Ready for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?

Have you heard of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative? There are some new government rules for American’s traveling to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean on June 1, 2009.

Basically, for travel to those regions, almost everyone will need a passport or passport card.

However, there are three main exemptions. The first is for children under 16, who will still only need to present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate.
In addition, children ages 16 or 17 traveling with a group under adult supervision will only need a birth certificate. However, for parents who can afford it, a passport is not a bad idea; you could still run into some problems if for any reason the child is delayed or separated from the group, or needs to return early.
The other exception is for “closed-loop” cruises from the United States. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that returns to its original departure point.

Tour Operator Disappears Along with Trip Insurance

This morning I came across an unfortunate story out of Austin TX.


It seems a group of high school students had planned a trip to France with their class. The kids worked after school jobs to pay for their trip, and even purchased the trip insurance. However now, the tour group they utilized has suddenly gone bankrupt. Their website has been taken down, and they have seemingly disappeared.

Good thing they had trip insurance, right?



Not exactly. Because the students purchased their trip insurance from the tour operator, their trip insurance is gone too. The article went on to quote a representative from a different tour company, who said it is always a good idea to buy trip insurance from a third party .

Before you book your next vacation, call the experts at Insurance Services of America to find the right trip insurance plan for you. We offer low cost, comprehensive trip insurance policies that will protect you in case your carrier or tour operator defaults.

After all, if you had just spent 3 years saving for a vacation, you'd want to protect your investment, right?

TSA issuing new rules for air travel

Security changes at airports could affect whether you can get on a plane starting next week.

By May 15th, 2009, the TSA will require your full name, first, middle and last on your ticket.

Until now, only your first and last name got you on a plane, but come May 15, the name on your reservation must exactly match the name on your driver's license or passport.

"Everything has to match," said Bethanne Harrison-Brown of The Travel Authority. "If it doesn't match, if it's not in there, you cannot check in. You will be denied."

According to the TSA, the new rules were being phased in gradually. On their website, the TSA says minor discrepancies, such as the boarding pass missing the passenger's middle name or only using the middle initial, would not cause a problem over the past few months. However, any travel that passengers book from May 15th on should be an exact match.

The new rules apply to domestic flights only, although the TSA indicates that the rules are being gradually introduced, since many travelers in the coming weeks may not have known about the new requirements. Passengers on international flights will be required to comply later in the year.

Also, by August 15, you'll be required to give the airline your date of birth and your gender. In order to cash in on frequent flier miles, the name you use on them has to be the same as the one on your ticket. It's a big paperwork hassle, say many travelers, but they say it's the world they're used to living in.

Feel like you're forgetting something? Use this handy dandy checklist!

a Print any airline itineraries or hotel confirmations. This will allow you to confirm your travel details and will serve as documentation should any problems arise.

a If you are going on vacation, research your destination and make a loose itinerary of sites you want to see. If traveling for business, it is still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area you are traveling to.

a Check the Weather Forecast for your destination so that you pack appropriate clothing and raingear.

aAttach an identification card to your luggage with your contact information. If your luggage is in a popular style, tie a colorful ribbon or bandana around the handle so you can distinguish your bags from those of other travelers.

aIf you are traveling for a special event (such as a wedding) or plan on visiting a special location (a fancy restaurant or a house of worship), find out what level of dress is appropriate for the event or location and pack appropriately.

aVisit the bank to obtain any cash, traveler's checks or foreign currency you may need for your trip.

a Refill any prescription drugs and purchase and over-the counter medications you will need during your trip.

aCall your bank and credit card companies and let them know you will be out of town. If they see activity on your credit/debit card in another city or country, they may think it has been stolen and cut off access your card. Tell them where you are going and how long you are staying.


aBuy TRIP INSURANCE!