Posts Tagged ‘international travel’

Making International Travel Easy

March 31st, 2012 Tushar Mathur


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When most people travel they set out to gets their trip booked as far ahead of time as they can, but sometimes life catches up to you, and you find yourself pushing back your travel preparation until the last minute. For international travelers, that can be a major problem, and in some cases may even keep you from going on your trip altogether.

Each country has different rules and regulations that travelers must adhere to in order to visit that particular nation. Some of these nations require you to have all necessary travel information turned in months prior to your intended visit. You have to prepare full itineraries, length and purpose of your visit, a written invitation, and other case by case documents that will need to be properly processed just to be allowed in the country of your choosing.

It Can Turn Into A Disaster

If you are missing just one of these necessary pieces of information, it could prove to be disastrous for your trip. In order to avoid such hiccups, you need to double check all of your info, and ensure that you give yourself as much time as possible to correspond with the nation you are planning on traveling to. This will give you ample opportunity to rectify any and all discrepancies with plenty of time before leaving for your trip.

Some of the most common mistakes that people make even include expired passports, so make sure to double check that you do not need to apply for a United States passport renewal, and that it will be valid for the extent of your trip.

Different Countries, Different Documents

Understanding that travel visas for different countries require different documentation is also something to be aware of. Just because you went to China and didn’t need one thing doesn’t mean that you won’t need it when planning a trip to Spain, or vice versa. Only by giving yourself plenty of time to complete all of what is required of you can you really ensure that your paperwork will be processed quickly and your trip will be approved.

By waiting until the last minute, you are opening yourself up to a lot of additional stress and potential disappointment. Don’t let procrastination stand in the way of your dream vacation. Be prepared, be organized, and be thorough. By being proactive and making sure you’ve research all necessary requirements beforehand, you will make the trip far easier on yourself, allowing you to focus on enjoying yourself and having a good time while you travel the world.

Travel Docs specializes in expedited travel visas as well as tourist visas.

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Romance at Lake LBJ in the Highland Lakes Region of Texas

July 28th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

If you are looking for a little romance, then definitely take along your favorite lover and check out some of the great romantic features of Lake LBJ, a really fantastic place found in the Highland Lakes Region of the State of Texas. This is one beautiful spot located right here in the U.S.A. You do not have to “do” international travel to find a romantic atmosphere and create the love that you both deserve. The lake region can be found in the west-central part of the State, where there are many sites to see and activities to occupy your time.

Romance demands a degree of quiet, wouldn’t you say? How about a “laid-back” atmosphere? I think ‘yes’ is the appropriate answer to this question. Beautiful scenery creates romantic dimensions for that special vacation. A new spot visited or a great old memory works to ignite all the necessary vibrations for a really romantic vacation. Add to that, the sun and moon glinting off of Lake LBJ, cool night breezes and a beautiful residence that you rented for the week, and now you are beginning to discover everything you need for a vacation full of pure pleasure. All this and more can be discovered at Lake LBJ.

And, don’t forget to take along your CD player to listen to the desirous and loving sounds of your favorite music. Take a cooler with you and pack it full of ‘choice’ goodies for an old-fashioned picnic.

Enjoy visiting one of the fantastic, award-winning wineries found throughout this region. Some wineries are modern and some display a bit of antiquity and old European style. Take a walk through the vineyards and purchase a bottle of your favorite wine. It could be the start to a very nice evening. Definitely take a few pictures to capture the moment.

While visiting the area, don’t forget to see Marble Falls. It is a wonderfully unique experience that will set the atmosphere for your special style of romance. Home cooked meals are the specialty at The Bluebonnet Restaurant there in Marble Falls. A bit of ‘home away from home’ can be very comforting. It is a good place to relax and just enjoy each other and a great meal together!

Longhorn Cavern State Park features the beautifully carved, limestone features that are so alluring as you walk on the cool cavern floors and listen to the trickle of water. While walking through these particular caverns, you will leave all of your troubles behind. They are a magnificent sight that will never be forgotten.

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Can I afford an Airline Lounge Membership ?

May 7th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

If you’ve ever sat through a 6-hour weather delay, you know why you’d like an airline lounge membership.  Lounges shelter us from the lines, noise, and chaos of the airport.  Even the worst, most crowded lounge is usually more comfortable than the average airport waiting area.

I used to think airline lounges were only for the wealthy, or the lucky executives whose companies footed the bill.  Not so.  Here’s how the “in the know” travelers get their airline lounge memberships.

1.  Even new travelers know the first option:  buying loung membership at full price, straight from a single airline.  If you have several hundred dollars you could go this route.  I don’t personally recommend it.

2.  Instead of buying full access to an airline’s club, you can consider a day pass with that airline.  Prices run from $25 to $75 and are only good for the single day.  If you only travel a couple times a year this might be the right option.

3.  If you’re offered an American Express Platinum card take a few minutes to consider the services it brings.  The annual fee is pricy ($450 least I checked) but it does give access to many airline lounges.  I recommend this approach if you plan to make use ALL of the frequent flyer cards services.

4.  Similarly, if you have a Diners Club card you have access to their network of lounges.  This benefit isn’t particularly useful in the United States.  If you travel internationally it’s a good option with a relatively low annual fee.

5.  Frequent travelers loyal to a single airline have more options.  Those with frequent flyer status usually get a discount on the airline’s membership fee (possibly even free if your status is high enough).  You might also be able to use your mileage points to pay for the remaining cost.  This is a terrific option if you travel one airline (or airline partnership) regularly.

6.  If you’ve made it this far down the list without finding an answer, don’t despair.  You still have Priority Pass membership to look forward to, and it’s a great option.  My Priority Pass membership gives me access to over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities.  They have access in the U.S. airports I frequent, and a nice range of membership fees.  You can start as low as $99 plus $27 per visit.

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