Don’t leave for a vacation without taking care of these four things

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There are very few experiences in life that compare to travel and the exploration of new destinations. However, just like any worthwhile endeavor in life, going on a trip requires a measure of preparation.

On that note, here are four things you have to take care of before going on a trip.

Travel documents: For people going abroad, travel documents such as passports, visas, travel insurance, and the like have to be organized and prepared. Experienced travelers recommend photocopying each document and keep the copies in a separate envelope.

Cards: ATM and credit cards are important and the preferred choice of many travelers who are wary of bringing cash. Just make sure that these cards can work well in other countries.

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Itinerary: The best thing about coming up with an itinerary before leaving is that it saves people a lot of time when they’re already in their destination. Having a schedule ready also eliminates any debate on where to go and when to go there, especially if one is traveling in a big group.

Luggage: Bags need not be expensive; they have to be dependable. Travelers should never bring any luggage that’s worn and looks to be easily opened. Sturdy luggage is a good investment, especially if one plans to travel to multiple places in the future.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a business process outsource agency that was incorporated in 2008. It specializes in providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of visa, passport, and consular applications. More information on the company here.

Passports, travel documents, and other essentials seniors should bring on a trip

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For seniors and retirees, there are very few things as exhilarating as a trip abroad. After all, they now have the time (and hopefully, the funds) for it. However, the excitement of the imminent adventure may overwhelm seniors so much so that they may forget a few things needed for the journey ahead.

Here’s a list of a few of the most important things that should be included in their baggage.

Passports and travel documents

Passports are always a given. In fact, a lot of people bring their passports with them wherever they go, since it also counts as a valid ID. Speaking of which, seniors should also bring along at least one valid ID (aside from the passport) and other important travel documents such as their itinerary and the number of the embassy in the country they’re visiting.

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Travel insurance

Travel insurance is such an underrated thing to have. As with most other types of insurance, travel insurance has the potential to save a person thousands of dollars in expenses should the unthinkable happen.

First-aid kit

Nobody really realizes how important a first-aid kit is until they actually need one. Seniors need to have the mindset of a prepper when traveling to a different country. They’ll need to bring along the essentials such as maintenance medications and first aid kits to name a few. And on that subject, bringing along ointments such as rash creams and sunblock may be a good idea as well.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a specialist business process outsource agency focused on serving the consular sections of diplomatic missions. The agency was incorporated in 2008. For more information about the company, visit this website.

Keep away from passport fraud and identity theft with these tips

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Illegal immigration, smuggling of contrabands, economic crimes, international crimes, and other grave crimes are typically related to passport fraud. With the abundance of online services that pop up on one’s screen after keying in the terms “passport application,” scam artists can pose as travel agents and take an applicant’s money and identity.

Passport fraud is preventable. Most of the time, individuals want their documents processed in an instant. Scam artists would trick people into availing their services for faster transactions. It’s always best to follow application instructions completely as directed by the government. The next best thing to do is for one to make a copy and leave it with a trusted person. While on a trip, people must keep their passport with them the whole time.

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Oftentimes, travelers can get overwhelmed by the place they’re visiting, losing track of their belongings. Never leave the passport on a table or counter as it can be easily forgotten. While on vacation, make good use of the hotel safe and keep the passport inside the safe rather than just lying around in the room.

To further prevent passport fraud and identity theft, report a lost or stolen passport immediately. An American passport book is a travel document issued only by the U.S. Government to a U.S. citizen for the purpose of travel to and from the United States of America. Every American citizen issued this travel document must always ensure its validity when traveling abroad and stateside. Abiding by government provided guides will make the application process easier and go smoother.

Cox and Kings Global Services, formerly known as Quoppro Global Services, specializes in providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process to support the consular sections of diplomatic missions. Learn more about the company here.

Awesome travel destinations for the rest of 2018

Half of 2018 is over, but the spring and summer months have arrived and now may just be the best time to push through with that trip abroad, while the kids are starting their school vacation. We’ve listed below three of the best places to visit for a truly memorable, life-event experience these coming months.

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Botum Sakor National Park (Cambodia) Cambodia is one of those southeast Asian countries that only recently boomed in tourism, thus offering many, still-untrodden sights. One of the best places to go is this national park, which spans the southwestern corner of the country and is Cambodia’s largest. Catch sight of various ecosystems including grasslands, coastal plains, and rainforests, as well as flora and fauna that include the Asian elephant and various, rare species of birds.

Serbia While many tourists would prefer nearby Montenegro and Croatia, Serbia has been growing in popularity as a prime tourist spot in Eastern Europe in recent years. The country has a rich history coupled with great scenery and good value for the dollar. Visit its capital of Belgrade for its historic buildings and local restaurants offering the promise of world-renowned Serbian cheese, then go up the mountains and enjoy the views in the scenic Zlatibor and Kopaonik national parks.

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Nagano (Japan) Visitors to Japan often prefer the new-and-old tandem of Tokyo and Kyoto for a taste of the culture, but Nagano is a great alternative. It’s the city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is now a top Japan destination for its winemaking, soba noodles, well-manicured ski slopes, and hot springs. It is also the home of the well-preserved Matsumoto Castle which was built in the 17th century.

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A brief guide to applying for a U.S. passport

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While passport applications and renewal are generally becoming more efficient now, it can still be a long, tedious process for specific cases. After all, it’s the equivalent of a ticket for exploring the world out there. Many planned vacations and business trips are stymied by non-release or non-renewal of passports, so it pays to be aware of the process.

For first-time applicants, the initial step is to schedule a visit to and an appointment in the facility in your area that issues passports. Not all these facilities are walk-ins, so do your research online before going. To be sure, contact the National Passport Information Center.

Next is to collate all required documents specified in the guidelines. Central to these are proof of identity and citizenship. Note that in most cases the original documents are required, especially for birth certificates and the like, so take time to prepare them beforehand and don’t just bring photocopies.

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Don’t forget to have two identical passport I.D. photos taken before your visit, compliant with the standard size and other requirements in attire and photo demeanor. Your photographer should know these if you haven’t had a passport photo taken before.

Lastly, fill out Form DS-11. This is the vital document for formally applying for a passport. It’s available online, but you can likewise accomplish the PDF. Print it out before heading to the passport facility. Very important: don’t sign the form until you’re told to do so by the officer in charge as they must be a witness to your signature.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a business process outsource agency that was incorporated in 2008. It specializes in providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process to support the consular sections of diplomatic missions. For more insights on diplomatic missions, drop by its official website.

Some tips on getting that visa application approved

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Whether you’re visiting relatives, going abroad for work or school, or planning that dream travel, an important thing to secure in many countries is the visa. Not having a visa stamp on your passport will not allow for such a trip, so it’s crucial that you take time to make sure that you get the application approved. Here are some important tips.

The main thing to remember is to accomplish all the required forms and documents. Many visa applications are bogged down by incomplete papers, forcing applicants to travel back and forth to the embassy or consulate. Again, you cannot skip any document, as most embassies will just reject incomplete submissions. Save yourself the worry and headache.

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An important add-on tip here is to never, ever submit fake or “doctored” documents as these will most likely be detected, outright preventing your visa approval and banning you from future travels in the destination country.

Make sure that your passport has not expired or set to expire soon. Obviously, you won’t get anywhere abroad without your passport, and if it’s near expiration, the embassy staff will just question it. Renew your passport way before applying for a visa.

Lastly, prove that you are well-traveled. If you’ve visited the country before, show stamps even if they are on an older passport. Bring evidence of bookings or travel tickets to other destinations with you. The idea is to communicate to the embassy people that you have traveled overseas before and have not overstayed.

Cox & Kings Global Services specializes in serving consular sections of diplomatic missions. The business process outsource agency was incorporated in 2008. For more insights on the industry, visit this Twitterpage.

What to know about upcoming changes to the U.S. passport

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Americans who have upcoming international travel plans should be extra-aware that now might be the best time to apply or renew their passports, as huge changes are coming. In fact, the U.S. Department of State estimates that these new implementations would raise passport applications and requests to as much as 20 million come 2018.

There’s no reason to wait it out if you don’t want to ruin your planned vacation and trip overseas. These requests are actually already piling up as people start to take note of the urgency. This surge is mainly due to the imminent installation of a vicinity-read frequency identification (RFID) chip. Once fully implemented, this chip will make for a more efficient and convenient airport experience as well as deter fraud, as it will provide biometric data on all passengers.

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Complementing the installation of the new RFID chips is the passing of the Real I.D. Act, which is set to take effect in January 2018. This new law comes with a set of federal security guidelines that will govern state driver’s licenses, require more specific information from users, and introduce machine-readable technology for better traffic management.

The Real I.D. Act is crucial to air travel and for passport holders altogether as it’s a nationwide implementation. Meaning, if certain states have yet to comply with the act's requirements completely and have yet to issue actual or temporary new identification cards, passengers may find themselves prohibited from traveling abroad or even entering the airport.

Incorporated in 2008, Cox & Kings Global Services has been providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Learn more about the company’s services here.

Market and tourist visa fees: India's tourism industry to date

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India’s tourism continues to flourish, as travelers increase through the use of e-tourist visa system, which can be accessed in 150 countries. In the latest report of the Ministry of Tourism of India, the number of travelers last July 2016 skyrocketed to 219 percent compared to last year’s figures. It was recorded that there were more than 68,000 international tourists, with U.K. nationals partaking 17 percent of the statistics.

The continuous development of India’s tourism is apparent not just in terms of vacationers, but also when it comes to the number of people traveling for business purposes. In fact, The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) forecasted that the country would become a leader in business travel, contributing a great deal to its economic growth and opening up various job opportunities. For the past years, India has persistently improved its standing in the business travel market, moving up to the 10th spot.

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These news, however, don’t imply that there’s a chance for tourist visa fees to be waived. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Tourism and Culture, stated in a recent report that although scrapping of fees is out of the question, "a broad discussion on the overall liberalization of India’s visa policy is underway."

Meanwhile, a change in hotel tariffs in Dehli may happen soon. As of press time, there’s a luxury tax imposed to city hotels, but Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has proposed a bill to remove the said tax. The goal, as published by IndiaToday, is to make the city’s budget hotels cheaper to attract more tourists to the capital, given that most budget hotels are found in Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Mahipalpur, and Daryaganj.

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Visa queries for multiple itineraries

Trips that cross multiple borders are rare adventures taken by the most intrepid of travelers. They pose several challenges, among which is preparing the appropriate travel papers to go from one country to the next.

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Multiple itineraries are taken either as part of a comprehensive trip package or taken by those who want to experience a larger segment of the world all at once. They usually take place in a single region, forming a route around the destination countries. In many regions, booking for multiple visas in advance, one for each of the destination country as required, is often recommended. This depends in part on the visa requirements of the countries involved.

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The rules can get pretty complicated. The states of the European Union (EU) are an interesting case for travelers. The states that participate in the Schengen zone allow travelers from outside the EU to go through their borders using a single visa (with some citizens of certain nations needing only a passport for short stays). Not all EU countries are participants in the zone whereas some non-EU nations within the same general region do.

In some cases, multi-country trips may involve nations that are not part of an itinerary and may require specialist papers to allow temporary passage through the country. Tanzania, for instance, allows travelers to pass through the country for at least two weeks through a transit visa.

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Finally, there are some countries where entries do not need visas, making them easier to add in a regional multicountry trip. As always, extensive research not only hammers out the itinerary but also removes much of the fuss from travel.

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What is the Tourist Visa on Arrival (T-VoA) scheme?

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Most people are required to go through a lengthy and complicated process of applying for an Indian visa before they arrive in the country. Previously, only citizens from Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, and Indonesia were eligible to be granted a visa upon arrival. As of November 2014, the T-VoA system has been extended to include 43 countries, including the United States.

The T-VoA scheme has its benefits and downsides. The obvious benefits are related to how streamlined the new system is. Travelers can apply online and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization within four days. This removes a lot of bureaucratic obstacles and is especially beneficial for tourists who are traveling for only 30 days or less. For long-term travelers, however, it may be worth the effort to go the lengthy route.

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As mentioned earlier, the first step can be done through a simple online form. This requires a scanned file of the passport photo page and a full face photo of the applicant on a white background. After paying the $60 fee, the applicant can expect to receive an ID via email. The ETA will also be sent via e-mail after four days.


The document should be printed and presented at the immigration desk in one of India’s Visa-on-Arrival airports within 30 days of approval. Once the traveler receives the stamp, he’ll be cleared for travel in India for the next 30 days.

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CKGS is a specialist BPO company that provides support to the Embassy of India and its consulates on tasks related to visa applications. For more information on the Indian visa application process, visit www.in.ckgs.us.

All about India's climate

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As the seventh largest country in the world, India has many regions with differing climate conditions. No doubt, climate plays a significant part in one’s decision to travel and the preparations that must be done for the trip.

The climate conditions in the north are distinctly different from those in the south. For example, the extreme south may be hit by a monsoon rain, while the north is blanketed in thick snow. In general, however, the climate in India can be defined in three seasons: the hot season, the monsoon season, and the cool season.

India’s summer season starts in March until May. Things start to heat up in the northern plains during February and the rest of the country follows suit. When April arrives, many areas experience daily temperatures that exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The southern areas experience daily temperature of 35 degrees Celsius although it can get a lot more humid. Summer tends to be a lean season for Indian tourism but for those who can survive the heat can expect many services offered at attractive prices.

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The monsoon season is from June to October. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain by mid-July. This season can be a problematic time to travel around India as the weather can be unpleasant and the rain often disrupts many transport services.

Finally, the winter season starts from November until February. The temperature is pleasant during the daytime, and it gets quite chilly at night. As can be expected, tourism peaks during this time as many travelers prefer this type of weather. Those who wish to avoid the cold, however, can find respite in the beaches in Goa.

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As you plan your trip to India, be sure to check the CKGS website for information about tourist visa applications. For more articles on traveling to India, visit this Facebook page .

Ensuring safety on a trip to India

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Safety is always a primary concern to any traveler who’s about to go on a journey to a certain destination for the first time. As a total stranger to India, it can be hard to know what to expect and how to prepare for unforeseen events. Fortunately, many others have gone to the country before and they’ve shared their experiences for the benefit of first-time visitors.

Before the trip, you should definitely read up on as many articles as you can about other tourists’ experiences in traveling across India. This will help you fill in the gaps in your knowledge about the country, its customs, and its people. Apart from knowing which places to visit and which to probably avoid, you may also find recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and other services that would make your stay more enjoyable.

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With that out of the way, you can then start on drafting an itinerary. Using the information you’ve gathered, you can make a complete list of the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to have during your trip. At least for the first time, it might be best to stick to popular tourist spots and familiar places in order to avoid any unexpected events.

During your stay, seek help from your hotel or your guesthouse for booking taxis or other forms of transportation. Like with any other place, it is always a good idea to exercise more caution when it gets dark out. Instead of walking alone at nights to go to a restaurant, it might be best to take a taxi or a rickshaw instead.

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Cox and Kings Global Services is a specialist BPO company that provides administrative support to the Embassy of India and its consulates. For more information on the Indian Visa Application process, visit www.in.ckgs.us.