Lake Tahoe At Dusk

Lake Tahoe At Dusk
TIME TO GET AWAY

Friday, September 21, 2012

IS YOU PASSPORT VALID and READY TO TRAVEL?

Open your door to Travel and have a Passport that is ready to Travel to an International Destination.  Being Safe and Prepared by holding a valid passport for everyone in your family is something you can assure with a periodical look to make sure your Passports are Valid and Ready to Travel. 

There are people who have recently booked a Vacation, but their passport is going to expire.  Don't get caught in the cycle of planning your vacation, but not being prepared totally.

If you need to apply for a passport here is the perfect place to read all about the requirements - http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_4855.html

Planning an International Vacation requires your passport to be valid for a minimum of 6 months  past the return date of your vacation.  I advise my clients to make sure that their passport is valid for at least 9 months to give them a little lee-way.  All the expense that goes into planning and purchasing a Wonderful Vacation, shouldn't be met with an un expected denial to board. 

Recently the cruise lines have implemented requiring a Passport for certain cruise itineraries.  I try to make sure where the cruise is departing from and advise the clients that it is always a good idea to have a passport.  If you are visiting a foreign country but depart and return to the same US port you will not be required to have a passport.  WARNING NOTICE is if you are just traveling with a government issued ID you might have an emergency and have to depart from a foreign port.  This is where things can be a problem.  WISE to be prepared and just purchase your passport and make sure it is valid.  AN INFORMED TRAVELER IS A HAPPY TRAVELER. 

If you are looking for information on renewing your passport the best website is going right to the State Government Website   http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html


Remember the  Adult Passports are valid for 10 years and Children Passports are valid for 5 years.  If you need to get a passport in a hurry the information is attached. 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Activities for the Family - The Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race

Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012


Activities for the Family that you must put on your bucket list for next year.  Attending the Great Reno Balloon Races should be on the top of your list.  Packing up the family with a breakfast picnic seemed to be very popular at the Balloons usually are ready to take off anytime ofter 5:00 am. 

Have you ever been to The Great Reno Balloon Races?  There were cars all over the hill parked to see the event.  You must be up early to see the Dawn Patrol.  The Balloons are lite up with the dark sky all around.  This is truly a beautiful sight as the hissing of the gas is used to get the Balloon Drifting and using the air currents.

A few Balloons were able to take off this morning but I found that they drifted way up North of the Landing Area by University of Reno.  The Event was packed and well attended.  There is just something peaceful and beautiful watching the balloons in the sky.  I felt lucky to be right underneath one of the balloons that were actually able to take of this morning. 

There is a great website to help you find information about parking, events, donations and the schedule of activities.  Find the information at http://www.renoballoon.com/  I found this site helpful in deciding where to watch the balloons without having to deal with  all the traffic.






Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno is the Location of the Balloon Races.
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012.  If you are coming up to Reno there are several good deals for hotel rooms aat the end of the summer.  Next year book ahead and enjoy this activity with your family and build some new memories.  For hotel reservations give me a call and I will set you up with the perfect weekend package.  http://travelatheart.com