Top Tips for Travelling to the USA

The USA is an amazing country that offers something for every type of holidaymaker - from city breaks to historic sites and from sports holidays to amazing camping spots. While culturally, the USA is very similar to many of the countries of Europe, they do have some rules and regulations that are different to travelling around Europe. So here are some top tips to travelling to the USA to make your trip as enjoyable and problem-free as possible.

Preparing for your trip
Before you book your trip, consider the time of year, you are travelling and the part of the USA you are travelling to. Hurricane season runs from June to November and affects a large number of states across the centre and south of the country. If you have booked for this period of time and for an area affected by the hurricanes, you can monitor the situation ahead of the event via the National Hurricane Center's website.

The other important thing to remember about the USA regards medical insurance. The US doesn't have a state system that is free the way that some countries do so medical costs can be quite expensive if something goes wrong. This is why travel insurance for the US is always the most expensive level but can be essential. If you aren't correctly covered under the travel insurance, you personally will be liable for the costs of any medical treatment you need and this can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

Boarding the plane
The USA has very strict rules about what you can and cannot take on an airplane that is entering their airspace, which is understandable in light of recent history. There is also a very high level of security upon entering the country so if you need further information about this, check with your airline or the US Federal Aviation Administration's website.

Entering the country
Unlike travelling between many states in Europe, you cannot enter the US without a visa. This is a document that is issued on a discretionary basis by the US embassy in the capital city of your country and can be obtained only by visiting the embassy in person. To do this you need to book an appointment some time in advance and have a meeting with a member of embassy staff to get the visa.

Another option that has been created recently is called an ESTA application. This is an online process that alleviates the need to visit the embassy and can all be processed on their website. It produces an ESTA visa waiver that is valid for 90 days for trips to the US and also allows trips to neighbouring countries such as Mexico and Canada and then re-entry to the US on the same visa.

Getting around
If you decide you want to rent a car and drive around when staying in the US, then most countries such as the UK have an agreement whereby you can use your driving license. As long as you have a full license you can drive in the US though some rental car companies stipulate that the driver must have had the license for at least twelve months and be a minimum age of 21, 25 for some companies. International driving permits are not required but are generally said to be helpful.

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Florida Is a Vacation Must

When looking for your ideal vacation, the most important thing to consider is location. Florida is a great location spot for family, friends and couples. Referred to as the 'Sunshine State', Florida has a lot to offer people of all ages and provides days of a variety of exciting and fun filled adventures to experience.

People choose Florida as their vacation destination for a variety of reasons. Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are some of the major attractions that bring many vacationers seeking out their getaway to the southeast coast. There also is an abundance of famous historic places to visit and investigate. Florida is also known for great beaches and famous golf resorts. Whatever it is you are looking to discover on your vacation, Florida is a great place choose as your destination vacation.

The most visited vacation spot favored by people on the continental east coast is the Florida Keys. The Keys is a tropical string of islands spanning more than 120 miles. Located just five miles off of the southern tip of Florida and is the only continental location of an exotic living coral barrier reef. With so many amenities to offer vacationers, the Florida Keys is one of the more revitalizing locations in Eastern United States. With its sunny beaches, clear blue water, famous restaurants, and exciting nightlife, when you visit you will see what exactly has attracted many vacationers for years.

There are several ways to ensure you have the best and most affordable vacation is to plan ahead. One great way to save money on your Florida vacation is to plan on an off season. During an off season you can get the best prices on pretty much everything, including accommodations. Just because you choose to have a vacation on the off season, does not mean you will have to settle for less inviting weather. Florida has great sun and weather most of the year.

The cost for accommodations will also depend on location. If you book your accommodations outside of the prime area, you can reduce your cost dramatically. If you rent a house you can save money by sharing accommodations with friends or family. You also get the benefit of having a full kitchen which will save you money when you dine in.

When you do decide to dine out you can save money by utilizing coupons or discount vouchers that are made available for vacationers. Many attractions will also offer discounts that are made available in most Visitor Centers.

Plan your ideal destination vacation in Florida and have the experience of a lifetime.

Paula Nazarian is a freelance writer specializing in consumer education on a variety of topics including Florida and the Roof Top Cafe ( http://www.rooftopcafekeywest.com ).

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Great Places to Visit in Miami

• Miami Zoo
• Miami Seaquarium
• Miami Science Museum
• Miami Children's Museum
• Bass Art Museum
• Jungle Island
• Everglades: River of Grass

1. With over 700 acres of zoo and 300 acres of animal exhibits, the Miami Zoo is quickly becoming the greatest zoo in the US. Over 300 endangered birds are located in the open Aviary, which is the largest in the US. There are excellent opportunities for families as there are feeding times that the children can participate.


2. The Miami Seaquarium offers one of the greatest family experiences in the US. There are hundreds of exhibits of every imaginable sea creature, plus ample opportunities for "hands on" exhibits, especially for children. With live shows available and several restaurants available, one can see how easy it is to spend a day in this exciting aquarium.


3. The Miami Science Museum offers tremendous opportunities for adults and children to explore and learn from many of the "hands on" exhibits and experiments. Housed in the Museum is the Miami Planetarium, containing two powerful telescopes a fantastic theater with a four stories tall screen!


4. Here are some of the incredible exhibits that are available for children at the Miami Children's Museum. Bank, Castle of Dreams, Health & Wellness Center, Pet Central, Safety Zone, Supermarket, Television Studio, Meet Miami, The Sea and Me, Ocean Odyssey, Everglades Park, You and Me and Teddy Bears Too, Port of Miami, Cruise Ship, All About Art, World Music Studio, and Mt. MiChiMu. With excellent food services, one will not be able to get the children out of here!


5. The Bass Museum of Art offers both a permanent art exhibit, plus many delightful traveling exhibits. The museum's structure is a work of art by itself, but with the many exhibits and fantastic gift shop, one is going to have a terrific experience here.


6. If one loves tropical birds, especially parrots, Jungle Island is paradise! Other exotic birds include Penguins, Flamingos, Macaws, and Cranes, Condors plus some other animals. There are three live shows every day. A tropical paradise awaits one here.


7. Just outside Miami lies the Everglades National Park, referred to as The River of Grass. Composed of 1.5 million acres of saw grass and swamps it offers an excellent opportunity to see this incredible paradise. When President Truman opened the park in 1947 he said; "Here are no lofty peaks seeking the sky, no mighty glaciers or rushing streams wearing away the uplifted land. Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country."

 

I have over 20 published books on Amazon.com. I am a travel professional and do travel consulting for groups. Website is http://www.eo.travelwithus.com. My personal website is: http://www.joetwhite.com

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5 Things To See And Do In New York City

New York City is aptly nicknamed the city that never sleeps. Situated on the eastern coast of the United States, it bustles with activity at every hour of the day and night. By daylight, you can tour the city taking in its pristine natural beauty and architectural wonders while by night you can taste its vibrant nightlife under the colorful, flashy lights. There is an endless list of things to see and do. No wonder travel buffs choose to return to the city time and again.
We've rounded up the 5 places in New York City that present the culture, energy and spirit of the city on a single platter in a matter of moments.

1. The Empire State Building:
A visit to the Big Apple is incomplete without a visit to the Empire State Building. With 102 storeys, it was acclaimed as the world's tallest skyscraper until the construction of the World Trade Centre in 1973. It is a specimen of the art deco style, a dominant architectural style during World War II. It is a symbol of modernity and ambition. Millions of tourists flock to the Empire State Building each year for a bird-s eye view of the New York City from the building's observatory decks.

2. The Statue of Liberty:
Another stop you must make is the Statue of Liberty instituted on the New York Harbor in 1886. This world-renowned masterpiece was a gift from France marking the friendship between the two countries following the American Revolution. You can get a glimpse of this sculpture from Battery Park, but if you want to see it up close and personal, you can take the Staten Island ferry ride to Liberty Island. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid last minute disappointments. The Statue of Liberty is a true gleaming beacon by night.

3. Central Park:
Spread over a sprawling 843 acres of land, Central Park is not huge but massive. It is a man-made park offering the same diversity characteristic to nature. There are rolling fields, water bodies and walking trails. Several amusements activities such as horse-carriage rides, ice-skating (in winter), rock-climbing, music, dance and drama (in summer) are organized within the park premises. There are tranquil spots where you can spend quality time with your spouse and family.

4. Times Square:
It is the busiest place in New York City. Not only this, you're likely to bump into someone you know at every corner. Times Square is well-defined by its large digital billboards, the flashy lights that often make it hard to distinguish night from day, the shops and mobile art and jewelry counters lining the bordering the streets. The Broadway Theatre District also makes Time Square a major entertainment hub. Everyday people come in search of discounted and cheap Broadway tickets. At Times Square you can also stop by at Madame Tussaud's Museum and grab a bite at one of the many eateries there.

5. 9/11 Memorial Museum:
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a must-visit because it tells the story of one of America's deepest scars. The Museum was opened to the public a day after its 10th anniversary in September 2011. It is located at the World Trade Centre site. The twin pools have come to replace the twin towers that were destroyed during the bombing attacks in 2001. The names of the people who lost their lives in the attack are inscribed around the pools in bronze.

Check out evenstart.org and get additional info about Broadway and cool things to do in New York.

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Key West Florida Great Idea And Location For Your Wedding Elopement And Honeymoon

By Peter Estenoz

Those that would like to have a low key intimate and romantic nuptials often choose Key West Florida great idea and location for your wedding elopement and honeymoon. This place offers a warm winter escape with numerous romantic places which would be great for a small wedding. Many options are available here, with most going for the all inclusive options where the ceremony, celebration and honeymoon are provided for.
When planning the ceremony, it is important to know that none of it will happen without the issuance of a marriage license. This can be obtained from Monroe County or anywhere in the state of Florida. Before the license can be issued, the couple must first produce some photo identification. Those from outside Florida are can also acquire the license although residents usually have their licenses produced in three days and are valid up to 60 days.
There are a number of locations available, both traditional and non traditional. Traditional venues include places like churches, or a beach, garden or park setting. The non traditional venues are places like Key Largo where couples can have an underwater ceremony.
Underwater ceremonies in the Gulf of Mexico's crystal clear and blue waters are made possible by chartered diving companies. Or how about a laid back wedding on a beautiful white sandy beach, surrounded by tropical palm trees?
As opposed to having huge parties after the ceremony, those eloping after vows can enjoy a romantic evening with an intimate dinner. There are many dining options varying in styles and prices. Most restaurant menus have fresh seafood and Caribbean or Cuban dishes. Those dressed in weddings attire might get special treatment than those dressed casually for dinner. There is also the option for a beach chair celebration on private beaches and a combination of limo and boat rides.
It is highly possible that those who go there to elope will find themselves sticking around longer than a few days for the honeymoon. There is quite a wide range of activities to enjoy there, from shared spa experiences to underwater adventures. Newlyweds also have the option to tour the natural history museum as well as the Crane museum over on Marathon Key. From both, visitors can view the natural surroundings with the Crane resting on the grounds where an ancient Indian village used to be.
Couples that have been dreaming of one day swimming with dolphins can do so at the dolphin research center. This place also has secluded spots where couples can go via ferry to just lay back and have a relaxing moment. Among the things that are covered at Key West, Florida are body massages, luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining.

About the Author:

Learn more about Key West Destination Beach Weddings. Stop by Peter Estenoz's site where you can find out all about Key West Wedding and what it can do for you.

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Chicago Corporate Housing Hunting Guide

By Rosemary McDonough

While finding decent accommodations is a breeze in the Windy City, there's a bit of a problem of plenty. Even in the case of those who are specifically seeking only Chicago corporate housing, it can be a challenge to choose the right property out of thousands of listings. Price and location are no doubt primary factors, but within those parameters it's important to get a place offering adequate space and all the facilities and amenities one expects in a home.
Since these properties come fully furnished and are ready for renters to move in at any time they want, the main issue to consider is the location. The Loop is a popular choice that most business executives prefer. Outside the Loop, there are plenty of downtown properties in the Near West Side, Near North Side and Near South Side areas.
Together, these four areas make up the core of downtown Chicago. It's a good bet that most people looking for rentals for a few weeks or a couple of months will end up staying in one of these four locations. It makes the stay convenient, offering easy access to all the offices and meeting spaces in the city without the hassle of a long commute.
It is also right in the middle of downtown's urban pleasures and entertainment watering holes. The only other point worth mentioning here is to look for a place close to the waterfront. It makes good sense not just because of the view, but also on account of the direct access to lakeshore bike paths and other waterfront facilities.
The vast and open spaces of Grant Park offer one more reason for the Loop being so desirable. There are many such factors, but the choice of location is ultimately based on the visitor's itinerary and workplace. Once that is sorted out, the price will differ based on things such as the space available and the number of rooms (studio apartments, 1, 2 or 3-bedrooms, etc.).
Almost every property has Wi-Fi, along with HD TV sets with cable in every bedroom and the living room. There should be at least one DVD player and music system. Unlimited local calls are commonly allowed. A renter can expect to have everything from a washer/dryer to a fully equipped bath and kitchen with all the necessary utilities and appliances.
Make sure to ask about common use facilities such as parking. Families with children and pets should also enquire about pet policies and on-call availability of housekeepers and staff for any other services that may required, such as nannies and drivers. Follow these simple tips to find corporate housing, and it will make a stay in Chicago convenient and memorable.

About the Author:

Rosemary McDonough is a leasing agent that works with companies to help them provide temporary corporate housing and furnished apartments. If you are interested in Chicago corporate rental companyshe suggests that you visit her friends at Suitehome Chicago .

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Cruises to Bora Bora From Florida

Taking a cruise vacation is the ultimate "All Inclusive" vacation. Once on the ship, everything you need is there, and almost all of it is already paid for. Just like most all inclusive packages, alcohol is not included, so if you're a drinker, you'll need to bring extra cash.

Recently, I was looking to combine two vacations into one. My wife really wanted to go on a cruise, while I wanted to experience Bora Bora in the Tahitian Islands. Because my wife wasn't very particular about where she wanted to cruise, I started looking into cruises to Bora Bora. And because we were going to be visiting my parents in Florida during the summer, I started looking into cruises to Bora Bora from Florida.

I quickly found out that these are hard to find. I finally found one cruise line that offers such a trip, and it is Holland America Cruise Line. As you might expect, this is a long trip. The cruises that are offered are a 50 night cruise, a 54 night cruise and a 55 night cruise. At first the thought of being on a cruise ship for two months straight was shocking to think about. But once I started to really think about the possibilities, the idea became more and more ideal.
First of all, think about all of the wonderful life experiences that my family will get to see. 

Obviously, you'll have to pass through the Panama Canal in order to get to the Pacific from Florida. For my kids, getting the chance to see that incredible man made feature up close and personal would be a great history lesson for them. I'm in my forties and I've only read about it in books. Going through it in a gigantic cruise ship would be a lot of fun.

Even before you reach the Panama Canal, you'll be stopping at some beautiful ports starting in the Bahamas and continuing on to South America.Then, once you pass through the Continent, the Ports that this cruise stops in are amazing. You'll see all the best spots of Mexico, then Hawaii, then the Tahitian Islands and a stop in a US city. I can't think of any better places to stop then these amazing tropical destinations.

For me, my favorite part about being on a cruise is the time spent out at sea. There's something about being in the middle of the ocean surrounded by all the amenities that the ship offers with no where to go that really excites me. With a cruise of this duration, there's plenty of time spent out at sea. I can only imagine that as soon as you start to get bored of being on the ship, it's time for the next port.

The only thing that I don't like about this vacation is that you don't get to spend very much time in Bora Bora. This Tahitian Island is so amazingly beautiful, I want to spend at least a couple of weeks there. The best way to travel with a family is to do a Bora Bora all inclusive package. 

This way your food and bungalow are all paid in advance, giving you the freedom to do activities around the resort without bringing your wallet. You can have breakfast brought out to your over the water bungalow by canoe, then go for a tropical snorkel straight from your own deck.


Cruises to Bora Bora from Florida
are one of those vacations that you'll talk about for the rest of your life. If you have the time and resources, this cruise will be one for the books!

Traveling to Bora Bora can be very affordable with Bora Bora all inclusive packages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Iligan

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New York For a Holiday

If you live in a metropolitan area you would want to visit Hawaii or Caribbean islands for a holiday. They are surely the places to relax. But if you have been living in such sanctuaries for most of your life. You ought to come to New York City once in your life time to experience the city life.

Let me introduce New York City for you.
New York is a city situated in United States of America, it's known as New York City to separate itself from the state it is situated in. It is a global city that means it is one of the most important cities in the world which influence the global economic system. It is also known as big apple, and global capital. It is world's most populous cities in the cities in the world. It hosts the headquarters of the United Nations.

New York has many icons/attractions which people talk about. Let me tell you about some of them.
1. Statue of Liberty: given to the United States by the people of France to represent the friendship between the two countries. An icon for the immigrants, Liberty Enlightening the World as it is officially titled is familiarly just the Statue of Liberty.

2. Empire state building: The 102 story building was completed in 1972, it had been the world's tallest building for more than 40 years, it once again became the New York's tallest building after the destruction of the Twin Towers of World trade center. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It is currently undergoing a $120 million renovation to make it more eco friendly and energy efficient.

3. Yellow cabs: very iconic to New York, they are everywhere; they stop if you raise your hand.

4. The Pepsi sign: Famed Pepsi Sign in Long Island City. After years atop the Pepsi bottling plant on the Queens waterfront, the landmark Pepsi sign has a new home adjacent to Gantry Plaza State Park. The Pepsi sign is perhaps more well-known to Manhattans than folks in Queens. It faces out to the East River away from Long Island City.

5. Katz's Delicatessen Since 1888: Someone has rightly described this fantastic place for dining "a Place where the Prime Ministers and drunks can both dine in comfort."

6. Water towers: Water towers are elevated tanks for water storage and distribution. There are some very old and somewhat rustic but very iconic to New York. They have become inseparable to New York City.

7. Central Park of New York: Right at the middle of the city there is a huge rectangular park, the lugs of the city. If a busy city life gets exhausting, the park sure provides respite to the inhabitants. There are many events happening every part of the year for every age group.

8. Manhattan - The business district. The famous "Wall street" houses the New York Stock Exchange, and several other major U.S. stock and other exchanges remain headquartered on Wall Street and in the Financial District, including the NASDAQ, AM EX, NYMPH, and NYBOT, Metonymy for the "influential financial interests" of the American financial industry.

If you wish to visit New York, New York being a global city it is well connected by air from virtually anywhere in the world. If you wish to secure Cheap Flight Tickets you should book your flight tickets well in advance at least a month in advance, also try not traveling at the weekends and in festive season such as New Year or Christmas or on Thanks Giving.

The Mr. mans has expertise knowledge in the field of online marketing. He is dealing with various airlines, travel and tourism with Cheap Flights and Flight Tickets globally US domestic and international.

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