CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Starting January 8, 2007 all travelers including U.S. citizens, to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada must have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.
This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.
For more information about applying for a passport,
U.S. citizens may visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT.
Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.
Your Luggage & The Airlines
Expect the airlines to lose your luggage ! USA Today has reported that on average the airlines lost 10,000 bags per day in 2005. Don't let this ruin your vacation ! We suggest having three days of necessities & everything that is important in your carry on bag. If your bags are lost, now you can just give them an address to send them to and start your vacation. So many people start their vacation bad because the contents of the lost bags were essential items.
Driving
Weigh your options - will you have to rent a car when you get off of the plane? Maybe driving to your vacation destination is an option, if possible. A lot of rental car companies give unlimited mileage, so maybe renting from your home town, driving to your destination and returning the car at the end would be better then the wear & tear on your own car. Remember fuel prices when deciding this. If you choose to drive, we suggest checking tire pressure, don't speed - this can save you up to 15% ! Don't drive tired - this accounts for a lot of accidents. If you're in a big hurry, you might be better off to fly.
Lodging
#1 Look into vacationing a destination on the off season but be careful - there is always a reason it is the off season. If blizzard conditions or scorching hot weather bother you, saving money might not pay off.
#2 Look at the room before checking in. Especially If you are a walk up. This gives you the leverage to choose a different room or have any problems corrected before you sign and pay.
#3 Coupons - Even If you are on the road and have a coupon for a room, call the place and ask for their rates. Sometimes the rate is lower than the coupon! This could happen for different reasons but it does happen.
#4 Direct Booking- We believe in this (hence the idea for this web site) The benefits are better information from the establishment themselves and no middle men making a commission off of you among other benefits.
#5 Tipping - If a staff member gives you good service, it's always a good idea to tip them accordingly.
#6 Book now for the next time - If you plan on returning and being a repeat guest, let them know and book now for next year. This will give you a better price because they want to see repeat customers and inflation will not be a factor because your price is set.
#7 Fill out those comment cards - This helps the staff get recognition for their work, shows the owners where they need improvement but the best part is that it most likely puts you on their mailing list which will sometimes get you special offers.
Cruise Ships
#1 Cruise ships are a great value but all inclusive does not literally mean that everything is included! Generally they include food, entertainment, non alcohol drinks, etc. They do not include tipping in the price, casino, bar drinks, shore excursions, etc.
#2 Shore excursions - Here's the middle men again! Most of the time you can do these same outings on your own for a fraction of the price! The people booking and arranging for these excursions are getting paid plus you can do these things on your own time.
#3 Ports Of Call - Return to the ship before the departure time, shop away from the docks and the prices will get lower and manage your time. Have a plan as to what you will do & see before you leave your house. Buy your items that you need on the ship at the ports of call. Personal items,etc are more expensive on the ship.
#4 A lot of people feel the cruise lines structure their every move - That is not the case, If you don't want to go to the shows or dress up for formal dinner night, etc. there are other options available to you. Most of the time there are other restaurants that you can just walk into whenever you want.
Restaurants
#1 Go Early - The service will be better and your order will be prepared with more care when they are not in the middle of their rush. Try not to go late - If you walk in five minutes before closing time, chances are the kitchen is closing and everyone is getting ready to go home.
#2 Be Careful ! Most restaurants are very safe but there are those few. The last thing that you want is to be sick on vacation. Go to the wash room before sitting at a table because if a public room that everyone can see is not clean - You don't want to know what the kitchen looks like !
#3 Most cooks and chefs like to be creative. Ask If they can prepare something that is not on the menu If that is what you want.
#4 Complain before you eat the entire meal, not after. Most of the time if the manager can see the problem, they can correct it. My steak was too rare can not be verified if it is in your stomach. Don't punish the waitress because my steak was too rare. She didn't cook it. If the food was horrible and the service was great - Yes you still should tip her. Servers generally work for tips and a small wage while the kitchen staff is getting paid no matter what.
#5 Make A Reservation - Especially with groups of more than six. If you walk in unannounced with ten people, you could expect a lengthy wait. Calling ahead will prepare them so they have your tables ready and the servers assigned to take care of you.
Ground Transportation
#1 Flat Rates - If a taxi company offers you a flat rate, tell them you want them to run the meter and you agree to pay whatever amount is lowest.
#2 Have a map of the area- This will help you find your way around and will tell you if your taxi is taking you on the scenic route.
#3 Book Limousines Ahead - Most of the time limos are not run on-demand like taxis and they need time to get their drivers and vehicles scheduled and ready.
#4 Airport Ground Transportation - Check your options before getting in line for that taxi, you may get a black car at a reasonable price. Be last and then negotiate the rate.
#5 Tip your driver part of what you plan on giving before leaving. You will get better service. Tell him straight out what you want such as take the shortest way possible, turn on the ac and please put out the cigarette and I'll make sure I ad enough to this to make it a real good tip.
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