TRAVEL TO DUBAI - Getting a glimpse of the Arabic World

The Burj in Dubai.  The Tallest Building in the world

There is a lot to see, but it will take time and preparation.  The first step is finding the permission.  The second step will be the budget as Dubai prices are higher than most.


TRAVEL PERMISSION:


US Citizens:

Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Stays of Less than 1 Month

If you meet all three of the following conditions, you do not need a visa:

1. Citizen of the United States, and
2. Staying in the UAE for less than one month, and
3. Have a round-trip airline ticket, and
4. Passport is valid for more than 6 months

This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries.
Please note: If you are not a US citizen, even if you are traveling with a US citizen or are the spouse/child of a US citizen, you may need to apply for a visa. Check our Non US Citizens information page to learn more.

Stays of More than 1 Month

If you are a US Citizen and wish to stay in the UAE for more than one month, you need to have a visa issued from the UAE Embasy before you depart.

Citizens of the Republic of the Philippines:

Applying Through Your Sponsor or Host (Fastest Option)

We recommend that you ask your sponsor (host) to process a visa from the UAE. This takes only four (4) working days. Ask the sponsor (host) to fax a copy of the visa to you before departure. The original visa will be waiting for you at the UAE airport. In this example, there is no need to apply at the Embassy.
Other Notes

• If non-US citizens apply through the Embassy, the processing time is much longer and involves interviews and approvals from UAE authorities.
• The Embassy issues only visit visas and does not issue tourist or transit visas.
  • Hotels in the UAE issue tourist visas.
  • UAE airlines issue transit visas.
  • Travelers must obtain copies of these visas prior to travel from the hotel or airline.
• The decision on the length of the visa is subject to the Consul's judgment.

To Apply at the Embassy

If you are a non-US Citizen and still wish to apply, you must provide the following:

1	Two (2) completed application forms, including the Particulars of your Sponsor / Host in the UAE and the Residence Address where you will stay in the UAE. All applications must be typed. Your Sponsor / Host must be based in the UAE. If you will visit an individual, provide ALL information. If you will visit an organization, use the following Sponsor / Host information: Full name - list the Organization Name Profession - list the industry Address - list the Organization's address in the UAE Telephone - list the Organization's phone number in the UAE Passport Number & Nationality are not needed for organizations Complete the Accompanied By section for applicants who will travel with children listed in the parent's passport. Each child must submit two (2) copies of the application form also.
2	An original passport, valid for at least six (6) months from expected time of arrival in the UAE, signed by the bearer.
3	A copy of your passport.
4	Two (2) original passport-sized photos.
5	A Cover letter that includes the following: Introduction - Name, who you are Reason for being in the US Reason for staying that long in the UAE Specific request for the visa
6	Invitation letter from your sponsor/host in the UAE. If you are visiting an individual, the invitation letter must include: Clear invitation to visit Full name of your host (the person who invited you) Relationship between you and the host Residence address and phone number for your host Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE Estimated visit duration and reason for staying that long If you are visiting an organization, this letter must be on official company letterhead (e-mails are not accepted) and include: Clear invitation to visit Organization name Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE Name and phone number of your point of contact within the organization
7	If you will visit an organization, copy of the organization's business license in the UAE.
8	If you will visit an individual, copy of: Your host's passport and Your host's residency permit in the UAE
9	An employment letter If you are: Employed - A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating your position Self-employed - A copy of your business license Retired, a home maker, a student - A letter from your bank testifying that your account is in good standing
10	The appropriate fee for the visa you are seeking (money order only): Short stay visa: $150 (Money order only). Valid for two (2) months. Maximum stay is 30 days non-renewable. Long stay visa: $300 (Money order only). Valid for two (2) months. Maximum stay is 90 days non-renewable. Multiple visa: $600 (Money order only). Valid for six (6) months from the date of issue. Maximum stay is fourteen (14) days for each entry.
11	A copy of your immigration status in the USA (e.g., green card, J visa, F1 visa, etc.)
12	A prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (US Express mail, UPS, or FedEx).

Created 04-Dec-2008. Last updated 15-Jun-2010.

 

SCARY PRAGUE

Charles Bridge - Executing Royalty since 1432

Halloween in Prague is a great way to get into some scary stuff:  

With Gothic church towers, ancient castles and dungeons offer a great thrill for ghost hunters.



The famous Charles Bridge, pictured above, said to be haunted by ten lords executed in the middle ages, is within walking distance of this area.   The tower on the bridge served as a deterrent display of the severed heads of the victims to stop Czechs from further resistance against the Habsburgs.

The Church Of Our Lady Before Tyn is another spooky sightseer's dream. There is no way you can miss it - even if you don't visit the building. Its impressive towers can be seen for miles around.

Go at night when it is lit up in the shadow darkness for a dramatic sight that would give vampires the creeps.   

Prices are low, airfare and hotels are at all time lows, check out http://www.kayak.com/.

Check out Jury's Inn and other bargain accomodations are there to be found.

The mysterious Stare Mesto - which literally means Old Town - is a great historical place to explore.

This maze of winding lanes is built on layers thanks to the Vltava River, which constantly flooded during the 13th century.

This forced citizens to raise the city an entire storey to the level at which it lies today, creating an underground labyrinth.

Once dark and damp, these basements have been transformed into an underworld of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs.

This amazing walkway is lined with the statues of saints and is the perfect place to take a snap of the city's castle, which stands high on a hilltop.

CHICAGO - VIEW FROM THE TOP - WILLIS TOWER (SEARS TOWER)

We were standing on air:

Open Air Double Decker Bus Tour

We rode the hop on hop off tour double decker bus around Chicago and got off at the Willis Tower stop. I highly recommend this tour, the double decker buses of the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Company really allow you to see the city.

I have a fear of heights, more like a heightened thrill, and it felt like I was stepping off the building when I stepped inside one of the glass boxes that protrude from the 103rd-floor Skydeck at Chicago’s Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.

The seamless, apparently unsupported glass floor is the only thing between your toes and the urban mosaic 1,300 feet below. The effect of the Ledge is unnerving.

Pearl had no fear and was laying on the glass floor.  I had to inch out and tried to keep one toe on the carpet inside as if that would help stop me from falling.

JAPAN PAYS YOU TO VISIT?

Japan is planning to recruit dozens of foreigners to visit the country and give advice on how to make things more  travel-friendly for non-Japanese speaking visitors even as it aims for higher tourist numbers.

The government will pay travel allowances to about 100 native English, Chinese and Korean speakers to visit key cities and come up with ideas on how to make it easier for travelers to use public transport, stay at local hotels and eat at local restaurants, said an official at the Japan Tourism Agency.

Although Japan has made an effort to provide information in other languages in recent years, especially in major cities, these remain hit-or-miss and English still dominates.

But Japan's National Tourism Organization projects that the number of visitors from China will reach a record 1.5 million this year, many of them high-spending tourists eager to shop for Japanese electronics and other goods.

"What we hear is that there really isn't enough information on things like how to buy train tickets, or how to use the baths in traditional Japanese inns," said the official.

"It's hard for us Japanese to judge how prepared different parts of the country are -- we need people to use as monitors who really don't know Japan at all."

The official said one way to recruit these travelers could be over the Internet but that they would look at other methods such as asking the relatives of foreign students studying in Japan.

All expenses within Japan will be paid by branch offices of the Transport Ministry, which oversees the Tourism Agency. Part of plane fares to Japan may also be covered.

The information will be compiled by the government as part of a survey of tourism preparedness by late March next year.

AMERICAN AIRLINES - USA ADMIRAL'S CLUB - Free Drinks

American Airlines last month announced it would start serving Admirals Club lounge visitors free drinks, adding it decided to make the move because it's "committed to investing in enhancing the travel experience for its loyal customers."

Now offering free alcoholic beverages

American continues to reinvest in its products with new technology and lounge refurbishments. Since 2008, two, new Admirals Club facilities opened – one in Raleigh/Durham (opened October 2008); one in Washington Dulles (opened January 2009). In 2009,American announced the completion of extensive renovations to its Chicago O’Hare H/K Admirals Club lounge (February 2009) and its Sao Paulo Admirals Club lounge (June 2009). This year, American completed extensive renovations to its Boston Admirals Club lounge and to its London Heathrow Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge.

American also recently updated the technology offering in its Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge Business Centers with HP Compaq 8000 Elite Business PCs. The Cyber Cafes will also include HP TouchSmart PCs, boasting built-for-touch applications that allow customers to experience music, photos, games and video in a visually-engaging manner beyond what a mouse or keyboard can do.

Beginning October 1, 2010, American will offer guests alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer and spirits, free of charge to customers visiting any of its domestic clubs, in addition to complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices. Premium liquors and wines and a selection of Amora™ fresh food items will be available for purchase in all U.S. Admirals Club lounges. Customers visiting international clubs will continue to enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages as they do today.
Pricing for new Admirals Club memberships is based on the level of American AAdvantage membership, ranging from $350 or 50,000 AAdvantage miles annually for a new Executive Platinum membership, to $500 or 80,000 miles annually for a regular membership. One-day passes are available for $50 each.
Club Amenities**:

• Complimentary well brand liquors, house wine and beer
• Complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices
• Amora™ fresh food for purchase
• Premium liquors and wines for purchase
• Conference rooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet powered by T-Mobile for members and one-day pass guests visiting domestic lounge locations, including San Juan
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in most Latin American clubs
• Showers
• Cyber café with HP TouchSmart PCs
• HP Compaq 8000 Elite Business PCs with complimentary Internet access
• Children's rooms
• Music rooms at LAX and DFW A locations

** Amenities vary by club location
Airport Locations:
Atlanta, Austin, Bogotá, Boston, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Frankfurt, Honolulu, Kansas City, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Nashville, Newark, New York Kennedy, New York LaGuardia, Orange County, Panama City, Paris, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, Rio de Janeiro, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sao Paulo, St. Louis, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C. Dulles, and Washington, D.C. Reagan.

TOKYO - HOTEL NEWS - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO 5TH ANNIVERSARY

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Additional Benefits



Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo



Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo presents the Five Benefits accommodation package to commemorate the hotel’s 5th anniversary. Since opening in December 2005, the multi-award winning hotel has garnered rave reviews for service, style and elegance, and is regularly voted one of the top hotels in Japan. Reservations at the hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurants are much sought after, and the spa, which is a favorite in the city, has been described as a “city-center sanctuary for personal meditation and discovery.” 

Deluxe Room at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Available from 1 November 2010 to 31 January 2011.

1. Complimentary room upgrade to the next category;

2. Choice of early check-in from 11am or a late check-out at 4pm; 

3. Complimentary Internet access;

4. A celebratory welcome amenity; and

5. A Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo original fan crafted by Ibasen, the renowned, centuries-old Japanese fan manufacturer, as a personal gift.

Rates are exclusive of tax and service charge.

Lobby of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

For reservations or further enquiries, please call: +81 (3) 3270 8950 (9am to 8pm).  Reservations can also be made online at www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 27 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 12 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.

LONDON ON THE CHEAP - Travel Guide

LONDON:

If you go to London, you must realize it is one of the most expensive cities in the world.  Yet it is still possible to experience the city without breaking your budget.

Here is a list of low cost things to do in London:

 Get a Free Map. The official tourist office charges for maps but if you grab the pamphlets for the walking or bus tours, they contain maps. Also, the Museum of London gives away a map for free if you ask. Some Travel Guide maps can sometimes be hard to read and these others maps give you a good idea as to where the location of all the sites and underground stops are without having squint at a book.

Visit Museums. Most of the museums in London are free- the Museum of London, the British History Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum are all free. Get your fill of British history without spending a pence!

Vist an Art Gallery. The National Gallery and the Tate Modern are also free.

Buy an Oyster Card. This may not be free but for 28 pounds, you get unlimited usage of the bus and trains. I’m not sure why they call it an Oyster card. It’s not shaped like one.

People Watch. Sunday is market day in London. There’s the Camden Market, the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, and a million more markets. People watch, get great photos, and enjoy local London life without spending a dime.

Watch Iconic Symbols. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 a.m. as well as the horse guards at Whitehall at 11:00 a.m. are both free and interesting to watch.

Free Internet. Looking for your online fix? The city libraries offer free internet. There are five library locations around the city. You get a free half hour but if it’s not busy you can stay on until you are finished.

Walk Around. London is a huge city and there are beautiful historic buildings all around. In fact, London beat me. I found this city to be totally un-walkable. I walked for four hours and barely made a dent on the route I was going to take (hence the need to get the Oyster Card.) I’ve walked countless other European cities and never had this problem but there is simply too much to see here. However, once you walk and get out of the tourist area around the Thames, you’ll get to see London the way the locals do.

Lounge in the Parks. Spending a day in the park is free wherever you go. London has some great parks and when the sun comes out (which hasn’t been too often), Londoners flock outside. Join them for some fun in the sun.

See Westminster Abbey. You can get into Westminster for free. You have to cheat slightly though. Westminster will not charge you entrance if you’re there for worship. (Maybe worshiping its beauty?) If you want to get in and not pay, say you are worshiping. I didn’t do it but I’m just putting it out there that you can do it.

Get Cheap Theater Tickets- The theater in London is one of the best in the world. However, it’s also bloody expensive. A night at the theater can blow any traveler’s budget. However, there are plenty of ways to find discount tickets.

Get a river taxi pass and hop on hop off sightsee from the riverside stops. Much more interesting than the godawful tube. Go for a drink in Chelsea then hit the west end.

Time: Extended-stay passes will bring down your daily rate.  And because you are not in a rush to see everything in a day, you now have time to shop for other deals on food and souvenirs.  Plus relax and skip the stress of rushing.

London maybe expensive but it is very possible to fill your days with free activities. If you do want to go in to see the sights you will have to pay, sometimes as much as £25!!! So try out the above activities and save some money.

Using a Credit Card in London?