International Travel - Do you want to know where to get a passport? Which countries require visas? Where the next coup could be? How to stay healthy when you travel? Can you bring that cute monkey home?

The following web sites can answer these questions and more.

The State Department Tells what the requirements are for obtaining a passport, which countries require visas, and offers links to embassy home pages. A good place to start for travel information

Services for Citizens Traveling Abroad A link from the State Department Homepage, this site is for both travelers and U.S. citizens living abroad. Tells the stability of governments worldwide.

Federal Trade Commission Offers information on tour operators and travel scams.

Center for Disease Control Offers a summary of health for the international traveler. Gives vaccine recommendations, geographic health sites and cruise ship sanitation summaries.

U.S. Customs Offers travelers a list of restricted and prohibited merchandise not allowed in the U.S.

USDA Offers tips on bringing food, plant and animal products into the continental U.S.

FDA Import Program Discusses which products, like Mexican Ceramics, are safe to use for food. Other products like drugs and cosmetics are also discussed.

Importing Live Animals and Plants Do you really want that monkey? The Fish and Wildlife Service tells the "do's and don'ts" of importing live animals and plants.

Federal Aviation Administration Air Safety Offers air safety information for domestic and international flights.

Consumer Information The website for the Consumer Information Center offers information on using a credit or ATM card overseas.

FCC - Overseas Communication Tells where to file a complaint over interstate and foreign communications.

State of Georgia The state travel and tourism page is under construction; however, a link to Georgia's counties and cities offer tourist information for a specific place.

Stone Mountain Park Owned by the state of Georgia, this 3200 acre park amazes millions of visitors form around the world. The most profound feature is the Confederate Memorial Carving, the largest relief sculpture in the world.

Cumberland Island National Seashore This barrier island brought national attention when John Kennedy, Jr. married here. Visitation is limited to 300 visitors a day and is only accessible by ferry. Information about everything you need to know is included.

Along the Georgia/Florida Coast A travel itinerary produced by the National Register of Historic Places is featured on this site. Visiting historic sites, buildings, and structures offer an exciting history lesson.

Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuge This site includes seven wildlife refuges along the Georgia coast. In addition to a description of each refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers regulations and a concise map of all the areas.

North Carolina Autumn Show The North Carolina Department of Transportation gives the status of roads and detours for tourist. Recommends back roads for Autumn Foliage Tours.

Mount Mitchell The highest point in the eastern United States, Mt. Mitchell State Park offers hiking, camping, vacation cabins and educational programs. The peregrine falcon is a resident of this park.

North Carolina State Parks Lists state parks in North Carolina. Gives information on new/proposed parks. Also, offers information on rabies.

Welcome to South Carolina Offers information to tourists and residents alike. Has a click-on map of South Carolina's ten regions from the low country to up country.

South Carolina State Park Guide Offers visitors the opportunity to vacation near mountains, lakes, and the Atlantic coast. Lists parks, a calendar of events, and reservation policies.

Cowpens National Battlefield Operated by the National Park Service, this battlefield near Spartanburg commemorates an important Revolutionary War battle. Everything you want to know about visiting this historic site is included on the homepage.

Want to Stay Home? - If you don't want to go anywhere, places like the White House and the Smithsonian can come to you. The following sites are so virtually real, you will think you have been there!

  Ocean Planet Homepage An online companion to the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit. A map of the exhibit hall allows to you click in any room you want to visit. The audio feature of the ocean and marine life adds to the reality of this exhibit.

  Welcome to the White House Offers a virtual tour of the White House, including the art in the White House. A portrait and biographical sketch of each President and First Lady is another feature. Also, offers a glimpse of family life in the White House for most of the Presidents.

for comments contact Susan Poorbaugh srp@groupz.net