•Traveler's Checklist?
•Where did the name "Honeymoon" come from?
•How should I pack?
•How much is my dollar worth? (currency converter)
•How do I find information about a country?
•Are Airlines Charging to check a bag?

•What is an "E-Passport?"
•Can I take prescription medicine out of the country?
•What should students know for a class trip?
•What are the prohibited items TSA has announced?
•How long does it take to get a passport?
•Which credit and debit cards are best overseas?

•Travel Orientation

Current Requirements for Travelers

This a link to the www.Travel.State.Gov site to assure you that you have the most up to date information.

Passport Processing Times Need to be Considered when planning your trip.   For more information see Passport Application Processing Times.

Please Note:  The WHTI-compliant documents described below are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States.  You may be required to present additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries, including countries in the Western Hemisphere.  Before you travel, make sure you know the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit. See Country Specific Information for more information on the country you are traveling to.

AIR TRAVEL ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport book or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States   LAND AND SEA TRAVEL ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. Because regulations are continually changing, we are providing the link to access the current and official rules. Department of Homeland Security’s website.   For further information see U.S. Customs and Border protection.   CALL OR EMAIL US IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.

Frequently Asked Questions: Passports and Citizenship Documents

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Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, we encourage customers to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 12 weeks. See Application Processing Times for more information.

We recommend 2.5-4 months at a minimum.

What is an "E-Passport?"

The U.S. Electronic Passport

An e-Passport contains an electronic chip. The chip holds the same information that is printed on the passport's data page: the holder's name, date of birth, and other biographic information. An e-Passport also contains a biometric identifier. The United States requires that the chip contain a digital photograph of the holder. All e-Passports issued by Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries and the United States have security features to prevent the unauthorized reading or "skimming" of data stored on the e-Passport chip.

Passports without chips will still be valid for the full extent of their validity period.

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Here is one reported answer to that question:

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month
after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all
the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was
lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as
the honeymoon.

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Medication & Special Needs Devices

We recommend, but not require, that passengers bring along any supporting documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs.  We also recommend, but not require, that the label on prescription medications match the passengers boarding pass.  If the name on prescription medication label does not match the name of the passenger, the passenger should expect to explain why to the security officers.  To ensure a smooth screening process, passengers are encouraged to limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.

All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

For more information on what to expect during security screening, you may want to visit the section written for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.

(We also recommend asking your doctor to give you a prescription for new meds to keep separate from the actual meds, in case of loss of the medicine so that you can easily replace it.)

For further information go to www.TSA.gov

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Yes! (Most)

Most airlines are now charging for all checked bags! There are many rules and guide lines that are used and each airline could have a different policy. This changes frequently so we will inform you of any charges you may expect as part of our service.

There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed light and those who wish they had. To include everything needed in as little space as possible, follow these helpful guidelines compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know the techniques of efficient packing for all types of travel.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!

Like an architect planning a building, so must you plan the contents of your suitcase by creating a list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip, and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage.

When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Crosscheck this list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complimentary colors.

Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or bare shoulders may bar your entrance into such places as St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces that can be layered.

Forget dress clothes for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal leniency to tourists. Dark colors – a black dress or blue jacket – will get you through most dinners and plays.

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TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Now that the wardrobe is thoroughly planned, stick with it. When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your list. If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.

Set aside the pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel’s in-room amenities – such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. – so you’ll know what to leave behind.

Jewelry – don’t take what you don’t want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space, and leave the perfume behind when scented lotions will work just as well.

When it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival. Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And don’t fill bottles up to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to expand and overflow.

With each item you intend to bring, visualize how to make it smaller, like photocopying certain pages and maps from the guidebook instead of bringing the entire book. Streamline your daily habits. Bring only one bottle of all-purpose lotion instead of multiple lotions for hands, face and body. Choose a regular toothbrush or razor over electric models.

Film and other accessories can be purchased globally and often easily, so save packing room by leaving them behind. Create an in-trip adventure and discover more about the area by shopping for a local brand of deodorant or lotion.

When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room laundering if needed. Also, a Swiss army knife will amaze you with its handiness, whether peeling fruit or uncorking a wine bottle. Remember – it’s not allowed on the plane, so pack it in your checked luggage.

Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand during the flight.

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THE ART OF PACKING

Now you know what to bring, so let the packing begin. Iron everything before placing it in the suitcase. If it goes in crisp and clean, odds are more in its favor of coming out the same. Button all buttons and zip all zippers.

Learn to fold. Practice folding like they do in clothing stores – they use that method for a reason. The better the fold, the fewer the creases. All garments can be folded in many different ways – T-shirts, jeans, skirts and sports coats can be rolled up and strategically positioned (i.e. stuffed) in a duffel bag or travel pack.

The interlocking method of folding clothes is ideal for suitcases. Overlap two pieces of clothing flat and then fold them into each other so that each piece cushions the other to aid in defying wrinkles. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also help prevent wrinkling.

If using the fold and stack method, try to think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. This will prevent rooting around the suitcase for a specific item while disrupting the rest.

Always pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle. Eliminate wasted space, such as the insides of shoes, which are perfect for socks or underwear.

Always carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be packed in checked luggage.

Label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home address. If an address is needed, then put your office’s. And remove old claim checks to avoid confusion.

Unpack as completely as possible as soon as you get to the hotel to prevent further wrinkles. When repacking, remember that balled-up, dirty laundry takes more space than carefully folded clothes, so repack your used clothing identically to your original packing method.

ZIPPING UP

The main message: be in control of your luggage and not at its mercy. With a little Travel Sense, a few packing guidelines and some helpful tips, traveling light will be an easy plan to follow.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, airlines have imposed strict regulations on the size and the amount of luggage passengers may check. Travelers who fail to check size requirements before their flights may be charged with extra fees in order to bring the bag on board the aircraft. To avoid such issues, ASTA advises you consult with the individual airlines' Web sites or Customer Service lines.

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While it’s tempting to forget about all the rules as soon as your chaperones turn their backs, you should keep in mind these tips from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know that studying for your upcoming trip is a homework assignment you’ll actually enjoy.

Before You Go
Before you go, learn about the local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting, especially those concerning drinking age, drugs and curfews. You are not immune to a country’s laws just because you’re a visitor, and you can be arrested.

Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. It’s hard to enjoy the sights when you can’t see them.

Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream and pain relievers. It’s a good thing to have “just in case.” And tell your trip leaders about any medications you’re taking.

Give your parents the phone and fax number of your hotel, the cell phone numbers of the chaperones and a full itinerary of your trip. If anything changes during the trip, e-mail your parents immediately with the new info.

Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and passport in your carry-on bag. Occasionally checked luggage gets lost at airports, so you want to have your important items on you.

While You’re There
Do not carry all your cash at once, especially if all you need is enough to buy lunch and a few sodas. And keep your wallet in a zippered pocket, preferably inside your jacket. If you need to exchange money in a foreign country, only use authorized vendors like banks.

Don’t be flashy. Wear an old, inexpensive watch and leave the bling at home. You don’t want to be a walking target for thieves. If you bring a fancy digital camera or an MP3 player, don’t flaunt them.

When you check in at your hotel, grab a card from the counter with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it. Keep this card on you at all times.

Look both ways before crossing the streets. Yes, you’ve heard that a billion times, but you’ll be surprised how easy it is to step into oncoming traffic in foreign countries, especially the ones where they drive on the other side of the road.

Travel with a buddy at all times and never wander off alone from the group.

Be respectful around, and ask permission before taking photographs of, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other religious sites. Also, ask permission before taking photographs of government buildings and military installations. In some countries you can be detained for taking a picture of the wrong building.

Talk to your trip leader or to a travel agent about types of food or beverages to avoid, and don’t buy food from street vendors.

Class Dismissed
Going on an extended class trip may be the most fun you’ll ever have while actually learning something. If you follow the rules above and stay out of trouble, the only memories you’ll bring back are good ones.

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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CURRENCY CONVERTER.

From the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as of today.

Since the requirements and restrictions are changing daily we are providing a link to the TSA website to assure you of the most current and accurate information possible.
Things have changed since the 12/25/09 incident.

· TSA Home Page
· Permitted & Prohibited Items

Liquids Rule

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

We are here and ready to answer any of your questions and to give you tips for a more pleasant experience.
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Country Background Notes

If you are looking for information on any of the U.S. territories and possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you can go to the CIA Factbook.

In addition, please see the section “Traveler's Checklist" for other important health and safety information.

This site allows you to choose any country and read about their government, population, history and many other interesting details.

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Ever since we started tracking foreign exchange fees, readers keep asking us to identify the "best" credit and debit cards to use when out of the country. A typical inquiry:

"Is there any way to avoid exchange fees when I travel in Europe?"

The short answer is, "Yes, at least in some countries," but for most travelers the question is a bit more complicated. Given all of the recent upheaval in the banking business, we decided that an update of our earlier compilations was in order.

"Best" qualification

Your ideal choice of a credit card depends on a wide range of factors—annual fee, APR, rewards, billing cycles, and such—as well as costs of foreign use. We can't begin to sort out all of those concerns: Our examinations of the "best" cards focus solely on foreign charges.

Overview

The general principles of using plastic in foreign countries haven't changed since our earlier Foreign Exchange 101 report. As a brief recap, when you use a MasterCard or Visa credit card overseas, the international MasterCard and Visa networks add a conversion fee of 1%, and most US banks add their own 2% fee, for a total of 3%. When you use a debit (ATM) card for cash outside the US, your bank adds some combination of a per-withdrawal fee up to $5, a conversion fee up to 3%, or maybe both. By contrast, when you use travelers checks or currency you generally lose anywhere from 5% to 10% in various conversion fees and charges.

Thus, we still recommend "credit cards for big purchases; debit cards for cash," and suggest you forget about travelers checks or exchanging US currency. However, we see some minor changes in specific credit and debit card specifics. Here is the latest information we have, as of early May 2009.

Credit card charges, foreign currency

When you use a credit card outside the US, your charge will normally be in the currency of the country you're visiting. When that charge goes through the system and reaches your bank, most US banks still tack their own surcharges onto the standard 1% charged by the international networks. This is essentially for doing nothing, because the charge is already in US dollars by the time your bank receives it: The bank adds the 2% because it can, out of pure greed.

Fortunately, a few banks do not add a surcharge. Here are current charges for some of the larger card issuers:

American Express: 2.7 percent
Bank of America: 3 percent
Barclaycard/Juniper: 2 to 3 percent
Capital One: 0 percent
Citibank/Diners: 3 percent
Diners Club: 3 percent
HSBC: 3% (most)
JP Morgan Chase: 3% (most)
US Bank: 3 percent
USAA: 1 percent
Wells Fargo: 3 percent

As far as I can tell, no other big card issuer is as generous as Capital One, although USAA comes close. HSBC and Chase offer reduced charges to a small number of "elite" customers; for the most part, their ordinary cards charge 3%.

Credit card charges, U.S. dollars

Occasionally, a foreign merchant charges you in U.S. dollars rather than in local currency. Banks are inconsistent in their treatment of such charges: Bank of America, Barclaycard/Juniper, Citibank/Diners, and USAA add the same conversion fee regardless of the currency, but American Express, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo do not surcharge dollar billings.

Although dollar billings might seem a good idea—at least in some cases—you have to be aware of a possible scam: The merchant may use a lousy exchange rate when it converts your bill into US dollars, so you might wind up paying both a merchant's private currency markup in addition to a surcharge. The conclusion: Avoid any billing in dollars.

Debit (ATM) cards for cash

Until recently, the only extra charge you paid was a flat fee for each withdrawal from a foreign ATM, regardless of the amount of money you received. Lately, however, some big banks have added a conversion surcharge. Here are current costs per transaction and exchange surcharges for withdrawing cash from a foreign ATM:

Bank of America(a) : $0/0 percent
Bank of America: $5/1 percent
Citibank(b): $0/1 percent
Citibank $1.50/1 percent
JP Morgan Chase: $3/3 percent
US Bank $2/1 percent
USAA: $0/1 percent
Wells Fargo: $5/0 percent

(a) At ATMs operated by members of Global ATM Alliance
(b) At ATMs in overseas CITI branches
(c) A Varies by type of account

This compilation shows three ways to avoid losing more than 1% on a foreign currency ATM withdrawal:

• If you have (or open) an account with Bank of America, you can withdraw foreign currencies from ATMs owned by member banks of the "Global ATM Alliance" with no transaction or conversion fee: Westpac in Australia and New Zealand, Scotia Bank in Canada, China Construction Bank in China, Paribas in France, Deutsche Bank in Germany, Santander Serfin in Mexico, and Barclays Bank in the UK. All seven banks have branches throughout their home countries (as well as a few foreign locations); you can locate them through the BofA website. In other countries, however, BofA charges more than most other banks.

• If you have (or open) an account with Citi you can withdraw foreign currencies from ATMs at Citi branches outside the US with no transaction fee. Citi has branches in dozens of foreign countries: In some, it has retail branches throughout the country; in others, it has only one or two offices in one or two major cities. You can easily find out whether a Citi account will work for your trip by checking the worldwide branch locator on the Citi website.

• Many smaller banks—or bigger banks with elite-status accounts for some favored customers—add no fee of their own and agree to refund any fees that other banks apply, usually with a limit on the number of withdrawals per month.

Obviously, the spread between the best and worst deals on debit-card withdrawals is wider than the spread among credit cards. The very best deals, such as Citi and the Global ATM Alliance, are as good as the best credit cards, while with the worst deals you lose more than when you exchange currency or travelers checks.

Whatever you do, use a debit card for local currency from an ATM, not a credit card. When you use a credit card to get cash, you're on the hook for a number of extra fees and charges.

Debit cards for purchases

Most debit cards are MasterCard or Visa branded, so you can use them to shop as well as for ATM cash. When you use your ATM card that way, most banks charge the same as on their credit card purchases. HSBC, however, adds only 1% on those charges rather than the usual 3%.

The U.S. banks I've contacted tell me that when you use a debit card with a PIN to purchase something in a foreign country, whether or not that transaction is considered a purchase or cash withdrawal depends on the "merchant code" on the transaction. Unless it's a financial institution, the charge is treated as a purchase. However the U.S. banks don't seem to be very sure of this point.

The PIN hassle

I've recently reported that European banks are generally switching from the stripe-plus-signature system we use in the U.S. to a smart chip-plus-PIN system for maintaining credit card security. Although international MasterCard and Visa rules require all participating merchants to continue to honor US cards, no matter where they are, travelers report problems in using their non-chip cards, especially in Scandinavia and in may automated vending systems. At this point, the international networks really have no solution to this problem.

Some U.S. holders of credit cards have obtained PINs so they can use their cards for cash withdrawal (not a good idea). I haven't been able to determine whether those PINS work in European situations that require PINS. Reader reports would be most welcome.

Buyers' guide

My overall recommendations remain the same as they've been for several years. To minimize your exchange losses:

• Put big charges on credit cards. If you travel outside the U.S. a lot, consider getting a Capital One card, with its zero surcharge (and a reasonably generous reward program). Otherwise, USAA and many smaller banks and credit unions charge only 1%. Even cards with a full 3% surcharge are still an efficient way to pay outside the U.S.

• Use your debit (ATM) card for whatever local currency you need. If your itineraries permit, use one of the limited no-fee systems. Otherwise, minimize your losses by withdrawing in fairly large amounts each time.

In short, use plastic, but make sure it's the right plastic.

(Article from USA Today, by Ed Perkins)

DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR . . .

• Camera - an underwater disposable camera is great if you plan on doing any scuba diving &/or snorkeling.
• Bathing Suit and a hat / visor.
• Walking shoes or water shoes for certain tours and excursions.
• Golf gloves, balls and shoes if you plan on golfing.
• Safety pin for attaching room / safe key to clothing.
• Suntan Lotion / Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe Gel in room at all Sandals)
• Insect Repellent and a medicated cream (Benedryl cream or calamine lotion) for bug bites.
• Medications / Prescriptions - keep in original containers. Tylenol / Advil / Aspirin.
• Cash / Credit Cards/ATM Cards (usually best for exchange rate)/ Traveler's Checks
• An empty bag for goodies you may buy on your trip.
• Washcloths and a flashlight for European and South Pacific travelers.
• Electrical adapters for blow dryers, razors, curling iron etc. Many hotels have hair dryers and adaptors also.

WHAT TO WEAR . . .

• Cool and casual is key!!! Natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, and linen) are great. Don’t over-pack.
• For European travel, try not to look like a tourist. Pickpockets often look for tourists as an easy target. Try to keep valuables in purses or bags that are not open so that someone can easily reach in and grab something.
• When entering churches, shorts and tank tops may not be acceptable.
• Beach clothes are not allowed in specialty restaurants at resorts.  Casual elegance is preferred.  Men should wear collared shirts and long pants with closed-toed shoes.  Women - short sleeved or sleeveless dresses are great especially at tropical destinations.
• Bathing suit cover-ups are required for breakfast and lunch.

AIRPORT CHECK IN . . .

• Re-confirm your flights 4-5 days prior to departure (See back of sheet for phone numbers). WE CANNOT CONTROL AIRLINE SCHEDULE CHANGES, WHICH CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME.
• Check-in at least 1 hour prior to domestic departures and at least 2 hours prior to international departures.
• When checking in, request the exit row or bulkhead rows if you would like to have more room on the plane.
• Most airlines allow 1 piece of checked luggage, most are now charging to do so, and 1 carry-on per person.  Your carry-on should include your camera, film, jewelry (keep to a minimum), medications in original bottles if prescription, reading materials, and a change of clothes.  (Please refer to airline requirements for specific details.)
• Make extra luggage tags with your name, address, and phone number to keep inside your bag just in case the exterior tag gets ripped off.
• Some airlines will not allow you to lock your checked in luggage using TSA approved locks. Do take locks along for times you may leave it with the concierge or in the hotel after check out but before you are ready to leave the hotel.
• Make sure you have a photo ID (e.g. Driver's license, State ID or military ID) for domestic travel and for international travel a PASSPORT with 6 months of validity.  Make two back up copies of your passport just in case you lose your passport during your trip.  Leave one copy at home with a friend or relative and keep the other with you separate from your original.
• Airlines are now charging for luggage over 50 lbs. as well as for checking in a bag. BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE DEPARTURE SO YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL FEES THAT MAY BE CHARGED.

Many calling cards are not good FROM other countries. Check yours before you travel or get one at the airport when you arrive at your destination country. Ask if the hotel adds surcharges to calls or always use a pay phone. Check with your cell carrier before you leave to see if you have International calling.

AT THE HOTEL . . .

• Check in time is usually 3:00 pm.  If your room is not ready when you arrive, ask if you can leave your luggage with the front desk.
• Use the safe deposit box in your room for all your valuables!  If your in-room safe requires a key, DO NOT loose the key.  It can cost up to $150.00 to replace them. 
• Check to see if your hotel has an activities board for daily activities and events.
• Check with the tour desk for activities, tours, and excursions off of the property and check for theme nights.
• If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, make all your dinner reservations as soon as possible.
• Bring along a copy of your marriage license or certificate to get any special honeymoon offers.
• Be sure to attend the resort’s orientation in order to get the most from your trip.

CHECKING OUT . . .

• Call or have the front desk call to confirm your flight times for your return home.  Allow 30 minutes to return your car (if applicable) & 1 1/2 to 2 hours to check in at the airport prior to your scheduled departure.
• Check out time is usually 12:00 pm.
• Exchange all foreign currency at the resort or in the airport before you leave. 
• Remember to save enough money (cash) at the end of your trip to pay the airport departure tax if applicable!

EXTRA ADVICE…

• Do not get involved with anyone selling drugs. 
• Hair braiding is popular in the tropics.  Head lice can be a problem - use your own brush.

PLEASE REVIEW ALL DOCUMENTS, PURCHASED INSURANCE PLANS AND CONTACT NUMBERS BEFORE DEPARTURE. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS WHILE TRAVELING CONTACT THE PROPERTY MANAGER, WHOLESALER EMERGENCY NUMBER, OR THE EMERGENCY NUMBER ON YOUR INSURANCE POLICY.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME AND CALL ME UPON YOUR RETURN TO LET ME KNOW HOW YOUR TRIP WENT!!!

AIRLINE PHONE NUMBERS

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