Tag-Archive for » Passport «

No More Free Passes to TSA Pre-Check

WIN_20150917_10_51_08_ProJust like many of you, we’ve been enjoying TSA Pre-Check on our domestic flights the past few years. No need to remove your laptop from your carry-on, and I can walk through the security line with your shoes and jackets on. TSA quietly ended the free passes this week, and now the only folks with TSA Pre-Check are those who have applied, paid the application fee, and completed the in-person interview.

If you’re ready to apply, there’s two different programs to consider. If you only travel domestically, TSA Pre-Check is exactly what you need. If you travel or hope to travel internationally, you need to apply for Global Entry, which also includes TSA Pre-Check.

Here’s the link to apply for TSA-Pre-Check, and here’s the link to apply for Global Entry. Complete your application and pay your fee. After you’ve passed that check, you’ll be invited to set an appointment for your in-person interview. Many of you may have to travel to another city for your interview, like we did. You can plan your interview for a day and time you’ll be visiting that city anyway, if you like.

Both these clearances last for five years, so I’d suggest you get your clearance today if you love to travel as much as I do. And, remember, I should be your first call for all your vacation travels if you value your time.

Recent Guest Questions!

I love answering questions!  I had so many questions before our first cruise, and no one to answer them.  It never crossed my mind to call my travel agent, so I encourage all my guests to call or email me with their questions.  There really are no stupid questions, because if you’re wondering about something, it’s good to get the answer.  So, here’s some questions I’ve recently answered:  more »

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Boarding Your First Cruise?

I’ve asked some wonderful friends and guests of ours, Mike and Lee, to share their tips for first time cruisers.  Over LeeMike2the next week, their series of posts will include information about arriving at port, check-in at the cruise terminal, boarding the ship, dealing with lost luggage, what to do when you board the ship, and more.  Enjoy! 

Everything We Wish We’d Known on Our First Cruise

When Mike and I started cruising, we read a lot of reviews, and while people talked a lot about what life was like once you were on the ship or what the ports were like, we wondered about the process of getting on the ship and what the first day was like.  With that in mind, I plan to write in this series of blog posts about the process of getting onboard and making sure you have everything in place to ensure that you have a great time onboard.  Our experience is from 16 cruises on five different cruise lines so far, so I’ll try to write generally enough that it will cover most any ship. more »

Do I Need A Passport?

U.S. Passport Rules! 

This is one of the most frequent questions I’m asked.  And, it’s funny, because if someone asks me that questions, they usually ask me it three or more times.  Before they book, they ask me, “Do I need  a passport for this cruise?”  After their cruise is booked, they ask the same question again.  Then they go to work or church or anywhere and share their excitement about the cruise they’ve just booked.  A friend then reminds them that they now need a passport for cruises, which sends them back to me one more time with that same question.  more »

Your Cruise Answer Place

CB Nov2009 092I love answering questions about travel, and I’ve blogged over the years about some of the questions I’m asked most often, so I thought it was about time to review some of those past blogs. 

I’m so thankful for all my repeat guests, but some folks still don’t understand that travel agents provide not only a wonderful service, but also the lowest prices. more »