Every time I get ready to go
somewhere, I find there's some little detail of information I need
to find. It can be anything from, "Well, if it's this time in
Virginia, what time is it in Minnesota?" to "I wonder if there's an
ATM close to our hotel?"
Or, it could be passport questions, or
wondering what the weather is going to be like or what construction
headaches I may encounter ...
Anyway, Cheap Family Fun
has pulled all these little nuggets out of our "Favorite
Places" folder and put them neatly in one location for
you: "A
Safe Trip Abroad" by the U.S. State Department -- It's always a
good idea to check out this site before traveling abroad.
Adventure Cycling
Association -- We're also avid cyclists in our family and we
like the great tidbits of info we find here. Our bikes are always
hanging off the back of the van when we travel.
American Hiking
Society -- Great resource for the avid hiker/backpacker in the
family.
Auto Safety Hotline -- Good idea to check here often
if you travel by personal vehicle a lot.
Bicycle Helmet Safety
Institute -- Again, if you're an avid cyclist, this is a great
site to refer to. Different states have different laws concerning
helmets and bicycle safety equipment. Kids hate to wear them, but
you could end up with a fine in some areas for not having them on
the kiddo's head.
CDC Travelers' Health Information & Alerts --
Especially when traveling overseas, be sure to check here first for
updates on health warnings (such as SARS).
Child Passenger
Safety -- Laws vary from state-to-state. Stay up-to-date and
in-the-know for keeping your wee ones safe while on the
road.
Clothing and Shoe International Size Conversion Chart
-- This site is especially helpful when you're purchasing outdoor
apparel. Often, these products are manufactured overseas and are
sized by the system used in the country of manufacture.
Comprehensive National Park
Information and Recommendations -- This is another site I JUST
LOVE. I always recommend visiting this site before hitting the great
outdoors by any method or means.
Cruise Critic--
I've never been on a cruise, but this site is highly recommended by
a lot of friends as a great source for the true skinny on all the
options.
Currency Converter -- Please be sure to visit this
site before you visit outside your homeland. Understanding the
currency conversion can help save a lot of costly
mistakes.
Currency Converter -- This one can be printed in
wallet size for you to take on your trip with you.
Current U.S. Weather Conditions + State-by-State Weather
Condition Listings-- Be sure to check here before you go so
you'll know what to expect from Mother Nature.
Embassies -- If
you're traveling out of the country, please, please, please always
be sure you know where your closest Embassy is if you need them.
It's a good idea to let them know, in advance, that you'll be in the
area. Plus, you can often find a lot of great advice on these sites
that'll help make your stay much more enjoyable.
Family Travel Guide -- Great source for helping to
find affordable, family-friendly travel destinations.
FEMA's Guide to
Citizen Preparedness -- This is a great informational and
educational web site. It can offer some real confidence in feeling
prepared and knowledgeable in a worst-case scenario.
Find the State Tourism
Web Sites for all 50 US States By Clicking Here-- Just click on
the state you want to visit and you'll be blessed with all the
information you could possibly hope for.
Foreign Entry Requirements -- Whether you have a
relative coming here or you're planning to go there, everything you
need to know for what the requirements are for coming into or
traveling out of the country.
International Traffic Safety Issues -- If you plan to
rent a car in or take your own to another country, it's a good idea
to check this site first for valuable information before you
go.
Kid Road Trip Survival Guide -- Fun and
informative.
Kids Travel Tips -- Some fun and educational sites
I've compiled for the kids to enjoy.
Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad -- Wondering what
shots, if any, you need to have before you go?
National Center for
Bicycling and Walking -- Great resource for those who love to
both bike and hike.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration --
Stay up-to-date on helpful information that can save you some real
headaches with your personal vehicle.
National
Weather Service -- Another great source to staying in the know
on Mother Nature's plans to make sure they coincide with your's As
you know, she always wins!
Online
Conversions -- Convert Just About Anything!
Outside
Online -- Awesome resource for the outdoor adventurer.
Overseas Security Advisory
Council -- Be sure to check here before traveling
abroad.
Passports -- Need a Passport? This is your source for
all the info you need.
Passports Made Easy -- This info is broken down to
help you get through the process stress-free (or as close as
possible)!
Print Passport Applications -- Get the forms you need
here.
Printable Checklists -- They've put together a
helpful checklist to help you prepare and get organized for just
about anything.
Ready.gov from the US Department of Homeland Security
-- The official web site for the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security with current notices and warning levels.
Road Construction Updates & Maps -- These maps
can be modified to target your specific destination. It's always
helpful to check this site before hitting the road and finding out
your traditional travel route is under construction.
Send Money with Western Union -- Loved one stranded
with no bucks? Western Union is always there to help.
Teaching Novices How to Fish -- I love to fish 'cuz I
find it very relaxing, but I'm not real good at it so, if you're
like me, you're always looking for tips and advice.
Time
Zones -- Figure out the time difference between here and there
wherever and whenever you plan to travel.
Today's Travel Forecast for Major Cities Across the
Nation -- City-specific weather information.
Traffic Safety
& Occupant Protection -- Good stuff to know and stay
up-to-date on -- especially when kids are involved.
Travel Tips from Rand McNally To Help Improve Your
Safety, Preparation, Comfort, and Enjoyment
Travel Warnings and Advisories-- Make sure you know
it's safe or how to best prepare well before you book!
Traveling Abroad with Children -- Good advice from
the CDC for traveling with children.
Travelers' Health
-- More good advice from the CDC.
USA Cycling
Organization -- Another great site for those who love cycling
and just can't get enough of it.
U.S. Customs -- The
official U.S. Customs web site -- filled with all the info you'll
need on what you can and can't bring in or take out of the
country.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security -- Always a good
idea to check updated advisories.
U.S. Embassies
and Consulates Worldwide -- Know where your local authorities
and native contacts are before you leave.
Visa
Services from the US Department of State -- Comprehensive info
on obtaining a Visa.
Vaccinations -- Need shots before you get on the
plane? Check here to be sure.
Visit
Our Nation's Capitol -- Okay, I'm a little biased 'cuz I'm a DC
native, but, seriously, everyone should experience the Nation's
Capitol at least once in their life. This site will help you make
the best of your trip.
Visit Your Legislators -- And, while you're in DC,
tell your representatives how you feel!
Weather.com
World
Clock -- Find out the current time anywhere in the
world.
World
Health Organization -- Check the latest health advisories and
warnings worldwide.
World Tourism Offices -- Visiting abroad? Find the
tourism site for every country in the world here.
Worldwide ATM Locator -- Mastercard -- Great to know
before you go!
Worldwide ATM Locator -- VISA -- Great to know before
you go!
Zip Code & Post Office Locator -- If you think
you might need to have something shipped to you while you're away,
this tool will help you find the General Delivery Zips for any U.S.
location. |