Entering Canada

To drive through Canada, people need to know the necessary ID requirements. American citizens who arrive into Canada driving must prove their citizenship and produce a photo ID. Passport requirements are normally different for visitors who arrive by plane and those who arrive by road. When traveling by road into Canada, passengers need to give the driver their ID and passport shortly before reaching at the border services booth. This ensures that the passengers do not have to start looking for the document when they are at the border services booth. Or children traveling without both their parents they require a note from their parents or guardians indicating that they have permission to leave their country. The parent’s names and contacts must be clearly indicated. When a child or children are traveling with just one parent then it is advised that a note from the absent parent accompany the children.

There are some items that can be accepted or rejected to cross the border. Information on such items can be gotten from Canada border services. They can advise travelers whether to bring in pets, what measure of alcohol and tobacco is allowed, restrictions on motor boats and hunting rifles etc. since stolen cars are smuggled across the border, cars driving into Canada need to have proper car registration documents. This also avoids scenarios where tourist cars can be considered as cars purchased outside Canada and being brought in as tourist cars to avoid paying duties. Questions asked by the border services officers need to be answered correctly, such as how long people intend to stay in the country, the reason for entering into the country and an address of where they will be staying. 

Items purchased at the Canada/U.S. border duty free must be supported with receipts when they are required. Items like tobacco and alcohol attract heavy duties in Canada but are very cheap at the duty free shopping. However, it should be noted that items bought there must be consumed while in Canada without leaving the country with them. Upon arrival at border services booth the driver should roll down the front and back windows if there are passengers in the back seat. This enables the border service officer to address everybody in the vehicle at once. To save travel time it is advisable for people to check out the border wait times before crossing. When faced with an option between two or three border crossings, the waiting time can enable travelers to choose which border crossing favors them. Some border crossings can have more custom inspections than others. 

When entering Canada, travelers need to be aware of the changes at border policy called WHTI, which refers to western hemisphere travel initiative that no longer recognizes US citizen’s oral declarations of citizenship. Sea and on-land crossings require proof of citizenship, government issued photo ID or a birth certificate. A passport though is highly recommended, especially for those getting into Canada by sea or air. Those driving into Canada using rental vehicles should first confirm with the rental company if such cars will be allowed entry into Canada.

Ski Vacations On the Cheap

Let’s face it; skiing is not one of your more inexpensive hobbies. It’s not like hiking where you can buy a pair of hiking shoes, perhaps a walking stick, and just start hiking a trail. With skiing you have your special clothes, your special equipment, lessons, accommodations, lift tickets, etc. It can get quite pricey. But, you’d be amazed at what a little scaling back or research can save you. What are some of the ways you can cut down on the cost of your ski vacation?Location
Let’s start with the location. You don’t have to go Aspen. You don’t have to go to Park City. You don’t have to go to Tahoe. If skiing’s what you really want to do, try skiing in your own back yard and save some change. There are numerous lesser-known ski areas in many states that don’t have the bells and whistles or the status attached to them, thus they’re cheaper. And, if you can drive to them you can save yourself costly airfare.
For example, if you live in Southern California, save money by going to one of the fine ski areas within driving distance, such as Mountain High in Wrightwood, just a 90-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, or just over 2 hours from San Diego. That’s right; you can ski all day in the mountains, and have dinner on the beach. Another close ski area is Mt. Baldy. And that’s just a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles. Packages
Scour the internet for ski vacation packages that include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and, if possible, some meals.Meals
Yes, it’s really nice to ski all day and feast at night on filet mignon and a nice bottle of Cabernet. However, if you’re on a budget and you just gotta ski, skip the expensive meal and go for a cheaper diner or fast-food restaurant. You can probably pick up a tasty burger for the cost of the tip at the fancy restaurant. And, if you want an inexpensive bottle of red wine to go with that burger, try picking up a less-expensive bottle of wine at home and bringing it with you. Lodging
Yes, there’s nothing like a condo at the ski resort where you can practically begin skiing from your back door. But, talk about sticker shock! Lodging at ski resorts can be expensive. Try staying at a hotel or motel a few-minutes-drive away. Or, cheaper yet, consider staying at a ski hostel.
There’s an abundance of hostels across America near popular ski resorts at incredibly low prices. While it’s true many of the rooms are dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, if it’s a cheap ski vacation you want, hostels are the way to go. And, with many hostels, you can have family rooms or private rooms for a few extra dollars.
Hostels allow you to go to the prime ski areas on the cheap. For example, if you want to take a Ski Vacation to Breckenridge in Colorado, but can’t afford the expensive lodging, you can stay in the dormitory at the Fireside Inn Bed & Breakfast (970-453-6456) for only $36 per person. You’re only 5 minutes from the Breckenridge ski area, and 20 minutes to Keystone. And, during ski season, the bus to Breckenridge peaks stops at their front door. Not bad for $36 a night. If dormitory life’s not for you, you can spend $80 for a private room with bunk bed.
How about a ski trip to Taos? You might want to consider the Abominable SnowMansion, a 60-year-old adobe lodge with dorm rooms, private rooms with shared baths and private rooms with private baths. You can have a bunk and a breakfast for only $20 per person or $36 per couple. A private room with a shared bath can be had for only $45 per couple or $33 for a single person, while a private room with private bath goes for $52 per couple or $45 for a single person. You can call them at 505-776-8298 for more information.
These are just two examples of hostels near great ski areas. There’s sure to be one near your favorite ski resort. A quick search of “ski hostels” will reveal many inexpensive lodging choices.
Taking an inexpensive ski vacation often times requires a little thinking and a little sacrifice. But, the experience of skiing down a mountain makes it all worth it.

Canada: Travel’s Understated Treasure

The second largest country in the world should by no means stand in the shadow of its more boisterous southern neighbor. Canada’s 10 million square kilometers of land, lakes and life brings its own signature flavor to the North American continent. Travel through Canada is a truly mind-opening experience for even the most seasoned vacationer.
The region has been inhabited since the retreat of the last ice age, creating nearly 10,000 years of aboriginal history. Vikings roamed Canada’s arctic shores long before Europeans began bickering over land rights during the 16th century. The French settlers founded Quebec City in 1608 while British explorers populated the Atlantic seaboard and Hudson Bay. European wars exacerbated Franco-British tensions until the American Revolution sent British refugees north, tipping the balance away from the French. Canada was finally unified under a constitution in 1867, while maintaining ties to the British crown. Since then, a large Quebec sovereignty movement has emerged in the French speaking province and has gained momentum at the federal level.
Canada’s Untainted Urban Gems
Canada’s cities are as diverse as its territory is expansive. French-speaking Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and arguably the liveliest in Canada. After the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the Biodome de Montreal filled in the empty stadium with four actively maintained ecosystems and numerous living exhibits. The collection of species is nothing short of phenomenal. Montreal has a thriving museum culture (buy a 3-museum pass) and an irresistible nightlife, boasting the largest dance floor in the country and a pioneering music scene with an eclecticism not to be found elsewhere. Travel west into Canada’s serene backwoods to discover Vancouver, a metropolitan diamond in the rough of British Columbia’s rugged wilderness. Ski Whistler’s nearby slopes or enjoy a day of sailing, then flex your cosmopolitan muscle in the evening with a stroll through the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery and appetizers at Canada Place.
Visit Vancouver for a taste of Canada’s blossoming multiculturalism and international flavor. For a slower and more intimate pace, discover Nova Scotia’s capital of Halifax in the northeast. This revamped harbor town has become Canada’s Hollywood, with a large number of movies and shows being filmed along the charming avenues.
Unlimited Supply of Adventure
Canada’s Northwest and Yukon Territories offer some of the most pristine stretches of natural beauty in North America, along with the best light show around complements of the Aurora Borealis. Kluane National Park protects Yukon’s World Heritage Sites and Canada’s highest peak. In Alberta, Banff and Jasper National Parks provide the most spectacular views from the Canadian Rockies and a visit to Canada’s Glacier National Park, British Columbia, is imperative to witness the retreating ancient glaciers. With 39 National Parks and Reserves, Canada provides an infinite stock of breathtaking encounters.
Due to Canada’s extreme northern latitude, travel is best enjoyed during the summer months of July and August, even if the days are extremely long or endless. Winter sports can be enjoyed in many resorts year-round; however, December and January tend to be unbearably cold and dark, particularly in the northern regions.

Direct Vs. Online Purchase of Canada Medical Insurance Plans for Travel

Whether you travel for business or for a vacation, you may be faced with uncertainties when it comes to your health. While on your trip, there is a possibility that you might get sick or injured. In these cases, you would need protection from the expenses that you will incur for emergency medical care. This is when travel insurance comes handy. With travel insurance that offers medical insurance plans, you will have financial assistance when you face health problems away from home.

In Canada, there are plenty of medical insurance plans that you can get from travel insurance providers like Travel Insurance Quotes. Medical insurance may be purchased from travel insurance brokers, travel agents, and travel insurance companies. Canada medical insurance from these travel insurance providers caters directly to the needs of the travelers. Their plans are specially made for travelers who travel away from their home country. They have wide range of international networks which enables travelers to get the medical assistance they would need in particular place.

There are two options in purchasing Canada medical insurance. One is through direct purchase from the provider or you can purchase your travel insurance online!

If purchasing direct, you may need to contact the agent or the provider directly. This means that you have to call the provider and personally talk to an agent. This way, you can directly inquire to your needs to learn about the available services and get relevant assistance to assist your choice of medical insurance. You might also need assistance for certain conditions and prerequisite before you can purchase the medical insurance plan. Also, while talking to the agent, they can assist you to choose the appropriate medical insurance coverage for your travel, whether you travel for business trip or vacation. The agent can also provide you with instant quotes as you request. Trained personnel are always available at Travel Insurance Quotes 24/7. The disadvantage of directly contacting the various providers is that you have to exert efforts in contacting numerous companies. In other words, you have to call them one by one and meet each company at different times of the day or weeks.

On the other hand, you can also purchase online. There are many travel insurance providers that can give you instant quotes online and one of which is Travel Insurance Quotes. Some companies online even provide various Canada travel insurance quotes for medical insurance from various insurance providers. The Canada medical insurance does not only show the price but also the existing coverage of the particular plan. Other online travel insurance companies like Travel Insurance Quotes have FAQs where you can refer your possible inquiries. You will also be able to see some testimonials of clients in a particular company. All this will be made possible in one sitting or in just a click of a mouse, right from your home or office.

In general, what you need is the right Canada medical insurance for your travel. The option is yours as to how to get this – direct from provider or online?

Beginners’ Family Ski Vacations

If your family wants to go skiing on your next vacation, but you do not know how to ski, go ahead and plan that ski vacation anyway! You can learn how to ski, and you will have a great time doing it. You do not even need to know the first thing about skiing before you arrive at the resort. All of the knowledge you will need is there waiting for you, and you can literally be skiing down a mountain after an hour of instruction.

Learning to ski is really quite easy. Most resorts have a ski school on the premises, and lessons are reasonably priced. Group and private lessons are usually available. It is a good idea, however, to schedule an appointment before you arrive at the resort. This will ensure that you can start learning
to ski the very first hour of your vacation.

Most ski instructors start by showing you how to maneuver around with your equipment. When you are wearing ski boots, you will be inclined slightly Forward. There is a reason for this. When you are skiing down a mountain, you will be inclined forward. Walking in ski boots the first time is a bit difficult but it works just fine if you learn to walk with your knees slightly bent.

The first maneuver you will learn is called the plow, or snow plow. This is a technique that is done by literally using your skis as a snow plow. You make the back of the skis slowing move outwards, away from your body by applying pressure and this stops you. You guide yourself on skies by bending your knees and leaning in one direction or another, depending on which way you want to go. All of these techniques can be learned in one hour, even if you have never been on a pair of skis in your life.

The beauty of skiing is that after you have learned how to snow plow, and how to guide yourself on the skis, you are ready to ski! Get on the lift, head up the mountain, and give it a try. Control your speed by snow plowing and go slow at first. When you want to pick up some speed, draw your skis back in to pick up a little speed, then push them back out into the plow position to control that speed.

As a beginner, you should stick to the trails that are designed for beginners. At most resorts, these trails are marked with a green emblem. Blue trails are for intermediate skiers, and after one day of skiing the beginner trails, you may be ready for those trails. The black trails are for experts. These trails can be dangerous for people who don’t have the skill level to handle them! Avoid black trails until you have had a great deal of ski instruction and experience. You will know when you are ready!

Ski Vacations on a Budget

When you start thinking about ski vacations, you will find a lot of information about various resorts and packages. Finding terrific vacation spots is not difficult. However, finding ski vacations that fit into your budget can be a bigger challenge.

To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This does not mean that these resorts would not provide you with a fun vacation. It simply means that they are not quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore, the prices may be a great cheaper. Also look for ski vacation packages that will include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some meals.

Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons instead of taking private lessons. Do not stay at a lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can cut down on the expense of your ski trip.

Crossing the Us/canada Border by Land: Do I Need a US Passport?

The rules and regulations for crossing the US/Canada border by land have changed over the years.  It’s sometimes difficult to determine what kind of documentation (i.e. US passport), if any, is required for a routine, short-term US/Canada border crossing.  Knowing the facts before crossing the US/Canada border by land will help save you time and trouble on your trip and lead to fewer delays at border patrol.

The US Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with Canadian, Mexican and other western hemisphere country officials, has made a number of changes to border crossing regulations and requirements in recent years.  The changes have been implemented in stages, with grace periods allowing some lenience for certain types of travel and travelers.  The department has used media campaigns as well as word-of-mouth education to inform travelers of the most recent changes in regulations regarding crossing the US/Canada border by land, which went into effect on January 31, 2008.  These changes were made in anticipation of the full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009.

Current regulations for crossing the US/Canada border by land state that all adult visitors (ages 19 and up) must present the following documentation at the border

* A current, valid US passport OR

* One form of government-issued identification which bears a photo (i.e. a driver’s license) PLUS

* Proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)

Travel visas are not currently required for short term land travel across US/Canada borders.

Children (ages 18 and under) who cross the border with a verified adult will need to have either a current US passport or documentation verifying citizenship (i.e. a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)

When the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative becomes fully operational on June 1, 2009, all citizens over the age of 15 will be required to supply one of the following forms of identification when crossing the US/Canada border by land:

* A valid US passport.

* Government-issued proof of identity with photo AND proof of citizenship.

All governments involved in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are strongly recommending that citizens apply for and carry a US passport when crossing the US/Canada border by land.  A US passport is the only universally accepted form of travel documentation.  Carrying a US passport will greatly reduce your chances of being delayed at the border, whether crossing into Canada or back home to the United States.  Travelers who do not possess a US passport may be looked upon with suspicion, even if other documentation is in order.  Border officials on both sides reserve the right to detain travelers or refuse entry altogether if they feel that something is amiss.  That’s why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is urging all citizens to obtain a US passport.  In the end, it ensures smooth border crossings both for travelers and for border agents.

Health Insurance for Canada Travel

While we as U.S. residents think often about travel insurance coverage when we’re traveling overseas we’re not so quick to worry about health insurance for Canada travel. This is especially true if our voyage to Canadian provinces is by car and not by air. We don’t expect to need health insurance for Canada travel to protect us from exotic diseases or militant uprisings.

Health insurance for Canada travel should not be ignored, however. Your medical insurance provider in the U.S. will typically only cover a medical emergency in Canada if the emergency was precipitated in the U.S. and the nearest emergency medical care is Canadian. This is especially true if you’re a senior citizen whose only form of medical insurance is Medicare. Health insurance for Canada travel is, therefore, a must.

When you’re shopping for coverage you’ll want to consider several things in your decision. They are: what is excluded from coverage (what particular incidents and situations would your trip coverage not reimburse you for); what sports you can participate in and still be covered by your health insurance for Canada travel; whether you might be excluded from coverage for a pre-existing condition? and if there is a deductible?

The coverage that is customary is for hospital stay, although the per day limitations and ceilings will vary plan to plan; medical care, in-patient and outpatient, including physician fees, as well as those for any nursing care, surgery or anesthesia; medical testing such as x-rays and laboratory work; transportation to or from medical care by ambulance; medical care provided by a private RN (registered nurse); medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, splints and slings; prescription medicine; and the cost of repatriation of the remains of a deceased member of your travel group.

Probably the most crucial part of the plan your choose for health insurance for Canada travel must be good coverage in the case of an emergency evacuation back to your home for medical reasons. This is especially true if you are traveling by airline. The cost of changing travel plans, especially if you’ve purchased non-refundable tickets and must now arrange a new flight last minute can be exceedingly costly. Even from Canada, you must assume a cost of $10,000 for this coverage alone.

Planning ahead by purchasing health insurance for Canada travel will go a long way towards making your Canada vacation a serene stay.