New Passport Rules

Just a reminder for all of you island-hoppers: As Matt mentioned in a recent post, the passport rules are changing this week. Here's what you need to know...

WHAT: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

WHAT'S DIFFERENT: You probably already know you need a passport when traveling overseas by air - but with this new initiative, you will also be required to show a passport (or the new passport card, which is sufficient for most Caribbean destinations) when traveling by land or sea. So cruise-shippers and yachties, take note: a birth certificate and proof of identity will no longer be enough to enter your favorite Caribbean ports.

WHEN: Effective June 1, 2009

WHY: Because it's just fun to shake things up. But really it's meant to tighten border security and streamline the protocol for reentry to the U.S. from most foreign destinations.

Of course there are a few exceptions to the new requirements, so check out the official State Department site for the whole scoop plus links to purchase or renew your passport and/or passport card:

www.travel.state.gov

Bon Voyage!

New Passport Rules

Go Mexico

The U.S. Department of State just announced that their travel alert to Mexico due to the outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) is no longer in effect. The CDC has also announced that they have lifted their own travel warning against non-essential travel to Mexico...Now, that warning has been downgraded to a "Travel Health Precaution" meant for those most at risk of complications stemming from any type of influenza.

Outside of the U.S., several countries in South America and Europe as well as the U.K. have also lifted their advisories and have resumed air travel to Mexico, and Carnival cruise lines will resume port calls to the country soon.

It's all great news for Mexico, and the nation's travel and tourism industry is eager to welcome visitors back to its shores. I'm actually planning my first ever vacation to Tulum next week and I couldn't be more excited! I'll keep you posted on my travels, and I hope you'll consider Mexico once again for your own.

Go Mexico

Mexico Cruises

A quick update on traveling to Mexico: At least three cruise lines have just suspended operations at Mexican ports, with some ship itineraries diverted to other ports through the end of the week and others, indefinitely. Carnival plans to divert all ships away from the country through at least May 4, while Holland America has canceled its calls to Mazatlan, and Princess Cruises has canceled its stops at both Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Check with your specific travel agent or cruise line for the latest information about Mexican ports of call if you have an upcoming sail planned. I also just came across this article on USA Today's site detailing specific cruise itineraries and changes.

We'll continue to keep you posted on the situation as it develops.

Mexico Cruises

Swine Flu Update

The situation with this month's swine flu outbreak continues to be fluid, with new information and travel advisories coming out by the hour. At the time of this posting, the epicenter of the outbreak appears to still be in Mexico City, though the Mexican government has temporarily closed schools across the entire country to try to contain the spread of the virus, and at least 64 cases have been already confirmed here in the United States.

While President Obama has issued a statement saying that the spread of swine flu is a "cause for concern, not for alarm," a travel advisory has just come out suggesting that non-essential travel to Mexico be avoided, and the Center for Disease Control is already at work distributing informational cards about the virus and its symptoms to travelers.

Several airlines including Continental, United and US Airways have responded in kind by waiving change fees and penalties for travelers who need to change their upcoming itineraries. There are date restrictions with each policy so be sure to check with your individual airline if this applies to you. Meanwhile, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines have announced that they are watching the situation as it continues to develop, but they will continue all of their Baja and Mexican Caribbean itineraries as scheduled with no diversions.

We'll continue to monitor the situation with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State, and we'll keep you posted on any new travel advisories here on the blog.

Swine Flu Update