Things to Do Pre and Post Cruise Trip
While Seattle offers a wide range of cruising options, it is much more than a city to depart from. In fact, Seattle has a plethora of hidden gems within the Emerald city, waiting to be discovered by the keen tourists. So, while your Seattle cruise tickets have already been booked, save some time to sightsee Seattle like a true tourist and find out what this beautiful city is really all about!
Beyond The Serene Cruises
Without a doubt, Seattle has a hundred interesting avenues for you to explore. Whether it’s the Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Center, or even the iconic Capitol Hill, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of it all. If you wish to get to know the culture and really bond with the locals, step outside your comfort zone and walk through the bustling streets of Seattle! One thing’s for certain, and you won’t find a second to spare because there’s so much to do!
Pre-Cruise Shenanigans
Let’s talk Seattle pre cruise trip now! Keep in mind that this itinerary is a very rough idea, and there is no specific order with which you should sightsee Seattle. However, keeping in mind that most tourists would like to get the basic sightseeing done within the first couple of days, let’s get the most iconic sights out of the way.
1. Pike Place Market
Definitely, at the top of the must-visit attractions in Seattle, this is a sight for sore eyes. A hotspot for tourists and locals alike; this is the one place you will experience Seattle hospitality like none other. Presenting a myriad of artisan craft, technicolor flowers, small local shops, and live entertainment throughout, the Pike Place Market is one avenue you cannot miss.
2. The Space Needle
Some may argue that this landmark comes before Pike Place, but it’s all relative! This city landmark stands tall and proud at the Seattle Center and offers a stunning view of the city from its observation deck. Built originally for the World’s Fair in the year 1962, its historical relevance speaks for itself.
3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Make an appearance at the world-famous Museum of Pop Culture and gawk at the fascinating pieces of art even if you know nothing about it. Tour through the museum and pick up historical facts and intriguing anecdotes about the world of pop culture and its history while you’re at it.
4. The Original Starbucks & Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Fuel up by making a quick pitstop at the world’s original Starbucks and grab a latte while admiring the architectural feat that stands tall even today. If your tastebuds are tickling for a little flavor, get a bowl of Beecher’s signature mac and cheese before heading out into the sun again!
5. The Elliott Bay
Now that we’re getting closer to the cruise let’s talk waterfront views! At the Elliot Bay, you will find an interesting array of gift shops and seafood joints- let your heart take you where you desire to be at. Jump on the Seattle Great Wheel to obtain sweeping views of the city. If you have children with you, make an appearance at the Seattle Aquarium and wave at the friendly aquatic animals.
Post-Cruise Activities
Now that you’re off the idyllic cruise let’s focus on some land-based sights that are less known to the world, but equally intriguing and immersive!
1. Discovery Park
Stroll through the beautiful park in Magnolia, which happens to be Seattle’s largest park. A hidden gem, for sure, because not many tourists know about it. Take a selfie with the picturesque lighthouse in the frame and admire the wildflower meadows that surround you.
2. The Ballard Neighbourhood
A short cab ride (or even walk) from Discovery park is the lovely neighborhood of Ballard- famous for its Scandinavian roots and craft beer! That’s right, grab a mug from the multiple distilleries and breweries at Ballard and walk through the artisan boutiques while soaking up the Seattle vibes like never before.
3. The Ballard Locks
The Ballard Avenue has an iconic Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery that must be tried out if you have a sweet tooth! And of course, the Ballard Locks (yet another typical must-visit attraction in Seattle) must be visited while on this avenue, that offers a view of Lakes Union and Washington in a stunning appeal.
Feel free to mix and match to fit your schedule and curate the itinerary of your dreams!
Read MoreHow a Full Day Tour is a Fantastic Journey for the Whole Family?
A family vacation is never what its cut out to be; no matter how much you plan the meticulously curated itinerary, things are most likely to fall apart. But the best part about family trips is that you find a way to enjoy your fellow family members interests and grow a stronger, deeper bond with them. Now, when your trip is in a lively city like Seattle, there is very little to worry about. Each of the Seattle full day tour is sprinkled with fun, family-friendly activities for you to do and places meant to be enjoyed by families!
Families with Varying Age Groups
“What are some of the full-day tours in Seattle that my family would enjoy?” you ask? Well, the truth is it’ll be hard to find activities your entire family wouldn’t enjoy together. Seattle is jam-packed with fun activities to partake in, and almost all of them are family-centric. Whether you have little kids, distant teenagers, disruptive young adults, or aging old parents, this full-day tour through Seattle’s finest will bring out the best in each age group!
Now, we shall present before you an ideal full-day itinerary in Seattle with some extra activities you may wish to include to yours, depending on your timeframe. Make sure to take into consideration the likes and dislikes of your family members while planning this trip.
The Seattle City Tour
What better way to spend some quality family time than by cramming up in a minivan or coach and sightseeing all that Seattle has to offer? This tour typically lasts a few hours depending on the route taken, and ideally covers all the major sights on the way. The Space Needle at the Seattle Center, the Pike Place Market Tour, and the Fremont Troll Sculpture are sure to be covered on all of them, and are each fun, interactive ways to find out more about Seattle, but also about your family members.
Seattle Underground History Tour
If you’re the kind of family that loves to get involved in the history of the city and learn how it came to be, you might want to try out the captivating underground history tour. This tour lasts close to 2-3 hours and is a fun way to learn all about Seattle and its history with the rest of your family. But if your family also has members who strongly dislike history, you might want to stay away from this tour.
Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery
Ideal for families who enjoy a little adventure, this tour includes a trip to Snoqualmie Falls as well as a visit to a classy boutique winery. A trip to the falls is the most exciting way to spend some quality family time, whether you’re soaking in the stunning views or splashing about in the cold waters. Add a little alcoholic happiness to it at the end of the day to amp up your vacation.
The Pike Place Market
This is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle and for a good reason. You’d need a whole day to tour through the good and bad of the Pike Place Market, and who better to tour it than with your family. Whether you take a cultural walking tour or a food-tasting tour, rest assured there is something for every member of your family. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs to take back home with you and remember this vacation by!
Mount Rainier Full-Day Tour
Take a trip to the Mt Rainier day trip and enjoy picturesque views of the national park with the rest of your family. Trek through the mountainous terrain, witness several sights along your way, and camp inside/outside the park- all within the comfort of your family! Cuddle up together by a fireplace and reminisce childhood stories as you soak up your gorgeous surroundings.
Gourmet Seattle Walking Tour
A family that eats together stays together- walk hand-in-hand through the vibrant streets of Seattle as you make your way to the tastiest restaurants and devour upscale comfort food with the rest of your family. There’s nothing quite like a family bonding together over a meal; partake in this luxury you’ve been gifted with.
These are just some of the fun ways you can spend some quality time bonding with your family while on a full-day tour in Seattle. Mix and match as you please and make sure each family member has something to look forward to in your trip!
Read MoreThe Five Questions You Should Ask in Your K1 Visa Process
What is a K1 Visa?
A K1 visa, more commonly known as a fiancé or fiancée visa, is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the engaged partner of a United States citizen to permanently reside in-country so long as the couple gets married within 90 days of arrival. The newly married spouse is then able to lawfully apply for permanent residency or a green card in the United States. For many, this is the first step towards a legal, permanent residency in the United States where both partners can be together. However, a K1 visa is only eligible if the sponsoring partner is an American citizen, and both partners have terminated any previous marriages.
The Process
The K1 visa application process involves three important steps, including filing an I-129F fiancé visa petition, scheduling a K1 visa interview, and attending the K1 visa interview.
However, acquiring a K1 visa is more complicated than simply filling out paperwork and attending an interview. Both parties must prove that they are indeed a bona fide couple intent on establishing a life together and that they are not marrying for the sole purpose of immigrating to the United States. You must be prepared to prove that you have met in person at least once within the last two years before filing the visa form. Couples can do so by providing flight and hotel itineraries as well as dated photographs. Exceptions do apply for cases that involve extreme hardship, or if meeting in-person violates cultural, religious, or social norms. Regardless of whether or not a couple has been able to meet in person, they must also prove the overall legitimacy of their relationship. This includes photographs, letters or emails between the partners, and even written statements from friends and colleagues.
But what else do you need to know about the K1 visa process? Here are five questions you should be asking:
1. What documents do I need to provide alongside the I-129F petition?
The fiancé visa petition form requires several supporting documents including a cover letter, declaration, and proof of meeting, and commitment to marry. There is also a fee that you must pay when submitting your paperwork. Be sure to ask exactly what is needed as your application will be denied if anything is missing.
2. Where do I go for my medical exam, and what happens if I am denied?
Before attending the interview, the partner entering the United States must complete and pass a medical examination. Exams must be conducted by an embassy-approved doctor, so be sure to ask for referrals or a list of acceptable physicians.
3. How can my children legally enter the United States along with my partner?
K1-visas do not allow children to enter the United States. Be sure to ask what paperwork and criteria must be met for children to legally enter the country.
4. What if my petition is denied?
If your petition is denied, you will receive a letter stating why and how to appeal.
5. Do I need an attorney to apply?
Not necessarily, but if your background check turns up potential issues, you may require legal advice to move forward.
At Olvis immigration and travel, we are the leading experts in providing comprehensive, personalized, and quality visa assistance and other travel services.
Read MoreThe Truth About the K-1 Visa
Are you trying to get a K-1 visa? The process is a bit more difficult if you are in the Philippines, but it isn’t impossible. Here’s how it all works.
What is a K-1 visa?
A K-1 visa may be more commonly known as the fiancé visa. If you are the partner of a US citizen and the two of you get engaged, the K1 visa allows you to enter the United States—just as long as you get married to your fiancé within 90 days of your entry into the country (otherwise you will have to leave the country again). After you are approved for a K-1, are admitted entry, and are married to your partner, you can apply for permanent residence (otherwise known as a green card) as a married spouse.
How does the process differ when you are from the Philippines?
If you are from the Philippines, you are still able to get a K-1 visa. In fact, the Philippines is the country that is most popular for K-1 visas. There is one important difference in eligibility requirements, though. If you are from the Philippines, you are not allowed a joint sponsor for a K-1 visa.
What does this mean for your application?
This means you will have to meet the income requirements for the K-1 visa on your own—without relying on the income of your soon-to-be spouse—before the US embassy or consulate will grant you a K-1 visa. The income requirements act as a safeguard to guarantee that you will be able to support yourself once you are in the country, and they require you to meet 100% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines. For an up-to-date and detailed breakdown of what that income requirement is for your specific situation, take a look at Form I-864P. For instance, as the table shows, as a household of two, you are required to have a current income (which includes your expected total income from all employment sources within the current year, including wages, tips, alimony, child support, capital gains, rental income, workers comp., disability, etc.) of $16,910. Some embassies will allow assets to be considered as income, but this is up to the discretion of the embassy.
Why does the Philippines not allow a joint sponsorship for your K-1 visa?
The rules regarding the K-1 visa vary based on which country you are applying from because each country or embassy has its own rules, governed at its own discretion. Out of over 180 countries, the Philippines is one of four or five that don’t accept joint sponsorship for the K-1 visa.
What are your options?
The plus side is that you have alternative options to the K-1 visa. The best alternative would be to get married and then apply for entry into the US using a CR1 visa. The Philippines does accept joint sponsorship for married couples who are applying for the CR1 visa. There have been rumored instances of individuals applying for a K-1 visa from the Philippines as joint sponsors, but there is no guarantee that this will be accepted, and if your application is rejected, you could face delays. If you are looking into the K-1 visa or the CR1 visa, visit Olvis immigration and travel first. We will help to ensure you meet eligibility criteria, make sure your paperwork is filled out correctly, and help prepare you for the government interviews and other requirements, so the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Read MoreReasons Why You Should Choose Helicopter Tour?
The first thought that comes to mind when doing helicopter tours in, it is very expensive and only rich ones could afford. At the end of this post, you will be easily convinced that it is a necessary activity and the price can be borne by any individual and it is worth it.
The biggest city in Washington State and the entire Northwest, Seattle is a seaport that occupies an isthmus between Puget Sound that leads into the Lake Washington and the Pacific Ocean. The city is famous for its strong coffee, a vibrant rock culture, signature attraction – Space Needle which is a 605-foot tall tower built for the World’s Fair in 1962. There are other famous landmarks such as the historic Pioneer Square, the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market and the city’s waterfront. Below we have mentioned some convincing reasons why you need to book for Helicopter Tours Seattle.
Helicopter Rides are Less Expensive than you think
You will not be burning your pockets much when you will be flying in a luxury helicopter within city limits. Your tour can cost you as low as $150 to 200 per person. The tour cost will depend on the route and length of the flight.
Ease of Booking
If you are planning to witness the magnificent views of the city with a helicopter ride, then there are multiple reputed tour operators available and you can easily find them online. Go through their websites to know about the booking option and tour information. You can able to compare various tour packages and book the one that fits your budget.
Massive Crowd during Holiday Seasons
If planning to visit Seattle during Christmas or New Year, then ready to face the holiday rush. During the rush, it is really tough to enjoy serene time away from the crowds. By taking yourself to the troposphere, you can easily leave the masses behind.
Sightseeing can be done at a Fast Pace
Rather waiting in long queues, helicopter tours in Seattle will help you to see all the landmarks in a short span. Apart from witnessing the Space Needle, various waterfronts and museums, everything that you wish can be seen from the skies.
Knowing the City Well
Sometimes you may feel lost in the streets, but when you are at the top, you will be able to get a better understanding of the city streets and altogether have a different view when gazing from the sky. If you understand navigation, your pilot will help you understand the city layout better.
Picture Perfect Views
To capture the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mt. Rainier, Narada Falls, the Paradise View, and other famous landmarks, please carry a camera. From the ground, it is impossible to capture some of the grandest views.
Amazing facts from Experienced Pilots
If you are choosing helicopter tours in Seattle, you may think of some level of service provided by the pilot. The truth you will achieve beyond your expectations. The knowledge and the friendliness of the staff and the pilots will make you mesmerized. Riding in a helicopter is a personal sightseeing experience. The pilots will often point out fascinating landmarks and they are always happy to answer any queries. You can ask about the history, music culture, war stories and they will amaze you with their rich knowledge. They will tell you interesting stories of Jimi Hendrix, political stories, education, economy and what not.
A Memorable Experience
One need not have wings to fly for enjoying the aerial views of the beautiful city. A helicopter ride is a thrilling and luxurious experience that you want to cherish for a lifetime.
In all Popular Destinations, Traffic is Always Crazy Seattle is a big city and you would expect a large population and that leads to traffic. If your plan is to take a road tour, then there are chances that you can get stuck in traffic and you can spoil your day. The tour operators help you to reduce the travel time with a helicopter ride and you can have peace of mind while soaking in the beauty of the city.
Read MoreBenefits of the CR1 Spouse Visa
A CR1 spousal visa is issued to foreign nationals who desire to live in the US with their spouses who are citizens of the United States or permanent residents. It is applicable for those couples only who have been married for two years or less. The ‘CR’ in the CR1 spousal visa stands for ‘conditional residency’.
The conditions are that the petitioner must be a US citizen or a permanent resident of the country. The petitioner also needs to meet the income requirement as required for the CR1 spousal visa. The petitioner and the applicant also need to be legally married to each other. You can apply to remove the conditions by filing the I-751 form along with your spouse. The conditions are only present to minimize immigration-related frauds.
For those who have been married for more than two years, there is a different visa available for them.
There are many benefits of the CR1 spousal visa.
Permanent Residency
The CR1 spousal visa comes with the benefit of the applicant getting the permanent residency card (the Green Card) immediately upon arrival to the US.
If there is no problem with the visa, you will receive your permanent residency card within 7-10 business days of your arrival to the US. You won’t need to go through the adjustment of status (AOS) process if you receive the permanent residency. The AOS is the process to help immigrants with CR1 or other immigrant visas to apply for the Green Card.
If you enter the country with a fiancée/fiancé K1 visa, you don’t get this benefit. In fact, the validity of the K1 visa is just 90 days.
The Cost-Savings Benefits
When you don’t need to go through the AOS process, you can save the money you would have otherwise spent on the fee required for it. The cost of filing the application and all that is required for the process can be significant. The overall cost can depend on paying for the relevant forms, the application, and other fees associated with the process.
When you enter the US on a CR1 spousal visa, you will not need to pay additionally for the AOS process. You are automatically entitled to receive your permanent residency upon arrival to the US.
The Saving of Time
When you can get your permanent residency card based on your CR1 visa status, you save a lot of time in applying for additional documents to stay in the US.
In some countries like the Philippines, the processing time for the CR1 spousal visas is also short. You can expect it within 5-10 months based on your specific situation. The rest of the process will depend on your specific situation. The important thing is to file the visa application without errors and answer correctly to all the interview questions.
If you are unsure of applying correctly for the CR1 spousal visa, you can work with visa processing companies or specialists to help you with the process.
Fewer Hassles
When you can save time and money involved for the permanent residency due to your CR1 spousal visa, you automatically save yourself, your spouse, and your family from a lot of stress.
The visa application process can be quite tiresome. If you manage to make any errors on the application form, you can further delay the process and add more stress involved with it. So, the fewer applications you need to file, the fewer hassles you will experience related to it.
The Freedom to Work and Travel
As you will receive your permanent residency card soon after arrival to the US based on the CR1 spousal visa, it will be legal for your work in the country. You can also easily travel outside the US as you won’t need any new visa to re-enter the country. The CR1 spousal visa itself is valid for a period of six months from the date of issuance. So, armed with these benefits and the quick processing of your permanent residency card, you can begin your normal life with your spouse in the US soon after your arrival in the country.
Read MoreMt Rainier Tours – Everything You Need to Know
Mt. Rainier is always teeming with flora and fauna and carries with it a fascinating history. Relatively young, as far as mountains go, Mt. Rainier began to form approximately a million years (give and take) ago. It houses several glaciers and is home to coniferous trees, meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and wildflowers during the summer times.
It can be an incredible experience to see Mt. Rainier up close and from a higher vantage point. It is easy to access from the city of Seattle via amazing short and planned excursions. The best Mt Rainier tours from Seattle are the ones that combine helicopter rides for an aerial view of the mountain and a hike to see it more closely.
Things to See
The ideal Mt. Rainier tour will cover a route that will enable visitors to see it in all its glory. If you choose an Mt. Rainier tour from Seattle, you can go with reliable operators offering helicopter rides covering the scope of the mountain. From your aerial viewpoint, you should be able to see the cascades, the wilderness, peaks, and even spot some animals roaming Mt. Rainier. The ideal route will include the chopper ride over the Cascade foothills, being up close with Snoqualmie Falls, and smooth riding over the many valleys and peaks of the mountain while you sit comfortably in the helicopter. If the sky is clearer than usual, you can even catch a glimpse of nearby attractions such as Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, and more.
For a better experience, choose an operator who offers the option to hike on the mountain after the helicopter ride. It can be a glorious experience to go a bit nearer to the cascades or touch the green mountain grass after watching these from afar. It can be magical to see some of the flora and fauna up close in their natural habitat.
The ideal ride would be at least 35 minutes of duration. You will need this much time to see everything on your Mt Rainer helicopter ride without missing important sights. Your operator must also offer you the option to select an extended ride if you wish so. Many reliable operators arrange for extended rides for reasonable additions to the cost of the tour.
The Tour Essentials
It is not every day that you fly over a mountain and then see it up close.
For an enjoyable ride, you need to arrange it with the help of reliable tour operators. Choose a company with experienced pilots, up-to-date helicopters, and tour guides.
You should be able to enjoy your Mt. Rainier tour in smaller groups so that it’s safer and more personalized. Ideally, the group size mustn’t be more than six people at a time.
The guide should be knowledgeable enough to provide you with all the relevant details about the things you will see on the mountain during your ride and the hike. It can be really fascinating to hear about the history of the mountain, its formation, about its glaciers, and vegetation. It can be a truly educational experience for the children and the adults alike with a lot of fun and excitement along the way.
Your tour operator must offer you options for the ride timing as per your convenience. You should be able to choose a morning or afternoon ride. The tour should also include meals after a few hours of sightseeing. Many operators arrange for gourmet meals for such tours – be it a delicious lunch or a scrumptious afternoon tea with snacks.
Your tour operator must also arrange for transport before and after the helicopter ride. You shouldn’t need to worry about making arrangements for your transport when you simply wish to relax and enjoy the marvelous Mt. Rainier tour.
You should also be able to book your tour easily. Your operator should be able to help you out to make the perfect arrangements as per the number of guests, timing, and other facilities. All in all, right from booking the tour to you reaching safely back to your hotel, your Mt. Rainier ride must be outstanding in every way.
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