leave the lights on in a hotel room than at home.

When it comes to staying more than one night, 75% of respondents still felt it necessary to have new bed sheets and towels every day – “an environmentally unfriendly habit few practice at home” according to the article on Travel Mole.

July 7, 2007

New 7 Wonders -- as voted by you

Who made the final cut?

After a lengthy international competition, the New7Wonders foundation announced voters' choices for the New 7 Wonders of the World. From 77 nominees, 21 finalists were chosen through an international vote via the phone, the website and SMS messaging. The results were announced on July 7, 2007.

The New 7 Wonders are:
  • Chichén Itzá, Mexico
  • Christ Redeemer, Brazil
  • The Great Wall, China
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Petra, Jordan
  • The Roman Colloseum, Italy
  • The Taj Mahal, Indi

The Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structure from the original Seven Wonders of the World, was not elected. Other finalists included the Acropolis, the Statues of Easter Island, Hagia Sophia, Timbuktu and Stonehenge.

The New7Wonders Foundation was created in 2001 with the goal to preserve, maintain and restore world heritage. However, some sites have recently expressed concern that if chosen, the consequent rise in tourism could be detrimental.

July 5, 2007

Required: blank pages

You’ve got your visa, you’ve got your passport… But do you have room for stamps?

According to various government travel advice sources, it pays to check your passport before you leave. Even if your passport doesn’t expire for more than six months past your vacation, there’s another reason you could be denied entry at your destination.

Some countries, such as South Africa and Botswana, require that you leave a full blank page in your passport. Yes, you can be turned away if you fail to comply with this requirement. Check the government entry/exit advice for your destinations and make sure you leave enough room in passport!