My travel

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so.

Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Denmark
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Iceland
11. Ireland
12. Italy
13. Japan
14. Liechtenstein
15. Luxembourg
16. Monaco
17. Netherlands
18. New Zealand
19. Norway
20. Portugal
21. San Marino
22. Singapore
23. Slovenia
24. Spain
25. Sweden
26. Switzerland
27. United Kingdom

The Department of Homeland Security recently signed the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Malta, and Korea government representatives.

These MOU’s do not admit these countries into the Visa Waiver Program; they are agreements for further cooperation on the security provisions that are required under the new VWP law. They are only a first step in working out details for the entire array of security and information sharing commitments found in VWP law.

Nationals of VWP countries must meet the conditions noted in the section above in order to seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who do not meet these conditions must apply for a visa. In particular, a visa must be requested if the traveler:

* Wants to remain in the United States for longer than 90 days, or envisions that they may wish to change their status (from tourism to student, etc.) once in the United States;

* Wants to work or study in the United States, wants to come to the United States for other purposes not allowed on a visitor visa, or intends to immigrate to the United States;

* Does not have a machine-readable passport (MRP) issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05, or is unable to meet other requirements outlined above for passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 or October 26, 2006.

* Intends to travel by private aircraft or other non-signatory air or sea carriers to the United States;

* Has been refused a visa or admission to the United States before, or did not comply with the conditions of previous VWP admissions (90 days or less stay for tourism or business, etc.); or

* Has a criminal record or other condition making them ineligible for a visa.

Steven A. Culbreath, Esq.
Immigration Lawyer

saculbreathlaw@tampabay.rr.com
http://www.saculbreathlaw.com/blog/

There’s nothing like a cheap holiday in Tenerife to take away the stresses and boredom of the working life. Something about the combination of sun, sand and generous cocktails make it one of my favourite locations to unwind. But when the evening falls, what are the island’s best hotspots? Here’s my personal top 5 night clubs in Tenerife.

Brannigans

If you’re into indie and rock music, this is probably the best night club in Tenerife. It may only be small, and it can get a little overcrowded on busy nights, but if indie, chart and old school RnB is your idea of a good night, this is the only choice. The staff are friendly and helpful, there’s an outside area if the heat of the dance floor gets too much, and best of all there are drinking games throughout the evening - really fun to watch, even if you don’t feel like joining in!

Player’s Lounge

Sometimes you just want the basics: cheap drinks and decent music, and for that Player’s Lounge fits the bill perfectly. One of the cheapest night clubs in Tenerife, you can pick from the usual premium brands as well as enjoying a good selection of bottled drinks without breaking the bank. The small bar feel means that it’s a good place to start the evening, and you shouldn’t need to shout to be heard making it the perfect bar to get ready for an evening out. The music isn’t really the main focus here, but the DJ usually plays a mix of funky house and RnB. With Lineker’s just opposite, you’re not too far from something a bit more pumping should you like, making Player’s Lounge a great place to see where the night takes you.

Lineker’s

Lineker’s may sound like it’s just making a play for one of England’s greatest footballers for it’s name, but this night club in Tenerife is actually owned by the man himself’s brother! As a result, the club is predictably sports themed - if there’s sports on, you can bet it will be broadcast across the venue’s many screens. At night, the club becomes a great venue, playing the best tunes from the past few decades - a fact not lost on the staff, who regularly join in on the dances. On top of this, the terrace makes for a relaxing area to chill out with a game of pool, or just the fresh night air.

Leonardo’s

Leonardo’s is a huge bar with a great reputation for entertainment throughout the day. During daylight hours, the club plays classic TV, while at night it becomes a club hosting live music and comedians as well as DJs playing the best music from every era. The club is huge and cheap and should definitely be on everybody’s list of ‘must visits’ while on a cheap holiday in Tenerife.

Tramp’s Nightclub

This is probably the best known club in Tenerife and it really lives up to its reputation. Not a massive venue, it more than makes up for it in terms of atmosphere and popularity. While not quite up there with the clubs in Ibiza, Tramp’s still manages to attract the likes of Lisa Lashes, Judge Jules and Dave Pearce. The best thing about the club (other than its long opening hours) is the variety of music you get- over the last two years an RnB room and an indie pop area have been added to traditional line-up of dance and funky house. Although there are many great clubs in Tenerife, none can compare to Tramp’s.

This is just off the top of my head and there are many other great bars and clubs to spend your evenings. Look around and you’ll find that the island’s nightclubs have something for everyone on a cheap holiday to Tenerife.

Daniel Eyre is the Product Manager of Search Travel Online. Search Travel Online is part of the Co-operative Group, specialising in cheap holidays in Tenerife the Algarve, Costa Brava, Majorca, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol, Andorra, Egypt, Malta and the Canaries.

Catalonia shares it’s northern border with the countries of Andorra and France in the mountainous Pyrenees. The Mediterranean Sea forms it eastern border with the coast running south west down as far as the region of Valencia. The eastern border is shared with the region of Aragon. Throughout history Catalonia has struggled for greater autonomy in it’s relationship with Spain. In attempts to gain full independent it has on more than occasion revolted. Few Catalonians today aspire to have any real expectations of independence but the struggle for greater autonomy within Spain continues.

History - Greeks and Romans established trade along this part of the Mediterranean coast. In the middle ages Catalan art and literature flourished and the now established coastal trade saw merchants become very powerful rivalling those of Venice and Genoa. In 1461 Catalonia rose up in protest at it’s alliance with Aragon but the rebellion was crushed. The subsequent union of Aragon with Castile side lined Catalonia. Trade routes were moved, commercial income fell, famines and plagues all contributed to it’s decline. But the Catalonian desire for independence continued. It rose against Philip IV during the thirty year war of 1618-48 and followed that by taking the side of Archduke Charles in the War of the Spanish Succession against Philip V. It was a centre for socialist influence at the turn of the 19th Century. 1931 saw the Catalans establish a separate government which went on to win autonomy from the Spanish Cortes in 1932. Two years later a revolution for complete independence failed, but in another 2 years autonomy was restored. In the Spanish civil war of 1936-39, Catalonia once again picked the wrong side and following Franco’s victory over the republicans the region suffered badly and the cherished Catalan language was banned in public life. In 1978 it was restored and is now an official language of the region along with Castilian or Spanish. It elected its first parliament as an autonomous region in 1980. By the mid-1990s Catalan nationalists had become a force in both the region’s and the nation’s politics.

Catalonia comprises four provinces, Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona and Lleida, all are named after their capitals.

Girona or Gerona in the north sits on the Onyar River. Dating from pre-Roman times, the old town has preserved its medieval aspect. Girona was ruled by the Moors from 714 to 797. During the Peninsular War of 1808-09 the town resisted the Napoleon’s French forces. Industries today include chemical production, machinery, paper making and textiles. Outside the city and on the coat the beaches and coves around Begur and Palafrugell and particularly attractive. Or take in a sunrise at the Cap de Crues, Spain’s most easterly point. Just to the south is the enchanting whitewashed village of Cadaques built around a rocky bay. The artist Salvador Dali spent the holidays of his youth there and later lived in the nearby village of Port Lligat. The barren shorelines, odd formations of rocks and desolate moonscapes so typical of his paintings can be seen in abundance throughout the locality. The Teatre-Musea Dali is located in the town of Figueres and contains a great deal of the artist’s works. The Pyrenees, in the north of the province, offer many opportunities for walking and hiking, the Parc Nacional d’Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici being one of the most attractive areas. There are several ski stations operating throughout the winter months.

There is evidence of some settlement in the area going back to the 15th century BC but Barcelona is reputed to take it’s name from the powerful Carthaginian family of Barca who founded the basis for the city as we know it today. Under the Romans and Visigoths the city flourished. In the 8th century it fell to the Moors and in 801 it was taken by Charlemagne, who included it in the Spanish March. The March became independent under the leadership of the powerful counts of Barcelona in the 9th and 10th centuries, They won lands from the Moors to the south and acquired all of Catalonia. In 1137, following the marriage of Count Raymond Berengar IV to the heiress of Aragon the two regions became united. The city of Barcelona became the capital as it was for future kings of Spain. A well ruled Barcelona expanded trade in the Mediterranean. Its cloth industry flourished and it became a powerful centre of banking and commerce. Around 1400 saw the peak in it’s fortunes, decline followed along with the rest of Catalonia. The French occupied the city on three occasions in 1640-52, 1715 and 1808-14. Catalan separatism centred on Barcelona and the city was the scene of many insurrections. It revolted against Philip IV of Spain from 1640-52. It also became the Spanish centre of socialism and other radical political doctrines around 1900. Barcelona was the capital of the region’s autonomous government from 1932-39. During the civil war the Spanish Loyalist government sat in Barcelona until it fell to Franco’s forces in early 1939. The region saw demonstrations against Franco’s dictatorship throughout the 1950’s. Today Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the claims to be cultural centre of the country. It is the capital of the Catalonian region and more than one third of region’s population reside there. Barcelona is also Spain’s largest port and its chief commercial centre with international banking and finance houses. It is a major industrial centre and production includes aviation, chemicals, electrical equipment, foundries, locomotives, machinery, textiles and vehicles. The city itself is modern, with wide avenues, bustling traffic and striking new architecture. By contrast the well preserved old city, Roman walls can still be seen, is filled with narrow, winding streets and ancient structures, including a cathedral, many churches, the city hall and the Lonja or exchange. Barcelona is the site of a reputed opera house, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museum of Catalonia and the Picasso Museum. In 1992 it hosted the summer Olympics. The remainder of the province of Barcelona is in the main hilly or mountainous. But it also home to some highly fertile plains where cereals grapes and olives are grown. The province also produces one third of Spain’s wine. Much of the area’s power is generated by hydroelectric plants built on the Ebro, Cinca and Segre rivers. The coastline, stretching nearly 400 kilometres has many good harbours and marinas, excellent fisheries and an buoyant tourist trade. West of Barcelona you will find the vineyards of the Penedes area. Also the mountain of Montserrat, on a clear day the peak at 1236m above sea level offers views of the Pyrenees to the north and to Mallorca in the Balearic Islands to the south east.

Tarragona sits on the mouth of the river Francola on the Mediterranean. It was formally known as Tarraco and in 218BC was captured by Roman forces. They built up is fortifications against attack by the Carthaginians. The ruins of Roman walls and an aquaduct remain still. It fell to both the Visigoths and the Moors in the 5th and 8th centuries respectively. The Christians recaptured it in the 12th century but when it’s trade was captured by either regions Barcelona or Valencia it fell into decline. In 1903 Carthusian monks settled in the city having been expelled from La Grande Chartreuse in France. Their famous liqueur is produced here to this day. Today it is important as both a commercial centre and port. Industries include flour mills, an oil refinery and wine production and export. Some of the countries finest wines are made nearby in the Priorat region.

Lleida lies on the river Segre. Formally known as Llerda, Julius Ceasar defeated the generals of Pompey here in 49 BC. The Moorish invasion from the south saw Lleida fall in 714. It was liberated by Christian forces in 1149. By tradition a strategic, fortified city, Lleida became a key defence point for Barcelona in the Spanish civil war. It eventually fell to Franco’s forces in the April of 1938 having withheld for nine long months. A castle, whose ramparts enclose a Romanesque cathedral, dominates the old section of the city. Lleida is the centre of a fertile farm area and agriculture predominates. There is little in the way of a manufacturing industry.

Ken Jones runs a Spanish Guide. More information about Catalonia can be found here. Find Spanish hotels & property for rent & sale in our Spanish Directory.

Considered one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, you may think that Laos has nothing to offer being a tourist destination. That didn’t hinder tourists to discover this archaeological wonder that has the makings of being an asia travel spot. Haven’t you heard, there’s this historical landmark that consists of thousands of jars scattered in the highlands of Laos called Plain of Jars. Situated at Xieng Khouang plain, this Laos pride consists of thousands of stone jars big and small distributed in the place.

It is believed that this stone jars ages from 1,500-2,000 years and older. According to a local folktale, the emerging of jars began when the king of the giants Khun Jeuam fought and won a battle against the evil ruler Chao Angka. The king, whose fond of throwing parties brew and store huge amounts of lao lao rice wine in this huge stone jars. When the archaeologists studied the jars, they have found burned bones, beads and iron tools leading them to the conclusion that these jars were used as giant urns to bury the dead. Another mystery yet unsolved is how the jars are made. Locals believed that these jars were made from clay, sand, sugar, and animal products mixing together to form a cement-like mixture.

Since the time of Pathet Lao-American war began, most of the jars were destroyed by bomb explosions leaving bomb craters and trench systems in the area. This makes the area dangerous until today due to unexploded bombs that was a result of massive bombardment of the recent wars. In fact only three sites of the plain is safe for visitors and locals alike. Aside from the huge stone jars, you can also found original artifacts like Buddhist statues, colonial items and scraps from the exploded bombs in the US war. Like no other, Plain of Jars is the mute witness of Laos’ historical occurrence in the past and in the years to come.

a blogger on the loose

http://asia-travel-freeport.blogspot.com/2008/05/laos-plain-of-jars.html

If you’re planning a visit to the island of Cyprus then it’s worth finding out some basic information before setting off. This guide offers a brief overview of the main towns and resorts on the island. Many people are surprised by the size of Cyprus. If you’re expecting a small island location then you might find that the reality is somewhat different to your expectations.

As the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has a diverse range of towns and resorts, each having its own distinct character. The advantage of this is that you can return here often without getting bored. The capital city is Nicosia and this is a town that is now like most capitals in the world. The reason for this difference is that Nicosia is split into two halves, much like the island itself.

Fortifications separate the Turkish Cypriots from the Greek influenced part of the city, which is to the south. Few think of Nicosia as a place to stay, although its fine old town does attract visitors who base themselves at other resorts on the island.

Paphos, by contrast, is a popular base for many tourists. Once the capital of the entire island, Paphos retains some of the splendour of its Roman heritage, together with the hotels that would be expected of a modern tourist resort.

Ayia Napa is one resort that many visitors have heard of. The centre of the island as far as music lovers are concerned, the resort itself has expanded from the original settlement, which was quiet and unassuming. If you want to stay away from the hectic nightlife of Ayia Napa, then Protaras has a more relaxed feel and is better suited to a family holiday.

Limassol, located on the island’s south coast, is another popular hub for tourists. It boasts countless modern hotels and developments, though some bemoan its lack of historical sites.

You can find out about travelling to Cyprus by reading the airports in Cyprus guide, which has further contributions from Keith Barrett.

This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

The Wildwoods are a popular New Jersey family beach resort with its free, wide, white, powdery sandy beaches, and a world class boardwalk with amusement piers, restaurants, food stands and salt water taffy shops, is now attracting visitors with an interest in Doo Wop.

Doo - Wop Heritage

The early days of this town’s vacation lodging architecture were wooden three and four-story Victorian hotels. With the onset of the Doo-Wop era, taken from the music industry’s definition of that period from 1948-61, working class people were experiencing an increase in leisure time, affluence, and new cars that are now known as classic Doo-Wop cars. These families from the Philadelphia and New York areas found this beach destination affordable, fun, and a great place to take the kids for a vacation.

This demand spurred the development of the town’s motel lodging that has since become known as “Doo Wop Architecture”. The beach side Motels are both affordable and convenient, were attractive to working class family vacationers. You could drive and park your car right alongside your room and didn’t have to cart your luggage through the hallways or worry about the kids making noise, or tracking their sandy feet indoors.

“Doo Wop Architecture” is a term coined by MAC (the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts) in the early 1990s to describe the unique, space-age architectural style that was common in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by modern, sweeping angles, bright colors, starbursts, boomerang shapes, plastic palm trees, and angular wall and roof styles.

With its many nightclubs, this Jersey Shore destination was a natural to attract many of the era’s biggest “Doo-Wop” music stars, and they became a reinforcement of Wildwood as a classic “Doo-Wop” destination.

While The Wildwoods can boast of having the biggest concentration of 1950s and 1960s motels anywhere in the world, they are now losing out to real estate market pressures to convert to condos. Rapidly rising land values and the prohibitive cost of renovating their old motels are compelling motel owners to sell out to condo developers that make lucrative purchase offers.

By the mid 90s, business leaders realized they needed a way to pump new life into their resort community. They called in consultants who saw uniqueness in the 50s motels. While most of the motels were open and in need of repair, they were barely surviving with summer family vacationers. Learning from Miami Beach who capitalized on the preservation of its 1930s art deco buildings, and from neighboring Cape May who profited from the revitalization their late 19th century Victorian architecture, they recognized that heritage tourism is growing in popularity and it is directly linked to the uniqueness of a tourist destination.

The Doo Wop Preservation League of Wildwood was formed and today is actively trying to preserve that classic Doo Wop “feel” from becoming a memory. They are determined to protect their uniqueness by pushing for a national heritage listing and hoping for funds to help restore many of the buildings.

The determination to preserve its “Doo Wop” heritage is symbolized by the convention center that welcomes boardwalk visitors with an angular roof, curved entrance way and neon signature. Across the street, is the Doo Wop museum, featuring period furniture, neon and street signs from the 1950s.

The Ideal Affordable Family Vacation Destination

The beaches cannot be topped! This shore destination has the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. The sand is amazingly soft, powdery-white, and very wide with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy. It is also free, a rarity with New Jersey beaches. The warm water lasts longer than the northern stretch of the Jersey Shore and offers an extended summer season that thrives until the end of September and begins to wind down in October.

During the summer, The Wildwoods are host to a number of events including championship volleyball tournaments, monster truck races, concerts, movies on the beach, and ethnic festivals.

The boardwalk, two miles or 38 blocks long, along the North Wildwood and Wildwood stretch of shore line, claims to have more rides than Disneyland

The Wildwoods encompass North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.

North Wildwood has, up to a quarter mile wide beach, motels, restaurants, beds and breakfasts, a landmark Hereford Lighthouse with its award winning gardens, and a wild life preserve. North Wildwood is also host to many ethnic festivals including the Italian and Irish festivals.

Wildwood is the center of family fun and entertainment and is known for its roller coaster rides, food and ice cream stands, and saltwater taffy. It has a tram which transports vacationers throughout the length of the boardwalk. The main amusement center is Morey’s Piers with three other Piers and a water park providing rides and amusements for all ages. The town also hosts the New Jersey firemen’s convention in September.

Wildwood Crest is a bit more residential than either of its two northern neighbors but still shares the Doo Wop motel architecture. In contrast, the setting of this town is a bit more natural especially with the town’s beach conservation efforts to protect sand dunes and dune grass. While many Doo Wop Motels remain, many are being replaced with multi - story condo’s. The town also hosts “Thunder on the Beach” Monster Truck Race in September.

On the bayside, you can find a plentiful supply of private, charter, and party boats for daily bay and deep sea fishing excursions, and sight seeing and whale watching trips. There is also sailing, jet skiing, and motor boating.

A wide variety of accommodations are available throughout The Wildwoods, from motel units with efficiency kitchens, to modern condominiums and multi-room apartments with choices for every budget.

Frank Dalotto is a freelance writer and travel consultant and is the owner and editor of New Jersey Leisure Guide and a travel consultant for Leisure Travel Mart.
He is a member of ASTA (American Association of Travel Agents) and CLIA (Cruise Line International Association).

His academic credentials are:
MBA, Pace University
BSEE, University of Missouri