Understanding ETIAS: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Travel Plans

Traveling to Europe is a bucket list dream for many people. For others, preparing for an upcoming trip to one of the countries in the Schengen Area second nature.

No matter what your experience level is, if a trip to Europe is in your near future, it’s time to start thinking about the media’s latest buzzword: ETIAS.

First, let’s back up, because what we are really talking about is a change in entry requirements for member countries of the Schengen Agreement.

What is the Schengen Agreement?

The main goal of the Schengen Agreement is to create a borderless zone called the Schengen Area, where people can travel between member countries without passport checks or other border controls. This means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel to other Schengen countries without needing to show your passport again. What countries are part of the Schengen Area? Find out more at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website

So what is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization system introduced by the European Union (EU) to enhance security and manage travel from visa-exempt third countries. ETIAS is designed to pre-screen travelers from countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The system aims to identify potential security risks and prevent unauthorized or unsafe travelers from entering the EU while still facilitating legitimate travel.

Who needs to apply?

Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries when ETIAS launches in 2025. Children, including infants, will also need to apply for an ETIAS, regardless of their age.

How do I apply?

Here's where it gets tricky. While ETIAS is all over our feeds right now, it is not yet in operation and therefore applications are not being collected as of this publication (July 2023). In fact,

this is not a new concept at all.

We've been keeping our eyes on the ETIAS rollout for several years as the EU has been working to modernize their border management system. While it's been pushed back several times, this time is said to be the time.

Okay, fine, but how will it work when the application process does roll out?

When the official ETIAS website is ready to collect applications, it's said that the application process will include a security screening and a nonrefundable application fee of 7€. The whole process (including approval or denial) is expected to take about 15 minutes.

Most applicants who do not pose any security concerns will receive ETIAS authorization. This authorization will be linked electronically to the traveler's passport and will be (typically) valid for multiple short-term trips within a three-year period or until the expiry of the passport, whichever comes first.

The fine print

Since this program has yet to launch officially,

things can change.

In the meantime, it's important to note that ETIAS is not a visa. It is an authorization system aimed at streamlining the entry process for visa-exempt travelers. Travelers from countries that already require a visa to enter the Schengen Area will not be affected by ETIAS and will continue to follow the existing visa application process.

More fine print

By being well-informed about these changes in advance, you can better prepare yourself for hassle-free travel while ensuring compliance with the new regulations set forth by the European Union. But,

be mindful of your future travel plans and the potential impact of your ETIAS approval or denial on those plans.

Stay tuned, stay informed, schedule a complimentary consultation if you have questions about planning your next European vacation, and, as always,

go there.

Private Charter - The Ultimate Luxury In Greece

So you want to charter a private yacht in Greece? You've come to the right place. I'm passionate about immersive experiences, and what better way to experience Greece than on a private boat charter to the places the Athenians go to escape the tourists?

Whether you're planning a honeymoon or exploring on your own, here are ten things to consider before sailing on a private charter to the Greek islands.

1. To go it alone or to hire a Captain?

While we barebacked our sail catamaran, I highly recommend hiring a captain. Captains don't just know the water, they know the places to go; the tucked-away coves to drop anchor for a swim or for the night. The research alone for a trip like this can take several weeks and yield few results, rely on your Captain, they are a local expert.

2. Flexibility is key

Sailing is a very popular activity in the Mediterranean. Besides heavy traffic, the water conditions and wind will rule your boat charter experience. Additionally, many marinas do not take advance reservations so you'll want to get underway early in the morning (weather conditions permitting) to stand a chance of pulling into marina for the evening. If you find yourself at a loss for a place to dock, you'll need to find a suitable place to moor overnight. There are a number of considerations for this. Having a Captain will ensure you have a safe, enjoyable evening, and a smooth cast off in the morning.

3. Provision precision

Undertaking a week-long private charter requires a lot of advanced planning. Mapping out your meal needs and ensuring you know when and where you'll restock is critical on a trip like this. Get as much water as you think you need. Then get more. While we are talking provisioning, toilet paper deserves a mention. Americans love us some toilet paper. For a private charter vacation, that Seinfeld episode where Elaine asks to "spare three squares" comes to mind. Use toilet paper sparingly, and for God's sake, do not flush it. Save some time and download our Provisioning List.

4. Wining and dining

Europeans eat late, and in Greece, they don't just eat late, they take their time. If you come into port and want to grab an early dinner, certainly do so. If you want an authentic experience, plan to eat after 8pm and give yourself 2-3 hours to enjoy the moment. I suggest getting there in time to watch the sun set while enjoying a glass of wine. Greek wine has a bad rap; don't fall for the ill-hype because Greece produces some lovely wine. Yia mas!

5. Sea taxis are a thing

In some areas, you'll be able to take a water taxi from one area of the island to the other or even to a nearby island. The water taxi can be relatively small, though, so if you are prone to seasickness you may wish to forgo the ride.

6. Seasickness

Since I mentioned it, let's talk about seasickness shall we? We chartered a sail catamaran and due to it's size and stability, we didn't experience any sea sickness while on board (stay on deck while under way). That said, many of us felt disembarkment syndrome (mal de debarquement) when we stepped off the boat. It was worse for me when I was sitting down to a meal and took about 2 days to fully go away. Consult with your MD before your cruise, or talk with our partner, Runway Health, to ensure your travel medications don't get left behind.

7. Pack it up, pack it in

Beyond having your prophylactic medications, save some room in your luggage for binoculars, hard-soled water shoes (the black sea urchins are prolific), a mask & snorkel, a waterproof phone case, and a floating key chain and dry bag for your private charter in Greece.

8. Ahoy neighbor

This should go without saying, but it would be irresponsible for me if I left this part out. Be courteous to your neighbor. Moored in a cove or docked at a marina, no matter where you spend the night you are going to have neighbors. Don't blare music or make a lot of noise after dark. Play your card games but keep the noise, and music low.

9. Don't make it weird

Expect nudity. You're going to see people sunbathing nude or having a morning swim/bath in the nude. We even saw an old man collecting trash on the beach in the buff save for his sun hat. Don't make it weird, don't stare, don't be offended, and don't get caught looking through your binoculars.

10. Put the camera down

The world is meant to be experienced. If you are going to travel, adopt that mindset and embrace the moments presented to you. Social media inspired many of us to get out there, perhaps for the wrong reasons. So, put the camera down, put yourself out there, and connect with the locals. Staged photos might last forever, but genuine moments of connection with another human, their culture and environment have an opportunity to change our life.

If you've read this far and still want to embark on your own sailing yacht charter in Greece, I'm here to help you. I've sailed the Aegean Sea and I have the contacts to help you do it, too. Schedule a call with me today.

Jump right in, the water's fine.

5 Tips For Taking Awesome Drone Vacation Photos

Drones have come a long way, giving the average person an opportunity to use them at home, and better yet, on vacation. I recently brought my drone on vacation to Greece which took my travel photography to new heights (pun intended).

I am honored my photo (below) was awarded 3rd place by TravelAge West in their 2022 Reader Photo Contest! Here are six tips to help you decide if you should bring a drone on your next vacation.

Tip #1 - Do your homework.

Not all drones are made the same but they do have similarities in how they operate. You need to find a drone that works for you, your budget, and most importantly, your aptitude. I’m lucky in that my family could help me understand some of the functionality and operate the drone (in this case), too. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a drone that works easily and produces exceptional footage. My drone was less than $400USD.

Tip #2 - Practice. A lot.

Become as familiar as possible with your drone before you pack it up for a trip. There are many conditions and obstacles that make it dangerous for you to fly and land a drone. Drones have powerful propellers that can hurt someone and damage property. It’s essential you operate it with competency and caution.

"It's important to stay focused on drone maintenance, safety risks, and piloting skills in order to avoid serious consequences." – familyeducation.com

Tip #3 - Say it with me, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" .

One tip that goes without saying is to be respectful. Not everyone wants to be filmed. Not every moment should be captured. Drones make us interlopers to those in the footage. There’s a fine line between capturing candid shots and invading someone’s privacy. Never fly your drone in crowded areas, near airports and aircraft, or any area where you may capture private moments.

Tip #4 - Understand the mechanics.

Pay attention to weather conditions, avoid power lines and trees to ensure smooth sailing. Want to use a drone on a boat? That is a very challenging undertaking for an amateur. Boats are constantly moving even when not underway, which makes launching and landing somewhat difficult. The masts, sails, ropes, uneven surfaces and people onboard are all obstacles. If the boat is underway, I do not recommend using a drone unless you are an extremely proficient operator as the challenges of launching and landing are magnified considerably.

Tip #5 - Know the rules.

If you want to bring a drone on a trip (or fly it at home for that matter), research what laws and regulations are applicable in the specific area you are visiting. This is an important step each time you travel with a drone. Know the rules and follow the guidelines.

3 - 2 - 1 Lift off.

Once your drone is packed and ready to go, make a list of the shots you wish to capture. However, embrace the spontaneous and keep everything. You never know what you might capture, like my award-winning photo of a swim in the Aegean Sea. When you are ready for your next adventure, let me know. I'd love to help you 'go there'.

3rd Place Winner TravelAge West 2022 Reader Photo Contest

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