Get REAL ID Ready
Domestic travel is the *IT* thing right now. Whether it's sunbathing on the beach in Florida while the kids windsurf or trying your hand at fly fishing in Montana - my clients are spending far more time stateside than ever before. BUT - one thing you need to take care of - make sure your ID is Real ID compliant. Beginning October 1st 2021*** the TSA will enforce the federally-mandated Real ID requirements on all domestic travel. What is the Real ID? It's a form of identification that meets increased security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. According to the TSA website: "Starting October 1, 2021, every traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S. Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through the security checkpoint."
How do you make sure you're REAL ID ready? For details by state follow this link: Real ID Requirements by State (***As proof of the ever-changing landscape of travel - 48 hours after I posted this the Department of Homeland Security announced a 19 month extension - pushing back the deadline until May 3rd 2023. Details are still at the link though!).
Complete this step if you want to stay in the continental US and fly to see sunsets like this!
Renew Your Passport - Or Get A Passport
Most countries now require that your passport is valid for 6 months AFTER your return from travel date, and passports are taking a LONG time to process. We're talking 6 months or more. What does this mean for you? It means that if you're even thinking about traveling internationally in the next year - check your passport expiration date, and renew your passport now. Yes, right now.
It also means that you should consider paying for the expedited service - because that is the ONLY way to track where your passport is. If you don't pay for expedited service, and your passport has not shown up by the time you think you should have it - there is NOTHING anyone can do for you. No amount of my calling and cajoling on your behalf will solve the problem. If you've paid for expedited service - we can track your passport.
Don't let a passport snafu stop you from being here when you're able to!
You Will Have to Follow COVID Protocols When You Travel
No matter where you choose to travel right now - there will be changes to what you're used to, and a few more hurdles to jump through before you get to lounge on the beach. You may have to be tested prior to travel and before you return home. You will likely have to fill out online forms and waivers for your destination, and you'll have to pay attention to things like which type of COVID test you take, and how many hours prior to travel you are tested. The most important things to know about this process are:
I will walk you through it.
Almost anything can be fixed - but stay in communication with me!
Destinations and resorts REALLY want your business, and they will help to make any processes as smooth as possible - including providing you with onsite testing.
It might seem like a lot to go through, but when you're done you can be somewhere with this view:
Flexibility is the Name of the Game
When you're looking at a resort or destination you need to know that everything is in flux - sometimes changing by the minute. So there's a chance that a restaurant or tour that is available now might not be later, but please know that everyone in the travel and tourism industry is working overtime behind the scenes to help make your vacation everything you want it to be. No one wants things to go smoothly more than those responsible for your vacation plans. From the travel advisors to the transfer company owners and drivers to the housekeeping staff, tour operators, and waitstaff at your favorite resort - we are so excited that you're considering travel - and we will do everything in our power to help you have that getaway you've been dreaming about - so you can relax and enjoy this:
We're All Recovering and Travel Isn't Cheap
I'm just going to come right out and say it. Just because the travel industry REALLY wants your business - doesn't mean it's now dirt cheap to travel. This is because - out all of those people I mentioned above? MANY of them haven't been getting paid in over a year. Businesses are struggling to survive. The driver of the transfer company hasn't had anyone to pick up and drive from the airport. Many in the travel and tourism industry - like those who operate and work in tours and excursions - only get paid after a client has traveled. When a resort shuts down the vast majority of staff are sitting at home. While we begin to slowly work our way to recovery, resorts are operating with half staff - because they need people to travel before they can afford to hire back all those who were laid off. In addition - the cost of operating tours, transfers, restaurants, pools, beaches, and all of the ins and outs of resorts - have not gone away. In fact, due to new COVID protocols it is MORE expensive to operate anything in the travel and tourism industry. This is why you aren't seeing a massive drop in prices - these companies need people to pay to travel in order to survive. Not only are they hoping for paying clients now - they're trying to make up for the clients they didn't have for a year. Remember - this industry did not get to work from home and earn money. This industry worked hard to cancel and postpone travel - which meant not getting paid. That being said - we're overjoyed to be back in the business of making vacation dreams come true and being able to provide experiences where you can snorkel and see this:
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