Other payment methods such as credit cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Checks, Mexican pesos and non-American foreign currencies (such as Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

 The most noticeable differences for customers will be as follows:

• Hotels and currency exchange booths and local banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD per person, per month into Mexican Pesos. Prior to September 14 there was no limit. 
   
• Businesses will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 US Dollars per transaction – but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted.
   
• Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept US Dollars for any purchase at all (this may include restaurants and shops).

As an example, if a customer wishes to purchase an excursion that costs $125 US Dollars, $100 can be accepted in US Dollars and the rest must be paid with credit card or Mexican Pesos.

As your mother probably told you, “Don’t talk to strangers” and “Always listen to good advice”….this is especially important when your personal safety could be at risk.

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Your passport should be valid six months past when you return. www.travel.state.gov/passport

-         Fill in the emergency contact information page of your passport.

-         Make two copies of your passport identification page.

-         Keep one copy with you along with an extra photo. This will be a help should your passport be lost or stolen.

-         Report any lost or stolen passports.

2.  Leave a copy of passport and itinerary with family or friends. Some travel agents will also retain a copy for you.

3.  If traveling outside the US, read the Consular Information sheets – there is one for every country in the world. Included are a country fact sheet, currency information, embassy contact, and health conditions.

 4.  Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting. You are subject to their laws.

-         Deal with only authorized agents when exchanging money or purchasing antiques or art.

-         For example, photographing certain sites may be illegal, so it’s in your best interest to know this.

5.  There are both Travel Warnings issued by the State Department and Public Announcements which advise on terrorist threats and other short-term conditions.

6.  Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas or accept packages from strangers. Don’t go anywhere alone with strangers.

 7.  What you wear and carry should be a big consideration. Some countries have more pick pockets than others. Certain clothing is unacceptable.

-         Avoid the appearance of affluence; don’t wear expensive jewelry or conspicuous clothing.

-         Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. Remember to alert your credit card company that you will be traveling outside the US. Also carry a copy of your credit card number and contact information should your card be lost or stolen. Also leave a copy with family or friend at home.

-         When out of your hotel cruise room, keep you passport, cash, credit cards, and other valuables locked in a safe.

-         Avoid purses, fanny packs, and backpacks or putting money in an outside pocket.

-         If you must carry a small purse, make sure the strap goes across your chest. Use inside pockets or a money belt.

-         Most important … travel light!

8.  Heed any health advisories for the regions you are traveling to. Travel Medicine Physicians can advise you of appropriate vaccinations or other concerns. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also issue warning and guidelines. Your travel agent should also provide this information.

-         You may need a letter from your physician if you have any hardware in your body or have had certain radiology procedures in the past month that could cause problems with airport security.

-         Controlled drug prescriptions should be kept in their original container.

-         Keep a copy of your eyeglass prescription with you.

-         Take a medical history card with pertinent health and contact information. Keeping it in your passport would be helpful in an emergency.

-         Travel protection insurance is always recommended. Your current policy will not cover you in a medical emergency. Some countries require proof of medical insurance when entering.  Travel policies also cover lost baggage, car rental, legal assistance, lost passport assistance, and more.

9.  When traveling with a minor without both custodial parents, get a notarized permission form. This should also include an authorization for emergency medical care.

 10.  If you plan to stay out of the US for more than two weeks, register with the US embassy in the country you’re visiting. Upon arrival, you may need to notify them.

Most important, if you have any problems or trouble while abroad, contact the US Embassy, as they are there to assist you. Travel IS safe when following these basic tips.

Air Travel

Know the 3-1-1 rules for carry-on liquids and the new battery rules.

Reference:

www.tsa.gov

www.faa.gov

www.safetravel.dot.gov

On June 28, 2010, the U.S. Department of State published its Schedule of Fees for Consular Services in the Federal Register. The schedule includes fees for passports, immigrant visas and other consular services. The changes will take effect on July 13, 2010. The revised fees will cover actual operating expenses for the 23 domestic passport agencies.
 
The adjusted fees are based on a Cost of Service Study completed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs in June 2009. The study, which was the most detailed and exhaustive ever conducted by the U.S. Department of State, established the true cost of providing these consular services, which the Department recovers through the collection of fees.

In their official public announcement the State Department says, “While the Department of State is aware of the financial impact this fee increase may have on individuals and businesses, its passport processing operations must be self-sustaining to the extent possible, and it has accordingly set these fees at a level that will allow cost recovery–and not more. The Department also maintains that the increase in passport fees is not significant in comparison with the overall costs of international travel.”

The most significant changes are increases in standard adult passport fees from $75 to $110 and standard minor passport fees from $60 to $80. Passport cards will increase in cost from $20 to $30 ($15 for minors). The Department of State expediting fees remain at $60 per application.   The Department will begin charging $82 for adding extra pages to existing passports, plus applicable State Department $60 expediting fees. In the past, the Department provided extra pages in a customer’s passport, at no charge. The Department found that the cost of the pages themselves, having the pages placed in the book in a secure manner by trained personnel, and of completing the required security checks results in a cost to the U.S. Government more than $82 per passport book, therefore, the Department will charge the same for previously free service.

A Briggs suggests that the traveler request a larger 52-page passport book offered by the State Department for travelers who anticipate needing more than 28 visa pages over the lifespan of the passport.  Any passport applicant may request a larger book at the time of application by including a letter of explanation.  The larger passport is issued at the discretion of the Passport Office and is available at no additional cost.
 

You can get your passports at the post office and a local county clerk office (if available) or one of the federal branches.  You’ll need to have a certified copy of your birth certificate (I recommend ordering two) and your passport photos.   Please verify requirements for children.  For more information go to:

www.travel.state.gov/passport

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Packers in Paradise 2010

There are so many reasons to celebrate. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Reunions. Or any of life’s most special moments. But this year, Disney Parks is celebrating something new and that’s the good things people do for their communities.

New! Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, we want to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. So we’re celebrating their good works by giving each of them one-day admission to a Theme Park at the Disneyland® Resort or the Walt Disney World® Resort, free.* There’s no better time to make a dream come true for others and let us make a few come true for them.

How will this work for Clients who purchase vacation packages with multi-day tickets? When your Client signs up for “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” and completes the volunteer activity, they can choose one of the following options instead of receiving the one-day admission to a Theme Park:

• Disney’s Special FASTPASS® card for certain attractions for themselves and up to five additional members of their party⁺
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins**
• Donate their free ticket to one of the select non-profit organizations designated by Disney Parks:
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern California
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
  • Dreams Take Flight Canada

Throughout 2010, Disney Parks will continue to celebrate all of life’s milestones with special entertainment experiences, occasion celebrations and recognition moments.

Call (262) 347-4776 Katie Cianciolo & Crew to book your Disney package. and find out about volunteering in your area.