U.S. Department of State Launches New Travel Advisory System for International Travelers

New US Department of State Travel Advisory System for International Travelers

Every time the US Department of State Issues a Travel Advisory, travel lovers everywhere go NUTS. Finally, the government has come up with a new and more simplified alert system. While the Department of State is only trying to keep us in the know and make sure we travel safe, I always tell my clients, no matter where you are traveling, practice the same (if not just a little more) safety measure that you would at home in an area you know potentially might put you at risk (ie; a dark parking lot outside a store, a shady looking character hanging around); just be alert. In addition, I would never suggest to my clients that they travel anywhere that was unsafe, or that I myself would not travel to at any given time.

So, with that, here’s what the Department of State has done….

On January 10, 2018, the United States Department of State introduced a new travel advisory system for sharing information with U.S. travelers.

Instead of travel warnings and travel alerts, every country will have an overall Travel Advisory level, with levels of advice ranging from 1 to 4.

A U.S. Department of State press release offers the following descriptions for each level of advice:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4: Do Not Travel

This is the highest level, due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

A Level 4 travel advisory is not a ban on travel, but advice. North Korea is currently the only country under a geographical travel restriction.

While an overall travel advisory level will be issued for every country, levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, the Department of State may advise U.S. travelers to “exercise increased caution” in a country, but to “reconsider travel” to a particular area within the country.

The travel advisories will also provide clear reasons for the level assigned, and will be updated based on changes to security and safety information. Risks, conditions and circumstances will be indicated with icons:

C: Crime
T: Terrorism
U: Civil Unrest
H: Health Issues
N: Natural Disasters
E: Time-limited Events
O: Other

Additionally, U.S. embassies and consulates will now issue alerts to replace the current emergency messages and security messages. The alerts will inform travelers of specific safety and concerns in a country, such as weather events.

The State Department has come to recognize that sometimes their various documents were not readily understood and needed to make it more accessible and understandable to people.

So…… If you are in the process of thinking about your upcoming travel plans for 2018 and have questions about the destinations you are considering, please contact me, I would be happy to share all the information I have from my in country partners, as well as from the Dept. of State.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Changes in Travel for 2018 and Why You Should Use a Travel Agent Instead Of Booking Online

Changes in Travel for 2018

 

Changes in Travel for 2018 and Why You Should Use a Travel Agent Instead Of Booking Online

Changes In ID Requirements For Air Travel

Changes for travel in 2018 are important to pay attention to, and by using a travel professional to help you plan and book your next travel experience will ensure that you are informed about the proper requirements for travel and ensure that you have a great travel experience from beginning to end.

Changes For ID Compliance For Air Travel will become effective January 22, 2018.  Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.  (Read my full Blog Post to make sure your ID will be compliant in 2018).

 

And for 2018 – Here’s Why You Should Use A Travel Agent Instead Of Booking Online

Travel agents make travel less stressful

When booking a vacation, destination wedding or honeymoon, the last thing a traveler should have to do is worry. Your Special Event should leave you with lifelong pleasant memories. A travel agent is vital in planning these special events as we take the worry off of you so you can focus solely on your big day to come and what you shall pack and just show up.  We do all the planning for you.

We save you money…

As a travel professional, I have access to special discounts, upgrades and promotions not available on line that I pass on to you. These perks can often save you an additional amount or provide you with a dining or spa credit that wouldn’t be available by booking on line.

We save you time…

A survey in 2016 of more than 1,200 consumers, showed that nearly one-third spent in excess of four hours, over multiple days, planning their own vacations. As a travel advisor I create custom itineraries, pulling together flights, transfers, accommodations, tours, meals and exclusive excursions based on your preferences — so you can spend your time on other things.

We don’t charge hidden fees….

A new client of mine told me about a previous experience using an on-line hotel app for a stay in New York City, and told me that the prices that were listed did not include taxes and fees.  This client was  charged an additional $121 in fees for the weekend upon check in, an expense she wasn’t expecting, that put her well over her budget for the trip.

Many agents don’t charge fees at all, and those who do are up-front about the cost.

We advocate on your behalf…

There have been many stories on the internet about travelers booking with a well known on-line booking agent, where traveler’s vacations were cancelled due to overbooking.  Customers were spending  hours on the phone with their customer service department and walked away with only vouchers for the booking agent and reservations in a lower category hotel, which did not even equal the total value of their cancelled vacation.

I feel for this family because they suffered such a horrendous experience. Not only were they left with no refund but also a cancelled trip. That would never have happened if they used a travel agent. Using an on-line booking agent is putting you at risk and can be a setup for a disaster. During peak seasons to find out your trip is cancelled and have no refund is the worst news, but on top of that, trying to scramble to plan something at the last minute is even worse.

We provide personalized attention…

On-line booking agents provide a one-size-fits-all service, not taking into account all the moving parts and variables that are in play.  As a professional travel advisor, I tailor these services to my clients’ individual needs. If you have concerns, I’ll talk you through them and put your mind at ease. Need a hotel that can cater to your allergies or a special dietary need? A professional advisor I have personal relationships with the resort and hotel brands I sell and can speak to hotel managers to make sure it’s taken care of.

Despite all the on-line booking agents, travelers are desperate for a real human voice on the phone. Travelers want travel advisors who are truly dedicated to their needs and will receive genuine customer service and someone willing and eager to sell them what they want.

We offer insurance…

From guaranteeing your hotel is available to knowing if the excursion company is legitimate, booking through a professional travel agent ensures travelers will not get duped. And we provide insurance for medical emergencies and trip cancellations to protect your investment.

We’re here for you 24/7…

As a travel professional, I am on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for my clients. I’m right there with you throughout the booking process, during your travel and follow up afterward. If you were to book on line and had to contact the booking agent’s customer service department, you likely will be wading through a chain of people to hopefully get to the one who can help you. One such customer, said she spent six and a half hours over three days speaking with Expedia’s customer service department.

We are specialists…

As a travel professional, I have a personal understanding of your interests and insight into specific destinations and segments of travel, such as Transformative Travel Experiences and Group Travel Events to destinations such as Jamaica, Mexico and Europe.  I spend time getting to know my clients so I can make recommendations tailored to what you want to do and to ensure that they have a great experience and an amazing trip that will send them away with lifelong memories.

 

So, when you are ready to plan those 2018 travel adventures, contact me, I would love to create an unforgettable travel experience for you.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Is Your ID Compliant For Air Travel In 2018?

Is Your ID Compliant For Air Travel In 2018?

Is Your ID Compliant For Air Travel In 2018?

Is Your ID Compliant To Fly??

Very important information regarding air travel ID requirements beginning January 22, 2018.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.

Enforcement Dates

Beginning January 22, 2018, driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by states that are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and have not been granted an extension by DHS may not be used to fly within the U.S.

Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.

When Flying

If your state is compliant:

You may continue to use your state-issued driver’s license or ID to fly in the U.S. until October 1, 2020.

Beginning October 1, 2020, you may only use a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.

If your state is not compliant:

Beginning January 22, 2018, you may continue to use your state-issued driver’s license or ID for domestic air travel only if your state has been granted an extension to the compliance deadline by DHS. If your state has not been granted an extension by DHS you may not use your state-issued driver’s license or ID for domestic air travel.

Beginning October 1, 2020, you may not use your state-issued driver’s license or ID for domestic air travel.

Recommendations:

1. Check your state’s status: You can check if your state is REAL ID compliant at dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief. Beginning January 22, 2018, travelers from non-compliant states will not be able to use their driver’s licenses or state IDs at TSA checkpoints, unless the state received an extension to comply.

2. Read the frequently asked questions: For clarification on what the REAL ID Act means for you, visit dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs or tsa.gov and search “REAL ID”.

If you have questions about what is considered acceptable identification, you may call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 or email TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.

Prepare for the checkpoint:

If you are concerned that your state-issued driver’s license or photo ID may not be accepted by TSA beginning January 22, 2018, apply for an alternative identification document well ahead of your planned travel dates. Ensure you have an acceptable ID and boarding pass ready before arriving at the airport.

Refer to the current list of acceptable IDs below or at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification:

Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in accordance with REAL ID enforcement schedule described above.

U.S. passport or U.S. passport card

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Permanent resident card

Border crossing card

DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license

Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

HSPD-12 PIV card

Foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

Transportation worker identification credential

Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

 

So…. Check your ID – Is Your ID Compliant For Air Travel In 2018?

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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