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If you need a lot of dental work done, the costs can be prohibitive. For example, according to Wikipedia, the average cost for a root canal in the US ranges from $699 to $1300. One root canal and crown is enough to exhaust the annual benefit limit of many dental policies, so what happens if you need more than one? One possible solution involves getting a passport and flying to somewhere where dental care is less expensive. This is called…
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When obtaining a passport, you must provide proof of US citizenship. Assuming you were born in the US and don't have an expired passport to submit with your application, you would do that by submitting a copy of your birth certificate. However, before you submit your application, you should examine your birth certificate closely to make sure it will pass muster with the US Department of State. Here's what to look for: Certification The State Department only accepts certified US…
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What, exactly, is a "'honeymoon tester?" Basically, it's a dream job for any couple that likes to travel. Here's the job description, from Runawaybrideandgroom.com: "Would you be able to sip champagne, while lying in a hammock slung between two palm trees on a white, sandy beach, with your romantically linked partner beside you, without spilling your drink? Well then, you may just have what it takes for the Ultimate Job in Ireland (and probably the world!)." Sounds like heaven, right?…
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Mexico has long been a playground for Americans on vacation, but lately it's been in the news due to an unfortunate epidemic of drug-fueled violence. Is it still a safe place to visit? Despite the grisly headlines, the answer is "yes"-as long as you use common sense and stay away from the most lawless, unsafe regions of the country. With that in mind, here's a summary of the areas in Mexico that the US Department of State has warned US…
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Today was Passport Day in the USA. Did you manage to make it down to your local passport office? To encourage Americans to get passports, the US Department of State opened its Regional Passport Agency Offices for special Saturday hours to give busy Americans a chance to apply for a passport in person without an appointment. What if you missed it? No worries, you can still get a passport. Just find the nearest passport acceptance facility using the Department of…
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Have you gotten one of the new US passport cards yet? If you have one, and you are driving across an international bridge into Mexico or Canada, border officials want you to take that card out of your wallet and "wave it in the air like you just don't care" before you get to the inspection booth. No, this isn't some elaborate prank designed to make you look foolish for border officials' amusement. According to the El Paso Times, this…
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At 5,525 miles long, the US/Canadian border is the longest border in the world. Not all of that border is paved-some is mountain wilderness, some of it empty prairie, and some of the border runs along the Great Lakes. If you are crossing from Canada into the United States at a border crossing in a populated area, you need a US passport, passport card or another document that's compliant with the World Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). For more details, see Do…
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Forget those fluffy marshmallow chicks and those atrocious egg-shaped jelly beans (especially the licorice-flavored ones!) When it comes to Easter candy, chocolate is where it's at. If you're looking for something to do this Easter holiday, why grab a fast passport and enjoy the world's best chocolate, right from the source? The following destinations are the creme de la creme of the chocolate world: Cadbury World, Birmingham, England The folks behind both Cadbury creme eggs and a range of iconic…
