TSA Provides Updates to Travelers on Security Procedures for the Holiday Travel Season

TSA.gov Press Releases

A Disney Holiday

Disneyland rolled out the magic carpet once again for a fantastic blogger preview of the park’s holiday special features. I visited Disneyland and California adventure and talked with a park representative to bring you this little glimpse of what a Disney Christmas looks like. The special attractions and daily events will be around through January [...]
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Holiday specials and Walt Disneyworld

After last week’s post about Disneyland and all the exciting holiday activities, I thought a similar post about the excitement at Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, would be helpful. Walt Disneyworld theme parks and the holidays go hand-in-hand. All the parks have special holiday decorations and everyone is in a great mood (especially Mickey and [...]
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TSA Administrator John Pistole Issues Holiday Travel Message to the Public

TSA.gov Press Releases

Germany: An Overview for Travelers

Germany has survived a history filled with emotion. It is known as having started a World War and it was once two countries separated by the great Berlin Wall.

Referred to as the Federal Republic of Germany, the country covers an area the size of Montana.

Germany gives togetherness a whole new meaning. The population of the country is well over 82 million people with some of the largest populated areas being the capital city of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Bremen and Hanover.

The countryside of Germany offers a little bit of everything. If you travel towards the north, you will encounter the plains and shorelines the country has to offer. As you move to the center, there is a fertile basin and going on to the south, you will encounter the mountain range that it shares with the country of Switzerland.

This country’s climate is pretty equal across the land staying cool but has lots of rain.

The ethnic make up of this country is basically German, but there are some Danish and Slavic minorities. The Danes can be found in the north and the Slavic minorities are found mostly to the south. More than 7.3 million people have immigrated to this wonderful country, although there are immigration policies still place from Hitler’s regime.

There are two major religions in Germany. Split equally at 26 million each, they are Protestants and Roman Catholics. Another 3.3 million people consider themselves to be of the Islam faith. The official language of the country is German as you would expect. However, Russian, French and English are also spoken throughout several areas.

Some other tidbits of information for the country are on education, literacy and life expectancy of it inhabitants. Education is mandatory for a minimum of 10 years. So why shouldn’t you expect the literacy rate to be high? It is estimated to be more than 99%. Who lives longer in Germany? The women of course, they live 6 years longer than men. How long do the men live? Why to the ripe old age of 74. Germany is a country filled with history, some good and some bad, but it is still a wonderful place to visit and see, if not for the history and culture, then definitely for the Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing event.

Italy and All its Many Wonders

Italy is the home of romance, delectable food and wine, breathtaking scenery, The Matterhorn, Ferrari, stunning beaches and the Winter Olympics. This place is truly a vacationer’s dream getaway. Italy is one place where everything and anything can happen. Many have been wowed and awed by the beautiful scenery this place has to offer. From head to toe, Italy is one of the most radiant places in the entire world. Most people love Italian culture not only because of its beauty, but also because of the lush landscapes.

Three countries border Italy – Austria, Switzerland, and France. All of these countries are beautiful but none compare to Italy. This country is also one of the largest islands on the Mediterranean Sea; though Italy is slightly larger than our wonderful state of Arizona. The capital of Italy is Rome (called Roma by its locals) it is surrounded by lavish architecture, thriving history and some of the friendliest people you may ever come across.

For a city Rome is full of artists both past and present. Home to The Louvre, aspiring artists and some of the greatest artists of all time, the museum welcomes tourists from all walks of life every year. But don’t forget the history of Italy is lurking around every corner and in every building you’ll encounter. Once the sun sets, the fun and romance begin. If you’re traveling alone, you might find you enjoy taking a relaxing stroll through the cities wine tasting and emerging yourself in the mouthwatering delicacies of what is Italy. For a couple or family visiting one of the most romantic countries of the world, a stop at Trattoria or Osteria, will please your taste buds, leaving you wanting more.

As with any culture, Italy has its holidays. But in Italy, every Sunday the shops and businesses close to pay respect to their Saints. On holidays, the streets become crowded from the many celebrations the Italians throw in favor of their saints; they call these days, their feast days – they are held in high regard – and everyone participates. Perhaps one of the most celebrated events, are the holidays paying homage to the leaders of old, who helped to found the country they know and love.

For all of you wine connoisseurs, Italy is perhaps the only place in which you will find wine served with all your meals. Many of the local hot spots, museums and restaurants offer wine tasting. Italy boasts that it is the Enotria (land of wine) and even the Vatican takes pride in sharing their best wine with tourists. Taking a gondola ride offers you not only solitude, but also some of the best views of the cities. So, remember that while visiting Italy, for some of the best scenery, hop on a gondola, sit back, relax and enjoy often.

Things to know before visiting Norway

A small country awaits your arrival soon, but there are questions you need answered before your impending visit. What language is spoken? Will I have to learn a new language? How crowded are the cities? What’s the background of the culture? All very normal questions when walking in unfamiliar territory. Relax and know that you won’t be walking into a war zone. Norwegians are a peaceful and pleasant people. They have the friendliness that some other countries lack.

Because Norway is only slightly larger than the United States’ New Mexico, their population per city is quite small, with only under half a million people total in some cities and significantly less than that in others; totaling around 4.5 million total population for the whole country. Of course that account was in 2006, but Norway’s population only grows at a rate of .41% per year. While the church of Norway is the dominant religion, those of other faiths visiting will likely find astute worshippers of their own present in the cities.

Depending on when you’re planning on visiting Norway be prepared for changing climates and terrain. In the summer months, be ready for extremely long days with it staying light until almost midnight. While during the winter months, Norway experiences very long nights.

If that wasn’t food for thought, than this will be……… Because some of the cities inland are surrounded by mountains, the temperature tends to be very cold regardless of the time of year, so pack warm clothes. Don’t be too hasty though, pack clothes for warmer weather if you plan to visit the coast to explore the spectacular scenery.

For a peaceful vacation, one filled with elaborate sites, friendly people, new tastes and a truly relaxing experience, Norway awaits. Also, since English is spoken and taught throughout, you’ll find yourself at ease by not having to struggle over language barriers; “I need to find the bathroom; not a chicken.” How much easier is it when there aren’t mix ups like the one mentioned? I know, fantastic and easier to enjoy your visit.

Planning a trip to Poland

Poland is a small country of about 120,000 sq mi. It is an amazing country that for a long time was forgotten about after nearly being obliterated in WWII. But, it found a way to bring itself back to life and today is growing ever popular with tourists. When preparing for a trip to Poland, plan on visiting as many of the surrounding cities as possible. Cities like the capitol (Warsaw), Krakow, Gdansk, and Ludz. Each city offers a most insightful history, friendly faces, shopping and historical scenery.

Warsaw, although still feeling the effects of WWII, is growing and beginning to turn their former negative impressions into memorable ones. The city once shadowed from war is beginning to blossom with shops and marketplaces, growing restaurants and bars. If you are a lover of history, you will truly find yourself in awe here; as Warsaw grows so too does the building and new construction of business’. For a younger generation of travelers, have no fear, you’ll feel at home here.

Undamaged by war; Krakow is truly a historians dream, listed by UNESCO to be one of 12 top historical sites. But if it’s not history you’re after as much as lavish palaces and exquisite ancient architecture, then Krakow has got something for you too. The phenomenal ancient buildings are something to gawk at, with spectacular colors, intricate brick work and palaces so mind boggling that one can’t help but wonder what secrets they hold. If you love art, you’re sure to find plenty to amuse, confuse and inspire you.

If you’re curious before you book your trip; search online, go to your local library, or visit the nearest bookstore. What you’ll find about Poland is not only fascinating but exciting as you discover more about the little country that could. Take a leap and go visit Poland. Immerse yourself in all the quaint country has to offer, trust me you’ll be glad you did.

Austria: An Overview for Travelers

Rarely seen in the headlines these days, Austria was once a dominant power in Europe, and is some times consider a postcard country. Once known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria whose prime location is mainland Europe was a major player in economic, military and political terms. However after World War I the empire was divided by the allies and a much smaller Austria came on the scene. It has developed into a perfect travel and a relocation destination.

Austria is known for many famous people throughout history. Musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven and from the world of psychology Sigmund Freud are a few that have made significant marks on the world. Of course more people know the most famous today as the Governator of California, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger as being born in Austria.

Known officially as the Republic of Austria, it is a small country that has a land mass of 32,000 square miles and has a population of 1.6 million people in the capital city of Vienna. Vienna is known for its beauty and other notable cities are Salzburg and Innsbruck which hosted the winter Olympics at some time. The country is mostly mountainous and its climate is considered continental and offers plenty of rain and snowfall. Summers are breathtaking! The mountains of Austria are exceptionally wonderful. If you need proof, check out the internet or you can simply watch the movie, The Sound of Music.

The total population of “Austrians” is just over 8 million people and only increase at approximately.4 percent a year. The ethnicity of Austrians is about 98 percent German, and there is a small mix from neighboring country natives. So go figure, what is the primary language? You guessed it! It’s German. While 73 percent of Austrians claim Roman Catholic as their faith, 12 percent claim no religious orientation at all. Austria is a very well developed country and the literacy rate is 98 percent, and people seem to live long healthy lives with the average life expectancy of women to be 81.7 years and men on average 75.9 years.

Austria has seen all sides of the power ledge. It has a rich cultural heritage and is a beautiful country definitely worth a visit. Hopefully this overview with entice you to check it out in person and soon.