Ways to Prep Your Home for Your Next Vacation

Prepping for your travels is exciting. You’ve gotten your itinerary squared away and your packing list is growing longer and longer. But before the adventures can begin, you should make sure your house is vacation-ready. You’ll need a pre-vacation checklist to help keep your home safe and clean while you’re away.

Home Preparation Checklist For Leaving On Vacation

Don’t let the excitement of your upcoming trip distract from the tasks needed to prepare your home before departure. Before jetting off to gorgeous parts of the world, be sure to consider the following tips so that you return to a clean house and optimal sanity.

Clean Your House & Fridge

The last thing you want when you return from a beautiful vacation is to enter a messy house. Before you jet off, make sure you thoroughly clean your home. Cleaning your house before a vacation ensures you will have less work to do once you return from your trip. Dust surfaces, vacuum the floors, wipe the counters, take out the trash, and put away the laundry.

Throw out any fruits sitting on the counter and clean out your refrigerator. If you still have a few days before your trip, save money and cook up food that could go bad while you’re gone. Toss whatever you don’t use or place it in the freezer. Once you’re done cleaning the house, be sure to take out all trash so you can return to a fresh-smelling home.

Practice Fire Prevention

Before you head out, do a thorough scan of anything that could cause a fire. Unplug electronics that won’t need power while you’re gone. This includes routers, air fresheners, computers, televisions, chargers, and small kitchen appliances. You’ll protect your space from catching flames, as well as avoid a hefty energy bill upon your return.

Also, triple-check your smoke detectors. If something were to go wrong, you’d at least want them to sound off so your neighbors can take action.

Program the Thermostat

A great way to save some money while you’re off exploring the world is by setting your thermostat. You want the air circulating so you can avoid condensation. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, set your thermostat to a warmer temperature in summer and a colder temperature in the winter. Just make sure it’s above freezing, since you don’t want to freeze your pipes. Leaving a fan on is a great alternative to keep that air flowing.

Put Your Mail on Hold

Built-up mail is a signal to burglars that someone isn’t home. If you are preparing your house for an extended vacation, reach out to the United States Postal Service before you leave and ask them to put your mail on hold. They will keep your mail anywhere from three to 30 days. You can also ask a friend to stop by your house every few days to check your mailbox.

Ask a Friend to Stop By

It’s always the best when your friends or family members show up for you even while you’re away. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stop by your home to water plants, check on pets that don’t need 24/7 supervision, and maintain other household chores.

If you aren’t comfortable asking a friend to check on your home while you’re away, technology can help. Some companies will match you with a house sitter while you’re out of town.

Secure Entry Points

The worst thing is being out of town and realizing you might have forgotten to shut the window after that warm, breezy day. Before leaving, be sure to close and lock all windows and doors. You want to eliminate the possibility of someone having easy access to your home.

If you have an alarm system and accidentally leave a door unlocked, someone could walk into your home or apartment without setting off the alarm to alert the authorities. Double-check all entryways to make sure you have secured your home.

Don’t Forget the Details

Getting ready for a trip means crossing off your packing list and preparing all your proper documents. Call your bank and let them know you’ll be traveling. Alert your alarm company if you have one, and be sure to follow the above rules when preparing your home for your time away. You’ll have peace of mind and enjoy your trip more knowing that a secure and well-prepped home is waiting for you when you return.

YMT Vacations has been providing affordable guided tours for mature travelers since 1967. Our guided cruise and land tours, to destinations around the globe, are designed with value in mind. By thoughtfully bringing together each separate element of your vacation, we can guarantee you the best price and an easy, worry-free trip. Visit ymtvacations.com to learn more!

5 Ways Travelers Can Support Local Communities Through Sustainable Travel

5 Ways Travelers Can Support Local Communities Through Sustainable Travel

Rachel Jordan is the Partnership Marketing Coordinator for Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®

“Take only memories, leave only footprints”. It’s an oft-used phrase, and while the travel industry is filled with them, every iteration of this specific one provides the same message: leave things as you’ve found them and minimize your impact. Small changes travelers make can have large effects, whether that be on the environment, on people, or the larger world around us.

As of 2019, travel and tourism accounted for just over 10% of the world’s GDP, or roughly $8.9 trillion USD, demonstrating how many countries have come to rely on tourism to support local economies. As we become more interconnected and this number continues to grow, the idea of minimizing impact and the necessary advocation for sustainable travel is more important than ever. For all of us travelers in a modern age, we are constantly in search of immersive experiences, trying our utmost to forge authentic connections, dive deeper into a culture, and find ways give back to the local communities that welcome us. But, as a destination becomes more popular with travelers all seeking the same kinds of experiences, there are positive and negative impacts, and it can be challenging to strike a balance in making sure the positive outweighs the negative.

But what does that look like? How do we, as individuals and businesses, support local communities through sustainable travel efforts? Here’s a look at how we can all get started, cultivating the kind of responsible travel that establishes a solid foundation of well-sustained destinations to enjoy for generations to come.

1. Travel with companies who involve locals

Truly sustainable companies keep sustainability in mind right from the get-go. They will be mindful when designing tours to ensure that as much money as possible will stay in the destination. These companies hire local guides, so the money earned by the guide stays within their family and is reinvested back into the community. These companies also seek out local restaurants and hotels, making the effects of visiting a destination more impactful on local businesses. The more you avoid the tourist “hot-spots,” the more money can help the overall economy. For example, at Club Adventures, on our Women Explorers trip in Morocco, we employ female guides and drivers. This commitment supports not only the local community, but also empowers an underrepresented demographic in the tourism industry.

2. Get involved with local, sustainable efforts

Many developing countries realize the impacts of industrialization and climate change, and while they may not have the infrastructure to switch to green energy, many have already established efforts that protect the local environment. With some research prior to your trip, you could plant trees in the Amazon or help clean up a polluted beach in Bali. There are countless ways to get involved, so spend your time doing some research to see how tangibly a business is taking an interest in local efforts, and how transparent they are about the effort and the benefit(s) to the destination.

3. Avoid creating dependent relationships

With great power comes great responsibility. The power of tourism dollars requires operators and travelers alike to ensure responsible allocation. In keeping with this belief, Club Adventures does not visit or encourage tourism to any schools or orphanages on any tour. This ensures that any child-focused organization does not become reliant on funds from tourism, which is a fluid industry and could negatively impact the organization should tourism monetary support fluctuate.

4. Avoiding Animal Abuse

We’ve all seen those pictures of people riding elephants in India or Southeast Asia. As amazing as it might look on Instagram, many of these attractions are not treating these animals humanely. Sustainable companies and independent travelers alike should strive to not support these attractions, but instead specifically look for companies that have been strictly vetted to ensure they are treating the animals correctly, and do not allow visitors to touch or directly interact with local wildlife. Some of these companies may be rehabilitation centers, but still make sure to check if they have been thoroughly inspected before getting involved.

5. Practice green habits at home and abroad

Simple changes can truly make a difference, especially when the 40 million Americans who travel annually contribute to the change. Prior to our departures, Club Adventures encourages everyone to bring a reusable water bottle to exponentially decrease the use of single-use plastic. We advise to avoid getting plastic bags while shopping by putting souvenirs into your backpack, and to bring their own recyclable toiletries to avoid using one-use hotel containers.

At Club Adventures, we believe that sustainable travel should be the preferred style of travel, especially as our world continues to cope with over-tourism and climate change. Fortunately, sustainability is gaining wider traction across the travel industry as travelers start to dig deeper into who they travel with, and what impact their travels have on the world around them. Our suggestions are just the beginning to making a difference while traveling, but these small changes can have large effects. If we’re looking to take only memories, and leave only footprints, the work that comes along with that starts with each of us.

Rachel Jordan is the Partnership Marketing Coordinator for Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®. In her role, she assists with the implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies, while continually enhancing the strength of the Club Adventures brand. Rachel is also an avid traveler and blogger and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. She continues to expand her comfort zone by exploring as many new cultures and destinations as possible. Follow her adventures on her Instagram account!

Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®, is a small-group adventure travel provider created for those who want to explore the world through a local lens. With global journeys 8-14 days long, group sizes are kept small (16 passengers max) and leaders are local. Get closer, go deeper, and create memories that will last a lifetime, all the with support of a trusted brand.

How to Visit Japan as a VIP

How to Visit Japan as a VIP

Meet knowledgeable locals, see iconic sites, taste exotic flavors and wonder at Mother Nature in true luxury

By Chelsea Todaro, Communications Specialist with The Travel Corporation

Himeji Castle photo credit: @danminsighttd

From laid-back Osaka with its eclectic food scene to traditional Kyoto with its lantern-lit cafes and captivating geisha district, Japan has something to thrill even the most seasoned traveler. When it comes to the finer things in life, Japan serves up slick design, bullet trains, Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, all of which can be experienced on Luxury Gold’s 11-day Majestic Japan journey.

Since major cities in Japan are known to be densely populated, travelers may run into overcrowded areas that can negatively affect their vacation experience. But travelers with Luxury Gold don’t have to worry—because Luxury Gold goes above and beyond for their guests so they can experience this diverse country in luxurious comfort and style. With small groups, VIP experiences, exceptional dining, elegant hotels and a Traveling Concierge–who’s there to tailor everything to your desire—Luxury Gold truly creates a journey beyond the ordinary.

The Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-Ji Temple, in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Part of the unique traits of a Luxury Gold journey are the special experiences crafted to put travelers into the heart of the destination. In Osaka, guests will discover why the city is known as the kitchen of Japan as they embark on a food-tasting exploration along Dotonbori Street with a passionate local foodie and their Traveling Concierge. Having locals be part of the travel experience is important because they bring authenticity and excitement to the journey.

Todaiji Temple in Nara, photo credit: @orslnsight

Guests will gain a local perspective in Hiroshima with a special VIP experience, by meeting a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb, which destroyed most of the city during World War II and changed world history forever. Guests can also join in on paper crane making and learn about the meaning behind this symbol for peace.

Another special feature about Luxury Gold’s journey is that guests will ride the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet train numerous times while traveling from city to city. This lets guests catch the everyday experience of traveling like a local—all while catching views of mountains and quaint Japanese towns between each city.

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Nothing screams Japanese culture more than Geishas, Cherry Blossoms and sushi, all of which Luxury Gold guests will experience in VIP-style. While in Hachinohe, guests will learn about the meticulous care and nurturing of cherry blossom trees from a cherry blossom doctor who ensures all cherry blossoms, from saplings to mature trees are healthy and thriving during the beautiful cherry blossom season. In Tokyo, travelers will get to participate in a private sushi-making class in Tokyo and discover why it takes ten years to perfect this 2000-year-old Japanese art before sitting down to a freshly prepared lunch. While in Kyoto, guests will enjoy a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, as they savor a lunch of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine made of seasonal ingredients. They can also embark on a guided walking exploration of the vibrant Gion neighborhood, known as Kyoto’s primary geisha district.

Gion neighborhood in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Japanese cuisine is of course a big highlight of this journey, and guests will experience this in five-star settings. In Tokyo, guests will enjoy a famous tea ceremony and watch as locals demonstrate the traditional art of making matcha green tea. Later, travelers can join in the exploration of Nakamise Street and Kappabashi–the local backstreet known as the city’s foodie hub. Guests also have a “Your Choice Evening” for a true local experience. They have the choice of two hand-picked restaurants, each specializing in local delicacies: the Shabu-shabu, which are hotpots of meat and vegetables, or Teppan-yaki, where rice, meats and vegetables are freshly cooked on a grill.

Last but certainly not least, guests will dine at the dazzling Michelin-Star Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, a famous restaurant with old-world charm and surrounded one of the most tranquil Japanese gardens in the heart of Tokyo. It specializes in tofu cuisine, but guests can savor a range of intricately prepared dishes including simmered eggplant and fried shrimp, fresh sashimi and deep-fried tofu coated with miso.

Overall, if travelers want a fully immersive experience of Japan with the fine luxuries attached, Luxury Gold will go beyond their expectations for a truly immersive and unforgettable journey.

About Luxury Gold
Luxury Gold sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Traveling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomizes extraordinary exploration to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

How To Prepare For A National Park Visit

How to Prepare for a National Park Visit

By Betsy O’Rourke of Xanterra Travel Collection

Known as “the best idea we ever had,” America’s national parks are glorious icons of the country’s natural beauty. And, with proper preparation, the parks — from California’s Death Valley to Wyoming’s Yellowstone — can offer some of the most spectacular and unforgettable experiences. Follow these 10 savvy tips to prepare for a visit as epic as the scenery.

1. Choose the right park.

First, choose the right park. While the famous parks are the undisputed show stealers, don’t discount the under-the-radar ones for worthwhile experiences, too.

The National Park Service offers useful tools to help you find the right park, plan your activities, get the right permits, check the rules, and find local tours that help you get the most out of your trip. The Find A Park site is searchable by park, state, activity, and topic. Recreation.gov is its self-service trip-planning site. FindYourPark.com, a collaboration between the NPS and the National Park Foundation, has a park finder filtered by activity, state, zip code, and park name. Xanterra Travel Collection operates the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Death Valley, Mt. Rushmore and Rocky Mountain national parks. Go to www.xanterra.com for lodging, dining and activity inspiration.

2. Know when to go.

While spring break and summer are by far the most popular times to visit a national park, if you have more freedom in your calendar, choose the shoulder season and avoid the crowds. Parks such as Death Valley are actually best in winter when temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s with little to no rainfall. Enjoy the spring fed pools with 86-degree water, the lowest elevation golf course in the world, and completely refurbished rooms and restaurants at the Oasis at Death Valley as well as the majestic views, amazing hikes and brilliant night skies the park offers. Other parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon are magical in winter, and at Yellowstone, the winter snow makes animals easier to spot.

3. Plan your activities.

To the extent possible, develop a plan for your visit. Pick the right activities and determine the skill level needed to safely enjoy them. Rather than racing around trying to see everything, prioritize a few key things. Start with the park website or if you’re already onsite, go to the park visitor center. Many offer free Ranger-guided and Junior Ranger programs. There are also many tours available, like the famous Red Bus Tours at Glacier operated by Xanterra or many yellow bus tours at Yellowstone, including the family favorite old-fashioned covered wagon BBQ.

4. Check park regulations.

Learn the rules for permits, wildlife encounters, camping, trash disposal, and safety. Parks usually require permits to stay at campsites, for some activities (e.g., fishing), and even to access certain hiking trails. Bring paper versions since cellphone service can be unreliable in remote areas.

5. Learn about park conditions.

Prepare for your park’s natural environment, weather, and any risks or hazards involved in your activities. Study the trails and stay current on the latest weather and road closures via your park’s website and social media channels. Understand the level of difficulty and technical skills required of certain hikes, i.e. Subway or Angels Landing at Zion.

6. Research how to get around.

You can drive through some parks easily; others require guests to park outside and shuttle in. Some parks are sprawling and isolated with few roadside facilities, so carry water, and even gas. If you plan to drive off road, make sure your vehicle is equipped for rugged terrain. And always bring maps; don’t count on GPS.

7. Bring proper gear.

Pack strategically to guarantee your safety and comfort based on the park, the weather, and your activities. Most important is comfortable footwear — that is broken in. If you plan to hike, bring essentials such as a daypack, hat, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, flashlight, map, and first aid kit. If you plan to camp out, test your equipment in advance.

8. Stay at a national park lodge.

If you want to stay inside the park, don’t pass up a national park lodge. Many, like the lodges in Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, are beautiful, historic lodges, and most do not have in-room televisions. Star-lit skies, fire pits and smores and family games offer a non-digital alternative. Staying in the park is the best way to experience it. Once the day-trippers leave, you can enjoy sunsets, starry nights and sunrise with fewer people around.

9. Reserve early.

Book your park lodge (or campsite) early; many fill up quickly with some as far as 13 months in advance. This is especially true of peak summer season and holidays. If a lodge is full, check back regularly for cancellations as you may get lucky.

Advance reservations are also essential for popular activities with limited capacity, such as the mule rides at the Grand Canyon and the Red Bus tours at Glacier.

10. Consider a tour group.

Planning a national park trip can be very time-consuming. One way to ensure you’re seeing the best offerings is to opt for a guided tour. Depending on your ideal trip length and level of activity you seek, consider a bike tour with VBT, or a walking/hiking tour with Country Walkers, or a more traditional sight-seeing tour with Holiday Vacations. Packaged tours can save you time and money and they all offer the accommodations, meals, and activities for you with local guides and can arrange air and transfers as well.

A nationally known executive and thought leader in travel and tourism, Betsy O’Rourke is Chief Marketing Officer at Xanterra Travel Collection, part of the Anschutz Corporation.

Known for its “Legendary Hospitality with a Softer Footprint,” Xanterra Travel Collection manages lodges, restaurants, tours, and activities in the national parks including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It also owns and operates the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Ariz., The Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley, Calif., Windstar Cruises, Holiday Vacations, VBT Bicycling Vacations, and Country Walkers. Xanterra is also affiliated with two Forbes Five-Star resorts, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sea Island on the coast of Georgia.

5 Easy Ways To Be A More Responsible Traveler

5 Easy Ways To Be A More Responsible Traveler

By Intrepid Travel

Do Your Pre-trip Research

One of the first steps to traveling more responsibly is to conduct pre-trip research. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the country – including its religion, the local rules and values, and the cultural and social norms – to learn what is appropriate behavior while you’re visiting.

During your research, you should consider tour operators and travel companies that support the local economy by using local guides and supporting local businesses, hotels, restaurants and other services. Book with companies that have strict sustainability and animal welfare guidelines and who also give back to local communities, to ensure you are traveling in the most responsible manner and also using your holiday as a force for good.

Offset Your Trip

While tourism is responsible for about eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is also responsible for a lot of good in the world. Travel allows us to learn about other cultures and their everyday lives and challenges, brings income to communities that rely on tourists and makes us all more open-minded.

Instead of choosing to not travel, consider reducing your footprint and offsetting the impact of your travels. Some airlines offer you the opportunity to offset your flights, and you can also choose to travel with carbon neutral companies who will offset your trip on your behalf.

For instance, for less than the cost of a Netflix subscription, you can commit to a subscription service that helps the planet, through the company Offset Earth. Starting at $6.50 per month, you can part of the climate crisis solution. Offset Earth partners with climate projects all over the world to offset carbon emissions on behalf of subscribers and, as a bonus, plants trees. By committing to a subscription plan via the Offset Earth x Intrepid page, Intrepid Travel will match subscribers’ tree for tree, meaning for every tree planted through Offset Earth, Intrepid will plant one too, effectively doubling your offset contribution.

Behave Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist

While it might be okay for you to act or wear what you please at home, in many countries it is disrespectful to show too much skin or do certain things in public. Using a tour operator that employs local guides to assist you along the way is a great way to learn more, but it’s good to follow a few basic rules too. As a rule of thumb, travelers should abide by the following:

Be prepared to cover shoulders and knees and remove hats when in traditional areas and places of worship.
Always ask permission before taking photos of local people.
Don’t participate in direct interaction with a wild animal, such as riding elephants, or support any attractions in which animals are used for performances.

Support Local Businesses

By choosing to invest your money in local services you are putting money directly into the local economy and supporting local families. Eat local food, use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you’ll meet local people and get to know the place. Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favor local products over imported items. By default, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint since the businesses are likely to source their supplies locally. Not only is this style of travel responsible, it will also make your travel experience that much more authentic.

Leave Nothing Behind

Minimizing your waste and impact is one of the easiest ways to be a responsible traveler. Travel with some basics: a reusable cup, a water bottle, a metal or bamboo straw, reusable cutlery, and a fabric shopping bag. You can even buy water purifiers that filter out harmful bacteria, making bottled water less necessary. Plastics and other products aren’t biodegradable, so it’s important to be mindful of how much waste you’re producing and ensuring it’s being disposed of properly. Take care of the environment as you would your own home.

Intrepid Travel is the worlds largest B Corp certified adventure travel company. The company offers more than 1000+ trips in more than 120 countries and on every continent. A world leader is sustainable small group adventures, all of Intrepid’s trips are carbon-offset and designed to truly experience local culture – to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. For more information: www.intrepidtravel.com

Everything You Need To Know About REAL ID

Updated on April 28, 2021: The United States Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of REAL ID full enforcement until May 3, 2023, because of the impact of COVID-19.

Updated on March 27, 2020: The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021.

Updated on February 20, 2020: The Department of Homeland Security has made the decision to allow electronic submissions of the documents that are required to obtain a REAL ID, a positive step ahead of the deadline.

In order to board a commercially regulated aircraft on October 1, 2020, travelers must possess a REAL ID compliant travel document. In order to obtain a compliant REAL ID or to ensure that your current travel documentation is REAL ID compliant, please visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles or utilize your state’s or territory’s online resources before the October 1, 2020 deadline.

Airline travel can be stressful for new and experienced travelers alike. Perhaps the most important part of any trip is ensuring that appropriate documentation and identification is in hand. For domestic travel, this generally means a valid U.S. driver’s license, or state identification card, while passports are required for international travel.

Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency housed within the Department of Homeland Security, has been speaking to an issue relating to “REAL ID”. REAL ID represents the federal government’s attempt to create uniform minimum security standards for all U.S. driver’s licenses and identification cards in order to access Federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Creating these uniform standards is laudable and will ultimately make travelling throughout the U.S. safer. However, it is important that Americans are aware that their current form of identification, whether it is a driver’s license or state identification card, may not suffice to move through airport or other security settings, particularly with regard to traveling within the U.S. or elsewhere. The traveling public needs to be aware that updating travel documentation in the coming year will be necessary for those who are not already compliant. Otherwise, it is possible that come October 1, 2020 travelers could risk being turned away at the airport. To reaffirm, every American is currently required to possess a REAL ID compliant license or identification card by October 1, 2020 in order to, among other things, board a commercially regulated aircraft. Travelers without compliant identification could be turned away at the airport.

In the past, deadlines have been set on REAL ID compliance, and those deadlines have been kicked down the line. For the current deadline, recent reports indicate that this deadline of October 1, 2020 may hold. It is recommended that American travelers proactively check to see whether their identification is compliant to eliminate the possibility of added travel-related stress.

The good news is that anyone who holds a valid U.S. passport already has a REAL ID compliant form of identification. As of September 2019, 47 states, the District of Columbia, and three United States territories are compliant. Oregon, Oklahoma, and the Northern Mariana Islands are currently under an extension to update their licenses while New Jersey and American Samoa are under review. All states and territories are on track to be compliant before the October 1, 2020 deadline.

The bad news is that many of the states have only just begun issuing compliant licenses and state identification cards, meaning that many travelers may still hold a non-REAL ID compliant license. Therefore, it is imperative that all travelers visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles or utilize their state’s or territory’s online resources before the October 1, 2020 deadline to ensure that their travel driver’s license or identification card is compliant for domestic travel. Again, it is important to note that a valid passport is REAL ID compliant.

Unfortunately, not every state and territory have the same requirements for a REAL ID, meaning that the licenses or state identification cards will still not look completely uniform and the documents necessary to attain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card may vary. As mentioned previously, each traveler should visit their state’s or territory’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, travelers must provide documentation showing:

1) Full Legal Name;

2) Date of Birth;

3) Social Security Number;

4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and

5) Lawful Status.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are identified by the presence of a star in the top right-hand corner of the card similar to the below:

USTOA urges individuals across America to ensure their identification is compliant and to take the appropriate steps to achieve compliance, if necessary. We strongly caution against reliance on the possibility of an extended deadline.

More general information on REAL ID can be found here.

More information on each state can be found here.

10 Passport And Visa Tips For Hassle-Free Travel

10 Passport and Visa Tips For Hassle-Free International Travel

By Fatemeh LeTellier, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Document Systems and co-founder of Pinnacle Travel Documents

Make sure you have at least six months validity on your US passport! Most countries require six months validity because they don’t want any traveler to get stranded in their country and be burdened with their expenses. Further, most airlines require the six-month passport validity.
If you travel a great deal, consider obtaining a second US passport valid for four years. This will allow you to obtain visas on one passport while you travel on another. A second passport gives provides flexibility for the frequent traveler.
Make sure you understand which countries require a visa for US citizens to enter. This way you are not barred from boarding your flight and missing your vacation or business trip.
Make sure your name on your passport matches your name on your airline ticket/itinerary. With heightened security measures at US airports and abroad you could be denied boarding. If the name on your passport must be corrected, then you must renew your US passport as the US passport agency no longer amends names on US passports because of the new electronic chip passports.
There seems to be confusion regarding the Passport Card. The Passport Card can only be used at border crossings when driving between the US to/from Mexico and Canada. You cannot use the passport card for flying! The Passport Card can be issued when the Passport is renewed for an additional government fee of $50.00. It is best to do both at the same time needed to save money and time.
Many countries have gone to electronic visas which means the visas are e-mailed to the traveler. These visas are different than the traditional visas that are stamped in the actual passports. E-visas can have a shorter validity and at times only valid for tourist travel and not for business travel. It is imperative that the traveler check to see that they apply for the correct type of visa based on their trip. What we do at Pinnacle is assist the traveler in selecting the correct visa type for their specific travel needs. Some countries that issue electronic visas are India, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Oman.
Children under 16 years of age are issued passports that are only valid for five years. The reason being that children’s features change so the picture needs to be changed every five years. Once they become 16 the passport is issued for 10 years. Both parents must be present to get the child’s documents sealed and if one parent is not available then the absentee parent must provide the accompanying parent with a notarized consent letter to apply for their child’s passport. The Passport Agency is very strict because of child abductions cases so they want to make sure both parents have given permission for a child to be issued a passport.
It is imperative that the signature on passport and visa applications match the exact signature on the US passport! If the signature doesn’t match the application could be rejected which could delay the issuance of the US Passport or visa for international travel.
The Passport Office and countries that issue visas require the photographs submitted for processing to follow specific guidelines. The Chinese do not want the applicant to wear any glasses, jewelry or smile in the photo. The US passport office doesn’t want glasses or smiling in photos. Further, The Indians don’t want any glasses on the photo. There are specific photo requirements that must be fold for smooth passport and Visa processing!
Make sure you don’t apply too early for a Visa! If you apply too early, then your Visa will not be valid for entry which could cause you to be denied entry to that country. For example, The Kenya E-visa is valid for 90 days from date of issue. The Visa for Laos is valid 60 days from date of issue and the visa for Rwanda is valid 30 days from date of issue. We advise all our clients about visa validity requirements for business and tourist travel.

Pinnacle Travel Document Systems, one of the largest passport and visa service companies in the world, prides itself on providing exceptional customer service by taking the guess work out of travel documentation. Their experienced staff will streamline and simplify the process for any travel document, passport and Visas. Services include speedy, even 24 hour, passport renewal and second passport issuance, applications for minors, and passport cards, as well as precise visa application assistance to ensure the correct documentation is delivered accurately and in a timely fashion.

What Seniors Need To Know at Airport Security

What Seniors Need To Know To Get Through Airport Security Easily

By Diana Cowgill of YMT Vacations

Getting through airport security can be a nuisance for anyone, but the experience can be especially stressful for seniors. The good news is that the Federal Aviation Administration has put rules in place to streamline the process for you. However, it helps to do research ahead of time and prepare yourself (and your belongings) accordingly. Here is what you need to know to make your airport security screening as simple as possible:

Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions may consider getting a TSA Notification Card, which specifies health conditions, disabilities, or medical devices that may affect your screening. Provide this card to the TSA officer when you get to the checkpoint so they can make special considerations for your screening. The card also provides instructions for calling the TSA 72 hours prior to your travels to request any assistance you may need.

Seniors who do not have this card can still request assistance once you arrive at the airport. Simply ask a TSA officer to request a passenger support specialist. These specialists will answer questions, address concerns, and assist with security.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule means that carry-on liquids must be 3.4 oz. bottles or less; in one quart-sized clear, zip-top bag; and limited to one bag per passenger. However, there is an exception to this rule for larger amount of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols – but you must declare them at the checkpoint for inspection.

Medications in solid or liquid forms should be clearly labeled, with the prescriptions handy if possible. Let the TSA officer know that you have medically necessary medications and keep them separate from your other belongings before the screening starts. Items you should declare to a TSA officer include freezers packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes.

Expect TSA officers to test liquids, gels, or aerosols for explosives or concealed prohibited items. They may also open containers and transfer pills to another container for testing. If you do not want your medication to be screened by X-ray or opened, let the officer know and they will take alternative steps to clear these items.

Passengers with medical conditions that prevent you from standing or walking at the checkpoint will not be required to remove shoes, though they will be manually inspected. Walkers, canes, crutches, and other mobility aids will be X-rayed or hand-inspected.

Travelers 75 years or older will receive expedited screening, meaning the ability to keep shoes and light jackets on. If you are unable to stand for the screening, you will be cleared by manual inspection.

Airport security can be an intimidating process, but being prepared will speed up the process. Have any medications separated, labeled clearly, and with the appropriate documents/prescriptions. Keep your doctor’s name and number within reach in case a conversation is needed to verify your pills, gels, and liquids. Knowing what to expect and how to get assistance will give you the confidence to get through TSA screening as effortlessly as possible.

Diana Cowgill is a copywriter at YMT Vacations. She and her husband love to flit around the world together, gorging on regional baked goods and petting as many street cats as possible.

YMT Vacations has provided affordable guided tours for mature travelers since 1967. Our guided cruise and land tours, to destinations around the globe, are designed with value in mind. By thoughtfully bringing together each separate element of your vacation, we can guarantee you the best price and an easy, worry-free trip. Visit ymtvacations.com to learn more!

Venture to Lesser-Known Corners of the World

September is Travel Together Month

USTOA tour operators are taking the road less traveled and visiting emerging destinations in 2020. Check out our full round-up of new, off-the-beaten path itineraries below.

Photo Courtesy of Alexander + Roberts

Asia

Abercrombie & Kent: South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies of the East

Alexander + Roberts: Ancient Lands of the Himalayas: A Journey to Nepal + Bhutan

Audley Travel: Community and Conservation in Myanmar

CroisiEurope Cruises: Around India and Sri Lanka from Madras to Bombay

Holiday Vacations: Vietnam & Cambodia

SITA World Tours: Setouchi, Japan’s Inland Sea

Zegrahm Expeditions: Along the Mekong: China, Thailand & Laos

Caradonna Adventures: Sepilok Nature Resort 7-Night Package

Photo Courtesy of Trafalgar

South and Central America

Avanti Destinations: Peruvian Bliss

Contiki: Patagonia Trail

International Expeditions: Bolivia & Chile’s Atacama Desert

Pleasant Holidays: Costa Rica Guided Vacations

Trafalgar: Colombia Rediscovered

Photo Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Europe

CIE Tours International: Best of Iceland & Ireland South

Collette: The Baltics Revealed, Featuring St. Petersburg

Europe Express: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Winter Escape

Go-today: Manchester & Liverpool

Holland America Line: 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings Trip

Intrepid Travel: Highlights of Ukraine

Lindblad Expeditions: Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations: Lithuania & Latvia – the Baltics

Photo Courtesy of Lion World Travel

Africa

Country Walkers: Morocco – Marrakech, Foothills of the High Atlas & Essaouira

Lion World Travel: Southern African Wild Wonderlands

Luxury Gold: Elegance of the Pharaohs

Perillo’s Learning Journeys: Discover Ethiopia

African Travel: Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Middle East

smarTours: Oman, Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Photo Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises

North America

Seabourn Cruises: UNESCO Banff National Park & The Rocky Mountaineer

Travel Impressions: Princeville Helicopter Adventure

Classic Vacations: The Northwest Passage

Photo Courtesy of YMT Vacations

Australia & Oceania

Goway: Wukalina Walk

YMT Vacations: Islands of the Pacific – Seattle to Sydney

Find all the itineraries offered by USTOA tour operators at https://ustoa.com/dream-vacation

How to Pack for a Jet Trip Around the World

By Becky Youman, TCS World Travel

“I wish I would have packed less.” At TCS World Travel, we often hear this comment from our guests after their around-the-world expeditions. Even on the most seamless journey, overpacking can add unnecessary time and stress to your arrivals and departures, and could even prevent you from taking home a truly special item you find along the way.

We have been taking guests on around-the-world expeditions for over 25 years. During that time, we have learned a thing or two about packing. Here are our essential tips on packing for success:

Less Is More

Your itinerary will involve traveling to many destinations. The less you bring with you, the less time you’ll spend packing and unpacking… and the more time enjoying the incredible experiences that await you.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

The Trick of Thirds

Guests are allowed two bags per person on our trips: a larger bag and a smaller carry-on-size bag. We recommend you start with your large bag and fit everything you’ll need into just that bag. Then, empty a third of it out and put those items into your smaller bag. This way you’ll have plenty of room in your big bag for the gifts and souvenirs you’re going to want to bring home.

Layers Look Lovely

We recommend you choose a single color scheme you can mix and match. It’s a simple, “less is more” approach that makes it easy for you to decide what to bring. During the day, you will want to dress casually and prepared for adventure. Lightweight, quick-dry activewear that you can easily layer or remove will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Respect Local Norms

If your itinerary includes religious sites such as temples or mosques, it may be customary or even required to cover your legs and shoulders to enter. Short skirts, shorts and tank tops are not culturally appropriate to wear within these sites. This goes for both men and women, and is a great opportunity to invest in a pair of convertible zip-off pants. Women also have the option of wearing a comfortable sundress that covers the knees and covering their shoulders with a pretty scarf.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Spiff It Up for Your Festive Dinners

Men will bring a pair of slacks and a couple of nicer shirts, and maybe even a lightweight blazer. Women often bring a neutral dress or slacks and nicer tops that can be changed up with different scarves or other accessories. A small purse with a strap comes in handy at any pre-dinner cocktail parties.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Happy Feet

Once you step off the private jet, it’s essential you have the right footwear to keep you comfortable. Make sure your walking shoes have good tread, and most importantly, break them in at home for at least a couple of weeks, using the same socks you’re planning to use when traveling. Never bring a pair of shoes you haven’t worn. You should also pack a pair of slightly dressier shoes. We recommend staying away from high heels because you might have to walk over uneven terrain.

Packing Hacks

Here are a few hacks we share with guests:

Place hotel shower caps on your shoes to protect your clothes from dirty footwear.
Store your charging cables and compact headphones in a sunglasses case. It also makes a great, easy-to-locate container for an on-the-go sun protection kit, with a sunscreen stick and lip balm.
Packing cubes are great for organizing, helping you know exactly where everything is. They make it easy to pack and unpack by simply moving them directly from your luggage into a hotel dresser, and back when it’s time to go.

And lastly, don’t worry about re-wearing an outfit or two; when you’re jet-setting between spectacular destinations around the world, no one will notice.

Interested in learning more about TCS World Travel? Visit www.tcsworldtravel.com.

TCS World Travel has hosted guests on adventures of a lifetime for over 25 years. Their all-inclusive journeys deliver unparalleled and meaningful experiences, with exceptional service, in unique destinations around the globe. As pioneers in the private jet industry, TCS World Travel has developed and operated just shy of 300 luxury jet expeditions to more than 200 destinations. They are the most experienced jet expedition company in the world. It is that expertise that led them to be named #1 Tour Operator by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2017.