Here are 8 apps you can download before your next trip.
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Travel Tips
Connect Global ha viajado a América Central y del Sur por más de 16 años. Estamos monitoreando constantemente los medios de comunicación tanto globales como regionales, así como la información a nivel del Departamento de Estado local y de los EE. UU. Sobre todos los temas que podrían ser de interés para nuestro personal, socios, miembros del equipo y aquellos a quienes servimos. Con ese fin, hemos estado observando y aprendiendo de cerca tanto como podemos sobre las preocupaciones más recientes sobre este novedoso Coronavirus, COVID-19.
Connect Global has traveled to Central and South America for over 16 years. We are constantly monitoring global as well as regional news outlets, as well as both US and local State Department level information on all issues that would be of concern to our staff, partners, team members, and those we serve. To that end, we have been closely watching and learning as much as we can about the most recent concerns about this novel Coronavirus, COVID-19.
“I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth, then if ask myself the same question.”
Sometimes we forget that we were created to fly.
We forget we are created to seek. We forget that we are created for a lot of things that we never get around to doing.
Why is that?
It could be our comfort, our Fear, or even Lack of faith. Whatever the reason, we allow it to ground an incredible creature designed for so much more.
Don't let your ability to fly be exchanged for something else.
Passport Renewal App Guides you through the process
Frequent flyers may need passport renewals, too, because the State Department has stopped adding visa pages to U.S. passports. Until this year, passport holders could pay to have 24-page visa inserts added when their passports were full.
The ItsEasy app guides customers through the passport renewal process, starting with determining whether the expired passport is actually renewable.
There are numerous reasons why a passport may not be renewable, said David Alwadish, CEO and president of the app’s developer, ItsEasy.com. “For example, the traveler may not have the most recent passport in his or her possession, or it may be damaged beyond what is acceptable to the Department of State. Or the most recent passport may have expired more than five years ago.
“In each of these cases, the customer would need to apply for a new passport rather than a renewal.”
The ItsEasy app provides guidelines for taking a passport photo with your smartphone, and a gauge to help ensure that faces are sized to the proper dimensions.
The app sends an email with a printable passport renewal form and a USPS Priority Mail shipping label to be affixed to a 9 x 12 envelope. The user fills out the renewal form, puts it in the envelope with his most recent passport and then drops it in any mailbox.
The State Department charges $110 to renew a passport within the standard time frame (about six weeks, according to Cocks), and $170 for an expedited one. There’s an additional service fee of $29.95 if you use the ItsEasy app.
ItsEasy provides some nifty services for free, though. “If you submit your email address and your passport’s expiration date, we will send you a reminder nine months before your passport expires,” Alwadish said.
The app also has a panic button. “In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, we provide step-by-step instructions on what to do if you’re abroad or in the United States.”
Uncle Sam’s best advice for passport holders? Don’t wait until the last minute to renew.
“Applying early will allow you to save the additional $60 expedite fee,” said Cocks. “If you have a valid passport, be sure to check its expiration date before you make travel reservations. Some countries will not let you enter if your passport will expire in fewer than six months.”
Reposted From:
"Now you can renew your passport with an app"
Published February 25, 2016
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is the family vacations expert at About.com.
The Zika Virus is gaining attention in South and Central America
Due to the recent news reports and stories bringing awareness to a mosquito-borne illness we thought it would be good to address our stance on this global health issue. I will reference directly to two sources, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, as well as World Health Organization, both of which we trust and have followed for over 11 years in our travels to Central, and South America as well as to Thailand.
What is Zika Virus?
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
Where is Zika Virus?
Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus. Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission
Should I avoid travelling to areas where Zika virus is occurring?
Travellers should stay informed about Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases and consult their local health or travel authorities if they are concerned.
To protect against Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, everyone should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should follow this advice, and may also consult their local health authorities if travelling to an area with an ongoing Zika virus outbreak.
Based on available evidence, WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions related to Zika virus disease. As a precautionary measure, some national governments have made public health and travel recommendations to their own populations, based on their assessments of the available evidence and local risk factors.
Our Specific Plan
Connect Global has traveled to central and south america for a little over a decade. While there have always been valid concerns surrounding mosquito-borne viruses in our travels, we have used the information to create plans of prevention rather than just avoiding travel altogether. With the new outbreak of Zika Virus the main concern is for women who are pregnant.
There are several ways to prevent contraction of Zika and other viruses such as Malaria and Dengue Fever.
Wear long sleeve pants, and long sleeve shirts.
Use a mosquito repellant with deet
Spray or treat your clothing and bed sheets to repel mosquitos in addition to exposed skin
We recommend bringing a mosquito net you can use over your bed
There are always concerns when choosing to travel outside of your home country. Here are a few tips to consider:
We suggest getting informed - The more you know about the actual threat, the more you know about how to prevent the threat
Bring your own personal repellant and look into treated clothing and or bed nets to bring with you. Zika Virus Prevention via the CDC
Consult with your doctor about any vaccines that may be suggested for your intended destination
Weigh out the pros and cons of any and all prevention methods and or vaccines versus the likelihood of contracting the disease and the symptoms of each disease
If you have any comments or any other concerns, questions or tips to add, please leave a comment below.
From 4 Ways to Fly Through Airport Security
“Airport security technologies are sensitive — and for good reason. If you’re really looking to rev up your security line strategy, check out the following options that can help you get to the gate faster and sans stress”
4 Ways to Fly Through Airport Security
