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Most Recent Questions for Matt
Question:
Asked by Patricia Bennett on December 4th, 2011
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Can I travel in March with a visa that expires on March 6?
Answer:
You will want to check with people who know better than I. First, this section of the Discover America website provides official details on visa/ESTA topics. Second, this page from the website of the U.S. Department of State details visa expiration and extension policies. Best of luck in finding your answer!
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Question:
Asked by anthony greer on November 22nd, 2011
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I'm 71. I've had two visas to enter the States. I'm British. In my youth, I had a police record, noncustodial for petty crimes, the last one over 40 years ago. Is there a cut-off period where another visa could be wavered?
Answer:
Thanks for your note. In response, I will refer you to two websites. First, this section of the Discover America website provides official details on visa/ESTA topics. Second, this page from the website of the U.S. Department of State details visa expiration and extension policies. Good luck!
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Question:
Asked by Harry on October 28th, 2011
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A friend and I will be traveling round the East Coast for around three weeks, and we were wondering about the availability of hostels and campsites in New York and around the Great Lakes. How much we should expect to spend on these?
Answer:
There's nothing like a good autumn camping trip to get the blood flowing. While some campgrounds shut down Nov. 1, many remain open (or partially open) through the winter, barring terrible weather.

In New York, the State Park system has an easy-to-use search engine; access it by clicking here. Another way is to check with KOA to see if they operate any campgrounds along your route.

For campgrounds in other states around the Great Lakes Region, this article provides some great resources.

Wherever you plan to go, just be sure to call ahead. Good luck and drive safely!
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Question:
Asked by federico calvo on September 29th, 2011
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My mother is traveling to the U.S. from Argentina to visit me and my family in Miami. She will be traveling from 02/24/2012 through 03/24/2012. Her visa expires on 6/12/2012, so it's within the date range, but I remember that there used to be some kind of problem when you traveled into the U.S. with a password too close to expiring. Is this still the case? Will she have any problems entering the country? Thanks so much.
Answer:
I will refer you to two websites that might help answer your question.

First, this section of the Discover America website provides official details on visa/ESTA topics.

Second, this page from the website of the U.S. Department of State details visa expiration and extension policies.

Good luck! And enjoy your mother's visit!
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Question:
Asked by Paul Egley on September 25th, 2011
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Has the Corporation for Travel Promotion been designed to eventually replace Discover America??
Answer:
From the U.S. Travel Association (who operates Discover America): "We are currently in discussions with the Corporation for Travel Promotion regarding Discoveramerica.com, however no official decision has been made. We anticipate this to be resolved in the coming months.”
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Question:
Asked by Darryl on September 23rd, 2011
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Hi. I have seen various questions/answers about travelling on Route 66. A group of 7 of us are looking to pedal cycle it for charity. We will need a support car, etc., and I was just wondering if there were any legal issues that need to be considered. We are UK citizens. Thanks!
Answer:
This is a tough one. It appears that if you're raising money for a U.K.-based charity here in the U.S., you may need to conduct an "equivalency determination" to establish that your nonprofit is the equivalent of a U.S. charity (for more on this, click here). You also will need to obtain an International Driver's License to operate the support vehicle, and you may need to pay additional deposits if you plan on having multiple people drive the vehicle. Hope this helps! And good luck, it's a great ride.
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Question:
Asked by tom on September 23rd, 2011
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Hi. Which American states are the most popular for camping? And is this a popular holiday for people in the States?
Answer:
Camping certainly is a popular holiday for people in the U.S., and every state has campgrounds and wilderness campsites that people love. Personally, my favorite camping destinations are California (my home state), Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Tennessee, and Maine. Washington State is a good spot for camping, too (especially if you don't mind rain). Good luck!
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Question:
Asked by joanne Hamilton on September 23rd, 2011
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Hi, Matt. Our daughter is to study at Montana State University for 12 months, and we are planning to visit for three weeks in July 2012 from Australia. We have no idea where to go or what to see. Can you suggest some ideas of sightseeing, etc.? A friend suggested we fly to Vancouvour and drive to Montana through the Rockies. Any other suggestions? Happy to travel interstate. Jo
Answer:
What a lucky girl! Bozeman, where Montana State University is located, is one of the best parts of Montana. With this in mind, I respectfully disagree with your friend's idea and suggest you spend your entire visit in Montana itself. Take the first week to explore the Gallatin and Madison valleys of Montana – these are the two river valleys that run south from Bozeman itself. Visit towns such as Ennis and Cameron.

The Paradise Valley, to the east, is worth visiting as well. Check out Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa for a total getaway. Spend your second week poking around Yellowstone National Park at your leisure. Too many visitors see only the Old Faithful geyser and neglect some of the park's other wonders (such as wildlife-watching, camping and incredible stargazing on clear nights).

During your third week, get to know Glacier Country – the area surrounding Glacier National Park. In addition to the park itself (which boasts some of the most incredible hiking anywhere in the contiguous U.S.), spend time on Flathead Lake, in Whitefish, and in the happening city of Missoula. After three weeks in this glorious state, you'll be sad to head home.
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Question:
Asked by Carol on September 15th, 2011
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Hi, Matt. I know this is probably a long shot, but do you know if UK passport holders with an ESTA visa need an additional visa to go on a cruise in the Carribbean? The cruise companies can't help me. I appreciate any help. Thanks
Answer:
Thanks for your note. I will refer you to two websites. First, this section of the Discover America website provides official details on visa/ESTA topics. Second, this page from the website of the U.S. Department of State details visa expiration and extension policies. Good luck and safe travels!
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Question:
Asked by Jessica on September 13th, 2011
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I would like to sponsor a relative from Cambodia to visit the U.S. What are the required forms that I need to fill out?
Answer:
These are complicated questions, and I can refer you to two websites that might help provide you with the answers you seek. First, this section of the Discover America website provides official details on visa/ESTA topics. Second, this page from the website of the U.S. Department of State details visa expiration and extension policies. Good luck!
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