| The United States is a popular destination for students, | | | | applies to all countries eligible under the U.S. Visa |
| backpackers, and those on a gap year adventure or | | | | Waiver Program (details are listed on the ESTA |
| taking a career break - in fact, just about everyone. It | | | | website). Visitors are now required to register their |
| is an amazing country, offering a diverse array of | | | | application online at least 72 hours prior to departure to |
| things to see and do. It is also relatively easy to travel | | | | the U.S. For further important information and advice |
| around in the U.S., by road, bus, train, or even by air. | | | | about travel to the U.S. or to any country it is always a |
| Cheap hotels, motels and backpacker hostels are | | | | good idea to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth |
| two-a-penny. It's a little over 3,000 miles from east | | | | Office (FCO) website, especially their excellent 'Know |
| coast to west coast, and those miles are jam-packed | | | | Before You Go' campaign. |
| with a zillion opportunities for excitement and | | | | One good reason to make sure your visa is in order - |
| adventure. | | | | and one that many travellers may not be aware of - is |
| Despite the many media reports it seems that word | | | | that if anything should go wrong travel insurance |
| has not got out to everyone and some travellers are | | | | policies usually exclude claims for losses associated |
| still unaware of the new Visa Waiver procedure for | | | | with failure to obtain necessary visas. Ignorance is no |
| visiting the U.S. - which was implemented in January | | | | excuse - and being denied entry could cause a lot of |
| 2009. Failure to follow the new procedure could result | | | | unnecessary expense - not to mention crushing |
| in problems at the port of entry and even denial of | | | | disappointment. |
| entry. The new rules affect countries included in the | | | | Whether you plan to visit New York, the Florida Keys, |
| Visa Waiver Program - which was basically designed | | | | celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, head west to a |
| to cover travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for | | | | dude ranch in Wyoming, hike the Grand Canyon, lose |
| up to 90 days. Travellers who intend to stay in the U.S. | | | | your wages in Las Vegas, ski the Rockies, or see for |
| for longer than 90 days or have any issues which | | | | yourself where the movie stars live in Hollywood - a |
| might negatively affect admission would probably not | | | | visit to the U.S. is guaranteed to be an eye-opening |
| be eligible and should apply for a visa through the | | | | experience. Don't miss out on all this fun by failing to |
| normal channels. | | | | follow the proper procedure - or put yourself at |
| The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new | | | | unnecessary risk by neglecting to take out travel |
| 'Electronic System for Travel Authorisation' (ESTA) | | | | insurance! |