- At this time, 8-6-15, you may still sail on a cruise that departs and
returns to the same US port, without a passport. A certified copy of your birth certificate is
required and a photo id.
- Passport should be valid for at least 6 months after travel.
- Passports are required for travel outside the US. ( When not on a closed loop cruise sailing from a US port.)
- If you have a medical emergency while on a cruise, you can not fly back into theUS for medical treatment, unless you have a passport.
- The price for a passport for an adult is $145.00. It is good for 10 years. Most major post offices can start the process and take your passport photo. A passport for a child age 16 and under is $115.00 and is good for 5 years. BOTH parents MUST be present at the post office.
- Travel protection can protect you in the event that something happens that prevents you from traveling or you have an illness or accident while traveling. It will even cover emergency medical evacuation.
- All liquids that will be in carry on luggage, must be in a 1 quart, zip lock bag and each container should be no larger than 3 oz. One quart size zip lock bag per person. This bag MUST be taken out of your carry on and placed in the container for inspection. If you pack your liquids in your checked luggage there is no size restriction.
It is still a good idea to pack them in a zip lock bag. The 3 oz plastic containers can be purchased at Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid or Walgreen’s
- Shoes must be taken off at security. If you are 75 or older, you do NOT need to remove your shoes, unless they set the machine off.
- If you have a sweatshirt, jacket or sweater, you must take that off.
- You should plan to arrive at the airport 90 minutes early for a domestic flight. Arrive 2 hours early for an international flight.
- If you are chosen for a random more in depth screening, just try to relax and go with the flow.
- Most airlines charge for checked luggage. At this time, Southwest allows two free checked bags pp.
- Most airlines do not accept cash on board.
- It is alright to bring food and drinks on board, if the drinks are purchased after the security check point.
- Make your travel plans early. Most airlines have less expensive seats available at first
posting. As those seats sell, the price goes up. Be sure of your travel plans before making your reservation. Most airlines charge at least $100 to make a change.
- An all inclusive vacation is when the air, resort, food, gratuities, transfers, entertainment and non motorized sports are included. There is only one all inclusive in the US.
- There are adults only all inclusive resorts.
- Cruises are available for almost every budget. One of the advantages of a cruise is being
able to explore different countries on one vacation, without packing and unpacking. You know your cabin accommodations and food will be good and the service and shows will be in English.
- Usually the services of a travel professional are free. (There may be a service charge
similar to those of the airlines.)
- Why trust your vacation details to an order taker, when you can have the experience and knowledge of a travel professional working for you? Ask about your agents’ certifications. What makes them a travel professional?
- If there is anyone in your traveling party that is mobility impaired, I am a Certified Accessible Travel Specialist with over 22 years hands on experience.
- To save money, take a wide mouthed water bottle with you. It can be filled with water, iced tea, juice or lemonade on board and taken off the ship with you.
- Consider travel protection. If for some unforeseen, covered reason you cannot take your vacation you will want your travel investment refunded. Please ask questions about this. I have many stories to share. I do not travel without it. Most major health providers do not cover you outside the US. A ship is considered a foreign port.
- When going on a cruise, you will not have your luggage delivered to your cabin until late in the day. If you pack a carry on bag with swimsuit, sun tan lotion, sun glasses, sandals, a book and a cover up and you will be ready to relax and enjoy your vacation!
