May 2005 Travel Newsletter

2005 Gear Of The Year Award
Outside Magazine’s 2005 Buyer’s Guide has confirmed what we already knew and awarded their 2005 Gear Of The Year Award to Eagle Creek’s Switchback Max ES 25.  They declare it “a cleanly designed multitasker with the right goods for road tripping, globe-trotting, or anything in between.”  We think the Switchback ES is a great bag because it easily switches from a stylish piece of rolling luggage to a comfortable backpack, with a removable daypack for exploring your favorite foreign city.

Best of all, it’s just one piece in the Exploration Systems line of luggagge and travel accessories, a unique “luggage system” that you can customize to meet your own unique travel needs.  It includes everything from rolling luggage to carry-on bags to travel packs to packing accessories.  And all of them are covered by the new “No Matter What” damage repair policy for the life of the product!  Stop by our store or check out our website to take a look at the new award winner and the rest of the Exploration Systems Travel Gear.
Beat The Rush To Get Your Passport
The U.S. Ste Department will be implementing more new travel rules over the next few years to further increase security at American borders.  Currently, travelers returning from many neighboring countries only need a driver’s license or birth certificate to prove citizenship for re-entry into the United States.  The new rules will require all travelers, even children, to show a U.S. Passport to return from a trip to any country.  This will apply to cruises and land border crossings to and from Canada or Mexico, as well.  The current rule change schedule is as follows:

Starting December 31st, 2005 – Americans returning by air or sea from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America must show their passport for re-entry into the U.S.
Starting December 31st, 2006 – Americans returning by air or sea from the Canada and Mexico must show their passports for re-entry into the U.S.
By the end of 2007 - Americans returning from Canada and Mexico by land border crossing must show their passports for re-entry into the U.S.

It’s estimated that only about 20% of the American population have passports.  Due to these new travel rules, experts expect a huge increase in passport applications over the next few years.  That means it will take longer to receive a passport after applying.  So, plan ahead.  Apply for your son or daughter’s passport now, before anyone has a trip departure date looming.  Passports last many years before they need to be renewed and you will be ready for any travel opportunities.  (Don’t forget to check the expiration date of your current passport.)  Passport information and applications are available at the U.S. State Department’s website.
The Great Pack-It® System Cash Rebate Continues!
You still have a chance to purchase your Pack-It® System packing accessories (including cubes, sacs, folders, and compressor sacs) and take advantage of a $5, $10 or $25 cash back rebate from Eagle Creek.  The “Great Pack-It® System Cash Rebate” continues through the end of May.  For your next trip, you can pack more into your bags with less wrinkles, and be more organized with the Pack-It® System.
Upcoming Travel Programs
Tuesday, May 10th (7:30pm) - Guatemala & Honduras
Wander with photographer Marilyn Wertheimer through the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and Copan in Guatemala and Honduras.  Cross beautiful Lake Atitlan at the foot of imposing volcanoes, visit Guatemala's former capitol Antigua (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) and see rituals performed by the Garifuna, descendants of slaves who escaped in the 18th century and settled the Caribbean coast.  The program consists of slides selected from her trips in 2003 and 2004.  Come join us!
Tuesday, May 17th (7:30pm) - Nicaragua
Nicaragua's days of armed conflict are long over and travelers are surprised to learn that Central America's largest country is now also one the safest.  The charms of Nicaragua are many: colonial cities, mountain villages, pristine islands and jungles provide the backdrop for its natural and cultural wonders.  Travel can also be very rewarding for the outdoor enthusiast, there is kayaking, beach combing, and trekking through cloud forests with abundant wildlife.  Join the author of the Moon Handbook Guide to Nicaragua and discover a country of many riches!
Wednesday, May 24th (7:30pm) - Packing Clinic For Organized Travel
Our focus tonight is to pack for your international trip!  Hear about the latest in travel tips for easy packing.  Learn the secrets of traveling light and avoid the hassles of overpacking.  You'll discover travel tips on how to be an organized traveler by packing efficiently.  YOU can be the experienced traveler that zooms through security checks at the airport.  Join us for a fun night.  Specials and prizes tonight only!
Tuesday, May 31st (7:30pm) - Tibet
People.  Culture.  Land.  Why is it that the fate of Tibet has found such a deep echo in the world?  Maybe its because Tibet has become the symbol of all that present-day humanity is longing for, a culture steeped in tradition.  Learn about the Tibetan Village Project and its founder, Tamdin Wangdu.  Tamdin is returning to Tibet after 15 years of separation from home and family and taking with him a team of volunteers to distribute medical and school supplies and explore future opportunities to help his native country.  Please join us for an educational and informative evening about the country of Tibet.

Suggested Reading
“A Hundred And One Days: A Baghdad Journal” by Asne Seierstad (translated by Ingrid Christophersen), 2005, published by Basic Books.  The author of this brand new book spent 101 days in Baghdad before, during and after the initial coalition attacks in 2003.  Her brisk, present-tense narrative descibes her experiences in Iraq and getting to know what the people actually think about life in Iraq under Saddam and life during the war and its aftermath.  This book proves again that there is no better way to learn about a place than to travel there, experience it for yourself, and talk with the people who live there.
Just For Fun
A passenger train is creeping along, slowly.  Finally it creaks to a halt.  A passenger sees a conductor walking by outside.  "What's going on?" she yells out the window.  "Cow on the track!" replies the conductor.
Ten minutes later, the train resumes its slow pace.  Within five minutes, however, it stops again.  The woman again sees the same conductor walking by.  She leans out the window and yells, "What happened? Did we catch up with the cow again?"
Newsletter Subscriptions
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"They say travel broadens the mind; but you must have a mind first.”
    - G. K. Chesterton
Happy Travels!
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