PASSPORT INFORMATION

It has been a very confusing time for travelers regarding passport requirements. The government keeps changing their minds about when you need to have your passport. For 2006 the requirement are if you are flying back to the U. S. from a foreign city, you must have a passport. This does not apply to Puerto Rico or the U. S. Virgin Islands. These are U. S. protectorates. If you are sailing from and to a U.S. port, you don't need a passport this year. Effective January 2007, passports are required for any travel outside of the United States. For the latest information see travel.state.gov/travel. To see the status of your passport application see travel.state.gov/passport

UPDATED PASSPORT INFORMATION 6/13/07

Even though the government eased the rules this summer for passport requirements, if you are traveling to Mexico or Canada, you still need proof of citizenship. For Mexico, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a government issued photo I.D. For Canada you must have the original birth certificate along with a government issued photo I.D. Certain Caribbean countries still require a passport. Pleae check with the embassy for each country to be visited.

MORE PEOPLE USING TRAVEL AGENTS

According to a recent magazine article, more people are using travel agents these days. After a steady decline for several years, people have become disenchanted with booking their more complex trips online. After several disappointments, they have discovered the value of working with a travel agent who has access to many choices and valuable travel experiences to pass on to their clients. Travel agents are there for their clients when any problems arise. Many agents also have access to trips with added value such as onboard credits on ships and other value added items that internet agents don't have.

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