CHAPTER 2.  GETTING THERE FROM HERE

Gathering Guests preparing for their journey to Lochaber will, necessarily, need to arrange for transportation.  For residents of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, the planning and expense would be minimal.  However, overseas clansfolk need to carefully consider their flight options, itineraries and ensure that they have the proper documents to enter Scotland.

- Passports:

Whether traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, it is something that should be obtained sooner than later.  Many tourists bemoan the fact that they either waited too long to apply for their passport or had to pay a high “expedite fee” to get it prior to departure.  It is recommended that travelers submit their passport application, regardless of their country of residence, a minimum of three months in advance of journeying to Scotland.  For first time international tourists, remember that this travel document is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.

Clan Cameron members living in the U.S. may submit their application by going in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities (many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices).  Be certain to bring two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate) and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.  Infants and children of all ages will also need passports and photos with their applications.  Details may be obtained online, at: http://travel.state.gov/passport

Canadian members may obtain passport applications (note, old passports are not renewable in Canada) either online or at any Canada Post outlet or Service Canada Centre.  Proof of Canadian citizenship and documents to support identity, along with having a guarantor (assorted professionals and notaries qualify for this) sign the application and one photo.  Applications may be submitted via mail, at a Passport Canada office or Receiving Agent.  Details may be obtained online, at: http://www.pptc.gc.ca

Passport applications and renewal forms in Australia may be obtained from most Australia Post outlets.  If born in Australia, an original full birth certificate issued by a state or territory Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages must be presented in support of each new adult passport application (but not a renewal form) and each child application.  Just as in Canada, a guarantor will need to sign a portion of the application form and photo.  All applications need to be personally lodged at an Australia Post Office.  Details may be obtained online, at: https://www.passports.gov.au

Most New Zealanders do not need to provide supporting documents such as birth or citizenship certificates to prove name details and entitlement to a New Zealand passport.  However, some first time applicants will still need to provide supporting documentation, and they must be originals, not photocopies or certified photocopies.  An identity witness will need to identify the applicant on the form and also certify the photos.  Completed applications should be sent to a New Zealand Passport Office.  Details may be obtained online, at: http://www.govt.nz/record?recordid=561      

- Airfare:

Connecting flights are the norm, rather than the exception, when it comes to traveling to Scotland.  Although this is open to debate, connections in either England or Ireland seem to be the most cost effective solution.  If a major international airport does not have direct flights to either Glasgow or Edinburgh, then it is likely that they will have flights to London, Manchester or Dublin. 

Many travelers wish to arrange flights with major air carriers, which is rather straightforward.  Simply contacting the airlines directly or having a travel agent act as middle man, will deliver exact flights within specific boundaries.  For those searching for “deals,” there are several avenues to explore.

Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) examines flights from over 400 airlines and offers pricing.  One feature that is available to registered members (no fee, simply signup) is their “Deal Detector.”  Members will be notified via e-mail when a flight from their city of choice to a final destination is lowered to any arbitrary price.  As an example, an e-mail might be sent when a user established $500 (round-trip, including all taxes and fees) price is reached.  This is especially helpful when multiple carriers and many sale fares are running concurrently.

Expedia (www.expedia.com) is a rival of Orbitz and operates under a similar scenario.  They also pull pricing from a broad field of airlines and deliver discount pricing.  Expedia offers a service similar to Orbitz’ Deal Detector, named the Fare Alert Tool.  Simply enter a goal price and notification will be sent when it is reached.  When Fare Alert is downloaded, a small, unobtrusive icon is installed onto your desktop. Users may double-click the icon any time to see the current low fare, and when Expedia finds a fare that meets or beats your pre-set price limit, a small notification window will pop up briefly.

Rounding out the triumvirate of discounters is Priceline (www.priceline.com).  While they offer similar search and pricing information as their two competitors, Priceline also features their unique “Name Your Own Price” option.  This option may best suit those not concerned with flights operating in less than ideal hours and with numerous connections.

One other note should be given regarding air flights.  Those traveling with a child or grandchild, without both of said child’s parents, should bring a notarized letter from the absent parent(s), giving permission for the international flight.  Regardless of whether the child holds his or her own passport, typically airlines need to know that permission has been given by both parents.  With this becoming more customary with single parents and custody issues, this is definitely one of those “better safe than sorry” situations.

- Customs:

When members of Clan Cameron arrive at a Scottish airport, they will pass through Immigration and Customs.  Customs control the type and amounts of all goods that are brought into the country, and typically older, small and personal effects are allowed, free of charge.

Not only in Scotland, but throughout Britain, most airports feature three “channels,” one of which will be applicable: red, green and blue:

BLUE:  The blue channel is for people whose journey originated within the European Union (EU).

GREEN:  The green channel is for people who are sure they have no goods to declare. It is subject to random checks by a Customs Officer. (If you are traveling from outside the EU, and have nothing to declare, you should go through this channel.)

RED:  The red channel should be used if you are carrying items that need to be declared.

One item that should be transported with care is the kilt.  With Scotland being the premier source of these traditional garments, questions may be asked when leaving the country or arriving back home.  A kilt presumed recently obtained in Scotland will be counted against the amount of goods purchased on your trip.  It has been suggested that the original receipt for any kilt be brought with, in the eventuality that it is questioned.  Most kilts will have some wear to them, and this is not a typical problem.

It is advisable not to bring any food items containing meat or dairy, nor is it allowed to bring any plants and some vegetables.  There are limits on such items as alcohol and tobacco, so either leave them at home (and purchase what is needed in Scotland) or investigate quantities allowed prior to departing home.  Any prescription medicines should be transported in a correctly labeled container issued by a pharmacist.  Typically, this is not a problem at Customs, but in case questions arise it is a good idea to have a letter from the doctor who wrote the prescription, confirming the need for medication.

A full overview of British Customs information may be found on the Internet, at: www.direct.gov.uk (use search option)

Finally, one note for enthusiastic Clan Cameron clansmen.  Although bringing full Highland apparel to Scotland, with kilt and accessories, is encouraged, please leave the sgian dubh, dirk and swords at home.  Such items are wonderful reminders of the militaristic past of Scottish clans, but they are not allowed into Scotland.