Is your passport current??
Did you know that your passport must be good for the 6 months following your return from an international trip??
Did you know there is a difference between a passport book and a passport card?
THE PASSPORT CARD CAN NOT BE USED FOR INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL.
The passport card can be used for entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry, such as Mexico, Canada, The Caribbean and Bermuda. All other destinations will require a passport book, which is the preferred form of identification internationally.
Travel Alerts VS Travel Warnings
With the travel season in full swing, please be aware of travel alerts and warnings for some popular destinations. Also be mindful that there is a difference between a travel ALERT and a travel WARNING. An alert may mean you may want to reconsider traveling to a destination for reasons including, but not limited to, civil war, unstable governments, frequent terror attacks, etc. A travel warning includes short term events like strikes, health alerts, etc.
ADVISORY LEVELS
Level 1- Exercise Normal Precaution
Level 2- Exercise Increased Precautions
Level 3- Reconsider Travel
Level 4- DO NOT TRAVEL
For more information visit the State Department's website @ Travel Alerts and Warnings
Have Samples??
For air travel, sample size deodorant, perfume, toothpaste, hair products, etc. can generally travel in a carry on through the TSA checkpoint. As long as all items can fit into a 1 Quart sized bag and each item is 3.4 ounces or less per person. All other items MUST be in your checked luggage.
Guess what??
On a cruise? You're allowed to bring 1 bottle of wine in your CARRY ON BAG.
Travel Suggestion: When traveling and you will be separated from your luggage for any period of time, i.e. baggage checked at the airport, it's best to use your travel agents address with your phone number. This protects you in the event someone is dishonest and wants to know where you live while you're away.
Did you know? If you are traveling outside of your home county with your children, without the other parent, you must have written, notarized consent? Prepare yourself before making travel plans with children and make sure all required documents are in place to avoid delays.
Carry on luggage should always include all travel documents, any necessary medicine, a complete change of clothes, and toiletries. Accidents happen and you don't want to be unprepared if you make it to your destination and your checked luggage doesn't.
If you travel often, consider signing up for the TSA's Pre-Check program. It costs $85 and lasts for 5 years and can help avoid long security lines. For more information, visit TSA PreCheck
Be conscious of clothing options. Some countries do not allow camoflauge to be worn by non military personelle. Do your research before traveling.
Please read all travel documents povoided by your travel agent, tour company, airline, etc. These documents include imprtant information that may be need throughout the duration of your trip.
When cruising, it is best to explore on cruise line sanctioned excursions. If you are late getting back for some unforeseen circumstance, the cruise line is obligated to wait for your party. When traveling/exploring on your own, if you are late getting back to the ship, you can and will be left and must find your own way to the next port of call.
Invest in SpaceBags™. They are a great space saver when traveling, they remove excess air and help make more room for essentials.
Don't forget to contact your bank and your cellular company. Avoid unnecessary fees and cost from unexpected international data charges and the embarrassment of not having funds because the bank froze your card because you didn't let them know you were traveling.
If you have a smart phone or tablet that you travel with, download your airlines app. It will keep you up to date with arrival and departure times and will let you know of any delays. You can check in, change seats, view frequent flier miles and more via the apps.
REAL ID
You have until May 3, 2023 to get compliant. If you do NOT have a passport, you will need a REAL I.D. to travel by air domestically, visit military bases and all federally secured buildings.
What is Real ID?
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver's license today than before the passage of the Act
Click the link here for more information for all states: REAL I.D.
