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Heading into Canada for a ski vacation this winter? Check out our list of some of the best ski resorts in British Columbia to help you plan your trip. (more…)
If you’re joining the many thousands of winter sport enthusiasts who head to Lake Tahoe every year for a ski vacation, you might be trying to decide which resort to book. Try these on for size: (more…)
If you’re looking for some atmosphere this spooky season, there are plenty of spots around the country–and abroad–where you can commune with the spirits.
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Rumor has it that Chicago’s Hull House was once home to the spawn of Satan. Known as the Devil Baby, the child sported a tail, horns and scales on his skin. Legend says the good women of Hull House locked the child in the attic after he became too disruptive. So if you drop by, you might want to check out the child’s attic lair. Or not. |
What’s better than a ski vacation? How about a ski vacation in France? (more…)
Portes du Soleil, literally “gateway to the sun,” is a large section of the Alps that spans between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The 400-square mile region encompasses 12 resorts–8 in France and 4 in Switzerland–over 350 miles of ski runs and more than 230 lifts. (more…)
Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the world, despite being relatively far away from the US and Europe. If you take your family to Sydney, your most difficult decision will be deciding which activity or attraction to leave out of your itinerary. (more…)
HotelHotline is pleased to announce our first contest based on the 3-1-1 travel procedures. To enter, submit a video less than 2 minutes long showing you putting approved items into a one quart-sized plastic bag in compliance with TSA 311 travel policies.
Submit your videos in AVI, .MOV, or .MPG format of not more than (120) seconds/300 MB in length to 311contest@hotelhotline.com before November 16, 2007 11:59 PM EST.
Your video will be judged on four criteria: originality, item compliance, item selection, and humor & entertainment. Twelve finalists will be selected and the grand prize winner will be determined by user votes. We encourage you to be as creative as possible; dress in costume, tell jokes, sing a song–whatever you think will set you apart. All items must comply with TSA policies and you can’t put more than four units of any item in your bag. So no filling a bag with 200 jelly beans. You can see the complete rules here.Voting for the winner will start on November 19 and run through December 10. The person who gets the most votes will be declared the winner and receive a Tom Tom ONE GPS System valued at $225. The two runners up will each reiieve a $25 American Express Gift Card.
So tell your friends and send your entries in today.
Many countries, such as those in the Caribbean and Western Europe, allow U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter with just a valid passport. But, if you’re traveling to countries that require a visa, you won’t be allowed to board your plane or ship without it.
What is a visa?
A visa gives you government permission to enter a country for a specified period of time. There are different kinds of visas—ones for vacation travelers, business travelers, and diplomats. Specific requirements vary from country to country, but there are a few common things to remember when applying for a visa.
How to get a visa
Since a visa is stamped directly into your passport, you must first obtain a passport. For those with a current passport, most governments require that it be valid for at least six months after the end of your proposed trip.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to contact the country’s embassy or consulate. Requirements vary. Most countries require a completed form that asks contact information and the purpose of your trip. In addition, you’ll sometimes be asked to provide a passport size photo, proof of adequate funds, and occasionally a letter from a citizen of that country vouching for you. Business visas generally have additional requirements.
Turn-around time for visas also varies by country. A few countries will issue visas to in-person applicants on the same day. Most require from one to six weeks for processing.
A few caveats
Generally, applying for a visa is easy and stress-free. Keep in mind a few points, however.
• Allow adequate time for processing.
• If applying by mail, be sure to send your passport and paperwork via a secure carrier (one that requires the recipient’s signature).
• A very few countries, Yemen, for example, will not issue a travel visa to someone that has an Israeli visa stamped in their passport. In these cases, you may request the visa be stamped on a piece of paper not attached to your passport.
The Jackson Hole Valley in the west of Wyoming is a great destination for a ski vacation. Here’s some information on the area’s top ski resorts. (more…)
Like any other vacation, a family ski trip requires some forethought on your part to ensure that everyone has a good time. Here are some tips: (more…)
Tucked into the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the former farming community of Ogden is one of Utah’s largest and oldest cities. It’s also a fabulous place to ski with three downhill ski areas: Snowbasin Resort, Powder Mountain and Wolf Mountain. (more…)
Legend has it that Windsor Castle, the primary residence of Queen Elizabeth and the largest inhabited castle in the world, also plays host to some monarchs of the past. (more…)
The small state of Vermont is a big place for ski vacations with many resorts and regions to choose from when. Here’s a brief look to help you get started. (more…)
The Hotel Del Coronando, located just across the bay from San Diego, has a long and colorful history. The striking Victorian structure was completed in 1888 and has played host to 15 U.S. presidents and a long list of celebrities. But legend says one guest never left the hotel. (more…)
