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Archive: July, 2009

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All about passports and visas for your Italy Vacation

When traveling to Italy there are several things you must have. The least of these are a passport and maybe even a visa. If this is your first time traveling out of the US you will need to apply for a passport. You may also need to apply for a passport if your old one has expired, is damaged or lost. Applying for a passport is a fairly simple process which may be as simple as a trip to the post office but be sure to start early so you can be ready for your Italy vacation. There are stories of people who have had to cancel vacations because their passport was not ready. You don’t want to do this as it will be very disappointing and also expensive especially if you have reserved an airline ticket or some sort of package vacation.

The US Department of State asks that you allow six months for them to process your passport application however some travelers have found it only took a few weeks for them to receive their passports. You can apply online however first time applicants must apply in person. The main supporting document that is required is a valid original US birth certificate. Passport applicants are sometimes surprised to find that their original birth certificate needs to be submitted to the Department of State with a promise of it being mailed back. Many people tend to be leery of this especially because they have found how difficult it is to get a replacement birth certificate. However, most report that within a short period of receiving their new passports, their birth certificates arrive in the mail safe and sound. For all the details on where the 9000 passport application accepting facilities are and how to apply for a passport for your Italy vacation you can go to www.travel.state.gov/passport

If you are a US citizen you will not need a visa to go on an Italy vacation. However you must show that your airline ticket includes a return back to the US. If you are planning to travel to Italy for reasons other than a vacation the requirements are different and usually stricter. When on vacation in Italy you can stay for a maximum of 3 months at a time but remember that this is a combined period to include any time spent in several other European countries. Italy has an embassy in Washington DC that can process visas for non-US citizens. They must go to the embassy for personal interviews. If you are going to Italy for a vacation the prime concern of the Italian government is that you plan to return to your country. Therefore they always ask for proof that you have a full-time job especially if you are a non-US citizen.

The Department of State recommends that during your Italy vacation you register your presence there with the US embassy. This is important in case someone needs to contact you for an emergency home or in case of a disaster abroad so your whereabouts can be confirmed.

categories Vacation

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Places to Stay for your Italy Vacation

When you travel to Italy you can be rest assured that accommodations will not be a problem. Remember that this is one of the biggest tourist destinations of the world so there is a healthy helping of hotels, villas, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. You may be on a budget, you may want to live in luxury, you may want to experience Italy in the home of an Italian or you may be traveling in a group and prefer to stay at a place that can accommodate everyone. All the largest international hotels chains have a place in Italy so if that is what you prefer then there will be plenty of choices for that especially in Rome.

During your vacation to Italy you will find that there is something to suit everyone’s needs. However to completely experience Italy on your vacation it is recommended that you stay at a small bed and breakfast if you can. Most of these are family run and you will hear all kinds of stories, folklore and little known facts that may not be in any of the guide books you may have with you on your Italy vacation. Some of the bed and breakfasts will even offer you a price to include a roundtrip ticket from London.

If you are traveling in style and you are visiting Venice, you may want to consider staying at the Novecento Boutique Hotel. It is a chic bed and breakfast that is family run and offers luxurious accommodations. 30 minutes from the airport and offering free internet services, this hotel is modern but still maintains the old Venetian feel to it that will be appreciated by even the most discerning visitors. It is very close to many of Venice’s main attractions and with only 9 rooms, it is most suited to smaller groups or pairs. Most of the rooms have antiques collected by the owners through their own world travels and the bathrooms are especially large. The food here is said to be excellent and this boutique hotel is noted for its peaceful setting even for being as close as it is to all the action in Venice. This is the perfect place to stay if you are in Venice for your Italy vacation.

If you are visiting Florence, you should consider staying at a place called The Artist’s Residence. Florence is the seat of Italy’s artistic soul and this bed and breakfast is the perfect place to experience the renaissance. It is in the middle of old Florence and is furnished with 19th century sculptures created by Giovanni Dupre. The present owners of the bed and breakfast are his descendants. You will find original florentino tiled floors and even the bar counter was a confessional from 1500AD. Some bedrooms have terraces and you may be able to see the courtyard gardens from your terrace. Breakfast here is also said to be excellent and there are numerous restaurants close by to choose from for your other meals. There are 45 air-conditioned rooms here and also a gym and a solarium. This hotel also provides access to the internet if you cannot go without it on your Italy vacation.

categories Vacation

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Choosing the Right Agency: Travel Nurses

When its time to choose the right agency to which you will become employed with what exactly do you look for? First look for an agency that has the values you want to instill in your nursing career. It’s most important to make sure the agency you are working for treats there employees good and is there for their employees when there employees need guidance. Look for an agency that offers 24 hour support for any of your possible needs that may arise.

You will also want to make sure the agency you choose is well known and respected and those they have a viable databank of jobs available for you to choose your assignments from. You want to make sure the benefit packages that the agency offer are competitive to what other agencies are offering.

Does the agency offer medical malpractice insurance? Is it free? Do they offer you sign on bonuses, medical benefits, travel reimbursement? Travel reimbursement is one of the top things you will want to look for since this can be come costly to pick up and move when your assignment is over and move on to the next one.

First you need to ask yourself what exactly are you looking for the agency to offer you as an employee from there you can
make a list and then start to research into different agencies and find the one that best suits your needs and desires.
When contacting agencies never be afraid to ask them certain question you feel may be important. If an agency is not willing to respond to your questions or give you the time of day before you are hired that is a big indicator that you could have trouble down the line with this agency when you may truly need guidance and help. You may at that point want to keep looking into other agencies.

Choosing the right agency is essential as you plan for successful and fruitful career in becoming a traveling nurse. You can also ask an agency if they would be willing to put you into touch with other nurses who work with their agency to see if travel nursing is the way for you to go. Then you can talk to other nurses and see if they are comfortable working for the agency and ask them how any problems have been handled.

If an agency acts in a professional helpful manor the whole time this is a good indication the agency cares about their employees and will do what is necessary for you.

Other important information is to find out how long the agency has been in business, do they carry any awards or licenses?
How do the facilities that use them regard the agency? Ask to view a contract before you agree to any hiring process. You may also want to find out how your personal information is treated and will you be dealing with a team of people or will you have more interaction with say just a few people. Sometimes the more individual treatment is more important to some then to others.

When you feel fully comfortable that you have found the right agency for you then comes the time to sign up and begin your rewarding journey into becoming a traveling nurse.

categories General

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