•Do I need a passport?
•Where did the name "Honeymoon" come from?
•How should I pack?
•How much is my dollar worth? (currency converter)
•How do I find information about a country?
•Are Airlines Charging to check a second bag?

•What is an "E-Passport?"
•Can I take prescription medicine out of the country?
•What should students know for a class trip?
•What are the prohibited items TSA has announced?
•How long does it take to get a passport?

•Travel Orientation

New Requirements for Travelers

This a link to the www.Travel.State.Gov site to assure you that you have the most up to date information.

Passport Processing Times Need to be Considered when planning your trip.   For more information see Passport Application Processing Times.

U.S. Officials Delay Passport Rules Next Year

AIR TRAVEL Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. LAND AND SEA TRAVEL The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. JANUARY 31, 2008 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time. SUMMER 2008 At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders. The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice. CALL OR EMAIL US IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS. Visit this page to read the U.S. Homeland Security Department’s official release.

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The U.S. State Department now says it will take at least 12 weeks to get a new or renewed passport -- but, the newspaper says Congressional offices and many travelers claim the actual wait time is much longer We recommend 4-5 months at a minimum.

The department was hit hard by a record number of applications after new rules went into effect Jan. 23 requiring passports for travelers returning by air from Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Amazingly, about half of the new applications being processed are for expedited service, which costs an extra $60 and should take about two to three weeks. A State Dept. official says the service is processing about 1.5 million applications a month -- up a whopping 40 percent from 2006 levels.

We recommend that all travelors apply for passports now, before new rules go into effect next year requiring them for land and sea returns from these regions, too. And, they should allow at least 16 weeks (if not longer) to receive the actual passports.

What is an "E-Passport?"

The U.S. Electronic Passport

The proposed U.S. Electronic Passport is the same as a regular passport with the addition of a small contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip will securely store the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport, and will additionally include a digital photograph. The inclusion of the digital photograph will enable biometric comparison, through the use of facial recognition technology at international borders. The U.S. “e-passport” will also have a new look, incorporating additional anti-fraud and security features.

Passports without chips will still be valid for the full extent of their validity period.

The Department of State Starts Issuing Tourist E-Passports 

Electronic Passport Frequently Asked Questions

Security and Privacy of the e-Passport

Public Comments in the Federal Register on the Proposed Rule for the e-Passport

New Design for the U.S. e-Passport

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Here is one reported answer to that question:

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month
after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all
the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was
lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as
the honeymoon.

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Medication & Special Needs Devices

We recommend, but not require, that passengers bring along any supporting documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs.  We also recommend, but not require, that the label on prescription medications match the passengers boarding pass.  If the name on prescription medication label does not match the name of the passenger, the passenger should expect to explain why to the security officers.  To ensure a smooth screening process, passengers are encouraged to limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.

All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

For more information on what to expect during security screening, you may want to visit our section written for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.

(We also recommend asking your doctor to give you a prescription for new meds to keep separate from the actual meds, in case of loss of the medicine so that you can easily replace it.)

For further information go to www.TSA.gov

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Yes!

US Airways will begin charging passengers a $25 fee to check a second piece of luggage. The new policy will go into effect on May 5 for tickets purchased starting today (Wed., Feb. 27). US Airways is now the second airline to institute a fee for a second checked bag (following United’s recent announcement of a similar fee). A US Airways spokesperson says about 8 percent of the airline’s passengers check a second bag on their flights. The airline is also raising the fee for the third to ninth checked bag from $80 each to $100 apiece. The new fee will not apply to passengers in the preferred levels of US Airways’ frequent flyer programs or with first-class tickets. The fee will also be waived for unaccompanied minors, active-duty military personnel, and passengers checking “assistive” devices such as wheelchairs.

United Airlines will begin charging passengers a $25 fee to check a second piece of luggage on their domestic flights.

There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed light and those who wish they had. To include everything needed in as little space as possible, follow these helpful guidelines compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know the techniques of efficient packing for all types of travel.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!

Like an architect planning a building, so must you plan the contents of your suitcase by creating a list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip, and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage.

When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Crosscheck this list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complimentary colors.

Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or bare shoulders may bar your entrance into such places as St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces that can be layered.

Forget dress clothes for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal leniency to tourists. Dark colors – a black dress or blue jacket – will get you through most dinners and plays.

TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Now that the wardrobe is thoroughly planned, stick with it. When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your list. If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.

Set aside the pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel’s in-room amenities – such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. – so you’ll know what to leave behind.

Jewelry – don’t take what you don’t want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space, and leave the perfume behind when scented lotions will work just as well.

When it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival. Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And don’t fill bottles up to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to expand and overflow.

With each item you intend to bring, visualize how to make it smaller, like photocopying certain pages and maps from the guidebook instead of bringing the entire book. Streamline your daily habits. Bring only one bottle of all-purpose lotion instead of multiple lotions for hands, face and body. Choose a regular toothbrush or razor over electric models.

Film and other accessories can be purchased globally and often easily, so save packing room by leaving them behind. Create an in-trip adventure and discover more about the area by shopping for a local brand of deodorant or lotion.

When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room laundering if needed. Also, a Swiss army knife will amaze you with its handiness, whether peeling fruit or uncorking a wine bottle. Remember – it’s not allowed on the plane, so pack it in your checked luggage.

Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand during the flight.

THE ART OF PACKING

Now you know what to bring, so let the packing begin. Iron everything before placing it in the suitcase. If it goes in crisp and clean, odds are more in its favor of coming out the same. Button all buttons and zip all zippers.

Learn to fold. Practice folding like they do in clothing stores – they use that method for a reason. The better the fold, the fewer the creases. All garments can be folded in many different ways – T-shirts, jeans, skirts and sports coats can be rolled up and strategically positioned (i.e. stuffed) in a duffel bag or travel pack.

The interlocking method of folding clothes is ideal for suitcases. Overlap two pieces of clothing flat and then fold them into each other so that each piece cushions the other to aid in defying wrinkles. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also help prevent wrinkling.

If using the fold and stack method, try to think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. This will prevent rooting around the suitcase for a specific item while disrupting the rest.

Always pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle. Eliminate wasted space, such as the insides of shoes, which are perfect for socks or underwear.

Always carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be packed in checked luggage.

Label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home address. If an address is needed, then put your office’s. And remove old claim checks to avoid confusion.

Unpack as completely as possible as soon as you get to the hotel to prevent further wrinkles. When repacking, remember that balled-up, dirty laundry takes more space than carefully folded clothes, so repack your used clothing identically to your original packing method.

ZIPPING UP

The main message: be in control of your luggage and not at its mercy. With a little Travel Sense, a few packing guidelines and some helpful tips, traveling light will be an easy plan to follow.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, airlines have imposed strict regulations on the size and the amount of luggage passengers may check. Travelers who fail to check size requirements before their flights may be charged with extra fees in order to bring the bag on board the aircraft. To avoid such issues, ASTA advises you consult with the individual airlines' Web sites or Customer Service lines.

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While it’s tempting to forget about all the rules as soon as your chaperones turn their backs, you should keep in mind these tips from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know that studying for your upcoming trip is a homework assignment you’ll actually enjoy.

Before You Go
Before you go, learn about the local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting, especially those concerning drinking age, drugs and curfews. You are not immune to a country’s laws just because you’re a visitor, and you can be arrested.

Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. It’s hard to enjoy the sights when you can’t see them.

Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream and pain relievers. It’s a good thing to have “just in case.” And tell your trip leaders about any medications you’re taking.

Give your parents the phone and fax number of your hotel, the cell phone numbers of the chaperones and a full itinerary of your trip. If anything changes during the trip, e-mail your parents immediately with the new info.

Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and passport in your carry-on bag. Occasionally checked luggage gets lost at airports, so you want to have your important items on you.

While You’re There
Do not carry all your cash at once, especially if all you need is enough to buy lunch and a few sodas. And keep your wallet in a zippered pocket, preferably inside your jacket. If you need to exchange money in a foreign country, only use authorized vendors like banks.

Don’t be flashy. Wear an old, inexpensive watch and leave the bling at home. You don’t want to be a walking target for thieves. If you bring a fancy digital camera or an MP3 player, don’t flaunt them.

When you check in at your hotel, grab a card from the counter with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it. Keep this card on you at all times.

Look both ways before crossing the streets. Yes, you’ve heard that a billion times, but you’ll be surprised how easy it is to step into oncoming traffic in foreign countries, especially the ones where they drive on the other side of the road.

Travel with a buddy at all times and never wander off alone from the group.

Be respectful around, and ask permission before taking photographs of, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other religious sites. Also, ask permission before taking photographs of government buildings and military installations. In some countries you can be detained for taking a picture of the wrong building.

Talk to your trip leader or to a travel agent about types of food or beverages to avoid, and don’t buy food from street vendors.

Class Dismissed
Going on an extended class trip may be the most fun you’ll ever have while actually learning something. If you follow the rules above and stay out of trouble, the only memories you’ll bring back are good ones.

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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CURRENCY CONVERTER.

From the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as of today.

Since the requirements and restrictions are changing daily we are providing a link to the TSA website to assure you of the most current and accurate information possible.

· TSA Home Page
· Permitted & Prohibited Items

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3 -1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

We are here and ready to answer any of your questions and to give you tips for a more pleasant experience.
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Country Background Notes

If you are looking for information on any of the U.S. territories and possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you can go to the CIA Factbook.

In addition, please see the section “Tips for Traveling Abroad" for other important health and safety information. Also, stay current with current information by visiting our “News "section.

This site allows you to choose any country and read about their government, population, history and many other interesting details.