By Trust Travel

Seaman visa service

Seaman visa service is administrative entry restrictions imposed by the countries for the pilot or a member of the seaman during a transit. The seaman visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a country for a short duration and perform the predefined duties in the given areas, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. The validity of transit visas for seaman members is usually limited by short terms such as several hours to 10 days depending on the size of the country and the circumstances. The visa policy for seaman members is set by the country and applies to during the transit or to join the vessel. It is illegal for the seaman members to perform repairs or similar work without work permits in port, or traveling in the waters. By law, only a few countries that offer a visa waiver program or do not issue a seaman visa, but allow their entry for a limited time with mandatory clearance documents. Most of the countries permit crew members to travel within the Common Travel Area by carrying a passport or a national identity card.

Related post: Seaman Travel Insurance

Overview

A Seaman visa application in advance of arrival gives non-citizens clearance to enter a country and to remain there within specified constraints and region without a prohibition against employment. They are required to enter into or exit from the country with the aircraft (train and ship) they work for. Many countries require seaman to obtain relevant seaman visas and they often carry a second passport that allows one to be submitted for visas while other passports as a backup ready in case of a short-notice trip. The flight seaman can obtain visas directly from an embassy, however, it takes longer, the companies have a 3rd-party provider and applies for multi-entry visas whenever possible. Pilots, seamen, air hostesses, flight attendants, stewards, or employees on board a ship whose services is required for normal operation.

Visa requirement

The Embassy of India does not issue a seaman visa directly, however, it is issued by Indian missions and posts. Pilots and seaman members are required to needing prior clearance from authorities in India which includes, landing permit issued by the DGCA, ICAO issued by the FAA, Certificate of Incorporation of the airline or cargo operator, Letter of Invitation, business letter and address proof. A landing permit facility, up to a maximum of 72 hours, can be given to a foreigner who enters India by Air or Sea, without a valid visa, under emergent condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

By Trust Travel

How to Pack for a Winter Trip

Packing for a winter trip can be daunting as you’ll need to pack lots of heavy items for protection against the cold. However, you can save some space by packing with the plan to layer your clothing. Multiple layers of lighter clothing and a somewhat light jacket can provide as much warmth as big, bulky items. You should also make sure to pack the right accessories, such as hats, to stay warm. When packing your suitcase, do so effectively. Pack to save space and have easy access to your items when you arrive at your destination.

Packing Clothing in Layers

Pack your base layers. Instead of packing bulky sweaters and other heavy items, pack with the idea of dressing in layers. To start, pack your base layers. These are actually thin wardrobe items you will put on first when dressing for winter. Go for light short or long-sleeved shirts. Think about what you’ll be wearing over your shirts to help you decide what to pack.If you, say, plan on wearing a button down shirt over a t-shirt, pick a color that goes well with the button-down.Wools and polyesters are good materials for base layers.

Add presentation layer

Presentation layers are the outermost layers of an outfit besides a coat or jacket. These are the clothes people will see you wearing indoors, so pick items you like.Pick items that are fashionable but can easily conceal base layers. The example includes tunics, light sweaters, and cardigans.

Throw in a jacket

Once you have your layers in place, add a jacket. Remember, if you’re layering, this will keep you warm. Therefore, you do not need to take up suitcase space unnecessarily with a big, bulky jacket.For a warmer destination, you may be able to get by with a light zip-up denim or fleece jacket.For a colder destination, go for a bigger, bulkier jacket. However, you do not need to pack something like a parka if you’re dressing in layers.

Add your bottom layers

You also want to keep your feet and legs warm. Pack items with this in mind. Jeans and corduroy pants are great presentation layers, as they can easily be worn over things like leggings, tights, and long underwear.You should also pack multiple pairs of warm socks. It’s important to keep your feet warm when traveling over the winter.

Related post: What Are The Overseas Travel Insurance

Have shoes as your one heavy item

You want to keep your suitcase as light as possible. However, one heavy item you should pack is shoes. Pack big, warm shoes or boots that will protect your feet during winter travel.Pack shoes that are weatherproof. Water resistant shoes are important, especially if you anticipate snow or rain.You should also pack darker shoes or boots, as they’re likely to get stained with mud, slush, and other weather-related substances. Try to pack shoes you can take on and off easily if you’re flying, as you’ll want to get through security fast.

By Trust Travel

How to Celebrate Christmas While Traveling

Not everyone is home for Christmas and there can be a number of reasons why you’re traveling over Christmas, including for work, travel experiences, emergencies, studies, and the like. This doesn’t mean that Christmas has to be an event that passes by without recognition, and it’s still possible to celebrate Christmas while traveling. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a Christmas on-the-go.

Find out whether there are Christmas celebrations happening where you are. If you’re still in your own country, this shouldn’t be too difficult to find at local churches, community centers, municipal parks, etc. If you’re SHIPPING TRAVEL to another country and you’re in a country with Christian traditions, there should be a lot of similar opportunities available, subject to local traditions. And when attending church services and Christmas events, even if you don’t speak the local language, it’s still a great chance to soak up the atmosphere and see how other parts of the world celebrate Christmas.

 

If you’re in a country that is not predominantly Christian, there are still often Christmas celebrations but you’ll need to find out where the Christian communities are holding these. An online search is a good place to start, as is speaking to locals.

Related post: What Are The Overseas Travel Insurance

Even if you don’t find any local celebrations, this doesn’t prevent you and your companions from celebrating Christmas in your own way while traveling. You can still make the day festive by doing special Christmas related things including reflecting on the occasion.

Gather your friends/family. It’s a lot more enjoyable if you can celebrate with someone else at Christmas time. This might include your travel companion(s), people you’ve recently met and made firm friendships with, family and friends you know in the country you’re in, etc. Just do your best not to spend the day alone but to share the occasion with at least one other person.If you are alone that day, look at ways to be around people, such as attending church services, having a restaurant meal, etc.

Consider taking a Christmas memento with you. If you know you’ll be traveling at Christmas time, it can be heartwarming to have a small memento from home that represents Christmas, such as a fabric ornament, a card, or a Christmas message from your family. Take it out on Christmas Day and display it or wear it as appropriate, to give yourself a little personal Christmas cheer.

Try to link up with family back home. With Skype, emails, and other technological marvels, it’s very easy to keep in touch with a video for Christmas and to say your hellos and greetings, however short. Making this connection will help make it feel like a true Christmas.

 

Give yourself a gift. It’s Christmas, so give in to your desire to buy something or do something that you’ve been holding off on. This can help to make the day feel more special and can reward your anticipation for something that you might not otherwise get or do.

Enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Christmas somewhere different. If you’re celebrating Christmas overseas, it’s worth enjoying the fresh take on Christmas. Take photos of the displays and other Christmas elements, and take time to walk around seeing what other people are doing.

Take a note from Scrooge. Find a way to do something good and important for someone else, a friend or relative, or perhaps a person you don’t know so well about your Christmas location. You will not go to bed feeling you haven’t had your Christmas. Guaranteed.

Source: Wikihow

By Trust Travel

Best Places to Visit in Winter in India : Short trips and holidays

A shift in the seasons, a tilt of an axis and a drop in the temperature. Come winters, and India finds itself preparing for one of the best seasons to travel across the peninsula. With a string of holidays and a list of festivals and fairs, winters in India are marked by vacations to plan your year around, a dreamy beach holiday, hill stations resembling postcard sceneries and its southern tips and desserts welcoming all its visitors that had been shying away till now given their generous humidity and temperatures. Here is a list of 12 places to visit in winter in India.

1. Jaipur Circuit: Jaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer

With the most staple and obvious number of places to visit in winter in India, this circuit finds itself gathering quite some hustle bustle from all the tourist rush its temperature and deserts were keeping away till now. Dotted by countless Havelis, Palaces and Forts, winters are an ideal time to enjoy strolls through its specimens of history. While history and architecture keep you busy through the day, Desert Safaris and lakes make their way to your itineraries by evening. These pink, blue and golden cities of India, are one of the top destinations for winters, not only for all their landmarks but also their rich cultural and shopping experiences. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner,Udaipur, Jaipur – the count of best places in Rajasthan in winter is too long, but these places are at their best in winters and cannot be missed.

2. Manali Circuit: Manali – Kullu – Kasol – Rohtang – Solang

If there is one hill station in North India you must visit in winters, it is Manali. A family holiday, an adventure trail, a honeymoon, or a winter vacation amongst its white, snow-covered expanses- there are one too many routes that will lead your travel plans here, this winter. If you find yourself here on Dusshera, don’t miss the celebration in Kullu’s temples.

3. Goa Circuit: North Goa – Panjim – South Goa

While there is no month, not ideal to let Goa spoil you a little, this beach winter destination in India have a tendency to cast a spell. A perfect beach holiday, afternoons by the sea and a tan to show off, this one comes with its Decembers marked with the SUNBURN FESTIVAL, making it one of the best places to visit in winter in India!

4. North East Circuit: Shillong – Mokokchung – Imphal – Kaziranga National Park

Countless waterfalls, sprawling views, one of best national parks, pristine lakes, caves, peaks, and acquaintance with Naga tribes. If this sounds like your idea of a winter vacation, the choice is pretty clear. Visit capitals and cultural hubs of the northeast these winters and the habitat to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros. While the weather is rarely a bother in the North East, the winters tend to be one the most pleasant and enjoyable times to be here.

5.ChennaiCircuit: Chennai – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur- Madumalai – Yercaud

While you’d probably pass Chennai for most parts of the summers and the monsoons that follow, winters leave this metropolitan a favorite if you want to travel south. One of the places to visit in winter in India, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and finds its itineraries dotted with temples, churches, and beaches. Landmarks inMahabalipuram include rock sculptures and caves and a crocodile farm while Thanjavur keeps you busy with its temples and handicrafts and Madumalai with a national park that boasts of exotic species of flora and fauna.

6. Uttarakhand Circuit: Nainital – Mussoorie – Auli – Corbett National Park

 If you want to keep this winter for the likes of a Jungle Safari, elephant rides and tiger spotting tigers at the oldest national park of the country lakes, boating,  river rafting and sceneries, Uttarakhand is almost obvious. While summer won’t be a bother either, the weather only gets more enjoyable towards winters and one can also enjoy snowfall in places like Nainital, Auli and Mussoorie.

7. Rajasthan Wildlife Circuit: Alwar – Ranthambore – Bharatpur

Dotted by one of the best tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries of the country, put this trail on your list for some of the richest and most enjoyable wildlife experience. With birds migrating all the way from Siberia for the colder months, Bharatpur is one of the places to visit in winter in India for an amazing bird watching experience. Your jungle safaris and tiger spotting expeditions through Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve will only be more convenient for winters. While reserves and national parks tend to be the generic highlight here, don’t miss the forts and temples at Alwar.

8. Delhi Circuit: Delhi – Mathura – Agra

 As summers that kept the mercury from falling below 40 in Delhi leave the capital, its calenders are turned to its favorite months. There is no better time than winters to visit the capital of India, indulge in its heritage walks, street food and shopping experiences. About Agra, while this one gets the limelight pretty much all year round, the temperatures aren’t as friendly in summers. Hence if you have the choice, add Delhi to your list of places to visit in winter in India, for a much cooler and pleasant weather.

9. Gujarat Circuit: Ahmedabad – Kutch – Gir

 You might not find too many reasons to be here in summers, but its winters have one too many things on its itineraries to tempt you. Winters in Kutch are planned around it’s much celebrated and grand Rann Utsav, which is one of the unique experiences of the state. Gir, the only remaining home to the Asiatic lion, is also avoided in summers and welcoming and pleasant during winters, while Ahmedabad, under the cover of an industrial and commercial hub, tend to surprise one with its heritage and architectural marvels with the Sabarmati ashram, forts, temples, mosques lake, and a swaying minaret. These best places to visit in winter in Gujarat are surely going to make your winters different and memorable.

10. Dharamsala Circuit: Dharamsala – Mcleodganj

Marked by a strong Tibetan influence, Buddhism and spirituality, these sister hill stations are though pleasant throughout the year, they tend to be all the more charming in winters. While monasteries are the obvious highlights here, the area is also loved for it falls, hills, lakes and trekking trails.

11. Kerala Circuit: Munnar – Kovalam – Trivandrum – Alleppey -Thekkady

Its hot and humid summers, leave Kerala, quite a favorite for the winters. Famous for its backwaters, beaches, sparkling lush greenery, temples, Ayurveda spas, a hill station and the largest tiger reserve in the country all wrapped in one of the richest and most colorful instances of culture and arts, this one is definitely one of the most sought-after and popular winter destinations in India.

12. Jammu Circuit: Amritsar – Jammu – Vaishno Devi

If this winters you want to be on a religious and spiritual trail and make the most of the cooler temperature and pleasant winds, take a trail through the Golden temple, to the city of temple and all the way to some sacred caves high up at Vaishno Devi. While here, don’t miss the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations at the Golden Temple, which falls in the month of November.

Source: holidify

Seaman visa service
How to Pack for a Winter Trip
How to Celebrate Christmas While Traveling
Best Places to Visit in Winter in India : Short trips and holidays