Travel and Vacation Info for the Whole Family

Do Some Research…
Going to a country where you’ve never been before? “Background Notes on the Countries of the World” is a series of short, factual pamphlets with information on the country’s land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, foreign relations, and U.S. Foreign policy. Each pamphlet also includes a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country map, and a reading list. Contact Public Affairs Bureau, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20520; 202-647-4000; www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/

When You Need Help…
Are you overseas and need medical assistance? What about if you are arrested or someone has died in another country? The Department of State has the Office of Citizens Services that can answer all you questions and direct you to places for further assistance. They have lists of doctors and lawyers located in the various countries that can help you, along with a multitude of other resources to help those in crisis in a foreign land. For more information contact The Office of Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State, Room 4811, 2201 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20520; 202-647-5225; http://travel.state.gov.

Should I Go There…?
Before you pack your bags, everyone should check out the latest news on the country or countries they are planning to visit. Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They include information as to the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country, unusual practices, health conditions, currency, crime, and much more. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides based on all relevant information to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. For more information contact The Office of Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State, Room 4817 NS, 2201 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20520; 202-647-5225; http://travel.state.gov/travel

Some Nighttime Reading…
Know before you go is a good motto to live by when traveling. The Department of State has put together a series of travel publications that provide good tips for travelers to various countries, as well as general information about traveling overseas. These are available for sale at a minimal cost or you can view them for free online. Publications include:

U.S. Consuls Help Americans Abroad
Crisis Abroad
Overseas Citizens Services
Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad
Sending Money Overseas to a U.S. Citizen in an Emergency
Your Trip Abroad
A Safe Trip Abroad
Tips for Older Americans
Tips for Students
Tips for Residing Abroad
Foreign Entry Requirements
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing Requirements for Entry to Foreign Countries
Medical Information For Americans Traveling Abroad

To order your copies, contact Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250; 202-512-1800; http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html

Overseas Security…
The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) was established in 1985 by the U.S. Department of State to foster the exchange of security related information between the U.S. Government and American private sector operating abroad. This has helped the American private sector and colleges and universities protect their investments and their personnel abroad. The OSAC publish a series of publications, including:

Security Guidelines for American Families Living Abroad
Security Guidelines for American Enterprises Abroad
Emergency Planning Guidelines for American Businesses Abroad
Personal Security Guidelines for the American Business Traveler Overseas
Security Guidelines for Children Living Abroad

For more information contact Overseas Security Advisory Council, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20522; 571-345-2223; http://www.state.gov/m/ds/terrorism/c8650.htm.

Free Passport and Travel Information…
The American Battle Monument’s Commission administers, operates and maintains twenty-four permanent American burial grounds on foreign soil. They provide a number of services to the families of these fallen heroes. They offer letters authorizing fee-free passports and travel information for members of the immediate family traveling overseas to visit a grave or memorial. For additional information, contact American Battle Monuments Commission, 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201; 703-696-6897; www.abmc.gov

Travel The World…
The Peace Corps’ objective is to promote world peace and friendship, to help other countries in meeting their needs for trained manpower, and to help promote understanding between the American people and other peoples served by the Peace Corps. Volunteers serve for a period of 2 years, living among the people with whom they work. Volunteers are expected to become a part of the community and to demonstrate, through their voluntary service, that people can be an important impetus for change. Volunteers receive a stipend and health insurance. Contact: Peace Corps, 1111 20th St., NW, Washington, DC 20526; 800-424-8580; Fax: 202-606-9410; www.peacecorps.gov.

Spend Your Vacation as a Moose Crossing Guard at Old Faithful…
The Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers donated 4.5 million hours of their time to national parks in 2003 - what a great way to spend your vacation time. If you are interested, you can help in a variety of ways and must contact each park to find out about available opportunities. http://nps.gov/volunteer/

International Volunteers-In-Parks Program offers opportunities to individuals from all over the world. Call 202-354-1807 for information on the International Program.

Natural Resource Laureate Program is a new program that hosts science-based professionals in the national parks. The program matches volunteers possessing proven science backgrounds with parks needing specific natural resource expertise. Call 540-788-3274 or check the web site at www.nature.nps.gov/partnerships/laureateprogram.htm for additional information.

Free Cars and Air Fare To Go On Vacation…
Not quite as easy as it sounds, but there are companies out there to help people move their cars. Most of the cars need to be driven across the country and in exchange, many car-moving companies offer free gas and airline travel home. This is not to say that you can take your family on a minivan vacation across the country. Certain rules and restrictions apply. But I have known many a college kid that has gotten to drive across the U.S. for free. Obviously, you do not get to pick your make and model, and you need to be flexible as to the departure time and destination, but this is one way to see America. Contact local moving companies to see what they have to offer. There is even a website for those interested in having their cars moved at www.movecars.com, and they may be able to provide you with information.

Fly Overseas for Free…
Air courier services operate the same way as car-moving companies, but you are required to have a valid passport. Most air freight services don’t do enough business to send a plane overseas each day. As a courier, you carry a package checked as baggage to an overseas destination. There have been no incidences of contraband problems, and customs is familiar with this service. You deliver the package to a company representative in the customs section of the airport, and then you are on our own. In exchange, you get to fly to exotic ports for FREE or cheap. Children are not allowed to accompany couriers. Contact companies listed in the air courier section of your phone book, do a web search using the terms “air courier service,” or contact Air Courier Association at 800-211-5119; or online at www.aircourier.org

5-15% Off When You Travel…
For those that prefer to leave the driving to others, two other discount programs include AMTRAK and Greyhound. AMTRAK offer 15% off any fare available to those 62 and older (800-USA-RAIL). Greyhound bus has a 5% discount for people 55 and over (800-229-8425). Greyhound also offers the Student Advantage Discount Card that can save students 15% on walk-up fares and more. The card costs $20 per year.

Passport in Time…
Have you always dreamt of being an archaeologist? If so, Passport in Time (PIT) is the volunteer program for you. PIT is a program of the USDA Forest Service. Volunteers can work on projects including archaeological excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archival research, historic structure restoration, gathering oral histories, or writing interpretive brochures, to name a few. Projects vary in length from 2 days to two weeks or longer. Check the web site or contact Passport in Time for current projects. Passport in Time, P.O. Box 31315, Tucson, AZ 85751-1315; 520-722-2716, 800-281-9176; www.passportintime.com.

Tons of Travel Options…
Are you interested in travel, learning about new photography techniques, golf, tennis or cooking? This web site lists thousands of learning and travel programs. Sponsors list their educational programs on this site and you can be search in a variety of ways and find just the right program for you! ShawGuides, Inc., P.O. Box 231295, New York, NY 10023; 212-799-6464; www.shawguides.com.

Hostel All Around The World…
Hostelling may be just what you need to afford travel throughout the world. They offer inexpensive overnight accommodations for travelers. Hostels offer dorm-like rooms with separate men and women sections. Some of the hostels even offer couple or family rooms. Most hostels provide kitchens, common rooms and secure storage. HI-USA is a non-profit organization that offers more than 4,000 hostels in 60 countries. Memberships for seniors 55 years and older are $18 per year, a $10 discount from the adult fee. For additional information contact Hostelling International-USA, National Office, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301-495-1240; www.hiusa.org

Learn to Sail and Save…
Have you always dreamed of being the master of your own helm? Learn to sail with the New York Sailing School and save $100 on the course fee if you are over 60 years old. To begin to sail away contact New York Sailing School, 22 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801-5753; 914-235-6052; www.nyss.com.

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I’m filming a new infomercial and would like to invite you to be a part of my studio audience. You’ll get $100 worth of FREE of books and DVD’s just for being there! Join me at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, in historic Frederick, Maryland on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. and get your questions answered about Government Money To Start Or Expand A Business. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information see www.lesko.com/audience or visit the Weinberg Center box office at www.weinbergcenter.org/performances/tickets2.cfm.

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