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Toll Roads in France

Driving in France is not difficult. There are toll roads in France and driving on them can be a little confusing the first time you enter the ticket lanes. No need to worry if you don’t speak French. They have great pictures to guide you. With a little advance education, you can navigate these with ease.

Keep in mind, on most toll roads in France you take a ticket when you enter the highway and pay a toll when you exit.

That’s great. Now to know how to pay, which lane to use, and when to pay with a credit card.

The signs above the toll station will tell you what to do.

If you see a lowercase t, this means you can only pay by telepeage in that lane. You need a transponder and account, similar to our Fast Track in California. If you are visiting…don’t enter this lane. This is an important piece to remember. You don’t want to enter this lane if you are in France on vacation.

The simplest way to pay is to enter a lane with a green downward pointing arrow. In some cases, there will be a Euro sign. This means you can pay with Euros, either coins or bills. Once you enter the lane, insert your toll ticket in the slot marked ticket. The amount due will be displayed. You may add coins or bills until the amount is paid. The barrier will then rise.

If you want a receipt, push the Recu button.

If you have a problem, press the Assistance intercom button. Wait for assistance. Whatever you do…don’t back up.

Tolls are charged by distance. Your tolls will vary. In fact, you may find a toll road where you do not have a ticket. There is just a charge. Again, enter the correct lane and use your Euros to pay the amount listed on the machine.

We always have a bunch of Euro coins in the car. Be sure to keep the larger coins for tolls as the machines probably will not take the small amount coins.

Don’t be surprised by the amount. Tolls can get quite expensive. On a recent trip from Paris to Colmar, the tolls amounted to over 50 Euros. The distance was about 330 miles.

Check out Troyes and its History with Books , https://travelsandescapes.net/2020/02/24/troyes-and-its-history-with-books/

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Travel Notifications from STEP

When I travel I check the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for any alerts pertaining to the countries I am visiting. I also register my trip with STEP.

The following is an email I received lately about travel in Italy.

STEP Notifications  Wed, Jan 15, 1:05 PM (18 hours ago)
to ACS_ITALY

Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Italy:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Italy.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Does this mean I would not travel to Italy? Not necessarily. It does mean there are extra things to watch out for when traveling there.

Have you had any experience with STEP?

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Snag Amazing Travel Deals With These Helpful Sites

Today’s guest post is from a fellow traveler and writer. Check out what he has to say about travel deals.

Image credit: Pixabay

Traveling is becoming more common with today’s ease of planning. From apps that help you bundle deals with booking flights, hotels and even renting cars, to agencies that convince you just how great of a trip you could have if you decided to see more of the world – it’s a game-changer. In today’s world, all you need to make an affordable trip happen is a good internet connection, a realistic budget, and a passion to pack your bags and leave home. 

Look for Online Deals

When you book through a trusted travel site like Priceline, you’re getting the best deals available, including offers on amazing cruises! Log in online or download the app to plan the trip of a lifetime. You can select your location and choose the dates that fit your schedule best. 

Your search will provide you with a list of the top-reviewed hotels and access to flights with multiple airlines to choose from, and it will help you determine which package discount offers you the best deal.

If you need to rent a car, look to a rental agency like Enterprise. They have many rentals to choose from and competitive rates, and there are a wide variety of deals available. You can save even more by using Enterprise coupons and promo codes. 

When it comes to buying travel items for your trip like luggage and clothing, look to save at big-box retailers. Not only can you find discounted items, but some retailers offer free gifts when you make a purchase. Stores with free gift offers include Macy’s Walgreens, and Sears.

Try EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break is made primarily for young adults looking to travel and experience a new culture without spending too much money. The company offers incredible opportunities with short- and long-term trips, including an easy payment plan system to allow travelers to pay when they can, as long as the trip is paid for 30 days prior to departure.

This pre-planned trip company takes care of everything from booking your flights to your buses, hotels and hostels, and even helps you with an itinerary. You’ll get a mixture of planned excursions that you can skip out on if you want, as well as free time to do what you wish. Each city will have a guide to show you around, and you’ll also have a tour director to ensure your safe arrival from location to location.

You’ll of course still need to bring a few travel essentials along (no one likes to be without their phone charger, for example), but if you’re looking for an adventure that includes all the big-ticket items at an affordable rate, then EF Ultimate Break may be just right for you. 

Wander Wisely With Couch Surfing

Different from any other way to save money on traveling, try your hand at couch surfing. You’ll have the option of staying somewhere safe and approved without the hefty payments of a hotel. Choose between the options of staying with somebody that literally only offers their couch, or pick a place where you can have your own room to get a full night’s rest at the end of the day. Your only worries will be actually getting to your destination, paying for food and outside adventures along the way, and having to leave when the trip ends! 

Make new friends that’ll last a lifetime through this option. You can choose who you stay with, talk to them long before the trip, and have a local tell you where all of the best places to go are. You’ll end up feeling like you’ve lived in the town forever while bonding over your new adventure. 

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. Let these suggested websites help you save money so that you have that extra cash to spoil yourself wherever you’re planning to travel. After all, who doesn’t love souvenirs? 

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Troyes and its History with Books

The city of Troyes is steeped in more history than I can recount.

Take books, especially pocket books. More commonly recognized as paperback books, these got their start here in Troyes.

Starting out as “Blue Books” in the early 17th century, these were recycled books that had already been published. A printer in Troyes turned them into new editions.  

Clever guy.

They were re-written, abridged versions designed for the general public instead of just school kids. With fewer pages, cheaper paper, smaller size, and poor-quality printing, these were definitely low cost.

Vendors could sell them at village fairs and markets all over the region. They were known as blue books because the covers were always blue. Recycled paper used to package sugarloaf was used on all the covers.

France’s first paper mill also just happened to be located in Troyes. Convenient, huh?

The city produced linen and hemp textiles as well. At that time, paper was made from ground-up rags which were transformed into pulp.

As the Champagne Fairs gained in popularity, Troyes became a major paper production center. Over a dozen paper mills produced the finest paper, sought after for quality publications.

Paper production continues today with companies using hemp fiber for paper, making tissues and toilet paper, and using recycled cardboard for new packaging.

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Prosecco…Bubbles in Your Glass

Do you like Prosecco? It’s an easy drink, the bubbles give excitement to your glass, and it’s affordable. It makes a great spritz, pairing it with some Aperol.

But, what else do you know about it?

Did you know the Glera grape, which grew in the Prosecco region of Italy, was grown in Ancient Rome?

Have you ever looked at the label around the neck of the bottle? Did you see the letters DOC or DOCG? The DOCG is slightly higher quality…and I agree. The grapes grow on vines in limestone hillside. Everything is done by hand…and it’s a steep hill.

Did you realize most Prosecco is not made in the typical methode champenoise? It’s made in the charmaat method or tank method, where the fermented wine goes through its secondary fermentation in big steel tanks, not in the bottle. This means less contact with the yeast sediment, or lees.

Since aromatic grapes are used, the cleaner tank method allows those flavors to shine. More taste.

My favorite comes from the region of Valdobbiadene. It’s a great place to put on your list to visit.

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ETIAS Visa Waiver

Recently, I read this article in both the Wall Street Journal and from a trusted travel source.

U.S. citizens traveling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver which is the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in 2021. Similar to other countries and regions in the world, Europe has recently decided to improve its security level to avoid any further problems with illegal immigration and terrorism.

This means that, by the end of 2021, all Americans traveling to a European country in the Schengen Zone will be in need of an ETIAS. The Schengen Area is composed of 22 European Union countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. ETIAS will permit travel to all Schengen countries for short stays during its validity.

HOW LONG CAN A US CITIZEN STAY IN EUROPE?

At the moment, there is no Europe visa waiver for U.S. citizens for periods of less than 90 days. However, this will change by the end of 2021, when American citizens traveling to Europe from the U.S. will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any of the Schengen zone countries for short stays.

The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for a total of 3 years from the moment of approval. During the 3-year validity of the ETIAS for U.S. travelers, it is possible to enter any of the Schengen Zone European countries which apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.

The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180-day period. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for longer periods of time or other purposes, American citizens are required to apply for a Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate.

Currently, there are 22 European countries that form part of the Schengen Area. They include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • Lithuania
  • Latvia
  • Estonia
  • Poland
  • Slovakia
  • Hungary
  • Slovenia
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Czech Republic
  • Malta

EITAS Required in Non-EU Member States include:

  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Also included are:

  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City

EITAS Non-Required include:

  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Romania
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus

WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO GO TO EUROPE?

To obtain the Europe visa waiver for Americans, U.S. citizens will need to have a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee, and an email account. These are the main ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens which each applicant must have on hand when applying. Without the right travel document, applicants could have their application denied.

When applying for an ETIAS, applicants must ensure that the passport used is valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay of each person. It is possible that passports over 10 years old may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

Applicants with dual nationality, and so multiple passports, should ensure they use the same passport to complete the ETIAS application as that which they will later use to travel to the Schengen Area, as the ETIAS will be electronically linked to an individual passport.

When applying for an electronic visa waiver for Europe, it is necessary to provide a current email address at which to receive a copy of the approved ETIAS. As an approved ETIAS is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, it will not be mandatory to print a copy of the visa waiver, although travelers are nonetheless advised to carry a copy with them to Europe in case of any problems with the electronic system.

TRAVELING TO EUROPE FROM THE U.S WITH ETIAS

When submitting an ETIAS application, it is important to remember that all U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to travel to Europe from 2021, including minors. It is necessary to submit a separate visa waiver for Europe application for all U.S. children under the age of 18. Parents or legal guardians are able to submit a European visa waiver application on behalf of a minor, although every child is required to have an individual approved ETIAS.

It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe, it merely grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries. The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. The traveler may be asked to prove they do not intend to spend longer in Europe than the period allowed with ETIAS, by providing evidence of:

  • Return flight tickets to the United States or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of travel health insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay

There will also be other regulations and restrictions to bear in mind when traveling to Europe from the U.S.A. which are similar to those in place at the moment, such as the right to carry weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency.

Finally, it is important to note that an ETIAS may be revoked when the conditions for the issuing of the visa waiver for Europe are no longer met, particularly when there is reason to believe that the visa waiver for Europe was obtained by providing misleading or fraudulent information. For this reason it is essential to ensure that all of the information provided on the ETIAS form is correct before submitting the application, as even small errors may result in the revocation of an ETIAS.

Travelers whose passport expires during the validity of the ETIAS are also required to submit a new application for a Europe visa waiver from the United States in order to continue to travel to the Schengen Area, as an ETIAS is specifically linked to the travel document used to complete the original application.

DO AMERICAN CITIZENS NEED A VISA FOR EUROPE (SCHENGEN VISA)?

As the United States is one of the visa-exempt countries for Europe, American citizens do not currently require a visa for the Schengen Area for short stays up to 90 days. From 2021, however, they will be required to obtain an Europe visa waiver to stay in Schengen countries for any less than 90 days. There is no need to apply before every trip, as ETIAS permits travel to all Schengen countries during its 3-year validity.

American citizens who intend to stay in Europe for longer periods, or for purposes other than those permitted with ETIAS, will be required to apply for a Schengen visa. The length of a Schengen visa for Europe is determined on an individual basis, and it may be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. Unlike ETIAS, a Schengen visa is issued for one specific Schengen country, and applicants are required to apply in person from an embassy or consulate in the United States of the country they wish to visit.

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

It is necessary to attend an consular appointment for a Schengen visa with the following documentation in order to guarantee approval of the visa:

  • A completed Schengen Europe visa application form
  • Copies of any previously issued Schengen visas
  • A valid US passport containing at least 2 blank pages
  • Any accommodation bookings the traveler has made for their stay
  • Round trip flight tickets, or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
  • Travel insurance which covers medical care in the Schengen Area
  • A recent, passport-sized, photograph of the traveler, taken against a white background

American citizens who apply for a Schengen visa are required to submit the application at least 15 working days before the intended date of entry to Europe at the latest, to allow for sufficient time for the visa to be processed.

HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?

U.S. citizens can apply online for an ETIAS by completing an online ETIAS registration. The enrollment will be a quick and simple process, similar to the ESTA for eligible citizens traveling to the U.S. and will take an average of 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need to fill out an online form with their contact details and passport information, including:

  • Name and surname
  • Nationality
  • Date, place, and country of birth
  • Current address
  • Contact phone number
  • Email address
  • Passport number
  • Passport issue/expiry date

This process allows European immigration and customs authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them entry or even to board a flight, thus dentifying any potential threats and improving security measures throughout the Schengen Area.

All of the information provided on the Europe visa waiver application is pre-screened against the databases managed by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). eu-LISA is also responsible for the management of the ETIAS system, and will check applications against security information databases such as VIS (visa information database), SIS (shared European database to identify suspected criminals, missing people, and stolen assets), and EURODAC (fingerprint database).

It is also necessary to answer some basic security questions to submit the ETIAS visa waiver application, including about:

  • Criminal history
  • Employment history
  • Drug use
  • Human trafficking
  • Prior travel to conflict areas
  • Past European travel information

After answering all of the required security questions on the ETIAS form, it is necessary to pay the required ETIAS fee using either a valid credit or debit card. Once the travel authorization for Europe has been paid, the process is complete and the applicant will receive the confirmation for the ETIAS visa waiver via email. With an approved ETIAS visa waiver, applicants will be ready to travel to Europe.

For more information, check out https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/

Let me know if you have more information.