Thursday, March 1, 2012
Banking
Make sure you call your bank/credit card companies to inform them that you will be traveling abroad.
Monday, February 27, 2012
International Drivers Permit
Some of my guest want to rent cars while vacationing in Spain, will they need an international drivers license?
Re. your question about International Driving Licences for USA citizens; having checked on the internet and also after phoning our local Europecar rental showroom, it looks like you have to have an IDP (International Driving Permit) to hire a car in Spain. Also, you would need to bring along your normal US licence.
How to obtain your ITP:
International Driving Permit (IDP) and Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP)
If you are planning on doing any driving while on your next trip abroad consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) or for traveling in Central and South America, an Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP).
All AAA clubs in the US and Canada are the only legal organization to issue the IDP and IADP to holders of a valid U.S./Canadian driver license. To apply, simply print the application, fill in the information requested and bring or mail the following to a AAA office nearest you:
•a completed application form,
•two ORIGINAL passport-size photos,
•a $15 permit fee and
•a photocopy of your driver's license.
NOTE: If you are currently overseas or need to mail your application, please mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP, 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mailstop #28. Please allow 4-6 weeks for return mail.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
A.Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
B.Applicant must hold a current U.S. state, territorial, or U.S. Department of State driver's license which is not under revocation or suspension and which is valid at the time the IDP is issued. (State side license must remain valid for IDP to be valid.)
C.The application must be completed in its entirety showing the date on which the application is made and be signed by the applicant in the same manner as his or her signature appears on the supporting home state or territorial license.
D.Applicant must furnish two recent passport type photographs (2" X 2") with the applicant's signature on the back.
E.A fee of $15 must be collected and retained by the issuing AAA club.
F.All AAA clubs in the United States and Canada are authorized and are the only legal organizations to issue the International and Inter-American Driving Permits to holders of a valid U.S./Canadian drivers license. The United States was one of the first countries to ratify the "United Nations Conventions on International Road Traffic of 19 September 1949", which came into effect in March, 1952. Over 100 countries are party to the Convention. In April, 1952, the U.S. Department of State officially authorized AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue an International Driving Permit to any resident of the United States or its possessions who is 18 years or over and who holds a valid U.S. state driving license. This authorization to the two responsible Automobile Associations was based on the fact that they are non-profit organizations with member clubs in all parts of the United States, giving wide local coverage for information and service, as well as a close relationship with motoring associations in all other countries which have likewise been authorized by their respective governments to perform these services for international motorists. The issuance of the International Driving Permit is an automobile club service to the general public which cannot be restricted to AAA members nor to people who make their travel arrangements through AAA Travel Agency.
G.The IDP is issued for a one-year period. It is valid for one year from effective date provided the state license is still valid throughout that period.
H.If the applicant's state license expires before the one-year expiration date, the applicant should be aware that the IDP is only valid for the length of time that the domestic driver's license is valid, but the IDP will be issued for a one-year period based on the intention to have the state license renewed at the appropriate time.
I.For those on active duty in the military and your U.S. license has or is due to expire, each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. license held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country's driving requirements. See www.DMV.org for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. license that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty.
NOTE: If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend validity.
J.The IDP cannot be issued on the basis of a U.S. Government License which is limited to the operation of government-owned vehicles only.
K.The IDP cannot be renewed on the strength of a previously issued permit. Each applicant must reapply for a new IDP.
L.The IDP is not valid for driving in the United States or its territories.
M.The IDP is not valid by itself for driving and must be carried with the applicant's regular driver's license.
N.The IDP should never be promoted as a single source of identification for situations when a photo identification is required. Passengers have been denied boarding for flights when an IDP was presented as the only form of identification bearing a photograph.
Re. your question about International Driving Licences for USA citizens; having checked on the internet and also after phoning our local Europecar rental showroom, it looks like you have to have an IDP (International Driving Permit) to hire a car in Spain. Also, you would need to bring along your normal US licence.
How to obtain your ITP:
International Driving Permit (IDP) and Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP)
If you are planning on doing any driving while on your next trip abroad consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) or for traveling in Central and South America, an Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP).
All AAA clubs in the US and Canada are the only legal organization to issue the IDP and IADP to holders of a valid U.S./Canadian driver license. To apply, simply print the application, fill in the information requested and bring or mail the following to a AAA office nearest you:
•a completed application form,
•two ORIGINAL passport-size photos,
•a $15 permit fee and
•a photocopy of your driver's license.
NOTE: If you are currently overseas or need to mail your application, please mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP, 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mailstop #28. Please allow 4-6 weeks for return mail.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
A.Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
B.Applicant must hold a current U.S. state, territorial, or U.S. Department of State driver's license which is not under revocation or suspension and which is valid at the time the IDP is issued. (State side license must remain valid for IDP to be valid.)
C.The application must be completed in its entirety showing the date on which the application is made and be signed by the applicant in the same manner as his or her signature appears on the supporting home state or territorial license.
D.Applicant must furnish two recent passport type photographs (2" X 2") with the applicant's signature on the back.
E.A fee of $15 must be collected and retained by the issuing AAA club.
F.All AAA clubs in the United States and Canada are authorized and are the only legal organizations to issue the International and Inter-American Driving Permits to holders of a valid U.S./Canadian drivers license. The United States was one of the first countries to ratify the "United Nations Conventions on International Road Traffic of 19 September 1949", which came into effect in March, 1952. Over 100 countries are party to the Convention. In April, 1952, the U.S. Department of State officially authorized AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue an International Driving Permit to any resident of the United States or its possessions who is 18 years or over and who holds a valid U.S. state driving license. This authorization to the two responsible Automobile Associations was based on the fact that they are non-profit organizations with member clubs in all parts of the United States, giving wide local coverage for information and service, as well as a close relationship with motoring associations in all other countries which have likewise been authorized by their respective governments to perform these services for international motorists. The issuance of the International Driving Permit is an automobile club service to the general public which cannot be restricted to AAA members nor to people who make their travel arrangements through AAA Travel Agency.
G.The IDP is issued for a one-year period. It is valid for one year from effective date provided the state license is still valid throughout that period.
H.If the applicant's state license expires before the one-year expiration date, the applicant should be aware that the IDP is only valid for the length of time that the domestic driver's license is valid, but the IDP will be issued for a one-year period based on the intention to have the state license renewed at the appropriate time.
I.For those on active duty in the military and your U.S. license has or is due to expire, each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. license held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country's driving requirements. See www.DMV.org for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. license that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty.
NOTE: If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend validity.
J.The IDP cannot be issued on the basis of a U.S. Government License which is limited to the operation of government-owned vehicles only.
K.The IDP cannot be renewed on the strength of a previously issued permit. Each applicant must reapply for a new IDP.
L.The IDP is not valid for driving in the United States or its territories.
M.The IDP is not valid by itself for driving and must be carried with the applicant's regular driver's license.
N.The IDP should never be promoted as a single source of identification for situations when a photo identification is required. Passengers have been denied boarding for flights when an IDP was presented as the only form of identification bearing a photograph.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Hot Air Ballooning
Price for Hot Air Ballooning....275 euros per person...OUCH!
This price includes a catalan brunch, photos, certificate, executive transportation and tour guide.
This price includes a catalan brunch, photos, certificate, executive transportation and tour guide.
Travel Insurance
If anyone is interested in travel insurance please contact Dexter 630.865.5809 for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel Guard
Medical services, including:
•Medical referral assistance - help locating a medical facility, doctor or pharmacy.
•Medical emergency assistance - help managing a situation until resolved, from contacting treating physician to determine employee’s medical condition and adequacy of facility . to recommending course of action . to organizing a response.
•Medical evacuation assistance - arrangements for medical evacuation of an employee, when medically necessary and appropriate, including coordinating decisions on method, equipment and timing/destination, based on employee’s condition and location.
•Legal referral assistance - help locating an attorney and details about location/hours of operation for nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Personal assistance, including: restaurant referrals/ reservations, events/entertainment ticketing, ground transportation coordination and floral/gift services.
Contact Travel Guard (group name AIG Employees)
toll-free (U.S. / Canada) +1 (800) 851-4651 or
collect/reverse (outside U.S.) +1 (817) 826-7094
e-mail medicalhou@travelguard.com
AIG Global Travel Services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel Guard
Medical services, including:
•Medical referral assistance - help locating a medical facility, doctor or pharmacy.
•Medical emergency assistance - help managing a situation until resolved, from contacting treating physician to determine employee’s medical condition and adequacy of facility . to recommending course of action . to organizing a response.
•Medical evacuation assistance - arrangements for medical evacuation of an employee, when medically necessary and appropriate, including coordinating decisions on method, equipment and timing/destination, based on employee’s condition and location.
•Legal referral assistance - help locating an attorney and details about location/hours of operation for nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Personal assistance, including: restaurant referrals/ reservations, events/entertainment ticketing, ground transportation coordination and floral/gift services.
Contact Travel Guard (group name AIG Employees)
toll-free (U.S. / Canada) +1 (800) 851-4651 or
collect/reverse (outside U.S.) +1 (817) 826-7094
e-mail medicalhou@travelguard.com
AIG Global Travel Services
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Indoor Go Karting Barcelona
For $125 Euros per person 2 hoursThis activity takes place at a state-of-the-art karting complex on the outskirts of Barcelona and provides great entertainment for both the experienced go karter and the first timer or novice. This indoor go karting track is a twisty, challenging circuit with a bridge, a tunnel and some fast corners.
Once you arrive, dependent on the size of the group, if you are with a big group, then the group may be split into 2. All drivers will receive a safety briefing and instruction before any racing begins.
The activity consists of 3 timed trials where you will be looking for fast times as well as racing against your colleagues. The last session will be a race off to decide who the winners and losers are. There are prizes for the winners who can celebrate in traditional formula 1 style.
All the equipment is provided by the circuit. You’ll be required to wear overalls and helmets and there will be marshals making sure you respect the course rules. For larger corporate groups, team racing can be organised as well as a mini formula 1 style scenario.
Transport to and from the circuit is included in the price. There is a guide on hand to look after you throughout the duration of the activity, a modern bar for drinks, light snacks and a great viewing area to observe all the thrills and spills.
Catering Deposit Update
I must apologize, catering deposit is 1000 euros not USD. Our original deposit should have been $1330.00 plus the wire transfer fee of $35 = $1365.00.
$1330 chef fee/ 18pp = $74pp
$35 wire transfer
$1365. total
$40 chef
$50 groceries
15 - 20% tip will be collected in Spain
I have already paid the difference of $15pp. I am hopeful that the $150 will still cover the price for the chef as well as the groceries for our brunches. I will collect the remaining $90 in Spain as stated in previous blog post. This price may be more or less depending on the price of groceries.
I do not need the additional $15, it is still included in the $90 balance that is owed upon arrival. I just wanted everyone to know as we have $300 less to spend on groceries.
Lastly, this price has nothing to do with the items we will stock in the villa, upon arrival.
Dexter PIF ($50 taxi)
Katrina PIF
Aleks PIF
Samantha PIF
Kerri 60 balance
Kumara 60 balance
Cheryl 90
Renee 90
Robert 90
Kelly 90
Traci 90
Aretha 90
Drew 90
Craig 90
Niger 90
Sue 150
Jeannetta 150
Aisha 150
$1330 chef fee/ 18pp = $74pp
$35 wire transfer
$1365. total
$40 chef
$50 groceries
15 - 20% tip will be collected in Spain
I have already paid the difference of $15pp. I am hopeful that the $150 will still cover the price for the chef as well as the groceries for our brunches. I will collect the remaining $90 in Spain as stated in previous blog post. This price may be more or less depending on the price of groceries.
I do not need the additional $15, it is still included in the $90 balance that is owed upon arrival. I just wanted everyone to know as we have $300 less to spend on groceries.
Lastly, this price has nothing to do with the items we will stock in the villa, upon arrival.
Dexter PIF ($50 taxi)
Katrina PIF
Aleks PIF
Samantha PIF
Kerri 60 balance
Kumara 60 balance
Cheryl 90
Renee 90
Robert 90
Kelly 90
Traci 90
Aretha 90
Drew 90
Craig 90
Niger 90
Sue 150
Jeannetta 150
Aisha 150
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