| Travel Commentary |
| Knowing Where You Are and Crossing Borders |
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Do You Know Where You Are?
While knowing where you are and access to mobile wireless service, the Internet, and satellite is a good
idea most of the time, it is even more important when traveling outside the Untied States.
Road signs may be different, you may not be aware where fuel and vehicle services are available, or
where to find hospitals or medical facilities in the event of an emergency.
We strongly recommend that RVers and anyone traveling by vehicle carry the appropriate mapping
tools that they are comfortable with and provide the information they need. Available and readily
available resources include maps, a road atlases, GPS navigation system, and mapping and trip
planning software with a GPS device.
RVers and travelers traveling with a laptop computer or mobile wireless phone can also access Internet
mapping and locating resources, such as Mapquest, Google Maps,or Google Earth on the Internet.
We find the DeLorme mapping and trip planning software, and Earthmate LT-40 GPS device are an
invaluable resource before ever leaving home and on the road. We rely on them to change travel and
destination itineraries and rerouting to avoid dangerous weather and flooding situations.
Also, RVers with a satellite antenna dish should check with their provider to determine if signal coverage
is available. Travelers heading to Canada or Mexico should check coverage available for mobile
wireless telephone and Internet service availability and any applicable additional charges.
Make sure you have the right music CDs, movie DVDs, and MP3 downloads for areas with limited or no
service and spare batteries for your remotes.
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Travel Reminder Update
The New York Times reported in October 2007 that starting January 31, 2008 "... American citizens
returning to the United States by land will have to present either a passport, or a citizenship document
like a birth certificate together with a government-issued identity card with a photograph. The
requirement is the next phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which Congress adopted in a
2004 bill that enacted recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission. It is intended to improve anti-terror
intelligence by gathering a record of everyone entering the United States.”
It was also reported that returnees were experiencing extended waits of up to several hours to reenter
the United States. This affects all vehicular traffic, including cars, trucks, and RVs. For more detailed
information, do not hesitate to contact our Office or visit the relevant U.S. Department of State Web
page.
The requirements to cross borders, including land borders with Mexico and Canada and traveling via air
are subject to change. We recommend you contact your RV club for to get the latest information
regarding border crossing before beginning any trips involving travel across borders.
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Return to Newsletter
Heading for Canada or Mexico?
Effective October 1, 2007, the Department of State will require that all U.S. citizens traveling to and from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid government-issued passport.
Currently, U.S. citizens traveling to those countries who have applied for, but not yet received, passports
can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government-issued photo
identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007.
For more detailed information, visit the U.S. Department of State website. Click on the Passports tab,
and then click on Traveling to Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, or Canada.
Return to Home Page
Return to Newsletter
While knowing where you are and access to mobile wireless service, the Internet, and satellite is a good
idea most of the time, it is even more important when traveling outside the Untied States.
Road signs may be different, you may not be aware where fuel and vehicle services are available, or
where to find hospitals or medical facilities in the event of an emergency.
We strongly recommend that RVers and anyone traveling by vehicle carry the appropriate mapping
tools that they are comfortable with and provide the information they need. Available and readily
available resources include maps, a road atlases, GPS navigation system, and mapping and trip
planning software with a GPS device.
RVers and travelers traveling with a laptop computer or mobile wireless phone can also access Internet
mapping and locating resources, such as Mapquest, Google Maps,or Google Earth on the Internet.
We find the DeLorme mapping and trip planning software, and Earthmate LT-40 GPS device are an
invaluable resource before ever leaving home and on the road. We rely on them to change travel and
destination itineraries and rerouting to avoid dangerous weather and flooding situations.
Also, RVers with a satellite antenna dish should check with their provider to determine if signal coverage
is available. Travelers heading to Canada or Mexico should check coverage available for mobile
wireless telephone and Internet service availability and any applicable additional charges.
Make sure you have the right music CDs, movie DVDs, and MP3 downloads for areas with limited or no
service and spare batteries for your remotes.
Return to Home Page
Return to Newsletter
Travel Reminder Update
The New York Times reported in October 2007 that starting January 31, 2008 "... American citizens
returning to the United States by land will have to present either a passport, or a citizenship document
like a birth certificate together with a government-issued identity card with a photograph. The
requirement is the next phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which Congress adopted in a
2004 bill that enacted recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission. It is intended to improve anti-terror
intelligence by gathering a record of everyone entering the United States.”
It was also reported that returnees were experiencing extended waits of up to several hours to reenter
the United States. This affects all vehicular traffic, including cars, trucks, and RVs. For more detailed
information, do not hesitate to contact our Office or visit the relevant U.S. Department of State Web
page.
The requirements to cross borders, including land borders with Mexico and Canada and traveling via air
are subject to change. We recommend you contact your RV club for to get the latest information
regarding border crossing before beginning any trips involving travel across borders.
Return to Home Page
Return to Newsletter
Heading for Canada or Mexico?
Effective October 1, 2007, the Department of State will require that all U.S. citizens traveling to and from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid government-issued passport.
Currently, U.S. citizens traveling to those countries who have applied for, but not yet received, passports
can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government-issued photo
identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007.
For more detailed information, visit the U.S. Department of State website. Click on the Passports tab,
and then click on Traveling to Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, or Canada.
Return to Home Page
Return to Newsletter
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