Welcome to your monthly edition of travel talk with Ronda Guyton Travel Agency, Inc.
As we prepare for summer vacations, exotic couple getaway and family reunions let’s talk a little bit about passports. Why you should have? Many people have asked if they need a passport for cruising; the short answer is no. If your cruise starts and ends in the United States, you need a certified copy of your birth certificate and a valid ID. Now here is where the “but” comes in…Let’s say your cruise ship is at the Port of Oranjestad in Aruba and the ship sails without you because you were shopping and lost track of time. Or you booked an excursion not booked with a travel professional or cruise ship and they get back to the port late. How will you get home or to the next port?
You cannot fly internationally without a valid passport. If you have a passport card you can travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. As a travel professional, I encourage you to get a passport. Or make sure if you are cruising you book your excursions with your preferred agent or directly with the cruise ship.
Passport for 16 years or older $100 plus $35 fee = $145
Passport for 16 years or younger $80 plus $35 fee= $115
It takes generally 4-6 weeks to get your passport.
More information on the application process and fees can be found at https://travel.state.gov
Travel is a lifestyle, enjoy!
Ronda
rondaguytontravel@gmail.com