Travel with Patti

06/13/2024

05/14/2024

8 Items a TSA Agent Never Packs in a Carry-On

05/10/2024

It seems every year there is a new program to expedite your way through certain travel-related line ups. The trade-off is simple: you give up some of your information, and if Homeland Security deems you to be non-threatening, you get preferential treatment in certain travel queues.

But which one?

The short answer is for MOST people, GLOBAL ENTRY will do the trick. However, it does depend on your circumstances, AND how you think you’ll be coming and going from the country. Here’s a quick summary:

TSA Pre-Check:

The Benefits: Expedited screening at US Airports. You don’t have to undress and unpack at US airport security checkpoints. You also get through faster.
Who can apply: US Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Cost: $78 for 5 years.


GLOBAL ENTRY:

The Benefits: Expedited Customs and Immigration when entering the US by air, land or sea. You don’t have to do any paperwork upon entering, and there are dedicated entry lines when you arrive in the US. You often get through MUCH faster.
Who can apply: US Citizens and Permanent Residents, and some foreign nationals.
Cost: $100 (going up to $120 in the fall) for 5 years
Note: Global Entry INCLUDES TSA Pre – so you don’t have to decide between them.


NEXUS:

The Benefits: Expedited Customs and Immigration when entering the US or Canada by air, land or sea. You don’t have to do any paperwork upon entering, and there are dedicated entry lines when you arrive in either country. You often get through MUCH faster.
Who can apply: US and Canadian citizens OR Permanent Residents. Mexican Nationals. This is essentially the same as Global Entry, but you’d get the same benefits when traveling to and within Canada (400,000 people cross the border daily – it’s a very busy).
Cost: $50. Going up to $120 in the fall. Good for 5 years.
Note: Includes TSA Pre (and its Canadian equivalent) for US and Canadian citizens.


SENTRI

The Benefits: Expedited customs and immigration for entry via air or land to the US from Canada and Mexico.
Who can apply: US citizens and permanent residents. Some Foreign Nationals
Cost: $122.25 for 5 years
Note: INCLUDES TSA Pre for US Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Homeland Security’s website is a bit of a labyrinth, so here’s a link directly to their page comparing the various programs if you want more information:

This is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website where international travelers can apply for Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) to expedite admittance into the United States (for pre-approved, low-risk travelers).

04/26/2024

For anyone going to Venice for the day (either by cruise or as a day trip from other cities ...)
Note: overnight guests, first responders, military personnel and travelers with disabilities will not have to pay this tax.

However, overnight guests will have to apply for an exemption! (It's relatively easy. I did it for clients in less than 10 minutes.)

Day-trippers will have to pay 5 euros through a website that gives them a QR code that must be presented in the event of an inspection.

04/18/2024

Holland America is doing it again!

For today only, book your vacation with a $1 deposit. Plus, receive up to 45% off fares, up to $300 Onboard Credit and FREE Fares for Guests 3 & 4!* Let me take care of the details while you have the time of your life in Alaska, Europe, Caribbean and beyond.

Reserve your next cruise for Summer 2025 and beyond to lock in Early Booking Benefits such as free Wi-Fi and Beverage Package upgrades, a Low Fare Guarantee, Prepaid Crew Appreciation and more!**

04/17/2024

https://www.fodors.com/news/news/some-american-airlines-flyers-wont-earn-miles-for-flights-starting-may-2024?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ESru4elhKfVIPS_HE6Y0u5UsxJ9MHec_5f5h9ZAfORRdAvaW7hT293GmoskNgUcu6Julhro2wJZ-jpkMlu5TulBBMFw&_hsmi=302971870&utm_content=302971870&utm_source=hs_email

Fodor's provides expert travel content worth exploring so you can dream up your next trip. The world is a weird and wonderful place—we want to show you around.

04/12/2024

AAdvantage MEMBER? YOUR MILES MAY BE AT RISK. Starting May 1, American Airlines will deny AAdvantage miles and loyalty points for bookings made through most travel agencies to favor their “preferred” channels. If you book with a travel advisor, your points and miles could be lost. This is especially harmful to business, government, rural, and elderly travelers who depend on the services and savings that agencies provide. Congress – Don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice.

04/10/2024

I've been told (and told my clients) that they need at least 6 months validity on their passports, after their scheduled date of return - but never had it be an issue. Unfortunately, one of my colleagues was not as lucky. Her client was denied boarding because he had less than 6 months validity on his passport - beyond the date that he was scheduled to return.

Wondering how long it takes to renew a passport? Here's what you need to know before your next international trip.

04/06/2024

DANCE TO THE RHYTHM OF
EDINBURGH'S ICONIC EVENT
DON'T MISS THE 2024 MILITARY TATTOO
Celebrating the musical artistry of military bands and performers from around the world, the honored Military Tattoo is a decades-old tradition set in front of Edinburgh’s historic castle, making its mark as one of the most iconic events of the UK. Organizers are thrilled to present this year's theme: ‘Journeys,’ a collaboration of global cultures, voices, and stories that connect musicians and audience members alike. From local performances by British military affiliates themselves, to international members of The Massed Pipes and Drums – comprised of individual pipers and percussionists – 2024 will be one of the most memorable occasions yet.

This year, events will be taking place nightly, Monday through Saturday between August 2nd and 24th. Tickets for this season’s celebrations are now on sale, and we encourage you to snag admissions for your clients sooner than later, as slots tend to sell out quickly. Avanti has a select set of purchasable spots – book early for best availability!

Want to seamlessly set up a full Edinburgh itinerary ? Call or email me!

04/05/2024

https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/7-underrated-u-s-destinations-tourists-often-overlook/YJwiu2fpMgAGbRne?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107053311

Whether you’re looking to spend a night under the stars or in search of a fun city escape, there are benefits to opting for a less-crowded destination.

04/05/2024

https://www.viator.com/collections/Dos-and-Donts-Travel-Etiquette-Around-the-World/c99499?m=63727&nid=VR.90b15db4-c702-426d-b989-a305c015bbbb.VT_EMAIL_TRV

Wondering the best way to get the locals on side in London? Or how to act in Paris? Here are our on-the-ground guides to travel do's and don'ts the world over, from Vietnam to Rome.

04/02/2024

The federal government will raise the cost of the popular Global Entry program this fall for the first time in more than 15 years.

04/01/2024

A TikTok user shared that travelers can get TSA PreCheck at Staples.

03/29/2024

https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/8-tsa-rules-you-should-know/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ay2?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2096171473

No one likes being held up in airport security because someone forgot to take off their shoes. Here are 8 TSA rules you should know.

03/27/2024

Cruise lines sailing out of Baltimore are working to make alternative arrangements following Tuesday’s fatal bridge collapse.

03/10/2024

Do you want to get TSA Pre-Check for free?

Here’s everything you need to know about PreCheck — plus how to get it for free.

03/02/2024

Riding through the highlands - Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Steam Train. Very old school. Very slow travel. Very doable.

02/23/2024

On my way across "the pond " to visit the land of my ancestors!🍀
I hope to send lots of photos and to have lots of stories to tell when I get home.

02/22/2024

From my nephew and his wife:
We are hiring licensed clinicians for our office located in Stuart, Florida.

Sunglow Counseling is a mental health private practice focused on the well-being and promotion of healing with each client and family we serve. Our Stuart location has the capacity for in person sessions and telehealth services.
Sunglow Counseling is now seeking licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed mental health counselors and/or licensed social workers with:
Experience with children, adolescents, and adults
Experience with individual, family and group counseling
Culturally-competent and non-discriminatory
Licensed in the state of Florida
2 years of clinical experience
Specialized trainings or certifications in emotionally-focused therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems, and play therapy experience a plus.
Multilingual also a plus.
Sunglow Counseling operates as an in-network provider for multiple major insurance and EAP providers, while also accepting private pay and sliding scale options. For those candidates looking to join our team, we would facilitate the process of becoming a credentialed, in network provider as well as maintaining those credentials.
Therapists must have proof of license with the state of Florida, and possess liability insurance. Therapists will provide psychotherapy services and associated administrative duties as are reasonably necessary. Therapists must be competent in practicing evidenced based theories and modalities.
Virtual and in person office space includes: great location near downtown Stuart, access to clients locally within the treasure coast area, furnishings and décor, office supplies, wi-fi internet service, janitorial and cleaning service, 24/7 office access, faxing.
Practice environment and culture built to enable and support opportunities to collaborate, consult and cross refer to experienced members of the team. Sunglow Counseling is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to all clients without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, color, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, medical, economic or social status.
If you want to work with Sunglow Counseling, please send us your resume and / or questions using this QR code!

02/21/2024

How disappointing!
Shaun and I actually saw one of their ships being built in Salisbury, about 10 years ago.
I had hoped to "one day" take one of their Columbia and Snake river cruises.

American Queen Voyages is shutting down, and has canceled all future cruises.

01/30/2024

Today is National Plan For Vacation Day!


Ah, the thrill of a vacation--visiting a new place, learning about new cultures, or simply escaping your daily life for a bit...



2023 was the year of "revenge travel," with many Americans getting back out into the world after the pandemic and planning long-awaited or newly-thought of dream trips.



Is it possible that 2024 will top last year? According to one study, 50% of Americans plan to travel MORE in 2024 than in 2023. Of those who will travel, 38% will travel internationally. (Source: ipx1031.com, 2023)



How will your 2024 stack up? Today, on National Plan For Vacation Day, it's the perfect time to plan your trips for the year ahead and feel the joy of looking forward to your next adventure. Give yourself a lift today—ignite that spark you get from the “booking confirmation” page.

01/23/2024

Don't have a passport? Here are 10 destinations that Americans can visit without having a passport@

Grab your suitcase and your driver's license and you’re ready to travel to any of these destinations without a passport.

01/22/2024

For my local friends ---
https://www.wboc.com/news/salisbury-airport-looking-to-add-more-flights-to-more-destinations/article_35abef36-b65c-11ee-a0cc-1f73efa6c239.html?fbclid=IwAR3cc5ZHF7Z_BX7GaLzLM0Viv9PQHvkrSOoWN-pAUkynwIDdegNkUD1jJM4

SALISBURY, Md. -- Wicomico County and Salisbury Airport officials are in talks about a new incentive-based program. The goal is to bring additional airlines, or get the one existing airline

01/16/2024

Have you wanted to cruise to Alaska, but still "on the fence"?

Holland America is offering two great promotions:

Experience incredible grandeur with unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and immerse yourself in fresh cuisine while staying longer in top European ports. Receive up to 40% off fares, free balcony upgrades, free and reduced fares for kids and a Deposit of only $1.00 PLUS up to $400 Onboard Credit when you reserve your cruise today!*

*$1.00 deposit promotion is only valid for today, Tuesday/January 16, 2024.

01/05/2024

https://www.travelandleisure.com/airline-travel-alert-northeast-new-york-winter-storm-8422721?hid=03c38e951496c6e8ca02290f5a2cb33c5295e994&did=11524631-20240105&utm_source=tal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tal-newsalert_relationship-builder&utm_content=010524&lctg=03c38e951496c6e8ca02290f5a2cb33c5295e994

Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines each issued travel alerts of this weekend's predicted winter storm.

12/19/2023

NEW Tulum Airport in Riviera Maya, Mexico: Tulum International Airport (TQO) is now open and available for booking for vacations to Cancun and Riviera Maya. Beginning March 28, 2024, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines will offer new nonstop flights to Tulum from Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, Atlanta, Newark, Houston George Bush, Los Angeles and Chicago.

09/29/2023

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2023/09/28/government-shutdown-affect-air-travel/70990517007/

A government shutdown isn't likely to have an immediate impact on air travel, but that doesn't mean it won't mess things up in aviation.