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Get Your Passport Now For Summer Travel To The Caribbean

Two months after the U.S. Government instituted new passport regulations for Caribbean and Latin American travel under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), both foreign officials and visitors have called the initial transition a success. Requiring passports for air travel between the Caribbean and the United States, the WHTI was enacted to alleviate security concerns regarding U.S. border security. It was predicted by many that the initiative would create noticeable hassles for travelers and resorts in early 2007. Yet, most resorts and travel bureaus saw no decrease in American visitors, while tourists were able to make successful arrangements and navigate the new passport restrictions.

That said – don’t let the smooth initial transition catch you off guard. Travel experts speculate that the summer months could provide more difficulty for tourists and resorts alike. Due to the fact that so many of the visitors to Grand Cayman during the first few months of this year already possessed long-standing passports, the delays and hassles were minimal. Yet, as family travel to the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean picks up throughout the summer, experts fear that many tourists may overlook the new passport regulations – especially for their children.

If you have begun planning a family vacation to Grand Cayman, now is the time to add passport applications to the top of your checklist. As it takes at least 6 weeks (with some current reports at 10 weeks) for the U.S. State Department to process passports, submitting your applications now will give you enough time to plan your activities for the summer. Simply because there wasn’t a rush on new passport applications at the beginning of the year, doesn’t mean there won’t be a backlog of applications for the summer travel season.

For those concerned about the additional cost of passports for their family, some resorts have developed a unique solution. In an effort to lessen tourists’ concerns about the cost and hassle of passports, hotels and resorts – such as the Marriott and Renaissance Mexico and Caribbean Resorts – have implanted discounts to new passport holders. For instance, if you arrive at the Grand Cayman Marriott and the island is your first stamped destination, you will receive a 0 resort credit. In most cases, discounts like these simply require your family’s passports being shown to the front desk staff at the resort. Furthermore, as you probably finalized your passports well before travel, a credit like this could offer a nice financial cushion for your family vacation.

To help you plan the perfect Caribbean family vacation, here is helpful checklist for the passport application process. Remember, it is recommended to begin the passport application process as soon as you know you are going to travel to Grand Cayman or anywhere else throughout the Caribbean or Latin America:

? First, acquire proof of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants. Most travelers use birth certificates, but expired passports can also be used.

? Have a pair of passport photos taken at a drugstore, copy shop or any other location.

? Obtain passport applications from the U.S. State Department website or from any post office or government facility.

? If anyone in your family is receiving their first passport, you must visit a passport acceptance facility with your passport photos, proof of citizenship and photo ID to have the applications validated. Passport acceptance facilities include courts, post offices, libraries and government offices. Check the U.S. State Department website for all locations.

? Send your applications with payment from these approved locations.

? If you have planned ahead, you shouldn’t need to expedite your passport application through the U.S. State Department. For , the Passport Services Office offers expedited shipping – usually ensuring delivery of passports within 3-4 weeks. Also, if you’re family is in a time crunch, several services can obtain passports in as little as 24 hours for a greater fee.

Caribbean Travel Tips

Are you planning a trip to the Caribbean for the first time? If so, continue reading on for a few helpful and moneysaving tips.

Making Your Travel Arrangements

It is easy to book a Caribbean vacation with family because one family member is paying for the trip (your children are just along for the ride). Planning a Caribbean vacation with friends, on the other hand, can be harder. You need to make your travel plans together if you want to share rooms. If you opt for an all-inclusive resort, more than just a room is included, but each person gets access to the same inclusions; therefore, just spilt the costs evenly.

Keep times that are convenient for you in mind when booking your trip. We are often so focused on getting the best deals that we rarely take the time to coincide our flight times with our hotel or resort check in and out times. For example, what would you do for hours if your flight arrived at 11am, but you couldn’t check-in until 3pm? The same with departure times; if you need to be out of your room at noon, but your flight doesn’t leave until 7pm, what are you going to do for those seven hours? If you have no idea, try to coincide your flight times with your all-inclusive resort or hotel.

Packing for Your Trip

Many American travelers flying to the Caribbean are in for a long flight and possibly some layovers. For that reason, bring lots of small items to keep you occupied. Magazines, books, mp3 players, or portable DVD players work great and they are easy to carry around.

Only pack what you need. You can get a good idea of the clothes needed by checking the weather forecast. Pack an extra sweater if you want, but not two. Save extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Plus, remember airlines charge extra for luggage, so try and limit what you bring. All resorts should have onsite laundry facilities, meaning you really don’t need two or three outfits for just one day.

Pack all necessary travel documents in your carryon bag, wallet, or purse. You need to show your driver’s license and passport at the airport. Prevent delays by making sure these items are easily accessible.

Arriving at Your Resort

If you opted for an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, most of your trip is preplanned and prepaid for. Your stay should include your room, snacks, drinks, food, tips, and some forms on onsite entertainment. Get a list or chart from the main office detailing what is or isn’t included. This is a great way to save money. Why pay extra for an activity, like snorkeling, offsite when your resort enables you to enjoy that activity without extra costs?

Start your day early if you want to get the best spot by the beach, the best lounger by the pool, and so forth. These are all popular activities at all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Of course, there is plenty of room to go around, but ensure you aren’t settling for second best.

Venturing Off Hotel or Resort Grounds

One of the reasons why all-inclusive Caribbean resorts are recommended is because you never need to leave to have a good time. All-inclusive resorts are home to multiple restaurants, swimming pools, gyms, spas, and more. These are just the facilities you gain access too; wait until you see all available activities. Either way, you may wish to venture off the hotel or resort property. This is okay, but spend your money wisely.

If you didn’t take the time to research offsite activities and attractions before departing, ask your hotel or resort staff for suggestions. Hotel lobbies are also home to travel brochures that may outline nearby popular restaurants or attractions. Look at these brochures for moneysaving coupons too.

As you know, the Caribbean is a safe place to visit. With that said, you always need to display some caution when leaving home (whether it be walking down the street or leaving the country). Never bring large amounts of cash with you or carry valuables. Leave anything you would be devastated to lose in your resort or hotel safe; better yet leave valuables at home.

By keeping the above mentioned Caribbean travel tips in mind, you are sure to have a great trip. Most important tip of all? Remember to have fun! Enjoy yourself!

Tips For Traveling To The Caribbean

The Caribbean has long been a favorite destination for American travelers. Treasured for its scenery and family-friendly atmosphere, the Caribbean is one of the safest travel destinations for millions of American tourists each year.

Yet, like anywhere else in the world, some travelers occasionally experience travel headaches. More often than not, these travel troubles are the result of poor planning by tourists. Hence, the key to a successful Caribbean vacation is preparation, from passports and choosing the right resort to learning important details about your destination and knowing how to pack.

To make sure that your Caribbean vacation is a success, here are some travel tips to consider while planning your getaway:

? Apply for passports as soon as possible. As all Caribbean destinations – with exception of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands – require passports for air travel, every member of your family will need to apply. Being the first year of the new passport regulations, delays have increased (with some estimates placing completed application at 10 weeks). Since you don’t want to miss your vacation because of passports that haven’t arrived, complete this step before arranging the details of your vacation.

? Do some research before you travel. Try to learn about the culture of your destination and the locations of point of interest. Check reviews for hotels, restaurants and activities. Once you learn a bit about your Caribbean destination, you will be able to make informed decisions regarding resorts and activities.

? Since the Caribbean has plenty of great family activities, try to get your kids involved in the planning process. Your children will be happy to know they had a role in your family vacation and you won’t have to worry about disappointments.

? Try to book a resort near your points of interest that offers helpful services. Throughout the Caribbean, reliable resorts will often offer shuttle transportation, activity packages and might even have exclusive opportunities for guests. Also, try to take advantage of your resort’s local connections. It is possible to plan everything from car rentals to scuba diving tours directly through your resort.

? If you plan to visit the Caribbean during the high season (generally December to mid-April), make your hotel reservations about 2-3 months in advance. During the off-season (June to November), reservations at popular resorts are a bit easier to come by and also more affordable.

? Depending on where you plan to travel in the Caribbean, you may not need to exchange currency as many islands accept U.S. currency in addition to local currencies. However, in many cases, it is advantageous to carry the official currency of your destination – especially when traveling outside of areas frequented by tourists. If you are unsure whether or not you need to exchange currency, check with the concierge of your resort. Your concierge can also direct you to a reliable point of exchange.

? Throughout the Caribbean, food and drinking water are generally safe for your whole family. Yet, if you spend time exploring outside the major tourist areas – like the unique desert coast of Western Aruba – make sure you pack some bottled water.

? Wear sunscreen. Far and away, the most common health concern for tourists in the Caribbean is overexposure to sunlight. However, this hazard is also the easiest to avoid. Simply pack some good sunscreen and cover-up clothing for use on the beach or while playing outside.

? If for any reason you have any difficulties while on vacation in the Caribbean, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Nearly all of the islands in the region have an office offering helpful travel information and personnel able to resolve many common travel headaches.

? The U.S. State Department also offers detailed Consular Information Sheets for all the Caribbean nations. These information packets can help you understand entry and exit requirements, currency exchange, the location of consulates and embassies throughout the region and plenty of other local issues. Use the information of the U.S. State Department in conjunction with your travel guides to prepare for your vacation and avoid the unnecessary stress associated with international travel.

? Look into travel insurance programs before finalizing the details of your vacation. Travel insurance can protect you (and your money) in case you need to cancel your vacation, experience delays while traveling or have any medical issues. Review your existing homeowner’s and medical insurance plans to see if any of these conditions are covered before you travel.

Following these simple tips as you plan your vacation to the Caribbean will not only help you avoid common travel headaches, but also grant you and your family a perfect vacation.

Jamaica is a legendary island in the Caribbean with more beauty than you can image. Visiting Jamaica retreats is one extremely relaxing way to experience the island.

Jamaica Hotels and Retreats

Jamaica is an island destination known for its relaxing and romantic atmosphere. What better way to enhance your vacation here than to go to one of the great Jamaica retreats? The retreats on Jamaica are prepared to pamper you while taking full advantage of the great island, beach and ocean atmosphere.

One of the Jamaica retreats you’ll be sure to enjoy is the High Hope Estate, located near Ocho Rios in Jamaica. This inn has only five guest rooms, assuring that your vacation and stay here will be intimate and romantic. (more…)