Known locally as “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng”, this massive landmark is more than 6,000 kilometers long, ranges up to 25 feet tall, and dates back to the 7th century BC.

Can you name that landmark?

Traveling to Oman but aren’t sure what you’ll need to get into the country?  Worry not – here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a visa to visit?

Yes, all U.S. citizens need a valid passport and visa to visit the country.

If you apply in advance…

You can receive a multiple entry tourist and/or business visa valid for up to two years.  Upon arrival, expect Omani immigration officials to tell you how long you’re actually allowed to stay based on the nature of your visit.

If you just show up…

You can obtain a visa on arrival good for 30 days – assuming you still have 6 months of validity left on your passport.  Make sure you have adequate funds and proof of an onward ticket.  You’ll be able to extend the visa by 30 days if you visit the Directorate Generale and submit an additional fee.

How much does a visa cost?

The visa will cost Rials Omani 20.00 ($52.00 US).  An extension is an addition 20.00 Rials.

Is there any strange red tap?

• Yellow fever vaccination maybe required if you enter the country from an infected area.
• Also, anyone seeking work or residency in Oman will be required to take an HIV/AIDS test in country. US tests aren’t acceptable.
• Finally, travelers are allowed two bottles of alcohol per traveler.

Is it safe?

It is completely and entirely safe to visit Oman.  In fact, there has never been an instance in which a U.S. citizen or facility have been the subject of a terrorist attack.  Of course, things can happen anywhere.  But visiting Oman is no more or less dangerous than visiting Costa Rica or England.

Visa and passport questions answered.  Have a question about travel documentation for your upcoming trip?  Simply post your question here and we’ll get back to you with an answer free of charge.

For anyone chained to a desk that’s ever dreamed of casting it all off and setting out for lands unknown, this blog is for you.  The blog is called Uncornered Market: Measuring the Earth With our Feet.  Written by husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott, the blog follows these two unlikely adventurers exploits traveling the world full-time.  After leaving their comfortable full time jobs, they hit the road in 2006 and haven’t looked back.

What kind of stories do they publish?

The stories primarily chronicle their journeys from visiting more than 63 countries and counting.  Recent stories include trip reports from Iran and BASE jumping in Berlin.  You’ll also find tons of practical information and advice on little visited destinations where travel guides just won’t do the job.

How do they support themselves?

Careful planning, saving, and freelance work along the way has helped this couple stay on the road full time for over five years now.

Why do we love it?

Stunning photography, compelling narratives, and stories from way “out-there” that you just can’t get on other sites.

Share your favorite blogs!  If you have a favorite travel blog, be it for business or pleasure, let us know!  We’ll post the favorites here on our site.

US News just posted a great article on ten (almost) free travel deals.  Among the deals listed was a free night in Bermuda, a free flight to Colorado, two-for-one in the Swiss alps, and much more.  Just it out here to read it all.

Many travelers out there think that free trips and upgrades from frequent flier miles are the benefit only of actual “frequent” flyers, but a new website from seasoned “travel hacker” Chris Guillebeau shows normal folks how they can get massive amounts of “free” frequent flyer miles without having to actually travel to earn them.

What’s it all about?

On his blog, “The Art of Non-Conformity” Chris offers access to a program he calls the “Travel Hacking Cartel”.  On it he provides members with all the info they need to cash in on specialized offers, promotions, glitch fares, and round-the-world tickets.  He also writes about his adventures from his quest of visiting every country in the world (only about 29 left to go!).

What kind of specials are we talking about?

Specials includes anything and everything that can help you travel and stay for less money; including free upgrades, hotel promotions, frequent flyer miles and other travel promotions.  Many of the promotions come from credit card offers, but there are many others that include “buy-one get-one” type offers, etc.  Remember, these aren’t all for “discount” travelers though.  This can also help you upgrade flights, or get free stays at top flight hotels.

Where does he get the info?

The info comes from monitoring over 175+ blogs, newsletters, talkboards, and member “heads-ups”.

How much does it cost?

All this comes at the low low price of just $25 per month.  The best part?  It all comes with a guarantee.  Earn one few plan ticket every three months – or get a full refund for membership.  Many members report earning as much as 300,000 free miles per year!

Any other great specials, blogs, or programs we should know about?  Let us know!

It’s that time of year again.  The time when high winds, heavy rains, and massive seas punish the South Pacific region.  As a result, the US Department of State has issued a travel warning that includes Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Somoa, the Solomon Islands, Tona, Tuvalu, and Vantau.

Should I avoid all travel?

Not at all.  Each season the region usually experiences somewhere around nine cyclones, of which about half are Category 3 or above (heavy enough to cause damage).  This means that chances of a cyclone hitting while you’re traveling is slim.  However, you should take care to monitor all weather forecasts before hitting the road.

What should I do if I’m traveling and a storm hits?

Find a safe place to wait out the storm and hold tight.  In the past travelers have found themselves stranded for days (and in rare circumstances weeks) due to airport closures and infrastructure damage.  Be especially aware if you’re visiting a country with already limited air service (such as Tuvalu).

What can I do to prepare?

First, make sure to stay up to date with all weather forecasts before hitting the road.  If you’re traveling to areas that are particularly storm-prone, consider packing a small “survival” kit with things like bottled water, canned food (or other non-perishable food items), vital travel documents, battery powered radio, and important medical supplies.  Once in country, make sure to keep up with all local radio and weather forecasts.  These storms can develop fast, so you may have less than a 24 hour warning before things turn nasty.  And of course, just use your best judgement.

What are your thoughts?  Is it safe to travel during this season or is it risk not worth taking?

Many travelers, upon hearing the news that American Airlines has recently filed for Chapter 11 protection had only one thought in their minds:

How will this affect my flight?

For most of the passengers who fly on American Airlines, the bankruptcy should have little to no noticeable impact.  The airline will continue to operate flights, take reservations, and honor all issued tickets as normal.

What about my frequent flier miles?

According to a statement issued by the airline, their mileage program will not be affected.

What does this mean for the airline now?

As of now the company is in the process of restructuring.  The real trouble for fliers will be if, in fact, the airlines restructuring fails and the company is forced to cease operations.  This means all flights and operations will stop.

Does this mean I shouldn’t purchase any tickets with American just in case?

Worry not – even if American does end-up going completely “belly-up” anyone who books a ticket with a credit card should be protected.

What about my miles?

Even your miles will be safe.  In the past, when airlines such as Pan Am and Trans World ceased flying, flier miles were transferred over to the other airlines that purchased the remaining assets.  In fact, many of these airlines even offered promotions to try to retain travelers.

Free Visa & Passport FAQ Service Announcement – Have questions about your visa or passport application?  Simply post your question to the comments section below and we’ll get back to you with answers free of charge!

Thinking of taking a trip to Brazil but aren’t sure what you’ll need to get into the country?  Worry not – here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a visa to get into Brazil?

Yes, anyone traveling to Brazil will need a visa, no matter the purpose of your visit.

Can I get my visa at the airport or do I have to apply in advance?

There are no “visa on arrival” services available in Brazil.  All Brazilian visas will need to be acquired in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your home.

What materials will I need to apply?

In order to apply for a tourist visa you’ll need:

• A valid US passport
• A completed application.  This application varies by state so be sure to double check your particular states requirements before filling this out.
• Passport style photographs
• Travel documentation.  This will include EITHER your foreign travel plane ticket or your printed travel itinerary.
• A copy of your state issued driver’s license

In order to apply for a business visa you’ll need all of the above materials as well as:

• An official letter of invitation from a company in Brazil.  This letter must be addressed to the Embassy of Brazil, be printed on company letterhead and signed by someone at your company other than you, and explain the nature of the business to be performed.
• Two original business cards
• A business letter of responsibility

Is there any red tape I should be aware of?

All visitors to Brazil will be required to fill out an immigration form when you arrive in the country.  This form will be stamped by immigration officials and handed back.  Do not lose this form.  Visitors who lose this form will be forced to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police to leave, and are often forced to pay a fine.

How long does it take to receive your visa?

Processing times vary greatly depending on the volume of applications currently being processed by the consulate.

In a hurry or want to avoid the headache? Don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We hold your hand through the entire process, and can often have your visa in your hands within 24 hours!

Visa Questions? Have any specific passport or visa questions?  Simply send them to this post.  We provide free answers to all questions!

Booking a flight is always a gamble.  Book early and you risk missing out on a potential sale.  Wait to book and you may miss that prime price window and end up paying over the mark.  Now there’s a better way.

Yapta has just released a new travel app that allows you to track prices before you buy, and get refunds and vouchers after you buy.  Here’s how it works.

You can track flight prices before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best price. As we all know, airline prices fluctuate often.  On Yapta you can get alerted to price drops before your purchase your flight.  You’ll get email alerts every time there’s a drop.

You can also track hotel rates and availability. Yapta will also send you email alerts when new rooms open up or prices drop.  But Yapta’s best feature?

Even after you purchase your ticket, yapta will track for airline refunds, credits and vouchers. Many people don’t realize that if the price of your flight drops below what you paid, you’re eligible for a refund.  Often even if you’re forced to pay the change ticket fee, you’ll end up ahead.

The app is available for sale in iTunes as of today.

Anyone heading out of town tomorrow has but one thought in mind… “I hope my flight is running on time!”  While we can’t do anything to make your plane leave on schedule, we can help you keep up with the latest news – and so far – things are looking promising.

Travelers today have met with few, if any, delays.

Reports from the Federal Aviation Administration’s website indicate that there have been minor delays with a few exceptions.  The airports in Boston, San Francisco, New York LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Newark Liberty have seen delays.

Travel in the Northeast looks Grim

Currently weather.com is predicting poor weather for the remainder of this evening into tomorrow.  Current delays are averaging around 70 minutes in Boston and from 15 -45 minutes at other area airports.  If you’re departing from a north east airport make sure to carefully monitor your departure time as well as the latest weather conditions.
Travel in San Francisco may also be affected

Currently SFO is reporting approximately 55 minute delays due to poor visibility, though there are indications that this may clear up by tomorrow afternoon.

Otherwise Things are Looking Good!

Outside of the Northeast and San Francisco all other airports seem to operating on schedule, though your flight may be affected by delays elsewhere in the country.

A few travel tips

To help guard yourself against frustrations, plan on arriving at the airport at least 2 hours in advance, check-in to your flight ahead of time, avoid checking bags if possible, and keep up with the latest weather and flight updates.

Help us Keep You Informed!

If anyone gets news of significant delays let us know.  We’ll post them here to keep everyone up to date.