No more passport page inserts for frequent travelers - FoxNews.com

I stumbled upon this article this morning. It is a good thing that I just got the jumbo passport to begin with.

When I was applying for my last passport renewal, the lady asked me if I wanted a "jumbo passport." She said it is the same price for either size, but the extensions will cost you later. So, I opted for the "jumbo passport" to be safe than sorry. Good thing too, I would now have to get a whole new passport if would have ended up needing more space in a small passport after December 31st 2015.

Fox News' Article:

"If you travel overseas a lot, now may be a good time to take a close look at your passport.  

The State Department said Thursday that starting Jan. 1 it will no longer offer the 24-page inserts you can buy when you run out of pages to existing passport books.

Adults running out of space for new visas in their 28-page passports will have to pay $110 for a new passport of either 28 or 52 pages. The prices are slightly lower for minors—but passports for children 16 and under are only valid for 5 years, as opposed to 10 years for adults."

To read the full article click here!

Article Source: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/11/20/no-more-passport-page-inserts-for-frequent-travelers/?intcmp=hpff

Updated - Extra Travel Tips

If you read my previous post ("What To Do If Your Passport Gets Stolen While Abroad") you might be wondering why I only talked about one's passport getting stolen and not including other often stolen items (credit cards, phones, cash, etc). I focused on just the passport because when you are traveling abroad, your passport (possibly with needed visas inside) is your main travel document to get in or out of most countries.

So in regard the other often stolen items, I have posted below some of my personal habits that help reduce my risk of theft while abroad:

Simply put: "The less you have/carry the less you can possibly lose."

Since my phone will not work while abroad, I will usually leave it and/or my iPad in a room safe... if I am not looking for Wi-Fi. Just remember to collect it before checking-out. Getting a cheap, UNLOCKED, phone for use with international sim cards might be a good option for some.

Personally I carry very little cash, if any at all, on me when I'm traveling or even while at home. I hate carrying cash to be honest and in this day in age it is often not needed in most developed cities around the world. However, there are places that do not accept cards (credit or debit, maybe not even your type; Amex, Visa, Discover, etc) so having some cash  might be okay, just be willing cut a loss for a little if I have to.

Also, I no longer use debit cards while abroad. Debit cards are much riskier to personal finances if compromised, they almost never offer any reward benefits, many still do not have EMV chips (almost an absolute necessity for European travel) and most have the dreaded foreign transaction fee. If you don't have two credit cards, take a debit card as a back-up for a main credit card, Just remember, that if you plan to use cards while traveling, to NEVER only travel with just one card and like cash don't carry all your cards in the same, pocket/location.

Now, if I am to recommend a credit card for traveling, I will recommend the one that I use personally... the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. As a "frequent" traveler abroad, to this card fits my current travel needs and my domestic life best. The benefits are great (no foreign transaction fees, X2 points on all travel and dining, no wait customer service, free-overnight card replacement, some travel and purchase protection insurance, to name a few)! Also you can transfer the points earned at 1:1 value to a good selection of other airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. For more information on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, click here! Note: As a user of this card I take part in a Chase "Refer a Friend" promotion. If you click the link provided in this paragraph, apply and are subsequently approved, I will get compensated in the form of bonus points on my end. Also I do not work for Chase nor do I guarantee their cards' benefits in any way.

I hope that you find the above information helpful to you. At the very least, do some research of your own on a good travel credit card that fits you and your lifestyle. Getting a dedicated travel credit card was one of my best decisions yet!

What To Do If Your Passport Gets Stolen While Abroad

A number of years ago when I was with my mom in St. Petersburg, Russia I was told upon returning to my cruise ship that a couple of passengers had their passports stolen while on shore.  Apparently, they too were touring the Peterhof Palace that day.

Now I have never, thank God, been pick-pocketed in any manner... even when I was in cities like Barcelona, Spain (the Pick-Pocket Capital of Europe). However, I know of fellow travelers who have been pick-pocketed. As I hear about their stories and incidents like what happened in Russia got me wondering what should I do if my passport ever gets stolen while I'm abroad. Well, below is a US Government link pertaining to just that question.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/lost-or-stolen-passports-abroad.html

Making Sure Your Valuables Stay Yours - By: Jennifer Conlin

I have been pick-pocketed only once in my extensive traveling life. It was in Los Angeles on Hollywood Boulevard, where the thief managed to undo my backpack, grab my wallet and never even touch the arm of my husband draped around my shoulder. A few years later, near Westminster Abbey in London, two girls “accidentally” bumped into my mother, as well as her large purse, apologizing to us profusely as they walked away with her wallet.

Read full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/12/fashion/pants-designed-to-outsmart-pickpockets.html?_r=0

Four Requirements You Should Know Before Renting a Car in Europe - By: Ken Tang Eng

Renting a car during your European holiday is extremely convenient since you will be able to visit more places easier. However, renting automobiles can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with the regulations. Learn some requirements below before deciding on renting a car in Europe.

 

1. Age restrictions

For the most part, the minimum age for renting a vehicle in Europe is 21. However, some countries and car companies may set their minimum age restriction at 25 years of age. Besides minimum age limits, maximum age limits may also be applied in some countries by some rental firms. Generally, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, the maximum age limit for renting a car is 75 years old, while renters between 70-75 years of age are levied a Senior Driver Surcharge having various additional charges.

2. Driver's license

The International Driving Permit or IDP is an official document written in 10 languages that serves as an addition to your local driving license, and is honored in about 150 United Nations member countries. The IDP is not required in most European countries. However, if you are traveling in Italy, Spain or the former Soviet Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, you will need the document. Note that holding an IDP alone won't give you permission to drive a rented car in these countries. You will also need to accompany your IDP with a valid passport and a driver's license from your home country that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the rental.

3. Border crossing

If you are planning to visit different European countries with the rented car, it is wise to study each country's laws and regulations. When you visit any foreign country, you are subject to the country's laws. Never forget to equip yourself and your passenger with complete documents such as passport, visa, vehicle registration, driving permit, travel documents and a cross border fee. Each time you reach a border between two countries, you may be required to stop to have your documents and vehicle checked by Customs Officers. Note that some Eastern European countries may prohibit cross border travel in a rented car.

4. Miscellaneous

- In general, European countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland drive on the right hand side of the road.

- Most European countries forbid the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.

- Car rentals in Europe offer cars with manual as well as automatic transmission. Cars with manual transmission will typically be cheaper than the automatic ones.

- Wearing seat belts is a must while driving.

- European cars measure speed in kilometers per hour. Speed limits are posted in km/hr.

- Distances on maps and in publications are only listed in kilometers.

- Always bring your driver's license and IDP along while driving.

Your European vacation will be more enjoyable with a rented car. Visit our site to find the best car rental in Europe [http://www.carrentalineurope.net/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_Tang_Eng/1209783

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6787841