“Think of Canada as a foreign country,” wrote the Buffalo News on May 31, 2009, that’s because those Western New Yorkers who take weekend jaunts to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto and Niagara Falls (because everyone knows the view is better on the Canadian side) now need a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, trusted traveler program card or proof of being a member of a special group (i.e.: U.S. Military) to drive across the border.

It’s not just Western New Yorkers who need to think of Canada as a foreign country but it’s every American citizen looking to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This is thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The goal is to strengthen U.S. border security, expedite re-entry into the U.S.

The first phase of WHTI went into effect for air travelers in 2007. No longer is a driver’s license acceptable (unless it was issued in either Washington or New York and is used specifically for land or sea cross-border travel) nor is a birth certificate (in most cases) for those driving across borders or taking a cruise.

U.S. travelers using air travel are required to have a passport but for those traveling by car or sea, there are a myriad of options which are thoroughly explained on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Web site run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (It’s also a great site for Americans traveling abroad, too.) In brief, the following documents are acceptable when crossing a border either by land or sea:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card (limited-use travel document that fits nicely in a wallet)
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• Trusted Traveler Program Cards (issued to pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite entry into the U.S.)
• Special Groups (includes groups of children, Native Americans, U.S. Military, etc.)

The safest bet when planning a vacation to Mexico, Caribbean (including the Dominican Republic), Canada or booking a cruise or driving across the borders, just smile pretty for the camera and apply for a passport to ensure a pleasant trip.

Nicknamed the “Amber Coast” for the abundant deposits of fossilized resin gems, Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast is the Caribbean’s best kept secret. The area is blessed with golden sand beaches, eco-thrills befitting any adventure junkiey and affordable luxury.  Expect fabulous shopping, championship golf courses, exciting casinos and sexy nightlife. There’s a sense of romance in Puerto Plata with Victorian architecture accented with filigree lace wood, ironwork and gingerbread designs. Find these throwbacks to a simple life in Old City.

Puerto Plata isn’t a major tourist destination, yet, which makes it all the more special. This ensures a more authentic vacation, one that hasn’t been manufactured but filled with cultural, authentic experiences. Jump in and discover the area’s history including visits by Christopher Columbus in 1492 as well as Spanish explorers and surly pirates. Argh!

What to do, what to do? Here’s a short list of what to see and do during a Puerto Plata vacation:

Don’t miss the Amber Museum which is located in a Victorian house and discover the world of this semi-precious gem. The area has one of the largest amber deposits in the world.

Built in the 16th century by Spaniards, San Felipe Fort is the only remnant from colonial time architecture still standing in Puerto Plata. The fort was built to fend of pirates.

We’re not sure if little pink umbrellas are served in the cocktail given on this activity but when in the Dominican Republic, visiting a rum factory is a must so take the Brugal Factory Tour and taste the flavor of the Caribbean.

Those with acrophobia won’t have much fun on this but for everyone else, suspend 2,565 feet above Puerto Plata for an amazing view of the coast from a cable car atop Mount Isabela de Torres.

And don’t forget about relaxing beaches, thrilling eco-adventures, championship golf, yada, yada, yada. May’s the time to visit when temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold but just right (anticipated 88 degree Fahrenheit highs and 72 lows). Upon arrival, everyone is welcomed with a kiss from the Caribbean breezes upon landing at Puerto Plata Airport, known as Gregorio Luperon International Airport (code POP).

Vacationing in Puerto Plata is affordable while luxurious. Book your vacation to the Amber Coast now to take advantage of even bigger savings.

Photo Credit: Martin Le Roy under Wikimedia Commons.

Our Friends over at Homeaway.com have published an enticing guide for winter travel in Key West called “Thirteen Appropriately Uncommon Ways to Enjoy a Crazy Winter Vacation in Key West.” Here’s what they had to say!

“Key West is Florida’s oddball stepchild whose charm and energy easily justify – in fact demand – at least one indulgent, fantasy-fulfilling trip that snubs what’s normal and walks on the wilder side. Break up a long, dull winter with a Key West vacation and unleash the nonconformist inside of you…  

 
1. Check out the polydactyl cats at the Hemingway House (there are dozens of extra-toed kitties roaming around) and search for other ways the incendiary author left his mark here.

2. Find a local and ask him where he was when Key West declared its independence (if but briefly) from the mainland in 1982.

3. Tip your hat to the La Concha Hotel, where Tennessee Williams is said to have written A Streetcar Named Desire.

4. When you watch the sunset at Mallory Square, give the street performers props (and tips, too) for choosing to bring joy to other people’s lives by living theirs a little differently.

5. Put your camera to good use as you tour Old Town, which is filled with candy-colored, uniquely detailed houses that expose suburban developments and high-rise condos for their drabness.

6. Spend an afternoon sipping drinks on a veranda (no, it’s not a patio or a porch) and toast to the fact that there’s not a computer in sight.

 7. Visit the “Southernmost Point Continental USA” marker and offer bystanders this tidbit of knowledge: it’s actually 94 miles to Cuba, not 90 as the buoy states.

 8. If bragging is your thing, call home and tell the ones you left behind that your trip is guaranteed to be frost-free; this tropical region has never been struck by freezing temperatures.

 9. If you’re here in January and happen to love books, get ready to be star struck as you share the same air as a few famous writers who’ll be in town for the annual Key West Literary Seminar.

10. Stop by the harbor at bustling Key West Bight, where you can set your sights on the horizon and make plans for a fishing trip…or undertake a shopping and dining expedition instead.

11. Its motto is “One Human Family,” so don’t censor the impulse to start a conversation with a fellow conch (that’s what residents call themselves). It’s Key West, and pretty much anything goes. 

12. Toss the car keys aside and see the sites via public transportation, walking and pedi-cabs. The view will be much nicer this way and you’ll also be doing the environment a favor.

13. Traditional accommodations won’t be part of this equation. Choose from among the available winter rentals in Key West and enjoy living a laid-back life when you unpack your bags in a comfortable oceanfront cottage.“

So Key West, the ultimate summer getaway can be enjoyed year round. Don’t forget to check out our accommodations in Key West before you go!

From Homeaway.com