Have you taken any business trips yet in 2012? If so, did you find that your company’s travel policy has changed for the new year? Don’t forget, it’s always wise to check the most current version of your travel policy (generally posted on your company’s intranet or travel portal) before planning your trip – there may be pre-trip approvals necessary for some trips, or you might need to double-check the expense guidelines for things like meals and ground transportation. It’s also important to make sure you’re booking with your company’s preferred suppliers to ensure your organization is getting the best value possible.

Please take a moment to participate in our short poll below to tell us about any policy changes you’re seeing this year.

Safe Travels!

Winter in New York—it’s the cozy setting for many a storybook and movie scene. And what’s better to take the chill out of the day than a steaming beverage to wrap your chilly fingers around? I can’t think of many things that fit the bill quite like a rich and delicious cup of hot cocoa. And New York is a proverbial melting pot for cocoa lovers. Check out the top five places to grab a cup of cocoa in the big apple as ranked in a recent post from Fodor’s Travel blog. Have you sampled any of the top hot chocolate spots mentioned? Personally, I have sipped the smooth, rich concoctions at Jacques Torres (mentioned at the end of the list), and have to give a hearty nod to their Wicked Cocoa. Do you have any recommendations for readers to find a warm beverage in your neck of the woods?

Travel has become increasingly restricted as we are all painfully aware.  Many of us in the United States travel frequently to visit our friendly neighbor, Canada, and may not think much about entry requirements (other than the now-required passport).  A little-known barrier to entry to Canada is a prior criminal conviction, even if a minor offense.  For example, Canadian law may deny entry if you have been convicted of a minor offense such as theft, shoplifting, assault, or illegal substance possession.  Other more serious offenses are also reason to deny entry and these would include DWI convictions.  Additional details are available from the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Travel into the United States from Canada is slightly less restrictive but does not allow entry if you have a communicable disease or have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude (among other restrictions).  U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers further detail of such crimes and the process for applying for temporary waivers of inadmissibility on its website. It also states, “At this time, driving under the influence, breaking and entering, disorderly conduct and simple assault are not considered crimes that make a person inadmissible.”

When traveling to or from our neighboring country, keep this in mind, and if you have any questions or doubts, check the U.S. or Canadian government websites.  Better to be prepared, than to have a trip aborted at the airport.

For outdoorsy travelers, national parks can be a great option for getaways near and far. Within the United States and Canada there are numerous national parks to choose from, with a variety of different attractions including mountain ranges, prairies, deserts and more.

U.S. National Parks

This weekend is one of the “fee free” weekends for the U.S. National Parks that normally charge entrance fees. Some of the national parks never charge an entrance fee. The following are the “fee free” dates in 2012 for U.S. national parks:

• January 14-16: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
• April 21-29: National Park Week
• June 9: Get Outdoors Day
• September 29: National Public Lands Day
• November 10-12: Veterans Day weekend

 

Additional information about U.S. National Parks can be found at the National Park Service website here.

Canadian National Parks

Canada’s national parks are fee-free on Canada Day (July 1) and Parks Day, which generally falls on the third Saturday in July. Individual parks may also offer promotions throughout the year with reduced or free admission. To promote tourism, Parks Canada has not increased most of its fees since 2008.

Additional information about Canada’s national parks can be found at the Parks Canada website here. Specific questions can be directed to Parks Canada at (888) 773-8888 or information@pc.gc.ca.

Have you vacationed at a national park? Have any favorite trips to share? We’d love to hear your stories!
Safe Travels,