What are your Travel Goals for 2019?

2018 has been a great year for many of us, 2019 will be an even better year. Have you determined what your 2019 travel goals are? If you have, please share your travel goals. If you have not decided on your travel goals for 2019, you may find a goal(s) from list below:

Obtaining a passport is a requirement when travelling outside of the United States and its territories, such as American Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.  There is a caveat, when US citizens embark on a cruise that originates and terminates at the same US port, a passport is not mandatory, however, proof of citizenship is required.

To apply for your passport, click on the link to understand the passport requirements, process to apply for a passport, and next steps after completing the application.  One piece of advice ensure to give yourself enough time for the processing and return of your passport prior to departure for your trip.

Applying for Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the US. Click on the link to determine the requirements and steps in order to be approved for Global Entry. A suggestion when applying for Global Entry check with your employer and/or your credit card as either or both may cover the cost of application.

Attaining more stamps in your passport is something many people like to obtain as proof of entry into countries you have visited. Depending on the country they may require 2-4 empty visa/stamp pages in your passport. As of 2016 unfortunately, you may no longer add visa/stamp pages to your existing passport. You must now obtain a new passport, although, may choose from a 28-page or 52-page book.

Crossing off a country you want to visit is an accomplishment, however, there may be additional feelings you may have about this location. For example, when visiting Beijing I wanted to experience the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden Palace to name a few sights. After visiting these locations, I would like to share this experience with my husband and visit other sights. In addition, riding a sleeper train from Shanghai to Beijing was a great time and riding a bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai was a phenomenal experience.

Visiting one of the seven continents is often a goal of many travelers whether experienced or inexperienced. The seven continents include Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America. North America and Europe are two of the most visited continents, however, continents like Africa, Asia, etc. have many things to offer its visitors. For example, on the continent of Africa you experience 3 deserts, rainforests, mountains, islands, many amazing people from the 54 countries, many animals that originate on the continent, tons of history, culture, monuments, museums, delectable food, etc.

Visiting a National Park or Monument is an awe-inspiring experience that can have you craving for more. Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa is an enormous park extending from north of Cape Town down the Cape Peninsula to Africa’s southwestern extremity. Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in South Africa. 

The Cape Floral region of the park is one of the richest floral regions in the world as over 70% of flowers are endemic to Table Mountain.  Even though the park is no longer home to cape lion, mountain zebra, or leopard the park is still home to caracals, rock hyraxes (aka Dassie), and chacma baboons. Another main South African attraction the park contains is the Cape of Good Hope (most southern point of the African continent).

Visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient or Modern World is an experience you will never forget. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only wonder of the ancient world still largely intact and the oldest of the seven. When examining the Great Pyramid, you can go inside to view the structure. Immediately, you are taken aback by the massive structure and the engineering required for the construction and capability of the pyramid to withstand for such a long period of time.

Visiting a Museum is always an educational experience and an activity you can enjoy with the entire family. Senegal has opened a 150,000 sq. ft. Museum of Black Civilizations. The first exhibition will feature work from artists from Mali, Burkina Faso, Cuba, and Haiti. The Women of the Nation showcase will include work from author and activist Angela Davis. The museum will also feature exhibits such as “Cradle of Humankind,” providing information on human origins in Africa, “African Civilizations: Continuous Creation of Humanity,” which will investigate the history of masks, and “the Caravan and Caravel,” providing insight into the slave trade. 

Don’t wait until retirement to experience those destinations you are yearning to visit. Ketour Travel can help you to realize your dream. Joining Ketour Travel Club allows you to experience different countries throughout the continent of Africa and Middle East without the hassle of arranging the trip. Leave that up to Ketour Travel Club to reduce the stress of planning and the details associated with the fabulous destinations year after year.

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