If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel at a moment's notice, great deals can certainly be had. Here are a few tips to help form your last minute plans.
• Check with a Travel Agent: Travel agents often have access to listings and pricing specials that are not available to the general public. Plus, they can do all the legwork for you.
• Keep the Essentials Handy: Keep a small bag packed with essentials you might need for any type of trip. Having toiletries, basic clothing (socks, underwear, etc), and other needed items will take one item off of your packing checklist.
• Pack Light / Pack Smart: When you reach your destination, clothes can be washed for a small price. Less luggage equates to easier movement in the airport, at the hotel, everywhere. Pack for the expected weather conditions. Keep the "just in case" items to a bare minimum. Avoid packing the shorts and flip-flops for a ski trip.
• Pick Your Travel Times Wisely: Weekday travel offers the best availability and fewest travelers. Holiday travels periods are not the time to expect an abundance of flights and accommodations.
To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, reach one of our sales associates at support@mydvi.com
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Passport Advice
If you find yourself looking to travel abroad, follow these tips to ensure that you have your passport in order before departing.
Renewing a passport at least six to eight weeks in advance can save you time and money. Waiting until the last minute can cost you several hundred dollars.
Be aware of the stamps that are in your passports. Are you traveling to a country that's in a conflict (strained relations to actual war) with a country you've previously visited? It may raise a red flag with the passport control staff.
Many countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the end of your trip. If you find yourself with passport difficulties while abroad, visit the US Consulate in that country.
The National Passport Information Center's can assist you with all your passport needs. Their contact information is:
1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
Speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST, excluding federal holidays.
Automated passport information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Visit the US Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, visit our site at http://www.mydvi.com//, or reach one of our sales associates at mailto:support@mydvi.com
Renewing a passport at least six to eight weeks in advance can save you time and money. Waiting until the last minute can cost you several hundred dollars.
Be aware of the stamps that are in your passports. Are you traveling to a country that's in a conflict (strained relations to actual war) with a country you've previously visited? It may raise a red flag with the passport control staff.
Many countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the end of your trip. If you find yourself with passport difficulties while abroad, visit the US Consulate in that country.
The National Passport Information Center's can assist you with all your passport needs. Their contact information is:
1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
Speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST, excluding federal holidays.
Automated passport information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Visit the US Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, visit our site at http://www.mydvi.com//, or reach one of our sales associates at mailto:support@mydvi.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Buying Currency in a Foreign Country
When traveling outside of the USA, whether it's pesos, euros, or yen, you will need to use the currency issued by the countries you will visit.
Obviously, you are interested in finding the most favorable rate. Just as in any shopping, rates vary by currency. A few minutes of online research before leaving for your vacation destination will give you an idea of the current exchange rate.
Money can be bought at banks, exchange offices, Bureau de Change offices, or ATMs. Banks (either in person or via an ATM), often have the best rates and lowest transaction fees. In addition, ATM’s undeniably provide the greatest convenience. Conversely, the "Change" businesses on tourist streets will advertise "no fees" but normally make this up by providing an unfavorable exchange rate.
Service fees are often tacked on to currency transaction, be certain to ask the rate and if there are any additional fees.
Contact your bank for details on their ATM fees before you depart. Save on transaction fees by withdrawaling enough cash to last several days.
If you can avoid it, do not buy currency at the airport on either end of your flight. Transaction fees at airports are high and the exchange rates are unfavorable. A good rule of thumb: the further you are from the airport, the better the rate.
If you are using an ATM for exchange purposes, you use it in the same manner that you would make a withdrawal at home. Some ATM's, particularly in tourist areas, may provide multi-language instructions. Again, online research before travel will help you find out some tips that will help you navigate a foreign language ATM.
Make sure that the ATM works with your ATM’s network (usually printed on the back of your card - e.g. Interlink, Plus, Star, Cirrus).
If the ATM can print a receipt, be sure to get one. Keeping your accounting straight (for both money and fees) will save you time and effort. It will also help you comparison shop for your next exchange.
Never, never, never buy currency from someone on the street. Buying currency from anyone who is not officially authorized to sell currency is a crime in most countries. In addition, these sales are often set-ups that come with the "timely" arrival of a phony law official who threatens to arrest you, unless you return all of the money to him (while the seller walks away with your dollars).
To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, visit our site at http://www.mydvi.com/, or reach one of our sales associates at support@mydvi.com.
Obviously, you are interested in finding the most favorable rate. Just as in any shopping, rates vary by currency. A few minutes of online research before leaving for your vacation destination will give you an idea of the current exchange rate.
Money can be bought at banks, exchange offices, Bureau de Change offices, or ATMs. Banks (either in person or via an ATM), often have the best rates and lowest transaction fees. In addition, ATM’s undeniably provide the greatest convenience. Conversely, the "Change" businesses on tourist streets will advertise "no fees" but normally make this up by providing an unfavorable exchange rate.
Service fees are often tacked on to currency transaction, be certain to ask the rate and if there are any additional fees.
Contact your bank for details on their ATM fees before you depart. Save on transaction fees by withdrawaling enough cash to last several days.
If you can avoid it, do not buy currency at the airport on either end of your flight. Transaction fees at airports are high and the exchange rates are unfavorable. A good rule of thumb: the further you are from the airport, the better the rate.
If you are using an ATM for exchange purposes, you use it in the same manner that you would make a withdrawal at home. Some ATM's, particularly in tourist areas, may provide multi-language instructions. Again, online research before travel will help you find out some tips that will help you navigate a foreign language ATM.
Make sure that the ATM works with your ATM’s network (usually printed on the back of your card - e.g. Interlink, Plus, Star, Cirrus).
If the ATM can print a receipt, be sure to get one. Keeping your accounting straight (for both money and fees) will save you time and effort. It will also help you comparison shop for your next exchange.
Never, never, never buy currency from someone on the street. Buying currency from anyone who is not officially authorized to sell currency is a crime in most countries. In addition, these sales are often set-ups that come with the "timely" arrival of a phony law official who threatens to arrest you, unless you return all of the money to him (while the seller walks away with your dollars).
To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, visit our site at http://www.mydvi.com/, or reach one of our sales associates at support@mydvi.com.
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