Under the original plan, the new passport requirements would have been phased in beginning on December 31, 2005. But after the timeline was announced, several groups lobbied to have the timeline or the requirements changed. Upon further review, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security have acknowledged that implementing the plan as originally proposed would be problematic for travelers during the upcoming winter tourism season. Therefore, the timeline for implementation has been revised as shown below:
Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Beginning December 31, 2007, the passport requirement will be extended to include all land border crossings to or from the above-mentioned destinations.
Currently, passports are recommended but not required for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Panama, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Always check with your cruise counselor at the time of booking to verify documentation that will be required.
After being in the tour, travel and hospitality business for over 25 years its always fun to see what's new, changing or just plain clever out there.
It always amazed at how much "well traveled" people don't know, even though
they claim they do. I am sure that most of this group would never dare to question
their dentist, doctor or hairdresser about what's the latest in techniques, possibilities and
advances but when it comes to travel, why ask if you've done it all before? The best
advise I can pass on is keep the inquiries coming as your travel expert is just that.
Continually upgrading their education, qualifications, new requirements and just
some great new products that are out there. Even though some think it's so easy
being a travel professional and anyone can put some friends together, those who
come to their trip prepared, because they sought this help have no surprises, hidden
costs or problems as they have been solved prior to their trip and they will have
a pleasure filled, stress-free get away.
Keeping your mind opened can produce unique finds that have been skillfully
orchestrated and some secret products may be available through your tour,
travel or receptive that you can't find even on the Internet. Cut-rate may not
only be the rate but what is included in your trip and many have walked this
route where they think they are "saving" money and found out differently. So
the travel professional you are dealing will helps you avoid those pitfalls and
end up with a complete package that doesn't have you shelling out monies that
would be included in a package they have presented. No one in any profession
works for nothing and "hidden" costs that go onto your bottom line are taken
from somewhere. Free trips that are offered to "the leaders" of groups or
tours are not free as the hotels, cruise ships, insurance policies, air carriers,
tour operators know that you are not a licensed, bonded travel/tour professional
and if everything falls apart, is cancelled or contract not fore filled there is no
place for you, your group or the hospitality vendor to go to. Your backup or
coordinator was left behind in the rush to save money, so now what?
Most travel professional will also give you the opportunity to secure "perks"
For your trips, tours or be able to offer them to you in a way that everyone
benefits and feels comfortable in what is going on, no under the table deals.
Like every situation there are good and bad in every profession but certainly
What is on the positive outweighs the negative in the hands-on service that
a company such as ours represents. Customizing your group travel offers you
a continuous selection of tours, trips and other services put together in a way
best suited for your particular group.
From an assisted view point I offer a review of some of the locations, trips
and destinations I have either visited or revisited to see what's happening, anything new
and what to avoid. It gives you a close-up and personal chance to take the suggestion, join one of our groups or call for your group's travel.
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Befitting Just Your Style
378 Northlake Blvd., #282
N. Palm Beach, FL 33408
Toll Free: 800-838-5931
Tel: 561-688-0860
Fax: 561-688-0639
dmc@bjys.com
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