Estes Park, Colorado

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required?

Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado

Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.

Travel Advice: check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors

FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required?

Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on, visa-exempt non-EU nationals, including Americans, will be able to register with ETIAS before departure. This is not a visa but a visa waiver for travelers. It does require registration, not a visa.

https://etias.com/etias-launch-pushed-to-2025

The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for three years. During this period, U.S. travelers can enter any Schengen zone European countries that apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.

The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180 days. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for more extended periods or other purposes, American citizens must apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate.

https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/americans

Today’s destination is Estes Park, Colorado

Drive to Estes Park from wherever you are in Colorado as it’s the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. I’ve been coming here since the 1970’s, and it’s consistently delightful.

Try the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, and the most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park—a day trip not to miss through high alpine tundra panoramas! Even driving up to Estes Park from Colorado's Front Range is scenic.

https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/estes-park

If you want to get to Estes Park from Denver or vice versa, you can take the Bustang from Denver's Union Station. From there, it stops at Westminster at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard before ending at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Check the show notes for fares and schedules, especially seasonally.

https://ridebustang.com/fares/

I’ve been there in the spring and the fall for the best leafy color and excellent weather.

If you like hiking, you will want to try it out here. Three words to describe are Beautiful, Colorful, and Rustic.

From boating on Lake Estes to soaring up the aerial tram, touring historical sites, to savoring sips at local breweries and distilleries, this small mountain town doesn't disappoint. While summer is the prime season, there are special events, concerts, and festivals.

Camping is accessible from your car, or you can hike more remotely. I’ve been camping and hiking here in spring, summer, and fall. It’s a Hiking paradise, so let me know if you do. Don’t forget to look for the State flower: (name it) Columbine, it’s purple.

https://www.visitestespark.com/

Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie but love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.

Trying to eat like a local. I have not tried too many new foods. This year, I plan to be more adventurous with my eating, within reason. I don’t want a lousy meal to ruin a good day. I will eat some foods, but not turtle blood. What someone else likes may not be for me.

Today’s Travel Advice-check your points and miles frequently for errors

Do you have many saved points or miles? Look them over and book your next trip now while you can. You can also donate them to a friend or a charity. You can also use them. Book a standard room on points, get a suite upgrade, and pay a bit extra.

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