The Canadian Rockies, Banff, and Lake Louise

Do you prefer to get in your car and take a road trip when the urge to travel and explore strikes? Or maybe you need an inexpensive family getaway? Consider a drive through the majestic Canadian Rockies.

You can explore scenic drives along many of the highways, such as the Icefields Parkway or the TransCanada Highway. The Icefields Parkway is considered by many to be the most amazing and memorable scenic drives.  You can explore on your own, take a tour across the enormous glaciers, which feed three oceans and many rivers. The wildlife is abundant, but remember not to get too close – the animals are wild and seeing them in their natural habitat and home is not the same as visiting a zoo.

Banff and Lake Louise offer you a more urban experience, including world class dining and shopping, as well as skiing. Banff National Park allows you to explore the beauty that nature has to offer, while the town and surrounding area can provide the amenities of comfort if you are not the camping or outdoorsy type.  Banff and Lake Louise offer the best of both worlds – fine dining, busy nightlife, five-star accommodations in addition to the stunning views of glaciers, mountains, fishing in crystal clear rivers and lakes, hiking, and natural wonders.

Don’t let the remote location fool you; the Canadian Rockies have it all, and make a perfect road trip destination or detour. Some of the highways and scenic drives allow you to feel and imagine that you are exploring and discovering uncharted territory, without the risks explorers faced a few hundred years ago.

Filed Under: Road Trips, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Refinancing Your Car

Consumer auto loan refinancing has become a viable method for many buyers, especially those who are forced to buy a vehicle at a less-than-desirable interest rate. Stale rates can be the result of not having readily available cash for a down payment, or, a failing housing market that has adversely affected their credit. Regardless of the reasons, getting better loan terms can help tremendously.

Should the consumer refinance his automobile? What is the best way to get a lower interest rate?

Consumer trends show that car refinance loans are a common way to save money monthly and over the life of a car loan. The first thing to do is to find out your vehicle’s loan balance. A quick call to your lender will answer that question. Next, shop around for the best deal. Some people use the Internet to look for the best rate while others prefer to have all their loans come from the same lender so they go straight to the bank or institution that holds their mortgage. This is a great option if you don’t have perfect credit but still have a solid history of payments. Your bank may be more willing than an anonymous lender to give you a reasonable interest rate even if your credit score is below 700.

Once you have the money in hand, pay off the original lender in full and begin making your monthly payments to the new one. Make sure you calculated correctly to avoid any payment issues. Refinancing ensures that you are definitely saving money over the long haul, protecting your credit score and enjoying the extra money in your pocket!

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Road Rules in Canada

While vacationing in Canada by automobile or motorcycle there are some differences in regards to that of driving in the US. Although very similar you will want to be familiar with the laws, requirements and expectations of the Canadian governement. Road conditions can also change rapidly and you will want to be prepared.

The good news is that your US drivers license is valid in Canada, and your auto insurance is acceptable as long as you are there strictly as a tourist. The speed limit posts will be in kilometers oppossed to miles like in the US. Seat belts are mandatory just as they are in many of the US states. Children must be in a safety seat if they weigh under 40 pounds.

You will also need to be aware that in certain areas road signs are posted in french and you will need to know how to read french or you might want to carry a translation dictionary to help you out just in case you need it.

In some provinces of Canada you are required to keep your headlights on at all times while driving.

If you are driving a motorcycle in Canada, be aware that it is illegal to share a lane and you must wear a protective helmet while driving.

If you do have an emergency while traveling in Canada and you find yourself in need of assistance, the 911 number used in the US is also used for emergencies in Canada.

While driving in Canada at night be aware that elk, moose, and deer need to watched for in rural areas.

Filed Under: Road Trips, Safety Tagged With: , ,

Touring Canada

Canada is a beautifully diverse country that offers a wide range of activities and must see sites.

Once you have decided on the time of year you will be touring Canada you then be able to plan your activities. Canada a scenic and offers many outdoor activities for those who enjoy skiing, or camping out and taking in the beautiful country of Canada.

For those who want to take in more of the country, you might be interested in traveling by rail across the country and enjoying the comforts of being indoors at the same time.

There is so much to do and see in Canada, good planning will help you to enjoy a memorable trip. Once you have decided on your point of interest within Canada and the type of vacation you are planning, then you will be able to decide on the activities, events, festivals and sites that you will not want to miss.

Traveling from the US to Canada will require a passport for adults and documentation such as a birth certificate for children. If the child is traveling with only one parent you will need a letter from the other parent giving you permission to take the child across the Canadian border.

You can bring your pet if you like but know that the pet can be required to a vet check. You will want to have your pets shots up to date and carry documentation to show proof as you cross the border.

Canadian currency is different then US, so you will want to make sure and have some cash converted before arriving.

Filed Under: Road Trips, Travel Tagged With: ,

Rules of the Canadian Road

When traveling by car into a different country you will want to familiarize yourself with the different motor vehicle laws, speeds and roadways. This will help you to have a safer drive and less potential for unnecessary education from local authorities.

When driving in Canada it is important to note the time of year you will be traveling in and the current weather conditions. Taking with you extra blankets, water and snacks is also a good idea for road traveling in case of unexpected stops or hindrances in your travels.

While driving in Canada it will be much like driving in parts of the United States.

But you will notice that speed limits are posted in kilometers opposed to miles as in the US. And in Quebec the road signs are posted in French, so you will want to familiarize yourself with the meaning of those signs in advance of traveling within Canada.

In Canada the typical posted speed limits for in the cities are 50km which equals just about 31 miles per hour. On the highways the posts will be 80km and that equals 50 miles per hour. But for rural highways you might see the speed posted at 100km which sounds fast but really is only 62 miles per hour. This will give you an idea of the speed expectations within Canada.

If you have ever had a driving under the influence ticket in the US, you very possibly will not be allowed to drive in Canada, regardless of how much time has passed since the violation.

You will need to wear a seat belt in Canada at all times it is a law, just as it is in most of the US now. And children under 40 pounds will need to be in a car seat for their safety.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

How Do You Donate Your Car?

First off, why would you? Transportation is important, obviously. Many would look at that article title and drop their jaw to the floor. It does happen, though: just take a look, for instance, at the non-profit organization Kars for Kids.

This is how you donate your car. There are a number of things to remember. For one, the car you’re donating can’t be a car that you were using primarily for sales, such as in a used car lot. If the charity organization ends up selling your car, your tax deduction can’t exceed the gross proceeds of that sale. It’s important to understand that you can deduct either $500 or the fair market value—whichever is lower—if the vehicle sells for $500 or less.

As part of your tax deduction, record keeping is important; the charity must provide in writing proof that you’ve donated as well as a statement saying you received no goods or services in return. If the charity’s policy is that you be awarded a certain kind of prize that implies a specific religious benefit for your donation, it must be put in writing for the IRS.

The one requirement you need to apply a donation such as a car as a tax deduction is the fact that you need to qualify for the standard deduction, meaning your deductions can’t exceed half of your adjusted gross income. If you qualify for the standard deduction on your taxes, the only way to claim a deduction for your car is to itemize it, which simply means listing each item you deduct, one after the other.

Your tax return benefits in a huge way if you do that. However, be sure you somehow get another form of transportation or just change for the bus! Otherwise, be thankful that you’ve helped out with whatever charity you choose. You can rest assured that your car would come to good use.

Filed Under: Road Trips Tagged With:

Traveling to Canada

In this day and age with the ever present potential threat of violence through out the world, it is important that individuals who are traveling into other countries take extra precautions while traveling.

While visiting the beautiful country of Canada you will want to make sure that you have taken the same precautions as you would if you were traveling into any other foreign country.

You will need to know where the closest consult to you is and also where the US embassy is located in regards to the area in which you are traveling and visiting.

You can register with the US embassy and provide information as to where you are staying, so that if there is an incident regarding national security or it becomes necessary for your family members to look for you they will have vital information regarding your location.

There is a program called STEP which is an acronym for Safe Traveler Enrollment Program that you can register with through the US embassy or consult.

The US embassy is located at:

490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Telephone:  (613) 238-5335
Emergency after-hours telephone: (613) 238-5335
Facsimile: (613) 688-3082

There are also US consults throughout Canada that you can register with and they are located throughout Canada.

It is also a good idea to have with you any important health and insurance information in case of an unexpected emergency.

Vacations should be fun and relaxing and by making plans and taking extra precautions ahead of time it will help to lessen stress during any unforeseen events that might occur.

It is a good idea to have a prepared list of emergency contacts information of family and friends that you would want to be made aware of any emergency, in case a situation might occur.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , ,

Keeping Your Car Drivable

Owning a car is a privilege that many people get to enjoy. It’s the feel of total freedom to go and do as you please. While owning a car might feel good for many, it can create a host of problems that may not only complicate your life but can really put a strain on your financial situation.

There are times when the car, whether you like it or not, breaks down. While there are situations where the repair is reasonable, there are others where the repair is too far out of your control and you are forced to deal with a crippling repair bill. Since you need your car, you must pay it but it sets the rest of your budget out of whack.

Getting a payday loan in this situation might be your best bet. There are a host of people who have found the true value of payday loans. They are able to give people the money they need for a car repair bill and they are able to do it in a modest amount of time. In many cases the money is issued the same day.

Many people think that getting a credit card is a good way to go, but that’s not the case at all. The process for getting a credit card could take up to 10 days and you need your car in less time than that. There is also the issue of your credit as well. Many credit card companies won’t approve if you have a less than desirable credit score. A place like paydayone.com will work with you even if your credit history is bad. They just need proof of a stable income, and the loan you need can be yours.

Having a car means having to deal with the issues associated with it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t resources to help you. You can take care of your car without crippling yourself financially.

Filed Under: General, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

Crossing the Border

If you are thinking about visiting or vacationing in Canada you will need to have a passport in order to do so. If you live in the state of Washington you can receive an enhanced driver’s license for an additional fee when you apply for a driver’s license or renew your current license. The enhanced license is currently only available to the citizens of Washington State but hopefully will be made available throughout the rest of the United States eventually.

You can apply for a passport through your local government office, as long as you provide a copy of your birth certificate, social security number and drivers license photo ID.

You will want to apply well in advance of your planned trip, because it can take two or more weeks for you to receive your passport in the mail.

You can also apply for a passport card, which will cost less then a passport book. But if you plan to travel into other countries it would be a good idea to apply for the passport book. The card is easier to carry on your person or in your wallet, but for those planning extensive travel you will need the book so that it can be stamped upon entrance into a different country.

Crossing the border into Canada will go smoothly if you have done the necessary planning and preparation in advance of your trip. Having your passport and identification with you and ready is necessary before you can begin traveling into Canada.

And since it does take time to receive your documents back through the mail you will want to begin the process as early as possible in advance of your trip.

Having the passport card in addition to your passport book is a good idea in case your passport book is lost or stolen.

Filed Under: Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

Traveling into Canada with Children

Just as you will need identification for border crossings into or out of Canada, you will also need proper identification for any children you will be traveling with.

You will need a copy of the child’s birth certificate before crossing the Canada border.

It is necessary for the safety and protection of the children that you have proper documentation for you and proof of your relationship to the child or children you are traveling with.

You will want to make sure you have all of the necessary documents in order well before your planned trip into Canada.

You can apply and receive a passport for your child or children in advance of your trip.

If you are a single parent or the only parent traveling with your child, you will also need a letter from the other parent giving there consent for the child to go on the trip.

It is also important to note that if you are a widowed parent that you will need to have a copy of the death certificate of the other parent available as well.

You will need to make sure all the information and documentation is in order.

If your children are older they may be subject to questioning before crossing into Canada by the officials. Making them aware and ready for that potential occurrence and assuring them ahead of time will help your children not to be stressed or concerned.

Preparation is very important so that everyone will enjoy a wonderful and memorable trip to Canada.

Having their own passport will be a great way to introduce older children to the process of how the government procedures work for traveling into other countries and will also give them valuable learning experiences.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , ,
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