A Peace of Mind Travel /Educating Travelers

A Peace of Mind Travel is committed to the education of travelers. We want our traveler to know what to expect during their trip. We work hard to educate travelers prior to them taking a trip, to ensure all travelers are smart about choosing their travel products. After all, we believe that you should feel value and gratification for your money. That is why we have constructed this page to help you make a more educated travel purchase.

Below you will find a list of subjects so you may learn more about the travel industry. Please click on the subject links to expand the section(s) you wish to view.

+ Why Book your Own Travel?

Booking your own travel can be most rewarding. By doing your own research you get a better understanding of your travel plans. Also making the reservations yourself puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to finding the best travel deals. The hardest part is how and where to get started and that is the reason we created this site for you. We wanted to level the playing field and give you as many tools and resources as the travel agents have. After reviewing the Educating Travelers section and all the guides and tools provided you should be able to research and make your own travel reservations.

Researching for your trip can be time consuming; however it is up to you how much time you put into it. If you are satisfied with the travel plans you have found then book it and be done with it. If your booking company price matches to other companies, then try to find a lower price. If they don’t price match or you’re happy with the price you paid, then you’re done with the hard part. Now you can really get into the fun stuff, start researching on what you want to do on your trip. However, you might be the spontaneous type and don’t want to know what to do at your destination, in that case after you have made your reservations you are done. Be sure to check your confirmation paperwork (name, date, time, destination, preferences and all details) for accuracy when you receive it and again a few days before your trip.

+ Why Use a Travel Professional?

Travel Professionals have devoted their lives to ensure that the people who are traveling have a great experience and find comfort in knowing someone is looking out for them. At A Peace of Mind Travel we will help you connect with a Personal Travel Consultant who will take the time to find out what your expectations are and customize a trip centered on what you are looking for.

By using a travel professional you may find comfort in knowing whom to turn to in the event of a disaster, inclement weather, or security issue. Travel professionals use government agencies, news on current events, and other information resources to help u keep clients informed. One might say it is definitely a full time job to research, plan, book, and service a trip that is why you should let A Peace of Mind Travel help find you the right professional for the job.

+ Activities and Special Requests

We wrote this section to spark up your imagination on fun and exciting outings that you would like to research and plane for you.

There are many activities that can be planed for you to enjoy while on your trip. At A Peace of Mind Travel we know that the more you get to see and do the happier traveler you will be. Whether it is a special occasion, you would like to do something unique, or have special needs. To give you some ideas as to what activities are out there for you to experience please see our suggestions below.

Traditional – Shopping, Golf, Tennis, Sightseeing, Spas, Movies, Sporting Events, Concerts, Plays and Theatrical Shows, Museums, Art Galleries, Amusement Parks, Restaurants and Night Life

Outdoor – Camping, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Water Skiing, Sailing, Surfing Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hunting, Fishing, and Bird Watching

Winter Sports – Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Ice Skating, Snow Tubing, and Sledding

Extreme Adventures – Bungee Jumping, Base Jumping, Skydiving, Whitewater Rafting, Scuba Diving, Rock Climbing, Windsurfing, Kite Surfing, Heli Skiing and Snowboarding, and Safari Tours

+ Travel Safety

In today’s world safety when traveling should be a priority for every traveler. There are many steps that can be taken to ensure all travelers have a great experience and return from their trip safe and sound. Helping to protect travelers is the most important duty a travel professional has. At A Peace of Mind Travel we do not take this duty lightly, however it is a team effort to make traveling safe. The first way that a traveler can stay safe is to keep in tune with your surroundings at all times and use your common sense while traveling.

The #1 way to stay safe while traveling is to be a well-informed traveler.

Be vigilant, if you do not feel right about a situation then notify the authorities. Stay organized with your luggage and travel documents. When in areas that you feel uncomfortable keep alert and use your head. Please see out travel guide section for more information to come about travel safety.

+ Travel Insurance and Protection Plans

Travel Insurance and Protection Plans
Purchasing travel insurance is the single BEST thing you can do to protect your investment and your loved ones. The following is an overview of the types of Insurance that you may purchase.
Flight Insurance - Accidents that occur in connection with air travel are covered.
Travel Accident and Health Insurance - It protects the insured in case of accidents (weather related or not) and sickness at all times while away from home.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance – It reimburses clients for (1) nonrefundable prepayment if they must cancel a trip for a reason covered by the policy and (2) any nonrefundable portion of your trip and the cost of transportation home should you have to discontinue your trip.
Coverage for Bankruptcies and Defaults – Guards against a travel supplier going out of business and leaving you with the cost of a trip not taken.

Ask your Booking Site or Personal Travel Consultant what insurance plans are best for you. You are also able to research your own Travel Insurance Policies that fit your needs.
+ Accommodations or Hotels

Accommodations can be one of the most important aspects of planning a great trip. Usually travelers expect more out of their accommodations than what they are used to in their ordinary life. That is why it is key to know what your preferences are and make sure you communicate them to your Personal Travel Consultant. Travel consultants will normally go by what you have experienced and liked in your past travels as a guide to what to search for on your next trip.

The following are the different types of accommodations you will find in the U.S. and other areas around the world. Some establishments can be classified in more than one type of accommodation group.

Motels cater to motorists, and sometimes classified as motor inns.

Commercial Hotels are used mainly for business travelers, however leisure travelers may find great bargains on the weekends.

Convention Hotels cater to business travelers and may be located in dense business areas or where expositions and conventions are held.

Airport Hotels are convenient for travelers on early-morning flights and for people that are not planning on going downtown.

All-Suites offer rooms that have separate sleeping and living areas. Some all-suites are considered extended-stay hotels, and may have kitchenettes.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&B’s) appeal to travelers that are looking for lodging with a unique character and a taste of local life.

Inns are normally larger than B&B’s and offer more
hotel-like services.

Youth Hostels are dorm like accommodations, however they are open to people of all ages and many can be found in Europe.

Resorts are a vacation in themselves, they provide not only sleeping accommodations but also a wide variety of amenities. These include daytime activities, nightlife, dining, shopping, and special activities such as golf, tennis, skiing, water sports, and/or gambling.

All-Inclusive Resorts are resorts that charge one rate for just about everything.
Spas are a special type of resort that emphasizes health, diet, and fitness.

Accommodation Rating System
Officially the U.S. does not have a standard rating system, however among the best-known guide books there are three widely used systems. They are:

AAA’s Five-Diamond Rating System

5 Diamond-These establishments reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Accommodations are first class. The physical attributes are extraordinary in every manner. The fundamental hallmarks at this level are to meticulously serve and exceed all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence. Many personalized services and amenities enhance an unmatched level of comfort.

4 Diamond-These establishments are upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to etail.

3 Diamond-These establishments appeal to the traveler with comprehensive needs. Properties are multifaceted with a distinguished style, including marked upgrades in the quality of physical attributes, amenities, and level of comfort provided.

2 Diamond-These establishments appeal to the traveler seeking more than the basic accommodations. There are modest enhancements to the overall physical attributes, design elements, and amenities of the facility typically at a moderate price.

1 Diamond-These establishments typically appeal to the budget-minded traveler. They provide essential, no-frills accommodations. They meet the basic requirements pertaining to comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality.

AAA Approved means these properties have been approved by AAA, but diamond ratings for these properties are not displayed.

Five Star Ratings System by the Mobile Travel Guide

Mobil Five-Star Hotels: An exceptionally distinctive luxury environment offering expanded amenities and consistently superlative service make these hotels and inns the best in the U.S. and Canada. Attention to detail and the anticipation of guests' every need are evident throughout this exclusive group of hotels. The Mobil Five-Star lodging category includes such hotels as The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.

Mobil Four-Star Hotels: Outstanding establishment in a distinctive setting with expanded amenities and exceptional service to create a luxurious experience. Services may include, but are not limited to, automatic turndown service, valet parking and 24-hour room service. Ritz-Carlton Boston, Mandarin Oriental Miami and Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas are prominent names in the Mobil Four-Star category, known for personalized service and hospitality, in addition to luxurious accommodations.

Mobil Three-Star Hotels: Well-appointed establishment with a full service restaurant and expanded amenities and services such as, but not limited to, room service, fitness center, and optional turndown service. Many Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Westin hotels are established names in the Mobil Three-Star category. Other notable Three-Stars include The Beverly Hilton and the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

Mobil Two-Star Hotels: Comfortable establishment that is clean and reliable with expanded services including a full-service restaurant. Doubletree Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton are well-established names in the Mobil Two-Star category.

Mobil One-Star Hotels: Clean, comfortable and reliable establishments with limited services and amenities. Some hotels may not have a full-service restaurant or dining room. Many Hampton Inns and Fairfield Inns consistently earn a Mobil One-Star rating.

The Ten-Category classification system used by the Official Hotel Guide

Superior Deluxe: An exclusive and expensive luxury hotel, often palatial, offering the highest standards of service, accommodations and facilities – Elegant and luxurious public rooms – A prestige address – Establishments in this category are among the world’s top hotels.

Deluxe: An outstanding property offering many of the same features as Superior Deluxe – May be less grand and offer more reasonable rates than the Superior Deluxe properties, yet in many instances may be just as satisfactory – Safe to recommend to most discriminating clients.

Moderate Deluxe: Basically a Deluxe hotel, but with qualifications – In some cases, some accommodations or public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury than that found in fully Deluxe properties – In other cases, the hotel may be a well-established famous name, depending heavily on past reputation – The more contemporary hotels may be heavily marketed to business clients, with fine accommodations and public rooms offering Deluxe standards in comfort, but with less emphasis on atmosphere and/or personal service.

Superior First Class: An above average hotel – May be an exceptionally well-maintained older hotel, more often a superior modern hotel specifically designed for the first class market, with some outstanding features – Accommodations and public areas are expected to be tastefully furnished and very comfortable – May be a good value, especially if it is a commercial hotel – May be recommended to average clients and in most cases will satisfy the discriminating ones.

First Class: A dependable, comfortable hotel with standardized rooms, amenities and public areas – May have superior executive level or wing – May be safely recommended to average clients not expecting Deluxe facilities of special services – Should also be satisfactory for better groups.
Limited-Service First Class: A property offering full first-class quality accommodations, but limited public areas, food service and facilities – Usually moderate in size, the hotel often utilizes a residential scale and architecture and many offer complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails in the lobby or in a small, informal restaurant – Geared to the individual business/pleasure traveler.

Moderate First Class: Essentially a First Class establishment with comfortable but somewhat simpler accommodations and public areas – May be lacking in some features (e.g., restaurant) – Some of the rooms or public areas, while adequate, may tend to be basic and functional – Usually suitable for cost-conscious clients.

Superior Tourist Class: Primarily a budget property with mostly well-kept, functional accommodations, some up to First Class standards – Public rooms may be limited or non-existent – Often just a place to sleep, but may have some charming or intimate features – May be good value – Should satisfy individuals (sometimes even discriminating ones) or groups on a budget.
Tourist Class: Strictly a budget operation with some facilities or features of Superior Tourist Class, but usually no (or very few) Fist Class accommodations – Should not be recommended to fussy or discriminating clients.
Moderate Tourist Class: A low-budget operation, often quite old and may not be well maintained – Should only be used in a pinch if no others are available – Clients should always be cautioned what to expect.

Meal Plans (included in some accommodations)

There are five meal options that are available in the accommodations industry.
European Plan (EP) – No Meals are included.
Continental Plan (CP) – A light, or continental breakfast is included.
Bermuda Plan (BP) – A fully cooked breakfast is included.
Modified American Plan (MAP) – Breakfast and one other main meal, usually dinner, are included. This plan is called demi-pension in Europe. Some hotels provide a dine-around plan; it gives a MAP guest a credit toward dinner to other hotels or restaurants.
American Plan (AP) – Usually three meals are included. This is also called full board or full-pension.

+ Restaurants

While traveling, one of the best parts is being able to try new culinary treats. In most tourist prone areas you will find popular chain restaurants that will always give you the quality that you can count on. For those of you that like to be adventurous, I would recommend going to where the locals go. As long as you are comfortable with the atmosphere and the menu offers something you would like to take a chance on. With so many restaurants to choose from in tourist spots, some restaurants will have a menu posted outside the restaurant. As a general rule, if you have to ask what the price is then you might want to check your bank account before ordering. The hotel concierge or lounge bartender is another great source to find that once in a lifetime spot. Make sure you tell them what you are looking for before they just ramble off names of places to eat.

Below you will find the Mobile Travel Guide’s Restaurants Star Rating to assist in finding that special place.

Mobil FiveStar-Restaurants: An elite group, Mobil Five-Star restaurants deliver a flawless dining experience, consistently providing exceptional food, superlative service, elegant décor and exquisite presentations. Every detail that surrounds the experience is attended to. This exclusive group includes restaurants such as The French Laundry in Yountville, CA, Jean-Georges in New York and Charlie Trotter's in Chicago.

Mobil Four Star-Restaurants: Exceptional restaurants featuring food that's creative and complex, and emphasizes seasonality and culinary technique. A highly trained dining room staff provides refined personal service and attention. Mobil Four-Star restaurants that provide this style of refined dining include Michel Richard Citronelle in Washington DC, Daniel in New York, as well as several of the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons dining rooms.

Mobil Three Star-Restaurants: Offers skillfully-prepared food with a focus on a specific style or cuisine. Dining room staff provides warm and professional service. The décor is well-coordinated with fixtures and decorative items that are of excellent quality and in keeping with the atmosphere. Restaurants such as Blackbird in Chicago, Boulevard in San Francisco, as well as steakhouses, such as Ruth's Chris or Morton's, fall into the Mobil Three-Star restaurant category.

Mobil Two Star-Restaurants: Provides freshly prepared food and a cordial and efficient wait staff, in a clean and well-maintained setting. These restaurants are often family-oriented or have a clear theme represented on the menu and the surroundings. Mobil Two-Star restaurants usually showcase a distinct cuisine (Japanese, French, American, and so on.) and can include such places such as Prune in New York or Al Forno in Providence, RI.

Mobil One Star-Restaurants: Provides a distinctive experience through culinary specialty, local flair or unique atmosphere. Value is considered in this category. Service may be limited (i.e. self-service, counter-service) in many cases. Restaurants that would fall into this category include barbeque joints, seafood shacks, pizza parlors, and mom-and-pop owned establishments.

+ Air Travel

Flying has become the transportation of choice for many travelers. However, searching for the best rates has evolved into a complex process of searching high and low, which can take huge amounts of time and energy. Even if you do find a rate that you think is the best, there is no way of knowing for sure. However, you can be confident that you are getting the best rate when you plan your trip with A Peace of Mind Travel Professional. They have access to tools that scour the world to find the best flight prices to match your schedule and standards.

Also, traveling by air can leave you in long processing lines (check-in desk and security check points) that can make your blood boil. By following suggestions of a Personal Travel Consultant a lot of these aggravations may be avoided. Knowing the ins and outs of air travel takes experience, which will come in time as you travel more. Knowing your way around confusing airports can give you an advantage over other travelers. Personal Travel Consultants can provide you with maps of airports and tips that will ensure your comfort and safety.

Most airline companies will usually have two to three levels of service, First Class, Business/ Executive Class, and Coach/Economy Class. All three levels have different price points, but can make a huge difference on longer flights where comfort is an impotent concern.

If you are uneasy about traveling by air and would like help talk with your physician to see if there is some relief. They can provide. Seats over the wings generally give you a smoother ride however you may not have a view of the landscape below. It’s understandable that some people have concerns about flying, considering flight was only invented about 100 years ago. However, flight technology has greatly improved and security is getting better every day. The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is a U.S. government agency that license pilots, certifies aircraft as being safe, and enforces rules regarding passenger safety.

There are three types of one-way flights. A nonstop flight has no stops. A connecting flight has a stop that requires the passenger to change planes. A direct, or through flight has one or more stops at which the passenger does not have to change planes. The plane lands, however the passenger does not have to get off the plane.

There are certain restrictions on checked and carry on baggage or luggage. Some companies have weight restrictions, usually about 50 lbs per bag, and will charge an excess baggage charge for the amount of wait over the limit.

Ask your Personal Travel Consultant at A Peace of Mind Travel with any concerns or questions that you may have. The only dumb question is the one never asked.

+ Vehicle Rental

Renting a vehicle can be a great way to get around after arriving at your destination. It is also a good idea if you are heading to a place that has no public transportation or your itinerary includes other destinations that are far apart. Renting a vehicle gives you the freedom to change your schedule at any time.

The following are a few tips that will help you when thinking of renting a vehicle. The rental industry generally classifies their cars into six categories.
Economy or subcompact, are small cars that are suitable for one or two people and have few options. These include, but are not limited to a cd player, power windows and locks, leather interior, sunroof, and any other options you may find on a vehicle.
Compact, which are slightly larger than subcompacts, may have a few options.
Intermediate or midsize, are suitable for three or four people for short distances.
Standard or full size can seat four people comfortably.
Luxury or premium, are expensive deluxe models, and include sport utility vehicles and vans, which seat seven people or have extra cargo space.

There are different services that rental companies offer. Some give you speedy pick-up and drop-off times; others will have newer cars with fewer miles. Requirements of renting a car include a valid drivers license, be at least 25 years of age, renters that are 18-24 may qualify at some companies. However, they must meet additional requirements, such as being creditworthy or having a major credit card usually satisfies this requirement.

The rental companies offer insurance and waivers. A renter might want to check with their insurance company to find out how much coverage they have when renting a vehicle. Extended rental coverage may include collision damage waiver, loss damage waiver, personal accident insurance, and additional liability insurance or extended liability insurance. In today’s times being over insured can be a good thing, so ask any questions that you may have when checking in at your rental car company.

In foreign countries vehicles are smaller, and usually have manual drive transmissions and most times do not have air conditioning. Driving in foreign countries can be difficult because of road conditions, road sign differences, and the ability to adapt to the driving styles of each country. If you are planning on renting a vehicle in countries outside the U.S. talk to your Personal Travel Consultant to help you find maps in English or how to acquire an International Driving Permit.

+ Rail Transportation

Rail transportation can be another alternative to flying. Traveling from one metropolitan area to another is what trains in the northeastern part of the U.S. are known for. By taking a train you are able to use your travel time in other ways besides driving. Amtrak is the biggest rail transportation company in the U.S. Traveling long distances by way of train is for travelers that have plenty of time and excited to see the natural beauty of the land up close. There are usually different classes of service which will make a difference in the comfort level of traveling by train. Your Personal Travel Consultant can give you some ideas to determine if rail travel is right for you.

Traveling by rail in foreign countries can be the best way to see a lot in a short amount of time. There are some famous train trips in many places like Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Russia. You will have the opportunity to view some of the most beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer. Traveling by train in foreign countries should be researched thoroughly and A Personal Travel Consultant is highly recommended for this.

+ Motorcoach/Bus

Motorcoach is the term we use for bus in the travel industry. Motorcoach is an option for those that do not want to fly drive or take a train. Prices are reasonable and can allow you to go to a specific destination that is not available by air or rail. Motorcoaches are used when group tours are traveling through large areas of a trip. Motorcoahes may also be used as a transfer to transport travelers from one mode of transportation to another, or to a final destination. Many cities have free or inexpensive motorcoache or buses set up to help travelers around the city. If you have a large group of people that need transportation then a contracted charter bus may be the way to go. For smaller groups Greyhound Bus Lines is now the only U.S. nationwide bus carrier.
+ Transfers

Transfers are transportation between hotels, airports, docks, and/or railroad stations.
+ Cruises

Cruising is one of the best ways to see many destinations in a short amount of time. Some of the most popular cruising areas include the Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, and the Mediterranean Sea. Cruise ships are all-inclusive floating resorts that move from port to port. For travelers they offer constant pampering, chance to sample the life at different ports, and the opportunity for both relaxation and excitement. Cruises are also convenient. The price of the cruise takes care of transportation, accommodations, meals, and more. Passengers can visit different places without constantly packing and unpacking. According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) there are five major categories of cruise ships. They are contemporary resort-style brands, premium brands, luxury brands, specialty/expedition brands, and value brands. Ship size and age make a difference when considering a cruise. Also, you need to know what the passenger to crewmember ratio. This will give you an idea of the amount of attention that you will be able to receive while aboard the ship. Cruises may last a few days up to many months. Where your cabin, stateroom, or room is located on the ship makes a difference in price, comfort, and luxury. A cabin that is located lower in the water and in the middle of the ship is ideal for people who do not want to feel the sway of the boat.
You have options as to whether you would like an interior or exterior cabin. Interior cabins have no access to natural light. The exterior cabins have portholes on the lower decks and a full window or balconies on the higher decks. As a general rule, the higher deck your cabin is the more you will pay. Mega cruise ships are floating cities with all the services that you would expect and more.

Cruising Terms To Know

Berth – Bed
Cabin or Stateroom – Room
Bow – Front of Ship
Stern – Back of Ship
Starboard – Right side of the ship
Port – Left side of the ship, also slang for ports of call
Fore – Toward the front
Aft – Any thing toward the back
Knot – Equivalent to about 1.15 miles per hour
Country of Registry – The ship operates and flies the flag under maritime laws of that country
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) – Amount of enclosed revenue-producing space a ship has, also called space ratio
Tenders – Small boats to transfer travelers from the ship to land
Embarkation Point – Location the ship starts its journey
Ports of Call – Specific destinations a ship will stop at
Roll – A ships side-to-side movement
Pitch – A ships up and down movement
Green Sheet – A summary of sanitation inspections

+ Destinations

Traveling to a specific destination and staying for a few days is a good way to get an idea and true feel for the places you are visiting. Most people fall in love with a certain destination and continue to go back year after year. When traveling to new destinations it is a good idea to find out as much as you can before you get there. By taking this approach you will be able to quickly navigate around and have a clear plan as to what you would like to see or do. If you are traveling to foreign destinations that do not speak your language you might want to invest in a translation book that will help you learn small phrases to get by. Also locals have more respect for people that try to learn their language and customs. To keep yourself and your traveling companions out of any bad situations use common sense and have a genuine respect for others.
+ Tours

A tour offers a package of features for purchase as a single unit. Tours will normally include transportation, accommodations, and activities while on your trip. Tours show great value when traveling to a foreign country or new places where having the expertise and comfort of others would help you have a better experience.

There are five types of tours: Custom-Designed Tours, Independent Tour, Hosted Tour, Escorted Tour, and Special-Interest Tour. A Custom-Designed Tour is customized to fit the needs and requirements of the individuals traveling. An Independent Tour has no group or guide, participants travel independently; they may depart and return any day, and they can adjust the length of the tour to suit themselves. Because an Independent Tour may be pre-packaged, a traveler can receive discounts on their travel package. On a Hosted Tour individuals travel independently, but have a host available at each destination to help them arrange activities. On an Escorted Tour participants travel together as a group and are always accompanied by a professional tour escort. Special-Interest Tours are designed to appeal to people with an interest in a particular topic or activity such as photography, skiing, scuba diving, Russian culture, baseball, or religion.

+ International Travel

Traveling internationally can be an overwhelming experience, especially for those that are uncomfortable in new places. However, with the proper travel plans and knowledge, traveling outside the U.S. can also be the most rewarding. I would suggest to anyone that wants to see the world to take the time to learn a little about the destination they are planning to visit.

Language barriers can be difficult, however in many tourist prone areas English is spoken, and knowing a few choice phrases in the native language will usually get you by. Besides language differences, there are different customs that can make you an outcast if you are not aware of them.

Taboos in one country might be acceptable in another, and vice-versa. As a general rule, I would have respect for others, and this will usually keep you out of harm’s way. If you plan on drinking a lot while on vacation, have your sober travel companions keep an eye on you so that you are respectful and tactful.

+ Passports and Visas

Today passports are required for any travel outside the United States. A Passport is documentation of identification and proof of citizenship to a country and will give you entrance into certain countries and allows you to exit those countries and re-enter your home country. U.S. Passports are valid for 10 years, unless the passport was issued while the citizen was under the age of 16, then the passport is only valid for 5 years. Passports are issued at passport agencies, post offices, and federal and state courts designated to accept passport applications. Travelers should apply for a passport at least three months in advance, if possible. For those traveling outside the U.S. often an Inspass may be purchased, which is a new type of electronic verification card. However, not all customs offices located in airports are equipped to handle these cards, yet.

Visas are required in some but not all countries. A visa is an endorsement, stamp, or separate paper that is placed in a passport by officials of foreign governments. It specifies the conditions under which a person may enter a country. There are different types of visas, they include: student visa, business visa, transit visa, and tourist or visitor visa. An application for a visa should be applied for several months in advance.

+ U.S. Customs

Every country in the world restricts the items that can be brought across its borders and assesses a charge, called a duty, on items whose value exceeds a certain allowance. Ask your Personal Travel Consultant or visit the US Customs site at www.cbp.gov to find out what are the maximum allowances and restrictions.

Research for A Peace of Mind Travel’s Educating Client’s Page came from the following sources: The Travel Institute, Travel Industry Association, American Automobile Association, Official Hotel Guide, Mobile Travel Guide, and American Society of Travel Agents