Category: Travel

Top Beaches in the World with Passport and Visa Guide

There’s few things in life that top the experience and joy of a beautiful beach in warm weather. Regardless of the time of the year, these places remain unphased by whatever kind of weather the rest of the world is facing. The beach is the ideal place to go to clear your mind in even clearer waters. Whether it’s you taking your family for a joyous adventure on the sandy shores, or it’s the final destination for settling down after retirement, the beaches listed provide unforgettable memories which might make you want to stay forever (in no particular order).

It is also important to know what laws apply to each country whose beaches you intend to visit. Every country has different passport and visa rules which must be abided to not face any consequences. Below we provide the most exquisite beach destinations around the world and how to make sure you arrive there safely.

Kissamos, Greece

Located over 70 miles from mainland Greece, Balos Lagoon is globally known for its turquoise waters and contrasting white sands. Filled with rocks, caves, and sea turtles, Balos is the place to go for a beach trip unique in every way. You can travel there by plane, but most trips are done by ferry.

In order to travel to Greece, you will need a passport that has at least 3 months of validity remaining. Although you need a passport, a visa is not required if you are in Greece for 90 days or less regardless of your reason for travel. What you will need is a return ticket from Greece and some form of proof that you are financially capable of traveling to Greece. Proof of financial stability can be any proof of money balance or employment.

Fernando de Nornha, Brazil

Like Balos Lagoon, Baia do Sancho is an island which has a mainland counterpart which in this case is Brazil. Unlike Balos Lagoon, there is no ferry to Baia do Sancho, only a plane which only makes two trips a week. This exclusivity allows for a beach experience unlike any other. Baia do Sancho is a semi-circle beach shore with sapphire blue water that unlike most tourist beaches are not crowded at all.

To travel to Brazil, you will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity after the date of entry into Brazil. Also, you will also need a tourist visa approved by a Brazilian consulate or embassy along with a full itinerary of your trip that includes tickets home. Finally, proof that you can pay for your stay in Brazil will also be necessary for your trip.

Sydney, Australia

Located on the shores of Sydney, Australia Manly Beach offers a 2-in-1 opportunity that a typical beach cannot provide: a beach directly next to a major global city. Not only is Manly Beach located in the perfect climate of Southeast Australia, but it is also a 30 minute ferry ride away from Sydney, one of the worlds most stunning cities. Contrary to what some might think about the uncleanliness because of it being located next to a city, Manly Beach is as unpolluted as any beach you can find.

Entering Australia requires a valid US passport and visa. A tourist or business visa for Australia will last you up to 90 days. A visa can be obtained online and is known as an Australian ETA. The ETA must be used within 12 months of issue. The visa also allows multiple entry, repeating the 90 day cycle as long as it is valid.

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia is full of amazing beaches since it is a massive collection of islands in a tropical biome. Amongst all the beaches in Indonesia lies one that quite possibly tops them all. Kelingking Beach is far from the biggest or most popular beach, but the few who get the chance to go to this secluded beach realize what separates this place from any other beach.

Traveling to Indonesia requires a passport with 6 months of validity and a tourist visa if you intend on staying for more than 30 days. You will also need a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your trip.

Bournemouth, England

Not all of England is what you think it is: rainy, cloudy and the last place you would think to go to the beach. But to every popular belief there are exceptions, and Bournemouth Beach is one of those exceptions. Located in Southwest England, the city of Bournemouth has a wonderful coast with its own microclimate. Besides the weather being delightful, the water of the English Channel is the warmest in England.

Unlike for most countries, where they require your passport to be valid for a certain number of months before entry, England (United Kingdom) only requires that your passport is valid for at least as long as your trip is. You won’t need a visa either if you are traveling to England for 6 months or less for tourist purposes.

Phuket, Thailand

Over the past few years, Phuket island has become a top tourist destination for people from all around the world. Unlike the previous beaches discussed, we won’t be talking about just one beach. Every beach on the island of Phuket from Mai Khao to Banana provides an amazing time for any traveler. Since there are so many beaches to choose from, no one beach becomes overcrowded.

Anyone traveling to Thailand, including Phuket needs a passport with at least 6 months validity past the length of stay. When getting a visa, you can get a visa on arrival from Phuket International Airport as well as through a Thailand consulate or embassy. You will not need a visa if you do not stay in Thailand for more than 30 days and are only there for tourist purposes. If you are intending on coming to Phuket with a retirement visa, it needs to be valid for at least 18 months to be allowed entry.

Sicily, Italy

Commonly known for its food and fertile mountainous grounds, Sicily has developed a reputation for bringing people together on the beaches. An underrated location when thinking about the world’s best beaches, Spiaggia dei Conigli can easily be in the conversation, especially with its amazing concaving hills around the shore.

Despite Sicily being an autonomous region, the visa and passport laws for Italy apply. Passports need six months of validity beyond departure date, as well as two blank pages for stamping. You can be in Sicily for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa but after that need a visa.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

It is unlike any beach in the world in the most magnifying way possible. The name is no exaggeration or misdirection; the sand is literally pink. As a result of calcium carbonate materials such as corals and shells breaking in the water by the beach, Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island has a distinction not many beaches in the world can lay claim to.

To enter the Bahamas, US citizens need a valid US passport along with a return ticket or other sort of proof that you plan on leaving. You can also use a passport card if you have one. If you are traveling to the Bahamas for tourism purposes for 90 days or less you do not need a visa.

Palawan, Philippines

El Nido is the northern part of Palawan island, one of 7641 islands in the Philippines. Enclosed by the rocky hills and other natural barriers, El Nido beaches provide an unforgettable journey. In addition, there are boat tours that take you in between the mountains, making memories for a lifetime.

As long as a US citizen has 6 months of validity from date of entry on their passport, they can enter the Philippines without a visa (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months for tourism purposes). Regardless if you have a visa or not, you will need a return or onward ticket.

Bermuda

The name comes from the shape of the beach, and definitely does not disappoint. Like Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas, there are certain times of the year where the sand becomes pink for the same reasons. In addition to being just as stunning as any beach you can find in the world, the prices will also be generally cheaper than traveling over the Atlantic.

As long as you have a passport valid for 45 days from the date of departure and one blank page in the passport, there is no need for a visa if you come back to the US directly from Bermuda. You will need a return ticket upon arrival to prove you intend to leave in due time.

Some of The Best Countries to Travel on a Budget in 2019

There are many places to visit in this world, but before you book your ticket, read this blog first. We will give you a list of the best countries to travel on a budget. The cost is based on how much you will pay per day.

There are other countries that will offer similar memories, however, the cost will be the difference. Also, be sure to have all your travel documents in order before you travel.

Indonesia

Indonesia has beautiful beaches, lush rice paddies, and elaborate temples. It is known as a backpacker paradise. Places to visit in Indonesia are Bali, Lombok, Java, and Sumatra.

As a budget traveler, Bali will cost $27 a day and Jakarta $22. You will pay $32 per night in Bali at a four-star hotel or $8-$12 at a hostel. If you want your personal driver, you can have one for 10 hours, and it will cost you only $50.

India

India has a lot to take in in just one day. So, you must stay for a few days. It is well with budget and you surely well get all you can for it. You can visit Delhi, Goa, and Mumbai.

The cost is very reasonable in these locations. For instance, hotels in Delhi can cost as low as $30 per night and more in Mumbai. However, you will pay $8-$10 per night at a hostel.

In India, one of the cheapest things you will come across is the food. Street vendors have some of the best foods like steam dumplings, dosa, and biryani rice that will cost less than a dollar.

Poland

Poland is another country that won’t disappoint you when it comes to cost. Food and a place to stay is so reasonable. If you want to visit at a four-star hole, it will cost about $50 per night in Warsaw. However, at a hostel, you will pay $6 per night.

The food is also cheap. A plate of perogies, well known for its popularity in Poland, will cost about $5. For beer lovers, you can have a half liter for under $2.

Anyone who wishes to visit the Chopin Museum, it is $5, and Krakow’s National Museum is less than $3.

Bolivia

In South America, Bolivia is one of the least expensive places to visit. It is estimated that you can spend $27 a day to tour different areas. You can buy street foods like the saltenas for as little a dollar. Visiting a museum will cost less than $3.

The four-star hotels in Bolivia are a bit pricey. You will be about $70 a night or if you are willing to save, look for hostels that will cost a lot less.

Mexico City

Mexico City is known for its hustle and bustle, but beyond all that, you will find the prices to be reasonable. You will pay under $30 per night at a four-star hotel. It will be even cheaper at a hostel.

We all love some Mexican cuisine. So, you can have all the tacos or tamales for about 30-50 cents each. You can have a full course meal for as little as $30.

Getting around is cheaper than driving yourself. You can use the metro that is about a quarter and $5-$6 with an Uber.

Costa Rica

In Central America, there are a couple of countries that will make you feel like you are in paradise. Costa Rica is one of these countries. You have beaches, rain forest, and volcanoes to see.

In San Jose, you can spend about $29 a day and $6-$15 per night at a hostel. For dinner, it will cost just about $10 and the local imperial lager for $1-$2 per bottle.

On the high end, a four-star hotel will cost about $125 per night. As a compliment, you get a pass to the Baldi Hot Springs for way more than the regular price.

NJ is Preparing to Implement the Real ID Act. Do you need one?

Many states have implemented the Real ID Act, but just a few are still in the process of doing so. If you are not familiar with the Real Id Act, it is a law implemented by Congress to have security features on government-issued ID. The IDs include driver’s licenses and non-driver ID.

To travel domestically, you can use your ID as identification. Once the Real ID Act is fully implemented, any ID not in compliant will be rejected. What that means is you will not be allowed to board your flight. So, New Jersey like many other states is getting ready to have its IDs change by the summer of 2019.

Should you get the Real ID?

That depends. If you are a frequent flyer and use your ID to fly domestic, then you should get the new ID with the latest security features. Keep in mind, once the state has fully implemented the changes, the current IDs will become invalid at airports. However, an alternative document to use at the airport is your passport.

How to get the New Real ID

Currently, preparations are in progress at all Department of Motor Vehicle Agencies. The equipment is getting tested and ready to eliminate any mishaps that may arise. Also, the DMV is working on plans to accommodate the 6.4 million licensed drivers if most decide to make the change.

Steps you may take to get the Real ID

You can replace your current ID, expired or not, by applying at the DMV. You must provide the usual six points of identification when you apply. If your driver’s license or state ID is still valid, the cost of a replacement is $11. For those with an expired document, you will pay the full price.

Some people may be able to apply online. The DMV will inform you by mail if you are chosen to apply online. Others will need to apply in person. If you are getting an ID for the first time, you must apply in person.

How do I know if my ID is compliant?

Since 2011, New Jersey has been issuing enhanced driver’s license with over 20 overt and covert security features. The Real ID Act will implement even more security features. If you compare the old with the new, you may be able to see some changes like a star in the upper right corner. However, others are only visible if scanned.

Now, your IDs are not compliant. Once the DMV provides a definitive date of the release, you can change your document.

How will DMV help with the process?

The DMV is anticipating lines once the date is set. So, to prevent long lines and a smooth process, the agency will hire 209 full-time and 80 part-time agents. The agency will also extend the hours on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm and 8 am to 3 pm on Saturdays.

The agency has also suggested the best times to go and avoid long lines. It recommends going mid-month and mid-morning or mid-afternoon. These are times when lines are shorter.

Overall

The change of a driver’s license or state-issued ID is coming whether you are ready or not. It will affect anyone who uses an ID to fly domestic. So, if you are one of these people, get the new ID. If you don’t, after September 31, 2020, your ID will have “not for Real ID purpose” printed on it. Then, you cannot use it to fly but still can for driving.

What To Know About The Microchip In Your U.S. Passport

Security has become a significant concern for many countries when it comes to identification documents issued. Not only on documents use to travel but also on spending. For instance, many cards like your bank or credit card have security features visible to you, the microchip.

The chip is used to store information about the bearer of the document. For a passport, the information obtained after scanning the chip will produce a person’s biometrics and address. Also, a photo of the person.

Why worry about your information getting stolen?

The RFID chip or radio frequency identification is more secure than you think. The State Department issues new passports with a chip that makes it difficult for anyone to take information from.

Security Measures Taken

First, to get information from a passport, it must be open and scan at a close range. So, if you are walking around with your passport in your pocket, losing your information to someone is next to impossible.
Second, the information on your passport will not help anyone to steal your identity. There is not plenty of information on a passport like there is on a credit or bank card. Also, if the data gets taken and change when the chip is scanned, your information like your picture pops up and the person using it will get caught right away.
Third, if you still think you prefer not to take any wrist with your passport, you can, but an RFID shielded wallet to keep it in. The wallet will prevent losing your information from being scanned by anyone who is not authorized to do so.