Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Canadians are exempt from the process. They do not need visas, though they do need
a passport or document approved by the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(
www.getyouhome.gov
)
.
»
Those who need a visa should apply at the US consulate in their home country.
Visiting Canada
It's temptingly easy to make trips across the border to Canada from the eastern USA, but
upon return, non-Americans will be subject to the full immigration procedure. Always take
your passport when you cross the border.
Citizens of most Western countries will not need a visa to visit Canada, so it's really not
a problem to cross to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls or detour up to Québec. Travel-
ers entering the USA by bus from Canada may be closely scrutinized.
Volunteering
Volunteering opportunities abound in the eastern USA, providing a memorable chance to
interact with locals and the land in ways you never would when just passing through.
Casual, drop-in volunteer work is plentiful in the big cities. Check weekly alternative
newspapers for calendar listings or browse the free classified ads online at
Craigslist
(
www.craigslist.org
). The public website
Serve.gov
(
www.serve.gov
) and private websites
Idealist.org
(
www.idealist.org
) and
VolunteerMatch
(
www.volunteermatch.org
) offer free
searchable databases of short- and long-term volunteer opportunities nationwide.
More formal volunteer programs, especially those designed for international travelers,
typically charge a fee of $250 to $1000, depending on the length of the program and what
amenities are included (eg housing, meals). None cover travel expenses.
Recommended volunteer organizations:
Green Project
( 504-945-0240;
www.thegreenproject.org
) Working to improve battered
communities in New Orleans in sustainable, green ways.
Habitat for Humanity
( 800-422-4828;
www.habitat.org
)
Focuses on building afford-
able housing for those in need.
Sierra Club
( 415-977-5522;
www.sierraclub.org
) 'Volunteer vacations' restore wilder-
ness areas and maintain trails, including in national parks and nature preserves.
Volunteers for Peace
( 802-540-3060;
www.vfp.org
)
Grassroots, multiweek volunteer
projects emphasize manual labor and international exchange.
Wilderness Volunteers
( 801-949-3099;
www.wildernessvolunteers.org
) Week-long
trips helping maintain national parklands and outdoor recreation areas.
