Travel Tips and Tools

Getting Passports for Infants

It's a big day in anyone's life when they take that first trip to a foreign country. Adults know the drill well-pack your bags, read the guidebooks and grab their valid passports. Traveling infants, however, cannot pack their own bags or read any guidebooks, but they too must have a valid passport if they expect to crawl back home across the border.

If your child has not yet secured a passport for an upcoming international holiday, here are some things you should know.

Passports for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, as opposed to adult-issued passports which are good for ten. Children's passports are not renewable, so be prepared to go through this procedure every five years; keep all your documentation in one place for the next time.

Applying for first-time passports has become more complex in recent years due to heightened security measures. No application will be accepted by mail, so you will need to apply in person at any of the 9,000 Passport Acceptance Facilities across the U.S., which include post offices, other government offices and libraries. Find the closest office near you.

At the time of your child's application, you are required to bring the following:

         A new passport application - Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

         Child's proof of U.S. citizenship - such as a certified birth certificate

         Consent from both parents - both must be present to sign the passport application. Single parents will need to provide evidence that they are the sole guardian.

         Parental proof of identity

         Two identical two-inch-square color photos of the child

Apply as far in advance of your travel date as possible. It's best to allow at least six weeks to receive the passport in the mail, and you can check the progress with the U.S. Department of State a week after applying. You can expedite your child's passport for a fee.

Please feel free to contact our agency for more information, or visit the U.S. Department of State.

Universal Studios Meal Deal

For one low price, you can enjoy unlimited trips through the line at select Universal Orlando theme park restaurants throughout the day and night - Meals include 1 entree platter and 1 dessert each time through! From spaghetti to pizza to burgers to salad, there's a dish for everyone. Meal Deal Options include 1-Day/1-Park, 1-Day/2-Park and 2-Day/2-Park. You can even upgrade to include dinner at select Universal CityWalk restaurants (seasonal availability). Whether you are staying one day or more, you can get a Meal Deal package that's right for you.

Participating Restaurants:

Universal Studios Florida:
- Mel's Drive-In - Burgers, Chicken and Salads
- Louie's Italian Restaurant - Pizza, Pasta, and Salads
- International Food and Film Festival - Asian, Italian, and American Food

Universal's Island of Adventure:
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous - Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, Pizza, Chicken Caesar Salad, Burgers, and Chicken Sandwhiches
- Comic Strip Cafe - Chinese, Italian, New England, and American Food
- The Burger Digs - Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, and Chicken Fingers

Tips for Flying with Your Laptop

Increased security has stopped some passengers from bringing laptop computers onboard in recent years, but that trend is reversing now that more airlines are adding internet access with in-flight Wi-Fi. To make sure your computer makes it safely through security and to your seat-back tray, here are a few things to know.

Friendly Packing - To pass through security as quickly as possible, pack your laptop in a "checkpoint friendly" bag. These widely-available bags, made in accordance with TSA to streamline the checkpoint process, have metal-free compartments that allow the x-ray machines to produce clear images of the laptop, allowing you to keep it inside the bag.

On the Belt - When you arrive at the security checkpoint, make sure your computer is turned off. If your computer bag is not "checkpoint friendly," remove the device and place it in a bin by itself. Since you'll most likely need multiple bins for your items, be sure to place the one with your laptop last to give you more time to get through the screening and pick it up as soon as it exits the x-ray machine.

Easy Access Onboard - For easiest access onboard, place your laptop underneath the seat in front of you. This will protect your computer from shifting contents in the overhead compartments, and make it quickly available.

Be Safe and Courteous During the Flight - Follow the instructions of the crew for when to turn on and off your computer. Make sure that the sounds and images coming from your laptop are not disturbing your neighbors and are suitable for all ages. Also, since public Wi-Fi spots are ripe for hackers, do not visit sites that involve banking records, your social security number or other sensitive data.

Travel Etiquette 101: Thailand & Mexico

When traversing the globe, we should never forget that we are guests in the countries we visit. Acting respectfully of the local customs is not just preferred but expected, so you should be prepared and know which actions are acceptable. With that in mind, here are general etiquette introductions to Thailand and Mexico.

Thailand

All Hail the King - Because of the country's proud traditions of stability and independence, the king and royal family are respected and adored throughout the land. While visiting, show respect for the king by refraining from saying anything negative about him or his family (which could land you in prison), standing whenever the national anthem is played (such as in theatres while they show a montage of the royal family), and disrespecting anything with the king's image on it, such as money.

Monks & Temples - Always remove your shoes before entering any Buddhist temple. As for dress, no shorts for men, and women should cover their shoulders. Women should also never touch or hand anything to monks, since that constitutes a temptation they have vowed to eliminate. Monks also dislike being photographed, so when taking photos of the temple, show your camera and give the monks time to disappear.

Stay Calm, Keep Smiling - The friendliness of the Thai people as seen in their eagerness to smile in all situations-is a major reason the country has become such a popular tourist destination. Likewise, if you remain calm and keep smiling even in difficult situations, you will resolve the situation much more easily. Never become overly angry or irritated, or else you'll alienate yourself to the people who can help you the most.

Mexico

Hola - When meeting a group of people, it's best to individually greet each person, including the restaurant staff and shop assistants. Be formal use "Señor," "Señorita" or "Doctor" with their last name when you know it, or the titles alone if you don't.

Como Se Dice - In today's multicultural age, many English speakers have picked up a handful of Spanish phrases. Take the time to learn a few more and how to properly use them in conversations, which will come in handy throughout your vacation and show that you respect their culture.

Personal Space Invaders - Well-acquainted Mexicans and family members enjoy long handshakes, hugs, back-slapping and up-close conversations. If a Mexican engages you up close, it is considered rude to back away.

Machismo 101 - Mexico is a deeply patriarchal culture, so being a 'macho' man and showing 'machismo' are thought of as strengths. Never disgrace or humiliate a Mexican man in public, for he will then need to take action against you in order to save face.

Why Your Next Vacation Should Be a Cruise

It's no secret that travel advisors love to travel. We love to take tours to exotic locales, stay in all-inclusive resorts on Caribbean islands, ride trains through the snow-capped mountains and enjoy this world every which way we can. However, our favorite way to explore is by cruising, which may surprise those of you who have never set foot on a modern cruise ship. Here's why:

Incredible Value - Since your fare covers practically everything you need-including accommodations, high-quality food available around the clock, enlightening education opportunities and top-notch entertainment-a cruise gives you the most bang for your vacation buck.

All are Welcome - No matter who you plan to travel with-toddlers, kids, teens, siblings, parents, grandparents or travelers with disabilities-they will have numerous age- and ability-appropriate activities to choose from on a cruise ship. Some cruise lines tend to cater to certain age groups; you can count on us to guide you to the perfect choice.

Destination Variety - Only on a cruise can you effortlessly experience multiple locations, cultures, food, even continents-all while unpacking only once. This offers a fabulous way to experience an entire region, such as the Mediterranean or Caribbean, to see what each country and island is like.

Never Bored Onboard - Today's cruise ships come with an incredible amount and range of options for you to enjoy every second you're onboard, including surfing right on deck, casinos, theatre, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, shopping, video games, golfing simulators, rock-climbing walls, water parks, karaoke bars, dance halls, computer rooms, ice-skating rinks, bowling alleys and much more.

Just Your Size - Whether you want to experience a 5,000 passenger megaship that is a destination in itself, a private yacht with billowing sails or something in between, there's a cruise ship that's just your size. There are a wide range of options for you to choose from-thankfully we know them all.