Are you tired of long lines, time-wasting procedures, and the whole the U.S. entry rigmarole? Here are a few federal programs designed to help trusted travelers skip the traditional lines at U.S. airports and other ports of entry.
Border with Mexico
The SENTRI program has been popularized across the land border with Mexico because it allows its members to avoid waits of up to several hours when crossing back into the U.S. by car. Participants go through special lanes that move more quickly and are generally shorter.
To join the program, applicants need to pass a criminal background check and provide digital fingerprints. They also need to be interviewed by an official from the Department of Homeland Security. There is a fee of $122.25 per person for a five-year, renewable membership.
The following are some key points about the program:
Traveling by plane
Travelers who want to avoid long lines when coming back to the U.S. by plane might want to consider enrolling in the Global Entry program. This program allows members to go through special lines or electronic kiosks at some airports, avoiding the traditional passport checks and customs booths.
To enroll, travelers need to fill out an application and, just like in the SENTRI program, pass a background check and provide digital fingerprints.
The following are some key points about the program:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The Evolution of Cycling: E-Bikes now available on European Cycling Vacations
Don’t hang up your helmets just yet… Always on the cutting edge, Austin Adventures is charging up their European vacations by introducing electric bicycles as an option on all European Biking Vacations.
Ron van Dijk, ALA Director of European Operations, with over 40 years in the industry; has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations. From the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. “With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary.”
Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling. With Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours. Essentially e-bikes level the playing field. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italian bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing the inevitable long ascents synonymous with the area. These bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families.
To learn more, call 800.575.1540 or visit Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Thousands of protesters continue to gather in Cairo, Suez, Alexandria and Luxor, in an uprising against Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.
The protests have now put the country into a state of civil unrest. Foreign Offices around the world have urged travellers to avoid visiting Egypt due to its level of instability. High incidences of looting, vigilantism, prison escapes and “open revolt” have now enveloped the country and as the world looks on, Egypt’s future is uncertain.
© W.M. Wiggins via YourLifeIsATrip.comAt our sister site, YourLifeIsATrip.com, our ‘Ask the Captain’ columnist, W.M. Wiggins, just evacuated Cairo via Rome and reports on his experiences.
READ his FIRST-PERSON REPORT FROM EGYPT confirming that the situation is extremely volatile and due to demonstrations and vigilante-style community protection actions, making the streets unsafe for travelers.
If you, or any travelers you know, are currently in Egypt, you might find this Evacuation Guide from our partners at WorldNomads.com helpful.
To travel safely and stay up to date on what’s happening in Egypt, what to do, and what the government is saying, READ MORE.
And to our Egyptian friends, please know that you are in our thoughts and that we’re hoping for a positive and speedy resolution.
Ellen
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Myths & Mountains first caught my eye for their uncommon trips that reach beneath the surface and allow adventurous travelers to truly experience the people and culture of the places they visit. Since then, I’ve become a huge fan.
Fueled by the belief that there’s an adventure in each of us, they’ve launched a new Motorcycle Safari through Cambodia trip that allows you to experience the country the way locals do – from the seat of a 250cc dirt bike.
I’m tempted. Who’s with me?
The adventure begins and ends in Phnom Penh before departing for temples such as Preah Khan and Preah Vihear, where you’ll spend the night in luxury safari tents and be the only tourists to experience the temples at sunrise. The trip continues to Angkor Wat, then onto Kampi to see fresh water dolphins and elephants in Mondulkiri, and concludes with three days at the beach in Sihanoukville to relax and unwind.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Service from Santa Fe Airport Coincides with Flight Schedules
Beginning the week of March 8th, the Taos Express shuttle service, which offers bus service from Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico, will now offer non stop weekend transit service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, the Express will discontinue service on Thursday evenings, beginning Thursday, March 11. In addition, a convenient new stop has been established on the corner of Guadalupe and Montezuma, in Santa Fe.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".