Open Gate Travel

09/19/2024

This should make things a lot easier!

Americans can now renew their passports online. MORE BELOW ⬇️

09/18/2024

Good luggage should be an investment. Before you make a purchase, you’ll want to keep these things in mind.

06/17/2024

06/03/2024

Great advice!!

If you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, learning from the experiences of pro cruisers can be invaluable. By following advice from experienced cruisers, you'll avoid rookie mistakes, save money, and have a better

06/03/2024

We’ve gathered together a list of frequent flier must-haves to make you feel like you’re flying first class, even if you’re stuck in economy.

05/16/2024

✈️The quickest way to this woman’s heart is through the airport✈️🥰😂

04/22/2024

🌎✈️📝🛳️🏝️🚞🌏😀❤️
I just realized that today is National Travel Agent Day!
When I started my career 32 years ago I never could’ve imagined how rewarding and fulfilling this would be for me. It has provided me with wonderful personal travel opportunities and knowledge of the world and many different cultures but most importantly has given me the opportunity to meet and work with my wonderful clients who in many cases have become life-long friends. Thank you to you for giving me the chance to live my dream every day. Here’s to planning many more adventures together! ❤️❤️

11/06/2023

I have 21 tips for you to obtain cash from ATMs safely and securely while you’re traveling.
Allpoint ATM Machine. Copyright © 2020 Mike MozartDuring almost any trip, we generally need cash from time to time. While my preference is to use a credit card whenever possible for safety and security, there are times when cash may be required and other times when it’s more convenient than using a credit or debit card. According to where you are, you might need it for a public restroom, a taxi or even just for tipping, etc.

While traveling, it’s safer to periodically get cash from ATMs rather than carry a large amount of cash from home.
Of course, it’s not a good idea to carry around a wad of cash, even if it’s secreted in a neck wallet or money belt. I recommend going to an ATM periodically to have enough cash, but not too much. The amount depends on the circumstances and your destination.

There are challenges to using ATMs safely and securely while traveling. I’ve got 21 tips for you when you use an ATM, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally.

Any time you want cash from an ATM, follow these precautions:
• It’s better to use ATMs that have some built-in security when using them, such as ones in banks or hotels.

• Avoid using ATMs in malls and stores in locations at which your line of sight is insufficient to see potential criminals or in areas with people that are so close that they can easily grab your cash.

• Never use an ATM outside, whether on a sidewalk, in a parking lot, or elsewhere.

An ATM location and how well you can see your surroundings from it are critical to use it safely.
• Avoid ATMs in rooms off the street at the corner of a building, as the location creates blind spots. You can’t see who may come around a corner. Use ATMs located near the center of buildings, well away from corners. That maximizes your potential field of vision of your surroundings.

• Don’t use ATMs that have blocked sight lines. Choose an ATM with maximum visibility for surveillance of the surrounding area.

• Avoid drive-up ATMs. They’re too dangerous to use safely, even if all your car doors are locked.

Don’t use an ATM at night that’s not in your hotel unless you have to obtain cash at the moment.
Avoid using an ATM at night unless it’s inside your hotel, in spots that are well-lighted and not isolated. It’s too easy for criminals to lurk unseen in the dark.
When you’re forced to use an ATM at night, make sure the room is brightly lit inside and outside so no one can come near the room without easily being seen.
If you’re forced to use an ATM at night, never use it alone. Always go with at least one other person. They should keep an eye on the surrounding area for you.
When a person is outside, hanging around and near the ATM you want to use, don’t go in. Walk away and go to another ATM. The same is true if you’re inside going to a hotel ATM. If someone is hanging around it, use an ATM elsewhere.
Don’t fumble around looking for your ATM card after you get to the ATM. Have it ready before you get to it so you’re not caught off-guard.
Have your ATM card ready to go. Avoid having to fish around for your wallet or bag. Don’t give criminals a chance to catch you off-guard when looking down and concentrating on finding your ATM card.
If anyone waiting to use the ATM behind you gets too close, ask them politely to move back. If they don’t give you sufficient room, leave the ATM area completely.
Protect your ATM card PIN!
Protect your PIN when you’re entering it into the ATM. Protect it from others and from any cameras that can see it. My practice is to use my body to block any sight of entering the number from behind and my hand over the keyboard so it can’t be seen from above. If criminals can install skimmers or shimmers, they can install cameras that wouldn’t be noticed or hack into the existing cameras at the ATMs to steal PINs from unsuspecting ATM users.
Extra Tip: Never write down your ATM PIN. Never input your pin number into your smartphone. If it’s not there, even if you’re pickpocketed or smartphone, wallet or bag are stolen, including your ATM card, they won’t gain access to your money. Always report a lost or stolen ATM card as quickly as possible.

Avoid large withdrawals. If you leave the ATM with your cash, the worst happens. By not making a large withdrawal, you’ve protected yourself.
Once you have cash from the ATM, stash it immediately and grab your receipt. Count it later, when you’re safe.
After getting your money from the ATM, put it in your pocket immediately. (I usually put it in my neck wallet and block the cameras from seeing me put it there.) Count your money later. You don’t want anyone in the ATM room or outside it to see what you have. Once you have money, you don’t want to waste time getting to a safer location.
As you depart from the ATM, take your receipt and transaction record. You don’t want to leave any information about you there, including how much is in your account.
Throughout your journey, monitor your bank accounts online to ensure your account hasn’t been compromised.
You are being secretly taxed at airportsBe on the lookout for ATM skimmers and shimmers.
ATM skimmers are small card readers, hidden within legitimate ATM card readers, that harvest user card data when swiped. Criminals use the card data to sell to other criminals or use it themselves to clone ATM cards, break into user accounts, and steal their money. Most skimmers are installed over the ATMs’ actual card reader.

ATM shimmers are installed inside ATM card readers. They are very thin circuit boards that can read card EMV chips, but to date, there is no real-world example that they have broken the cards’ EMV chip protocol, so they can’t be used to clone a chipped card, unlike what skimmers can do with a mag-stripe card.

To prevent yourself from having your card compromised at an ATM by skimmers or shimmers:

Don’t use ATMs that are damaged, don’t look right, have strange keyboards or loose parts.
Don’t use an ATM that appears damaged, particularly if the damage is at or near the card insert area. There is no point in taking a chance that a skimmer or shimmer is installed.
If the ATM you’re about to use appears different from other ATMs in the room, don’t use it. Banks and ATM companies are usually particular about ATM appearance. The difference indicates a likelihood that the ATM has been compromised.
Another indication that an ATM is compromised is a keyboard that feels “different” to the touch. If the keyboard doesn’t feel right, don’t use the ATM.
ATMs are normally solidly built to protect the cash inside them. If there are loose parts, particularly around the card slot, don’t use the ATM, as it’s likely compromised.
Join Us for Cybersecurity BenefitsUsing these 21 tips won’t guarantee your use of ATMs while traveling will be 100 percent safe and secure, but they will prevent many problems when you need to use them to obtain cash for your journey.

09/18/2023

Elevate your cruise experience to legendary status and live out your holiday dreams with Virgin Voyages RockStar Quarters — the pinnacle of luxury living at sea. From marble-clad bathrooms and extra-spacious terraces to early boarding, 24/7 RockStar Agent assistance, and access to Richard's Rooftop, these VIP suites redefine cruising. Unleash your inner rockstar and indulge in the ultimate cruise experience.

Now We're Voyaging >>>MORE

09/17/2023

Belem Tower in Lisbon, Portugal. Nice view from any angle.

09/17/2023

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean.

Alaska Cruise Adventure >>>MORE

09/17/2023

Does your ideal river cruise excursion include hiking? On the Gems of Southeast Europe sail through the rich country of Bulgaria, and visit its ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo with AmaWaterways.

Choose Your Journey >>>MORE

09/16/2023

This massive elephant stable in Karnataka, India brilliantly brings us back to past opulence.

09/16/2023

Save 15% on India & Nepal! Contrast the colorful culture of India with the pristine serenity of Nepal's Himalayan mountains.

Small Group Adventures >>>MORE

09/16/2023

Tuscany is a picturesque region in central Italy renowned for its rolling countryside that is covered with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Save $400 per couple on the April 11, 2024 tour departure if booked by 9/29/23.

Save $400/couple on Europe Tours >>>MORE

09/16/2023

Basix trips keep things simple to give you amazing experiences at a great price. Intrepid uses simple, clean, and centrally located accommodation and includes plenty of free time so you can do the things that suit your budget and interests.

It's time for a new journey >>>MORE

09/15/2023

Fancy knocking on the door of paradise (without staying there, of course!)? This ridge walk on the Aiguille de Bionnassay, in the Mont Blanc massif of the Alps, in France and Italy, is tailor-made for you then!

09/15/2023

There’s no easier way to explore Europe as a family than on a cruise with Norwegian. Unpack once and discover a new city nearly every day while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the same stateroom throughout your entire vacation.

Be the first to live it up! >>>MORE

09/15/2023

Celebrity has extended their special offer on the most popular 2023 and 2024 tropical vacations to some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Book today and save 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and enjoy additional savings of up to $200 per stateroom.*

09/14/2023

Architecturally, Mykonos is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands. And yes, its beaches also have something to do with it... and, it's good food too... and I almost forgot its breathtaking scenery!

09/14/2023

This Oasis Class favorite brings adventure to soaring new heights. Discover next-level thrills on every deck of Allure of the Seas, from white-knuckle zip line rides ten decks up to totally splashworthy spaces for kids, like the interactive H20 Zone℠ Water Park. Recognized for its dazzling onboard entertainment, thrilling attractions, and wanderlust-fueled itineraries, this ship has already been named Best Large Cruise Ship, Best for Entertainment, and Best Individual Ship — and it’s just getting started.

Oasis - The World's Best Family Vacation >>>MORE

09/14/2023

Extend your summer with Celestyal Cruises exclusive rates. Fall in love with Greece and the Mediterranean with inclusive prices from only $279US per person per trip.

One Day Like This… >>>MORE

09/13/2023

Meow?

09/13/2023

Save 15% on Vietnam & Cambodia! A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures.

Small Group Adventures >>>MORE

09/13/2023

Join Virgin Voyages on their 5-night Scarlet Caribbean Holidays voyage from December 22nd to December 27th and trade snow for sand this year. Experience the beauty of Puerto Plata zip-lining over the ocean, relax on The Beach Club at Bimini’s mesmerizing shores, and uncover all the hidden wonders Virgin has on board. It's your holiday — make it extra special. Book with me now and have a white Christmas like no other.

Now We're Voyaging >>>MORE

09/12/2023

This is Hamilton Island's Catseye Beach in... wait for it … Queensland, Australia. So much to see Downunder!

09/12/2023

Windmills in Holland once provided power for tasks such as grinding grain, cutting lumber, and pumping water from wetlands. Save $400 per couple on April & May 2024 tour departures if booked by 9/29/23.

Save $400/couple on Europe Tours >>>MORE

09/11/2023

Local pop-up markets are very popular all over France just like this one in Arles. There are great finds ... but you have to be there!

09/11/2023

Beyond the first of its class, Oasis of the Seas® was also the ship that launched a vacation revolution. And now this Oasis Class favorite will introduce even more new thrills for couples and kids of all ages, upgraded ways to soak up the sun or enjoy the shade, more delicious dining options than ever to elevate date night, and buzz-worthy new spots to light up every evening.

Caribbean Cruises >>>MORE

09/11/2023

Europe's waterways can take you right to the action. From exciting cities like Paris or Athens to medieval villages, small port towns, and incredible natural attractions, these sights are often missed if you're exploring on land. Intrepid's small cruise ships can drop anchor anywhere, so local interaction and authentic food are never far away. Trade that backpack for a swimsuit and get ready to see Europe through new eyes.

It's time for a new journey >>>MORE