Useful Links for the International Traveler and Passport
Applicant
US Government Links
Commercial Services
Forums and Bulletin Boards
US Government Links
Everyone hates the idea of writing out that April 15 IRS check, but here's your chance
to get something back. Various agencies of the US and foreign governments have prepared
web pages loaded with useful and factual information regarding legal issues when you cross
international borders, all written in easy-to-understand English. These folks are
"from the government and are here to help you." Really. Take a look and be
prepared in advance of your trip, saving time, money and embarrassment at the border.
The US State Department has a great deal of
information for the international traveler. Information on passport issues is listed under
their "Services" hyperlink. They also have links to foreign embassies,
consulates and tourist boards. The international traveler should visit the State
Department web pages for current information on travel warnings and other important
information. The State Dept. has a page on current
visa and other entry requirements for US Citizens.
Official government web pages are good for
looking for international tourist information, visa and other admittance requirements and
other useful advice. Take careful note of the destination country's Customs regulations as
to what you are permitted to bring into the country, to avoid unpleasant surprises at the
border. Our sincere thanks to Gunnar Anziger for maintaining this incredibly useful web
site.
The US Customs Service has an excellent page
with information on bringing back your foreign purchases and on "duty free"
shopping. Read this carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises. You may want to download
their "Know Before You
Go" brochure. This is a very good publication, clear and easy to read. Pay
particular attention to requirements for re-importation of foreign-made goods, such as a
camera or other electronic device.
The USDA/APHIS Travelers' Tips is full of
official information on bringing food,
plant and animal products back into the United States.
Commercial Services
There are many private services that will, for a fee, assist you with documentation for
foreign travel. Links to some of these are as follows:
Vital-Chek is a service that has contracted
with some states, counties, townships and other jurisdictions for expedited document
delivery. This service may be of interest to the traveler who has to get an expedited
passport and needs a certified copy of their birth certificate rapidly.
The best travel store we know is Le
Travel Store in San Diego, located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. They
take orders on line and by phone at 800-713-4260. Check out their on-line
store, but if you don't see what you need, give them a call.
Will you be traveling with a laptop computer? Do you want to go on-line
while on the road? Take a look at RoadNews.Com,
full of resources for the computer-equipped traveler.
If you need quality translation or typesetting in a foreign
language, check out Spectrum
Multilanguage Communications.
Going to Italy? Check out all things Italian for visitors at the Italian
Tourist Web Guide.
Durant Imboden has a lot of information for tourists going to Europe.
Check out his Europe For Visitors
site.
If you are interested in learning a foreign language, especially for
travel, check out TraveLang.
Going to South America? Get current information at South
American Explorers.
Backpackers and budget travelers might be interested in an on-line
resource from Art of Travel.
We have been impressed with the ethics and professionalism exhibited by Sierra
West Express, a trucking company specializing in general commodities. If
you are looking for a reliable firm, please give Sierra West Express a call.
Bryan Smith, a CompuServe Travel Forum member, has two web sites: Bon
Voyage Travel for books, maps, accessories, rental cars and Eurail
passes. Handcrafted Tours for
small European tour groups.
Russell Guy, another
CompuServe Travel Forum member, owns an online map supply business that
specializes in hard-to-find maps. Have a look at
Omnimap.
Forums and Bulletin Boards
A lot of up-to-the-minute travel advice can be found in the CompuServe
Travel Forum. This is open to CompuServe members and non-members.
CompuServe was one of the first "dot coms" and the Travel Forum
has been in business since 1983.
One of the CompuServe Travel Forum sysops has a website devoted to
Caribbean travel. Check out Jamaica
Jim's site.
The Travelzine is an interesting
internet magazine devoted to travel. Give it a try and pick up some
destination-specific helpful hints.
Our favorite law firm is Sievert,
Young & Donahoe, located in Encino, California.
Updated
02/16/04 |
