The Process for Joining the Global Entry Program

April 1, 2013 Erica Ho 2 minute read

The last thing I like to do after a 17-hour trip is to stand in line at customs for over an hour. (I’d rather be taking a shower.) But you gotta do it, unless you’re a Global Entry member.

Documentation Passport Travel

What Actually Happened When I Lost My Passport

March 6, 2013 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Fortunately, I wrote the primer for this one. Unfortunately, it actually happened.

Documentation Expat

How To Register and Get Your Absentee Ballot

October 4, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Because you’re out of the country gives you no excuse not to vote! Come on, clickie and find out how to do your patriotic duty and be glad you’re not Australian.

Airports Customs Flights Travel Trip Planning

How Long Does It Take to Clear Immigration?

September 10, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

About 18 minutes just after noon in July at Chicago O’Hare. That’s what this government website says, anyways.

Airports Customs Documentation

The Global Entry Program Puts You in Front, Literally

July 25, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

See you suckers on the other side of immigration! The Global Entry program lets you beat the crowd and you don’t even have to be anyone important or fly 3 billion miles a year.

Documentation Travel Trip Planning Visa

What You Need to Know About Applying for a Visa

July 6, 2012 Erica Ho 2 minute read

There’s a couple of terms you’re going to have to get yourself acquainted with if you’ve never applied for a visa before.

Documentation Flights Trip Planning Visa

Do I Get the Visa or Book the Flight First?

June 25, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

This question is a little like the chicken or the egg. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that in most cases, you’re safe booking the flight without the visa.

Airlines Documentation Flights

Fly the Right Airline To Reduce Time at Customs

June 18, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

If you’re running short on time, flying a carrier from a different country may reduce the time you have to sit in immigration. Yep.

Documentation Travel Trip Planning

Bring a Pen Along for the Ride on the Plane

May 24, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

You’ve got to fill out all of those custom forms somehow, right?

Airports Documentation Money Trip Planning

Explaining the Mystery of the Airport Departure Tax

May 23, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

If you’ve spent all your Philippine pesos before you leave the airport, you’ll be in for a rude surprise on the way out: It’s called the airport departure tax. But understand it and you might even be able to get it refunded.