Get Ready For Travel

April 19, 2021

Are You Travel Ready?

Demand for future travel is increasing and will likely outpace supply, even as more options reopen. One of the most important preparations for future travel is ensuring you have the appropriate travel ID. You don’t want to arrive at the airport for your long-awaited vacation, only to be denied boarding because of an identification issue!

Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently 10-12 weeks, or 4-6 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.* Even flying to U.S. destinations, you need to be ready for the new REAL ID requirements going into effect on October 1, 2021.

What should you know about getting your IDs ready to travel? I’ve highlighted a few key points.

PASSPORTS


Physical Inspection – Look carefully at your passport, and the passports of everyone in your household. Is it free of water damage, significant tears, missing pages, or other deterioration? Any of these issues can make a passport invalid for travel.


Expiration Date – It’s surprising how quickly this can sneak up on you, especially for minors who receive only five years of passport validity. Some countries require a passport to have at least 3-6 months of remaining validity when you arrive. Therefore, it’s recommended to start the renewal process 9 months before a passport’s expiration date.


Accurate Information – Is the personal data on the passport accurate? Travel reservations need to match each person’s name exactly as it appears on the passport. If a correction or name change is needed, follow the directions on the US State Department website.


Blank Pages – Count how many blank pages remain in the passport booklet. (Note: The last two endorsement pages don’t count.) Immigration officials use these blank pages to add entry stamps or visas. Some countries require two to four blank pages available upon entry. If you’re almost out of space, it’s time to renew. If you’re a frequent traveler like myself, you may want to request a larger, 52-page passport book.


DRIVER’S LICENSE/STATE ID


Expiration Date – Once again, physically pull out your current license or ID card and verify the expiration date. If you’re close to the renewal date, check with your state’s motor vehicle bureau to see what the current procedures and processing times are.


REAL ID – Beginning October 1, domestic air passengers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card. Adult travelers (ages 18+) will not be allowed through the security checkpoint or onto an aircraft if they fail to do so. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top. For details on how to obtain this type of ID, contact your state driver’s license agency.


Alternative ID Options – Travelers without a REAL ID may be able to use another acceptable document, including a valid passport or passport card, for domestic air travel. Remember that the name on each passenger’s airline reservation needs to match the identification document they will be presenting.


Don’t get left behind! Take a few minutes to check your travel ID. You’ll be ready for wherever your next adventure takes you.

Travel Insurance

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Let Me Upgrade You

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When planning a client's trip, we always consider all the information given to us for a full personalized experience. This includes a client's budget. Every attempt is made to operate within the limits of the budget and still provide an amazing and unforgettable experience. But, it's a proven fact that a super tight budget forces you to miss some great vacation experiences. The next time you are creating your vacation budget, consider some of these small and affordable upgrades that are sure to improve your all-around vacation experience.

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Waiting On Your Passport?

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Planning Romantic Road Trips

By Angela Lindsey • March 5, 2021
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Top Travel Trends For 2021

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It’s no secret that we are dreaming about our next vacation. For many of us, 2020 meant delays and/or cancellations of our long-awaited vacations. After the stressful and challenging year, we’ve all been through…we need a change of scenery. With a percentage of next year’s vacations already in the books, the year’s travel trends and must-visit destinations are starting to emerge. Whether they are barbecue enthusiasts or book lovers, the below lists of locations, near and far from home, are a perfect starting place for 2021 vacation inspiration!

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Romance on a River Cruise

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Helpful Travel Apps

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Exploring The Great Outdoors

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Summer is here and in full swing. Because of the devastating effects of the pandemic, many travelers are opting to stay closer to home. Paired with an understandable hesitation to be in large crowds, spending the summer in the great outdoors is sounding better and better. If you are looking for a destination for a summer road trip or hoping to check some natural wonders off your bucket list, there is a U.S. National Park for you to explore.
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