Travel Preparation: Obtain a Passport for Child

A tightening of the belt for passport requirements went into effect on June 1st, 2009for U.S. travelers. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now requires valid passports for land and sea travel with the continued exception for “closed-loop” cruises. These are cruises that originate and terminate at the same U.S. port.

This leniency applies only to cruises and many of the cruise lines are strongly recommending to their passengers to travel with a valid passport, one that is valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers by air will be required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. Sea travelers may also use the passport booklet or the passport card and now the continued option of birth certificate and photo ID. Qualifying cruise passengers opting to take advantage of this leniency will be required to show proof of citizenship such as a original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID i.e. driver’s license. Children under the age of 16 will also be required to show a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.

For children under the age of 16, applying for a passport booklet can only be done in person and costs $60, compared to a passport card for $10. There is also a $25 execution fee that is payable to the location where passport documents are being submitted.

In addition, both birth parents need to complete a consent form. This ensures that either the mother or father is aware that their child will be able to travel out of the United States. Visit the State Department’s Web site for specific details about passports for children.

When just one of the birth parents is traveling with the child on a cruise or when the child is traveling without his/her parents, a notarized consent letter is required for cruises as well and is always good to have on hand for the grandparents or other adults responsible for the child.

Another difference for children obtaining a passport is that they are valid for five years for children under the age of 16, compared to 10 years for those 16 and older.
Many community postal locations offer passport fairs, complete with a photographer on site to capture your little one, and they are available for multiple attempts as the photo has to meet very specific criteria. When obtaining a passport for our then one-year-old, it took three attempts to get a photo that was approved.

All air travel and cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or foreign ports will still require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI compliant document.

Lynn Torrent, senior VP of sales and guest services with Carnival Cruise Lines says, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all our guests that proof of citizenship is required in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued.”

Future travelers struggling with the dilemma of “do I or don’t I need a passport?” will be better served by visiting the U.S. State Department WHTI requirements Web site. This site offers explanations of terms and requirements as well as tips for living abroad and overseas Citizen’s services. Applications for passport booklets and passport cards are available for printing as well as locations to apply in person and the frequently asked questions section offers a broad spectrum of answers to possible issues.

When planning for the dreaded “what if” scenario, even travel insurance may not protect a traveler when trying to re-enter the U.S. from a foreign port if they need to return to the U.S. due to an emergency.

Bill Thomas, CEO of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains “Since the passport card is not valid for air travel, the continued leniency policy for closed-loop cruises does present some concerns for travelers without a valid passport. Should an emergency arise and cruisers need to disembark in a foreign port and fly back to the U.S., they might face delays in admittance back to the U.S..”

The best protection for the entire family? “Have a valid passport,” Thomas states.

In 2007, 18.4 million U.S. passports were issued, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Adriana Gallegos. From 2008 through 2009, 7.1 million have been issued. “The demand has been lower than expected,” Gallegos says. “We attribute this to a delay in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the current economic conditions.”

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. State Deparment

The Flying Debate: Kids Allowed?

As a freelance travel writer and owner of travel pr firm FSR Ventures, I monitor media inquiries carefully, especially those dealing with family travel. So, when MSNBC travel columnist Christopher Elliott recently posed the questions, “should kids be banned from airplanes” and “should kids be allowed to fly in first class”, I felt compelled (understatement) to provide my commentary.

Elliott did respond to my response to him, which is more than many journalists do and I do appreciate that he is a parent; however, I do believe he approached this article with biasness based on the pure article topic.

You can see my comments to this journalist by reviewing the article below. I am not saying that my viewpoint is the correct one, but I do strongly believe that we cannot discriminate against our children especially considering that I’ve experienced more rude adults on flights than kids. Let’s not forget that 9-11 happened as a result of “adults”, not kids.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30745204

Based on Elliott’s personal travel experience where his child embarrassed him in first class, that episode could have occurred in coach just as easily. Is he trying to say that those who paid less or opted to not use frequent flyer miles for an upgrade should have to endure a child who is misbehaving or more so, a parent who was not prepared to keep their child occupied and entertained? I am not saying that kids do not act up. In fact, our toddler had one of those incidents, but we took control and remedied the situation.

To suggest that because a child cries on a plane should be banned from flying or should not be allowed to sit in a seat their parents purchased is insane. Can I call for the same ban on rude adults or terrorists?

What do you think? Please post your comments regardless of how you feel.

Tropical Family Travel During Hurricane Season

Today, June 1, 2009 launches the official start of Hurricane Season. While the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms (which is a less active season compared to 2008’s predictions), it only takes one to cause catastrophic damage. NOAA forecasts four to seven hurricanes, and one to three category 3+ hurricanes for this year’s hurricane season which goes through November 30.

“Tropical systems acquire a name – the first for 2009 will be Ana – upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph,” according to the NOAA Web site. “Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.”

A thought of a hurricane might put off some families from traveling to hurricane prone destinations, such as Florida or the Caribbean, but there are proactive steps travelers can take to ensure smooth sailing throughout hurricane season.

Author of Smooth Landings and owner of MacNair Travel Management Michael MacNair says "Whether you are taking a cruise or visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean during hurricane season, a traveler's two best defenses are to purchase travel insurance and to align with a travel partner."

There are numerous “fine print” items when a storm has been named, a hurricane is eminent or after an island or resort has been hit. Not to mention, for those living in hurricane areas, certain travel insurance items will allow for travelers to return home even if they are vacationing in a non-hurricane area.

Following are seven recommended travel strategies MacNair recommends to help prepare for the onset of hurricane season:

1. Use a travel agent.
Purchasing vacation packages through a travel agency will give travelers the peace of mind in knowing that travel professionals are their advocates and ready to help them through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online, a vacationer may find they are on their own and it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.
2. Purchase travel insurance.
Be sure to read the hurricane clauses of travel insurance policies or ask the travel agent for guidance. Depending on policy purchased, a pre-planned trip can be completely altered and rescheduled with no penalties. Travel insurance can also protect the traveler who lives in a hurricane zone and needs to return to their home after a hurricane hit area.
3. Do not make assumptions.
Just because a storm or hurricane is spinning or went through the destination a consumer is traveling to, do not assume flights are cancelled or that a resort sustained damage. Always check with travel professional to check on status.
4. Be one step ahead.
Always call the airport early to check on the status of your flights. Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24-hours prior to departure. Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help a vacationer to prepare and take necessary steps prior to their trip.
5. Sailing around the storm.
If taking a cruise vacation, there is a good chance that a vacation will not be ruined by a hurricane. The cruise industry has state-of-the-art technology on all of their ships and they can alter their itineraries to avoid oncoming hurricanes. Be flexible when cruising during hurricane season and if the route is altered, look at is as a travel adventure.
6. Charged technology gadgets.
Accessing the Internet on wireless devices, gives travelers up-to-the-minute storm tracking information. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have the travel agent's number and after-hours emergency assistance number in hand in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Even while waiting in line at the airport, traveler should call the travel agent as they might be able to resolve the issue before reaching counter.
7. Take an extra day.
Particularly when cruising out of southern ports such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami and San Juan, consider spending a pre-night prior to cruise in the departure city. This has multiple benefits including a day to unwind and get into vacation mode and gives a cushion in case of delayed flights due to inclement weather.

Tropical Family Travel editors have traveled in the midst of several named storms and even weathered Hurricane Ivan during a cruise. The above steps are helpful to feel prepared for a weather situation that is only somewhat predictable at best. Purchasing travel insurance with a vacation package is one of the best investments families can make allowing the most flexible options if faced with making any changes. Be open to changing your itinerary if faced with a hurricane situation.

Bill Thomas, owner of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains that for a honeymoon couple planning their dream trip at a Sandals Resort in Negril, Jamaica, they had to quickly change their getaway to Puerta Vallarta, Mexcio (far outside of the hurricane’s path that wrecked havoc on Jamaica).

“Since the couple thought ahead and purchased the travel insurance Tropical Latitudes Travel recommended, we were able to quickly change their honeymoon location as soon as the hurricane’s path was eminent,” he says. “Cruises are the other most flexible vacation packages during hurricane season as the ships often change their path to stay outside of the storm’s bans. While you may not visit one of the islands originally scheduled, be open to the adventure as you might discover something unexpected and new.”

Photo Credits: NOAA

Beach Recipe for Family Fun

Two scoops of sand, one cup of shells, three cups of ocean water, one Frisbee, one kite, a handful of sand toys, rays of sunshine, sounds of waves crashing into the surf, sunscreen, children and family members. This is the perfect recipe for a tropical family day at the beach.

Regardless of your beach preference this summer, spending quality time together with sand between the toes and even sand in places you didn’t know sand could get into result in family memories that last a lifetime. Growing up, I often spent my summers on the South Jersey Shore. I can vividly recall the ocean waves, the scent of the beach, the feel of the sand, the taste of beach treats, and overall family togetherness at the beach.

A beach day or a beach vacation is a relaxing one and ensures the video games are stowed away. Teaching your children how to boogie board, kite surf, snorkel or just building a sand castle are photographic memories that they will grow up with and pass to their children.

In Florida, we are surrounded by water as a peninsula and we cherish our fabulous year-round beach destinations. In Southwest Florida, we often frequent Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Lovers Key and a private island accessible via only boat just off of North Captiva Island. We even have one favorite tropical family destination we call “pirate island” where we hunt for buried treasure.

As you plan your summer activities, be sure to pack up the car (don’t forget the sunscreen) and head for the shore! Pack a picnic lunch, lots of water and just be open to the ocean. Act like a kid again and don’t be afraid when your child wants to bury you under the sand. After all, is this not what summer beach fun is about?

Photos Courtesy of Tropical Latitudes Travel

Family Friendly Ocean Tropical Travels

One of the most accessible and exploratory tropical family travel destinations is an aquarium. Here families will uncover ocean mysteries and study marine creatures up close. From Nemo clown fish to dolphins and lion fish and sharks, kids of all ages can come face to face with fascinating animals and ocean life. The best part? You don’t have to get wet to enjoy this experience or even be in danger. We’re not talking about shark diving in a cage!

Aquarium tropical family treasures are plentiful and even if you have ventured to one before, consider taking time to make this journey again as kids never dull from the ocean wonders. Two of Tropical Family Travel’s U.S.-based favorites include the Baltimore Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium. These destinations have a wide variety of sea animals and recreated ocean habitats to delight.

The Baltimore Aquarium boasts nearly 16,500 specimens and more than 650 animal species. From the bottlenose dolphin to the blue crab or from the great moray eel to the snake necked turtle, there is something for everyone on this tropical adventure. This destination also is home to the 4D Immersion Theater, which combines 3D epic films in 3D with sensory effects, and a live dolphin show. Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, there are numerous family-friendly activities and dining experiences once the ocean tour is complete.

The largest aquarium in the world calls Atlanta, Georgia home and is located near the Word of Coca-Cola Museum. Sea critters swim in the 8 million gallons’ worth of fresh and marine water tanks and even feature a 100-foot-long tunnel to see sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. Beyond the many exhibits offered, families can also travel to the sea through a 4D film experience. “By creating a set of “4D” effects that are synchronized to the film production, the 4D Theater adds another layer of immersive fun for audiences. As a jellyfish swims by in 3D, the audience also feels its tingling tentacles brush along their arms, creating a more thrilling experience,” according to the Georgia Aquarium's Web site.

New to the Georgia Aquarium is the arrival of 12 new spotted wobbegong shark pups. The pups were born in December 2008 in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and their average weight at birth was 2.6 oz (74 grams) and 8.3 in (21 cm).

Ever wonder what the sharks and fish do when everyone has gone home? Experience the Georgia Aquarium after hours by attending a family sleepover for an exciting night of exploration. Sea World in Orlando, Florida, also offers this type of experience, but depending on where your family is traveling to, it is nice to know about some unique family-friendly travel activities.

If your tropical family travels take you outside of the United States, consider visiting Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas to see its stingray and predator lagoon on-site. Atlantis’ marine life is first rate and is very impressive in the species on hand, but also in the lay out…everywhere you turn you feel as though you are in the midst of an island surrounded by sharks, stingrays and more! Atlantis’ Ruins Lagoon, which is a 2.7 million gallon exhibit, brings the ocean to its guests up close with more than 20,000 species. There is nothing like it while on a tropical family vacation.

What are some of your favorite ocean aquarium tropical getaways?

Photos Courtesy of the Georgia Aquarium.

Alternatives to Traveling Under the Sea Taking a Safari with Kids

Are your kids asking for a magical family vacation to the pristine Caribbean sea complete with unique sea life or to the savannahs of Africa? If you do not plan on actually taking a week or more off this year for this type of family vacation, an alternative exists…Broadway. Through the magic of stage and Disney, kids can journey under the sea or on a safari adventure with Ariel and Simba by attending a performance on Broadway of The Little Mermaid or Lion King productions. Of course, a tropical family vacation to Walt Disney World can also incorporate these two films.

Kids will be swept away with their imagination when hearing and watching Little Mermaid classic songs including Academy Award®-winning Best Original Song, “Under the Sea” or “Part of Your World”, plus 10 new songs including one by a favorite character, Flounder.

During this mini-tropical escape, kids of all ages will be entertained by colorful sea life and the possibility of exploring one of our world’s natural wonders. To take a glimpse at ocean life, click Sneak Peak.

The Little Mermaid is playing at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, located at 205 West 46th Street, New York, NY.

For families wishing to travel to Africa, but are not planning on leaving the United States, attending a performance of The Lion King might be just the safari adventure needed to help kids learn about the savannah wildlife.

The puppetry and African masks help bring Simba and other favorite characters to life on this journey. To see a sampling, click Sneak Peak.

The Lion King is playing at The Minskoff Theatre, located at 1515 Broadway,
New York, NY.

If you have not ventured to New York City (NYC) with kids yet, do not fear as the Big Apple offers many kid-friendly activities in addition to Broadway shows.

One NYC resident, Lisa Hanock-Jasie, says her family and friends always visit attractions (be they historic, cultural, or entertaining) on "free admission" days/evenings. “In these challenging times the total admission for an entire family is often cost-prohibitive,” she adds.

Some NYC freebies Hanock-Jasie advocates for frugal travelers with children include:
Bronx Zoo - Free Wednesdays (normally $15)
Museum of Modern Art- Free Fridays 4:00pm-8:00pm (normally $20)
Brooklyn Children's Museum - Free Saturdays to families 10:00-11:00am (normally $7.50)

To help travelers plan out a budget-friendly trip, TripAdvisor®’s top 10 free attractions in the U.S.,according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors, includes Central Park in NYC.

Family travel to NYC in 2007 totaled approximately 12.7 million U.S. visitors, according to NYC & Company. With some advance planning and preparation, traveling to top U.S. destinations such as NYC can be enhanced with free attractions.

Traveling to NYC
For those traveling to NYC in 2009, the trip just became easier with a new transportation option for those in the Washington, DC metro area. Starting in 2009, TripperBus.com will be offering tickets for as little as $1 per way as a special promotion, with additional seats available at $5, $10 and the standard price of $25 each way.

Traveling between Washington, DC and NYC has never been so easy, convenient, or cost-effective for families. Tripper Bus’ first class coaches will provide free Wireless service and electrical outlets, allowing travelers to maximize productivity during travels or the ability for little ones to enjoy DVDs along the way.

To avoid congestion and parking challenges in downtown DC, Tripper Bus is offering convenient, Metro-accessible pick-up and drop-off locations in Bethesda, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

Travelers can make reservations for TripperBus.com’s new travel schedules with convenient pick up and drop off locations at the Rossyln and Bethesda Metro locations for DC Metropolitan area and near Penn Station in NYC starting today at www.TripperBus.com or calling 1-877-826-2874.

What is your favorite kid-friendly NYC attraction?

Photo Credits:
Ariel Photo: TRUE LOVE KNOWS NO DEPTHS! - Prince Eric swims to his sweetheart Ariel in "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests can smell the salty air and feel the sea mist and wind in the show which features characters and music from the Academy Award-winning film.

Lion King Photo: “Photograph © Disney”

Twas a Few Nights Before Traveling…Tropical Family Travel 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

Travelers everywhere are checking their list and checking it twice to ensure not a gift or accessory is missed in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. When preparing to spend the holidays away or even just departing to grandma’s house on Christmas Day, there are some perfect holiday gifts not to be missed. These items are perfect for taking along on holiday journeys whether to keep the kids entertained on road and air trips.

Mattel is offering unique and timeless favorites for boys and girls that will entertain when traveling over the holidays. Tropical Family Travel has reviewed several gift ideas that are easy to pack along:

My Meebas™: An exciting new toy brand for girls, My Meebas combines electronic game play with a plush surprise. Each My Meebas is encased in a colored tube - symbolizing one of the six virtues of love, luck, beauty, intelligence, friendship, and happiness. The tube is a portable electronic gaming device (20+ games) with a sliding LCD screen and control panel. Through lots of fun, nurturing game play, girls care for their My Meebas until they are fully grown and then - surprise! The tube unlocks one of 60 different cuddly plush toys. Retail price: 19.99 Age: 6+

Barbie® Peekaboo Petites™ Dolls: A great travel gift for under $20.00, these adorable mini dolls are big on fashion and beauty play, collectibility and on-the-go play. Each doll comes tucked inside a whimsical locket case in fun shapes matching its theme such as hearts, flowers, gems, ice cream cones, ballet shoes, snowflakes and more. Packing two gifts in one, each Barbie Peekaboo Petites doll comes with a whimsical wear-and-share themed accessory for the girl such as necklaces and back-pack clips. Helping the girl on your gift list start her own collection, she will enjoy collecting all of the dolls in different themes including wedding, ballet, ice cream, gems, flowers, tea party, holiday and world travel. Retail price: $4.99 Age: 3+

DC Super Friends™ Basic Figure: The perfect addition to any little superheroes stocking are the DC Super Friends basic figure assortment and are perfect for taking along during holiday travels. Featuring Superman™, Batman™, The Flash™, Aquaman™, Green Lantern™ and Lex Luthor™ figures, DC Super Friends introduces kids to the ultimate Super Hero universe with easy-to-use features. Each basic figure comes with an air-powered accessory so youngsters can play, protect their hometown and capture the bad guys alongside the galaxy's greatest heroes. Retail price: $7.99 Age: 2+

Batman: The Dark Knight™ Battle Stations® Playset: Relive all the action packed adventures from The Dark Knight this holiday season with this unique and action-packed playset. This Batmobile™ transforms into four different environments for Batman™ to battle the villains of Gotham City™, allowing for complete, immersive play for boys to reenact all their favorite scenes from the film. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 4+

Matchbox® Power Scouts™ Vehicles & Playsets: This holiday season, Matchbox introduces a track system and line of vehicles perfect for smaller hands and for packing to grandma’s house. The Power Scouts vehicles are battery-powered, rough-riding and touch-climbing adventure 4x4s, complete with griping tires. They can go from neutral hand-powered mode to battery-powered all-wheel drive with a simple tap on the back of the truck to activate the motor. The Power Scouts assortment includes eight different 4x4s – ranging from the latest licensed trucks to the coolest original Matchbox designs. Retail price for Power Scouts Vehicles: $6.99 Age: 3+

CARS Mini Adventures™ Two-Pack Assortment: The perfect travel companion and playset for your little one’s stockings are the “CARS” Mini Adventures Two-Pack Assortment inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar film featuring kids’ favorite characters in all new scales and proportions. These exclusive mini vehicles are available in a variety of themes kids love, including military, fire rescue and police vehicles. The playsets are available in three different themes, all inspired by scenes from the film. Retail price for the car 2-pack: $4.99 Age: 3+

CARS Walkin' Talkin' Lightning McQueen: Stemming from the kids’ favorite movie “CARS”, this new version of Lightening McQueen lets kids play out all their favorite scenes from the movie as he talks, walks, and fuels kids’ imaginations. This character is perfect to take along for holiday enjoyment. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 4+

Barbie® Party Cruise: If taking a family cruise, Barbie's Party Cruise keeps the vacation alive and provides the most fun and travels for Barbie and friends, featuring three separate play areas, a water slide & poolcuzzi™ with a dolphin; a rotating buffet with "live" aquarium; and a performance deck with lights and sounds. The five-star cabin is equipped with an "entertainment system," mini fridge, two beds, lots of play pieces and a storage area. Retail price: $59.99 Age: 3+

Polly Pocket™ Pop 'N Swap™ Fashion Dolls: Perfect for travels, the Polly Pocket dolls offer an innovative yet low tech twist on fashion. The customizeable Pop 'N Swap Fashion Dolls let girls mix-and-match different styling outfits for Polly™ and friends as they Pop 'N Swap five heads, nine torsos and nine bottoms to create over thousands of different fashion combinations in each of two sets. This one toy provides a large variety guaranteeing countless hours of play time. Retail price: $19.99 Age: 4+

Polly Pocket™ Mega Mall Playset: A different twist on a doll house is Polly Pocket’s Mega Mall Playset. For any young shopper, this new playset allows girls to discover an ultimate shopping destination complete with magical transformation and lots of totally stylin’ new fashions and accessories for Polly™ and friends. Girls can swipe the credit card which opens up the Mega Mall Playset to reveal three levels of stores (including a skating rink, ski shop, pet store and candy shop) for hours of play! The Mega Mall Playset also includes a Polly™ doll and two adorable pets. Retail price: $49.99 each Age: 4+

Little Mommy™ Real Loving Baby™ Gotta Go™ Doll: A classic gift idea for a girl is a baby doll and is one of the most seen products that accompany toddlers and young girls on their travels. Girls will love the realistic, nurturing play elements of the doll and its accessories, which include a complete bathroom area where girls can help their doll learn to go potty and clean up. Just like a real toddler, the Gotta Go Doll goes both “number 1” (and “number 2!”) on her very own small potty, but, unlike real toddlers, there is no mess and no water – just realistic sights and sounds! The doll can flush, knows to wash her hands and loves to do all the things a big girl does when she gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night. When traveling, while the doll is perfect as a traveling companion, the accessories might want to stay home to conserve space unless going via car and room is available. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 3+

Matchbox® Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission: For young astronauts in the making, this inspiring playset takes boys “out-of-this-world” this holiday season with the introduction of the new Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission. This building system starts as one gigantic space ship and breaks down to 30 different combinations of space vehicles for kids to create. Equipped with cool accessories, including a space arm to grab things, an ATV and a UFO with a space alien inside, the Mega Rig Shuttle Mission provides kids with hours of fun and imaginative play. Retail price: $44.99 Age: 4+

These products are sure to provide hours of entertainment both during the journey itself and after arriving at the holiday destination!

What is your favorite toy to give or receive that can be taken along travel adventures?