• Welcome
  • About
  • Ocean and River Cruises
    • Viking River & Ocean Cruises
    • Solo Cruise Travel
    • RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES
    • AmaWaterways
  • Villas & Vacation Rentals
    • Villas in Italy
    • Rental Escapes Worldwide
    • Rental Properties
  • Vacations
    • Escape Vacations
    • Pleasant Holidays--DIY
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Why Pay Fees?
Epic Travel Journeys
  • Welcome
  • About
  • Ocean and River Cruises
    • Viking River & Ocean Cruises
    • Solo Cruise Travel
    • RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES
    • AmaWaterways
  • Villas & Vacation Rentals
    • Villas in Italy
    • Rental Escapes Worldwide
    • Rental Properties
  • Vacations
    • Escape Vacations
    • Pleasant Holidays--DIY
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Why Pay Fees?

epic travel
​BLOG

PASSPORTS AND “VANITY” TYPE STAMPS  BE AWARE

5/29/2025

0 Comments

 
 T​
Arrival at the AMS (Amsterdam) (On May 29, 2025) a few minutes ago and the passport control agent asked about this stamp on a passport. He said that some countries will deny you entry. (This passenger had never really noticed it and it’s never been mentioned before in the 10 or so trips to Europe taken over the last 4 years.)  Times do change.  Be aware of that. It has Nothing to do with Politics so don’t go there.

A vanity stamp- the ones that tourist shops offer for people who just want “stamps” in their passport? I used to do that years ago before I found out that they could render your passport void. We used to get them in the Caribbean- they would have mantas or dolphins on them sometimes
Unofficial stamps or markings can invalidate your passport. Acceptance is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Sometimes Alaska (if you drive in via Canada) possibly six or so years ago they were being done. Interesting for those who do drive back and forth to check their passports. If it’s there? Get a new Passport. Why take a chance and be very aware.  ONLY in or through Immigration or Customs should you allow anyone to stamp a Passport/
Souvenir shopping while outside the US?  Tempted?  Don’t do it. {OR if you really cannot resist - For anyone interested but would rather not deface their actual passport - Muji sells passport-size booklets that are perfect for souvenir stamping.}
 The photo example is one that people can get in Berlin.
Picture
0 Comments

Mexico Bound:  Pack Right

5/16/2025

0 Comments

 
Congratulations!!  You have decided on where and when you want to go and relax on your Mexican Vacation.  Now is NOT the time to overthink about packing, etc. 

Take a look at our list as it will make your trip much easier!  Send me your EMAIL to get the full information.

Your Carry On; Do Not Pack; Packing Advice; General Items; Very Important; Convenient Extras; Basics, Things to Pack;  The Basics (Toiletries); Do's and Dont's; and more.


​
0 Comments

MEXICO -- PLAYA MUJERES  GOLF

5/7/2025

0 Comments

 
2025 Playa Mujeres Golf rates

GOLFERS!! WHO TRAVEL!
For those who are Mexico bound, specifically Playa Mujeres and want to know golf rates? Go to BELOW to the photo and check the rates sheet.
0 Comments

TRAVEL TIPS:  MEXICO (taxes)

5/7/2025

0 Comments

 
An FYI for those cruisers:  Mexican authorities have slashed the forthcoming Non-Resident Duty (DNR) tax for cruise passengers to $5 (USD) per person — set to come into force from July 1, 2025. This is vastly less than the $42 per passenger fee initially billed by the Mexican government in December 2024…
0 Comments

TRAVEL TIPS>  ETIAS (again)update

5/6/2025

0 Comments

 
ETIAS Won’t Become Mandatory for Travel to EU Until 2027
Foreign travellers who are permitted visa-free entry to the EU will not be required to obtain a travel authorisation – ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – until April 2027, at the earliest. According to the EU’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home…
— Schengen Visa Info
0 Comments

    Pat Aitken

    Your Epic Travel Specialist

    recent posts

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024

    Categories

    All
    Cruise Reviews
    Destination Guides
    Entry Requirements
    Europe
    Mexico
    River Cruising
    Travel Tips

    RSS Feed



contact us

Epic Travel Journeys
[email protected]
(541) 622-8284
(541)613-2375 (text only)
Epic Travel Journeys Logo

socialize with us
​


FL Seller of Travel # ST38545, CA Seller of Travel # 2071045-50
Site created by Voyager Websites
  • Welcome
  • About
  • Ocean and River Cruises
    • Viking River & Ocean Cruises
    • Solo Cruise Travel
    • RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES
    • AmaWaterways
  • Villas & Vacation Rentals
    • Villas in Italy
    • Rental Escapes Worldwide
    • Rental Properties
  • Vacations
    • Escape Vacations
    • Pleasant Holidays--DIY
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Why Pay Fees?