When it comes to train travel in the U.S., I often catch myself sounding like a child deprived of another kid's toys. "I want what they have." The 'what' is high speed rail; the 'they' is Asia and Europe.

Perhaps the tide is turning in a country that traded in the iron horse for a jet engine and interstate highway system. This week President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is awarding $8 billion to states across the country to develop America’s first nationwide program of high-speed intercity passenger rail service.

View a full list of the awards HERE.

The big stars of the funding include developing new, large-scale high-speed rail programs. Florida will receive up to $1.25 billion to develop a new high-speed rail corridor between Tampa and Orlando with trains running up to 168 miles per hour. California is receiving up to $2.25 billion for its planned project to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco and points in between with trains running up to 220 miles per hour.

I just hope some of the projects will be completed before I qualify for Amtrak's senior discount.

Posted by Tom at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Now Mandatory for Participants in Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

In this acronymn-heavy heads-up, travelers in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the U.S.

As of today, the ESTA program becomes mandatory for US-bound travelers who participate in the VWP. ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors who travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Passengers are advised to apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours prior to departure. They can apply for an ESTA even if they do not have a ticket booked to the US here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

While the ESTA requirement itself went in to place in January 2009, it will now be enforced. The VWP enables qualifying citizens of participating countries to apply for admission to the U.S. for 90 days or less as non-immigrant visitors for business or pleasure without obtaining a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program.

Posted by Tom at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As travelers face new concerns about their safety and the evolving protocols for airline and airport security, I thought the following information would prove valuable for anyone headed to the airport.  

Air Travel: Within U.S.
According to the TSA, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. This agency does add that passengers wearing loose fitting or bulky clothing - including headwear - may be subject to additional screening. Read More.

Air Travel: Canada to U.S.
If you're flying from Canada to the U.S., no carry-on baggage is allowed in the cabin. Certain items such as laptops and purses are exceptions to the rule. Read More.

Posted by Tom at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The news images coming out of Haiti show a level of suffering and destruction seemingly incomprehensible, and certainly leaving viewers feeling helpless. But even as witnesses thousands of miles away, we can do something: donate money to an aid organization in Haiti. No gesture is too small.

The White House blog even point out you could send $10 via texting as seen below:

Again, while the US Government is doing all it can, you can also help immediately by donating to the international fund of the Red Cross to assist the relief effort.

• Donate $10 to the Red Cross to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999." 
• Contribute online to the Red Cross,
• Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.

And of course families of Americans living in Haiti should still contact the State Department at 888-407-4747.

For a list of charitable organizations acitve in Haiti, news agencies have been quick to compile lists of charitable organizations doing work in Haiti. Visit the links below: 

• MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-americas/
• CNN: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
• CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/13/world/main6090814.shtml
• ABC: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/haiti-earthquake-help-victims/story?id=9547030&page=1

Posted by Tom at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)