w new york VISAS The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program allowing citizens of certain countries to

VISAS The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program allowing citizens of certain countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. At press time these included Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, w new york Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Citizens of these countries need only a valid passport and a round-trip air or cruise ticket in their possession upon arrival. If they first enter the United States, they may also visit Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and/or the Caribbean w new york islands and return w new york to the United States without a visa. Further information is available from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas; w new york they need only proof of residence.

U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, San Diego. The quintessential beach event: a parade and children s castle-building contest on Saturday, followed by the main event on Sunday. Creations of astounding complexity are the rule, but castles are usually plundered after the awards ceremony. For details, call & 619/ 424-6663 or visit www.usopen sandcastle.com. Late July. August Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara. The city s biggest annual event, this 5-day festival features a parade w new york with horse-drawn carriages, music and dance performances, mercados (marketplaces), and a rodeo. Call & 805/962-8101 or visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org. Early August.