Hot Travel How-Tos
How To: Apply for ESTA registration for travel to the US
This is an electronic travel authorization system used to gain travel authorization to the United States. There are certain countries that fall under a visa waiver program, meaning that you do not need a visa to enter the US to visit. In that case you use the ESTA system. The countries that qualify in the VISA waiver program include Andora, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lich...
How To: Get a commercial driver FAST card for US & Canada
FAST is an expedited travel program for commercial truck drivers that travel between the US and Canada. FAST cards are available to citizens or permanent residents of Canada or the US. The FAST program is viewed as a privilege by both Canada and the US. You can be denied for the FAST program if you do not have a clean driving record and a clean record with the Canadian Border Services and The US Customs and Border Protection. Things such as being caught with undeclared items and having a crim...
How To: Get permanent residency in Canada through CEC
The CEC, Canada Experience Class, is a new program to help a person who has held residency in Canada gain permanent residency status. The program realizes that, by going to school or living in Canada while working, many people have the skills necessary to make the transition to live in Canada permanently. To qualify for CEC, you must be a temporary worker living in Canada for at least two years with two years of skilled working experience. A second way you can qualify is by being a foreign gr...
How To: Use packing tubes to contain clutter when traveling
The organizer pouch, a flat, rectangular, often multi-compartmented, nylon bag with zipper closure(s) is a great item that is becoming hard to find. They sometimes include see-through mesh panels, and are available in a variety of colors. These are terrific for avoiding what could otherwise be a cluttered mess in your bag. Give a little thought to organizing your belongings into categories and storing them in the pouches. This will help you keep track of those small items that have a way of g...
How To: Renew Your Passport
If you are traveling to a different country, whether on a business trip or vacation, you must have an up-to-date passport. Luckily, passport renewal is relatively easy for people living in the United States. All you need to do is mail in some paperwork and photos.
How To: Protect yourself from bed bugs in a hotel room
This "Good Morning America" insightful video reveals the truth of hotels room, and what you can do to protect yourself. You'll meet those silent vampire'esque creatures known as bed bugs, you'll even see urine stains on the wall. But, of course you want to be able to travel and see the world without the fear of encountering any of these pesky things. So, you'll learn some helpful tools to help prevent or kill these little bugs for an enjoyable stress free trip and stay.
How To: Immigrate to Canada
The purpose of this video is to show how to become a permanent resident in Canada. Some programs are federal and some are for Quebec. The first program is the skilled worker program. The applicant is accessed under a point system and is awarded points for education level, knowledge of English or French, work experience, age, confirmed job offer, and adaptability and you must have sufficient proof of funds. The next program is Family Class Sponsorship. A citizen or permanent resident can spons...
How To: Get your passport
If you are going to travel outside the United States on a ski trip with Skitravel.com, you will need a passport. From Skitravel's website you can click the "get a passport" link. The link will take you to the US Department of State's passport form (the DS11 passport form). On the Department of State's form, you have two choices, a passport book or a passport card. The passport book is good for ten years and you can travel anywhere in the world with it. The second choice is the passport card. ...
How To: Get a Canadian citizenship card
The citizenship card is a document that naturalized Canadian citizens use to prove that they are Canadian citizens. This card is needed to get certain documents such as a Canadian passport. It never expires but it can be updated to include a new picture or name change. Citizens born in Canada do not use the card, they use their birth certificate to prove citizenship. Naturalized citizens can apply for this card and so can people with parents of Canadian descent. People who have previously had...
How To: Apply for a NEXUS card to use in Canada and the United
Nexus is a pre-approved trusted traveler program that allows approved people expedited travel between Canada and the US. The card is available to US and Canadian citizens or permanent residents who travel by air or land between the two countries. Anyone traveling between the two countries must have their own Nexus card including babies. The Nexus card is considered a privilege by both the US and Canadian governments. You must have a clean record with both the Canadian Border Services and The ...
How To: Keep a dog safe in cars
Contrary to what most people do, letting your dog stick it's head out the window is not a safe way of transporting your animal! Check out this video for some tips on how to safely travel with your dog.
How To: Get an infant passport
Traveling with a child can always cause problems, especially if you have an infant. Here is some helpful information on how you can get an infant passport. Everyone traveling abroad needs a passport, even a young infant, so make sure that you don't get stuck by the rules of a foreign country. Applying for a passport isn't as hard as you may think, so check out this video tutorial on infant passports.
How To: Get the most out of a AAA membership
Wedding insurance, vacation packages, travel discounts – the American Automobile Association offers its members more than free towing.
How To: Pack a suitcase without getting everything wrinkled
Packing a suitcase so that everything arrives unwrinkled is an art, but it’s one everyone can learn.
How To: Keep a baby calm on a flight
Reduce your chances of becoming the seatmate everyone hates by learning how to head off a screaming jag.
How To: Travel with a cat on an airplane
Super Fly Life brings this traveling video tutorial to teach you how to travel with a cat on an airplane. Traveling and need to fly with your pet kitty? Learn these five travel tips, from cat carriers to travel accessories to supplies, go with style and grace.
How To: Get a hotel upgrade
Okay, Mr. Thrifty, you reserved the least expensive hotel room that you could. But your inner Donald Trump doesn’t want to settle for low-frills. Go ahead, it never hurts to ask. Watch this video to learn how to get a hotel upgrade.
How To: Find cheap (or free) places to crash on vacation
Why waste your vacation dollars on pricey hotel rooms when there are cheaper – and sometimes free – alternatives? Watch this video to learn how to find cheap (or free) places to crash on vacation.
How To: Purify water or drink bottled beverages when traveling
When you travel, you'll always want to consider water safety. No, we're not talking life jackets and a swimming buddy! We're talking drinking water and diseases.
How To: Ensure the water in your travel destination is safe
Before you travel too far, you'll need to look into the water safety of your destination. If it's not OK to drink, avoid diarrhea and other nasty side effects of unsanitary H20 with these tips, from boiling water to adding iodine.
How To: Leave jet lag behind
When you travel to new time zones, it's always a bummer to waste vacation days in a daze, trying to shake the jet lag. In this video, we'll teach you to outsmart time differences, wherever you fly on your next plane ride.
How To: Book the best hotel room for your money
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to book the best hotel room for your money. You've spent all year saving up for your dream vacation. The last thing you want is to end up in a hotel room that ruins the whole trip.
How To: Live in your car
Whether you have to move into your car or you want to, there are some bases you need to cover. This Howcast guide demonstrates how to live out of your car. This is also helpful for cross country trips.
How To: Fly stand-by
Need to leave town earlier or later than planned? Flying stand-by is not as simple as it used to be. Learn how to fly stand by - you never know when it may be necessary.
How To: Ride a camel in the desert
Ever wanted to learn how to ride a camel? In this video tutorial, Amanda and Dolly give you some tips on how to ride a camel in the desert. They'll show you everything you need to know about riding camels, on location in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan.
How To: Pick a great airline seat
Don't get stuck in a middle seat near a bathroom on your next flight. With a little time and effort, you can be sitting pretty. With more and more airlines offering advance seat booking, it's easier to get a little more leg room, or peace and quiet. Watch this video travel tip tutorial and learn how to pick a great airline seat.
How To: Scan your laptop at an airport
The TSA has placed new laptop bag procedures, shown in this how-to video, into effect. As expected, there have been a few folks who thought they could just leave their laptops in any old bag with cables and gadgets galore. The TSA expected some confusion and just like any new procedure rolled out, hopes that the majority of folks will get the hang of it pretty quickly. This video travel tutorial demonstrates the proper procedure for scanning a laptop at the airport.
How To: Board a Southwest airplane
This video slideshow from Southwest airlines, demonstrates the current procedure for boarding a flight. Follow along with the tips so your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Southwest airlines now allows passengers to check in at home or at any computer up to a day before the flight, to decrease stress and rush at the airport. Watch this video travel tutorial and learn how to board a Southwest airlines flight. Board a Southwest airplane.
How To: Get a tourist visa to Ghana
This travel tutorial video explains the visa procedure for a tourist visa into Ghana. The process is simple. Visa costs include the following:
How To: Get a tourist visa to Brazil
Watch this instructional travel video to learn about obtaining a tourist visa to Brazil. Visa fees include the following:
How To: Get a tourist visa to China
Watch this instructional travel video to learn about obtaining a visa for your trip to China. Although getting a tourist visa for China may seem like a chore, it is easier than it seems. These are the fees: Regular fee - $130, 2-3 day rush - +$20, Same day rush - +$30. No personal checks are accepted. Remember, the visa is valid for only 90 days and it allows you 30 days to travel within the country. Start planning your trip to China and travel to this historic country.
How To: Save time and money while traveling
Preparation and planning are the keys to travel satisfaction. Learn how to plan and pack for a trip in this free travel tips video from an experienced traveler.
How To: Pack for vacation
Packing for vacation or travel can seem stressful or overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Pack your luggage easily, and maximize the space in your suitcases, with the tips and advice in this free series of vacation packing video guides.
How To: Plan to travel around the world
Sow your wild oats! In this video, Jody Fath shares the expertise she gleaned from her eleven months backpacking around the world. In this video, you'll learn to plan for a long-term trip abroad. Learn how to determine what type of traveller you are, how to budget for your trip using online cost-of-living estimation and even how to pack in this great tutorial.
How To: Backpack abroad
Sow your wild oats! In this video, Jody Fath shares the expertise she gleaned from her eleven months backpacking around the world. Learn where to say, how to protect your things safe while traveling and methods for finding employment legally while abroad.
How To: Make a car hammock
Sleeping the car can be a pain, but sometimes it's necessary. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make your own car hammock with a king sized sheet and some rope.
How To: Get through airport security
Airport security keeps getting stricter and more time-consuming. Shorten your time in the security line with these tips. Watch this video travel tutorial and learn how to get through airport security.
How To: Pack your makeup bag and carry-on
This how to video gives you some quick tips on packing those important liquids and makeup in your airplane carry on. Because of the new security restrictions for carry-on bags, you will need to pack even lighter than usual. Watch this how to video and you can pack all those essential beauty products. Pack your makeup bag and carry-on - Part 1 of 2.
How To: Use a squat toilet in exotic countries
If you're thinking "Aren’t toilets the same all over the world?” you don’t know squat. Travel in exotic countries requires the ability to be flexible with different cultures. Watch this video travel tutorial and learn how to use a squat toilet.
How To: Sleep in your car and get a good night's sleep
Learn how to sleep in your car, and get a good night's sleep. This video will teach you how to outlast the economy in the wilderness, or your local Wal-Mart parking lot. If nothing else, you can do a road trip on the cheap, since you probably don't have a job anymore.