Playa del Carmen

Have you ever vacationed in this fabulous vacation location?

What are you waiting for?

About Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya

The small town of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is enjoyable for what it is, but perhaps more for what it's not. It's not Cancun, the major resort area that's about an hour's drive north. For those who find Cancun too large and glossy and lacking in local character, Playa del Carmen is the cure: cozy, funky and quite international, though still with a Mexican flair.

It's also been the inspiration for a boom in ecotours, which fan out into the jungle wilderness with unique excursions to isolated Maya villages and numerous underground caverns and rivers, which have gained an international following with modern-day explorers. Dive operations that specialize in cave-diving have also taken root here, providing access to some of the most mysterious bodies of water in the Americas.

But the town is changing quickly: Large numbers of new luxury and all-inclusive hotels, boutiques and restaurants opened over the past decade, and the lovely Playa del Carmen beach is becoming sandwiched between large-scale developments that weren't part of the town's original vision. The Playacar complex just south of the Playa del Carmen town center now includes more than a dozen resorts, with further development continuing all along the Riviera Maya.

These days, Playa del Carmen's main pedestrian walkways are often jammed with tourists and aggressive salespeople trying to lure them into stores and restaurants. Some claim this is the fastest-growing city in Mexico, but lovers of the relaxed vibe shouldn't give up on Playa just yet.

Despite the town's growing popularity, the pace remains delightfully slow much of the time. And the core of this pleasant town is still decidedly homegrown: During the day, the central plaza is full of local youngsters playing games and Maya women selling handicrafts; in the evenings it takes on a festive air, as seemingly everyone in town gathers for a stroll.

Call  or email us today......

Quotes are always free!!!

The Way to Go Travel In Kansas City

816-392-5880

8988-750-0825

www.thewaytogotravel.com

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Small Business Saturday

Support your favorite small business.
This November 24th is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and
support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate
neighborhoods across the country.

The Way To Go Travel  is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re
encouraging everyone to Shop Small® here on November 24th.

Most importantly, get out there, Shop Small, and let’s make this November
24th the biggest day of the year for small business.
To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com.

The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City

 www.thewaytogotravel.com

Remember quotes are always free.......
agent@thewaytogotravel.com
816-382-5880
888-750-0825

vacations
honeymoons
destination weddings
business travel

The internet is for looking, travel agents are for booking!!

Passports 101

What documents are required when traveling internationally?
You are required to have a U.S. Passport Book when traveling by air to any international location.
If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean Region (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos), you are required to have a U.S. Passport Book or Card.
Please note: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Contact us before your cruise to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
What is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, customers are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 10 weeks.
How long is a passport valid and when should I renew my passport?

• If you were over age 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
• If you were age 15 or younger when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.

The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail.
How do I purchase or renew my passport?
Detailed information about passports and international travel requirements, along with instructions for applying for a passport can be found at travel.state.gov.
*For more information about passport requirements, please contact the U.S. Department of State by visiting travel.state.gov.




And of course to book go to

www.thewaytogotravel.com

or call 888-750-0825
816-392-5880


Happy Traveling


The Way to Go Travel in Kansas City

Want to get married in Hawaii?

Want to get married in Hawaii?

Check this out.....

Q: How do I get a marriage license in Hawaii?

A: Hawaii has very simple requirements for a marriage license. You must be 18; have a valid driver's license / passport / state ID, and pay $60 in cash for your license. Blood test or US citizenship are not required. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 30 days.

   You or your wedding coordinator must arrange an appointment with a marriage license agent on the island where you will get married. Keep in mind that marriage license offices are open Mon-Fri only, so if you would like to have a ceremony on Saturday or Sunday, you should fly in on or before Thursday, and make an appointment for Friday. You can download the marriage license application (PDF).


For more help planning a wedding in Hawaii or anywhere else in the world contact us!!

The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
in Kansas City 816-392-5880
agent@thewaytogotravel.com

www.thewaytogotravel.com

Peso's or Dollars?

This is a great question if you're heading south of the border.


Whether  US dollars, or Mexican Pesos is probably the question I’m asked most often by travelers to Mexico.

Rules have changed. In 2010, the Mexican government made banking changes and limits were imposed for how much US currency you could exchange or use for purchases.

For the best buying power.....Withdraw Pesos from an ATM. You have to know what types of service fees your bank will charge ahead of time and you have to have a 4-digit PIN code.  Also, you can’t deal with a cheapo bank that doesn’t allow international transactions. The trade off for this homework is that you’ll receive the most current International currency exchange rates with the lowest exchange fees.
Use Pesos for purchases where possible – this will give you the best rate of exchange (most prices are listed in US dollars). This can work to your advantage as long as you understand how it’s going to work ahead of time.  Hotels will give you the most accurate exchange, shop keepers and open-air markets will exchange more favorably to themselves, and taxis – well they just exchange 10:1 (today’s exchange is $1 USD : $14.02MXN).
This is also why we always tell people to pre-book excursions and shuttles.  A $80 tour to Tulum doesn’t sound like a lot, but they’ll convert it to Pesos before they process the charge (and the exchange rate usually isn’t to your benefit) and then your bank will convert it again (at an accurate rate though) but they’ll ding you an International Currency Conversion Fee (add another 2.5%!).  Tours and shuttles can all be pre-booked and are always 10%-20% lower than the posted price but after you add the exchange and Visa fees, you can increase your savings by that much more.


Happy Traveling,


Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
Vacation Specialist
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
www.thewaytogotravel.com

Without a Travel Agent – you are on your own!

In today’s faced paced a tech savvy world, you can do almost anything by yourself online from  filing your taxes, preparing legal documents, purchasing insurance and making travel arrangements. While all of the aforementioned tasks can all be done by yourself online, is it really saving you time ? Is it in your best interest?  For a fact I do know that without an experienced Travel Agent – you are on your own!

I have people contact our office after they've spent many days, even weeks researching destinations and trying to decide where to go and how to book, only to have them phone us frustrated and confused asking us to book their trip. We receive industry updates continually throughout the day, every day of the week. We know the destinations, we know where the current promotions are and we match each client to what they are looking for – within their desired budget so they always receive the best value .

It only benefits my agency to offer clients the best possible service (at NO COST) so they will enjoy their experience and know they have received not only an exceptional value, they also received customer service and attention. If at any time during their travels they need help, they have numbers to contact that will be answered by a real person who is concerned about them and has their best interest at heart.
It really is a huge benefit, time saver and in the clients best interest to have a travel agent they know and trust who gets to know them and how they like to travel.  This keeps the stress out of planning a vacation.

Contact us to help you plan your vacation!

Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
816-392-5880
888-750-0825
www.thewaytogotravel.com 
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com 

 

Why should I use a travel agent to book my trip instead of booking it myself on the internet?

Why should I use a travel agent to book my trip instead of booking it myself on the internet?

This is a question I had to answer recently for a potential client with whom I was speaking to for the first time. As a travel professional, I get this type of question a lot.

In this article I will reveal to you how I answered this question and how you can benefit from using the services of a professional travel agent versus booking your own travel online using a travel search engine.

1. Save time.
Sure you can spend hours, days, even months researching destinations and going from website to website in order to plan your own travel itinerary, but why would you want to do that? Time is a precious commodity that we can never get back. While you are spending all this time doing research and going from website to website to see if you can get a better deal, you could have more easily picked up the phone to have a travel agent do this research for you.
Professional travel agents are trained to do this because it's their job. A travel professional can do all the research, coordinate all the logistics, and put together a complete itinerary for your trip in a fraction of the time you can do it for yourself.

2. Use the agent's knowledge and resources.
Travel agents are trained travel professionals. It's their job to know the ins and outs of popular travel destinations. Although there is a ton of information on the internet readily available to the public, travel professionals have first-hand knowledge of many or most of the destinations you may choose to visit.
Secondly, travel professionals often have resources to inventory, special offers, and discounts available only to travel professionals to offer their clients. By using an agent, you'll be able to take advantage of these resources.

3. The travel agent advocates for you should something go wrong on your trip.
Let's say you have booked a flight and hotel online on one of the highly-advertised travel sites. Bingo! You're all set. Or are you?You check your confirmation and realize that you booked the wrong date. So you call customer service and you wait and wait; then finally you get a customer service representative who then tells you that there's a fee to change your reservation. Okay so you pay the fee, after all you don't have much of a choice.

The day comes for you to catch your flight. You get to your destination, but your luggage does not. The airline has lost one of your bags. So you're stuck again with a problem, and call customer service again. You get to your hotel to rest from your long day, and find that your hotel room isn't ready. Here you go again.
Now I'm not implying that a travel agent could have prevented all of this, but as a member of the travel industry, travel agents have special relationships with travel vendors. A complaint call or letter from a travel agent is more likely to get an expedited response than a letter from you, because of the agent's relationship with the travel vendor.

I know what you're thinking. You think that you'll pay more to use a travel agent. It's an incorrect assumption to think that using the services of a travel agent will be more expensive than booking your own travel online. Although some agents charge a service, (not us)  the benefits of using a professional travel agent far outweigh the risks of not using an agent.

We would be delighted to plan your next vacation, cruise or honeymoon...contact us for a free quote
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
888-750-0825

www.thewaytogotravel.com
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4171475

Why travel as a group?

Here at The Way To Go Travel and Hawaiian Island Excursions we arrange several groups each year.
Here are some advantages:

1. Group Discounts

One of the major advantages of group travel is that you can usually get discounts on accommodations. For example, most hotels will offer you a percentage discount off of the nightly rate.Note however that some hotels state that you have to book at least 10 rooms to get the discount, but there is always room for negotiation. Also, remember that we can usually negotiate even better deals with hotel managers if you are traveling as a group during off-peak season. Sometimes they will throw in additional perks to make it even more worth your while staying.

2. Rent an Apartment, Condo or a Villa

For some destinations  you might consider renting a villa or a condo. Why? The added bonus is that most are equipped with kitchens so you’ll surely save money on eating out by cooking meals in

3. Airline Discounts

Some airlines offer group discounts however the terms and conditions vary significantly from company to company.

4. Sightseeing Discounts

Some museums and other sights offer family and group discounts so don’t hesitate to inquire.

5. Renting a Vehicle

Renting a car or a van will allow you to see much more of your destination at a lower cost if you split the cost between your group.

6. Book a Cruise

The best thing about going on a cruise is that you will find many group discounts available. There are so many different activities on board that everyone can enjoy themselves in one way or another. Even though you are confined to a ship, it actually gives group travelers more freedom.


To get a free no obligation quote on your next vacation or cruise contact us.....

The Way To Go Travel
Hawaiian Island Excursions
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
agent@thewaytogotravel.com
agent@hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

• If you are used to the US generous luggage allowances on planes beware that on most overseas flights not departing/arriving in the US you are restricted to 20kg per a passenger. Trust me that is not very much, fortunately you are not moving overseas permanently!
• Remember that if you bring anything that needs electricity e.g. hairdryer,electric razor, camera battery charger, you may need to bring adapters as well. Do you really need to carry the item: even a cheap hotel often provides a hair-dryer and iron on request. Can you use disposal replacements for razors or batteries?
• Baseball caps and tracksuits scream "American Tourist" - if you want to blend in consider alternatives.
• Clearly mark your luggage with a distinctive tie or other mark so you can retrieve it easily from the luggage carousel.
• Be familiar with the security restrictions for carry-on items particularly fluids. However make sure that you carry essential items such as prescriptions with you, in quantities that will see you through 48 hours if your luggage is mislaid.
• Make sure you carry on to the plane your ticket, or E-ticket receipt, passport and a pen - you will invariably have to fill in an arrival form and customs declaration form - which are normally distributed in flight.
• Consider local customs when choosing cloths: don't pack shorts and singlets, regardless of your sex, if you are traveling to the Middle East or other Muslim countries such as Indonesia Malaysia and Turkey. You won't be allowed into key churches in European countries including Italy and Spain dressed in them either. 

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Hawaiian Island Excursions
888-750-0825
www.thewaytogotravel.com
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com

The most beautiful place....Kauai

Here is bit of history and information about the wonderful and breathtaking Hawaiian Island of Kauai.

Enjoy

For a free quote email us!

The Way To Go Travel
www.thewaytogotravel.com
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com
816-392-5880

888-750-0825

Kauai is the oldest and northernmost of all the main islands of Hawaii. Of its 533 square miles, only 3% of it is used for commercial and residents, the rest is divided between agriculture and conservation.

It is known as the "Garden State" because of its lush tropical scenery. It's beautiful and pristine landscape is a wonder to behold. Kauai's splendor has been the setting for Hollywood productions such as South Pacific, Jurassic Park, and Fantasy Island.

If you want to take a drive here it is very interesting. Although they don't believe in signs, you don't get lost because all the side roads lead back to the two main roads.

The 53 miles of pristine white beaches is incredible. While strolling along the beach you may encounter a Hawaiian Monk Seal basking in the sun. Hawaiian Monk Seals often haul up on beaches to sleep, sun, or give birth. These critically endangered marine mammals are protected under federal laws. You must stay at least 100 feet from them, and remember an agitated 400- to 600-pound wild animal could be dangerous.

Although so much of this island is under conservation, you can enjoy horseback riding, biking, fishing, camping, golf, windsurfing, scuba diving, and much, much more.

A bit about Puerto Vallarta

At the foot of the Sierra Madre, surrounded by rich tropical jungles is the colonial city of Puerto Vallarta. Originally a small pueblo, Puerto Vallarta has many historical sites such as the town plaza, very old churches, cobblestone streets and marketplaces. Once a sleepy seaside village, Puerto Vallarta still enjoys century-old traditions and a laid-back pace of life and it also has something for everyone. You can cruise down to Yelapa for a south seas environment and take a jungle hike to a 150-ft waterfall or you can catch the matadors fearlessly conquer bulls in the local bullfights. Active vacationers find Puerto Vallarta a great place to sport fish, scuba dive, snorkel, sail, jet ski, wind surf, ocean kayak, surf, play golf and tennis, hike, mountain bike and enjoy the arts. Even extreme sports are offered including: parasailing, bungee jumping, sand railing and ATV tours. Puerto Vallarta also offers the latest in family-oriented vacation attractions: hotel children’s programs and babysitting, guided bike tours, hiking, horseback riding, water parks, day-long boat cruises, state-of-the-art entertainment centers with video arcades and computerized bowling, and great beaches.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - While every destination in Mexico has something to offer the visitor, romantic Puerto Vallarta has everything: beaches on a beautiful bay, great dining, accommodations for every budget, a variety of entertainment, art galleries, excellent shopping, world class golf and tennis, activities and excursions galore, and fun, fun, fun! And all of this in the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican village with cobblestone streets and friendly people against a background of exuberant tropical vegetation and the majestic Sierra Madre mountains.

Dozens of restaurants, many with internationally-recognized chefs, feature cuisine from around the globe. It's a shoppers' paradise with traditional market stalls as well as designer boutiques, fine art galleries and handicrafts from every corner of Mexico.

Vallarta offers championship golf, tennis tournaments, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and more for the active traveler! Day trips range from a flight to a mountain silver mining village to a cruise to the island preserve of many endangered species, from booze cruises to dolphin and whale watching.

Easily accessible by air, land or sea, Puerto Vallarta has won awards for its handling of tourism and its clean water supply. Safety and sanitation receive high priority and world class hotels provide facilities for meetings and conventions.

Get your free vacation quote today!
or book directly here.

Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
www.thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880
888-750-0825

10 more reasons to use a travel agent for your vacation

 Here at The Way To Go Travel our travel agents are often asked why should I use a travel agent for planning my all inclusive vacation, cruise or honeymoon ?

First of all there is no additional cost!!
We are paid by supplier and vendors not you directly.

 What a travel agent can do for you......

1. Offer the best product information for you
2. Investigating and supplying competitive information
3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions
4. Analyzing the current promotions :The cheapest is not always the best.
5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions
6. Making recommendations for travel-related options
7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction
8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities
9. Using our clout to get the best possible in seemingly impossible situation
10. Get problems resolved

As always feel free to contact us for a free travel quote.

The Way To Go Travel
816-392-5880
888-750-0825

You need a qualified travel agent when......

 You need a qualified travel agent when......

1. You've Googled "Mexico vacation," and come up with 17.8 million responses. Need a little help editing those choices?

2. Remember when you used that obscure website to book your hotel, and when you got there you spent your beach vacation overlooking a parking lot?

3. How many hours were you on hold with the airline when your flight was canceled because of a snowstorm?

4. Did you really mean to spend your honeymoon at that resort whose one tiny pool was filled all day with 12 screaming children?

5. Who knew that when you booked that "villa" in Tuscany, it would be a small room with a kitchenette and no air conditioning? Funny, it looked much better on your computer screen.

6. No one explained to you that in July, it's winter time in Rio, and so you showed up there with nothing but five Hawaiian shirts and three pairs of swimming trunks.

7. How about the time you really needed a restful vacation, and you ended up in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and someone threw up on your shoes?

8. Yes, I guess that hotel must have used a telephoto lens when they took a picture of those guest rooms that you saw on their website.

9. I suppose contacting the Attorney General to resolve the fact that that Internet site has billed your credit card three times instead of once is the only route to take at this point.

10. It was definitely odd that there were no cab drivers at the airport at 3 o'clock in the morning when you finally landed in Costa Rica, but booking a transfer to your very remote hotel would have been a good thing to remember when you purchased your airline ticket and hotel online. 

Remember..... without a travel agent you are on your own.

Happy Vacationing!

contact us for all of your travel needs

Ron Trimper

The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City

816-392-5880

www.thewaytogotravel.com

agent@thewaytogotravel.com

Who uses a travel agent ?

Who uses travel agents?
Travel agents are the leading distributors of travel products and services. Travel agents sell:

87% of cruises
81% of all tours and packages
51% of all airline tickets
47% of all hotel stays
45% of all car rentals
Source: 2004 Travel Industry Survey/Travel Weekly

Agents are the only unbiased professionals who can sort through nearly 100,000 daily changes in airfares alone.
Experience, constant industry interaction and computer reservations systems make travel agents the only source savvy enough to engineer a relaxing trip out of the fluctuating complexities of travel offerings. So, save yourself time, money and frustration.

Cheers,

Ron


The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City 
816-392-5880
888-750-0825
rtimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Ron Trimper

Why use the services of a travel agent?

Why use the services of a travelagent?

1.CUSTOMER ADVOCACY: Travel agents are there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made if you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience. This was the case with last years outbreak of the H1N1 Flu. It was the professional travel agent that helped customers get back home.

2.EXPERT GUIDANCE: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day. They provide convenient one-stop shopping.

3.PERSONALIZED SERVICE: Travel agents are your neighbors, not the impersonal voice thousand of miles away. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. They have a vested interest in making sure you have the best travel experience possible.

4.PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the best price. They have intimate knowledge of the destinations they sell and are able to select the most appropriate travel arrangements to meet their clients needs.

5.TIME SAVING: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.

6.UNBIASED INFORMATION: Travel agents work for their clients (you-the consumer), not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

7.BEST DEALS: Travel agents are out to find the consumer the best rate available. Agents are there to save you money as well as time.

8. NO ADDITIONAL COST: Travel agents are paid a “commission” from the various travel suppliers. The consumer does not pay more to use a travel agent. In fact, most times a travel agent can find not just the best price, but the best value for your vacation dollars. So why not use a travel agent?

Ron Trimper

The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City

Kansas City MO 

816-392-5880

www.thewaytogotravel.com

Some common passport questions (United States)

Here at The Way To Go travel in Kansas City, we get asked questions about passports and traveling everyday. Look this post through and if you still have any question well give us a call or shoot us an email.

U.S. Passport and Visa Information

Knowing which documents you need when traveling internationally is essential to having a stress-free vacation. Prepare yourself by learning about the latest travel requirements and important information you need to know before traveling. Passports
What documents are required when traveling internationally?
You are required to have a U.S. Passport Book when traveling by air to any international location.
If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean Region (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos), you are required to have a U.S. Passport Book or Card.
Please note: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Contact us before your cruise to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
What is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, customers are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 10 weeks.
How long is a passport valid and when should I renew my passport?

• If you were over age 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
• If you were age 15 or younger when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.

The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail.
How do I purchase or renew my passport?
Detailed information about passports and international travel requirements, along with instructions for applying for a passport can be found at travel.state.gov.
*For more information about passport requirements, please contact the U.S. Department of State by visiting travel.state.gov.
Visas Do I need a visa if I am a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad they may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. When planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country by visiting the U.S. Department of State's Country Specific Travel Information.

Happy Traveling,

Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880

Is travel to Mexico safe?

How Safe is Mexico was written by Carol Pucci and was posted on The Seattle Times
I’ll be taking my first trip to the Yucatan in Mexico later this year, and I’m excited to delve into Merida’s music scene, explore ancient ruins and relax along the Mayan Riviera.
I’m also thrilled about the prices. I’m paying $60 for two, including breakfast, at the Hotel Julamis, a boutique inn with a garden and pool in Merida’s historical center. For a short stay in the beach town of Puerto Morleos, I found a studio apartment for $80, with free bikes thrown in.
I’ve traveled in Mexico for years, and I always look forward to going back. Mexico is cheaper than Hawaii and, to me, more interesting than Costa Rica. But with all the reports of drug-related violence and killings, people ask, “Is it safe to go Mexico?”
I put the question to Mexican Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara, who was in Seattle recently for meetings with airline executives and travel agents.
Her answer: “Get a map.”
Misconceptions of Mexico
Surprisingly, Guevara didn’t sugarcoat the impact the violence among warring drug cartels has had on how people feel about travel to Mexico. How could she when I brought along a news clipping about a man’s torso and arm found on a street near a beachfront hotel in Acapulco? Mexicans are as upset about what’s happening in their country as anyone.
But Guevara points out that Mexico is a big country, with 2,500 municipalities.
“All of the problems you hear about have occurred in just 80 of these places, less than 5 percent,” nearly all outside the places most travelers go.
“Asking if Mexico is safe,” she says, ” is a little like asking if something happens in Atlanta, is it safe to go to Seattle.”
Fair enough. So what is the biggest misconception people here have?
“When they think of Mexico, they don’t think about specific places,” Guevara says. “They just say ‘Mexico.’ ”
It’s true that drug-related violence has left thousands of Mexicans dead in the border towns of Ciudad Juárez and Nuevo Laredo. The violence lately has begun to spread, and the country remains under a U.S. State Department travel warning (see www.travel.state.gov).
It’s also true that most American tourists go to a handful of destinations such as Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and the Mayan Riviera, all areas as safe as they look.
Tourism is hugely important, generating 22 million international visitors annually, 2.5 million jobs in 2010, and $11.8 billion in revenue, according to Mexican government figures. It’s Guevara’s job to promote travel. But I get her point.
I’ve never felt unsafe in Mexico. Not taking the subway in Mexico City. Not riding a long-distance bus to Mazatlan in the state of Sinaloa, home to one of the most powerful drug cartels. Not walking the streets of Guadalajara, Sayulita, Oaxaca or Guanajuato.
Most people who go to Mexico feel this way, Guevara said. Ninety-nine percent of travelers who responded to a recent government tourism survey said they had a good experience and would go back again, she said.
“The fact of the matter is that most of central and southern Mexico sees less violence than many U.S. cities,” writes Lonely Planet guidebook author Robert Reid.
The U.S. travel warning advises which areas to avoid. None include Reid’s top destinations — Mexico City, Merida, Todos Santos, San Miguel de Allende, Huatulco, Playa del Carmen, Guanajuato and Puebla. I’d add Oaxaca for food and art and Guadalajara for shopping.
Guevara says that the best way to judge what it’s like in Mexico is to ask someone who’s been recently.

packing tips from a travel agent

1. Pack Clothing

   • Remember this order of operations: shirts on the bottom, then dresses (if applicable), then pants.
   • Stack tops, unfolded, by placing wrinkle-prone tops toward the bottom of a pile and less easily wrinkled ones toward the top.
   • Fold the sleeves in toward the shirts' torsos.
   • Fold the shirts in half from the bottom. You now have a rectangular bundle of shirts; place it in your suitcase.
   • Drape long dresses in the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides.
   • Place pants and skirts on a flat surface; fold each in half lengthwise.
   • Stack pants and skirts on top of one another, with easily wrinkled ones on the bottom and sturdier ones, such as jeans, on top. Fold the stack over, so that its length is halved.
   • Place your stack of pants and skirts on top of the dresses, then fold the ends of the dresses over the pants and skirts.

   Pack Accessories

   • Roll ties loosely.
   • Stuff socks in shoes. Pack underwear in mesh laundry bags or side pockets to save space.
   • Arrange each pair of shoes so that the heel of one aligns with the toe of the other.
   • Wrap pairs of shoes in separate plastic bags, and place them along the border of your suitcase.
   • Protect clothes from leaks by placing toiletries in a plastic bag.
   • Pack essential toiletries in a carry-on bag. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, medication and other important items.

Ron Trimper

Travel Agent

The way To Go Travel in Kansas City

816-392-5880

rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Happy Travels!!

Q and A....Travel Insurance and Hurricanes

• Q. How can travel insurance cover my vacation investment in the event of a hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather?
  A. In the event of a covered hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather, travel insurance provides coverage under the Trip Cancellation and Interruption benefit. If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, we will refund the pre-paid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs trip up to the limit of coverage.
• Q. If a hurricane watch or warning is issued that may impact my travel plans, up to what point can I still purchase travel insurance?
  A. Insurance must be purchased 24 hours prior to when the hurricane has been named. Once the hurricane has been named, Trip Cancellation and Interruption losses resulting from the hurricane are excluded from the coverage of the policy.
• Q. If the resort that I will be staying at next week is damaged in a storm before my scheduled departure, can I cancel my trip and be reimbursed for my non-refundable costs?
  A. If the resort is damaged and cannot accommodate you (or provide comparable accommodations), your nonrefundable costs will be reimbursed.
• Q. I'm worried that a predicted storm's path will be too near to the location of my upcoming insured vacation; can I cancel for a refund?
  A. If the storm directly affects your travel arrangements or accommodations, you are entitled to Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits. For example: an airport is closed due to the high winds; you are forced to evacuate your hotel/resort; the road you are traveling is impassable due to high water. On the other hand, if you choose to cancel a trip based on what you think might happen — and not because the inclement weather has directly affected your travel arrangements — that would be considered a matter of choice — not a direct loss to your arrangements.
• Q. If my airport is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, and my vacation is delayed, will I be reimbursed?
  A. Yes, travel insurance will cover the expenses incurred if your trip is delayed and will cover reasonable, additional accommodations and travel expenses until travel becomes possible.

Ask your local Travel Agent about what policy is best for you....

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Kansas City MO
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com

Why use an experienced travel agent?

Save Money! - Strong working relationships with travel suppliers and the latest in computer reservations technology enable us to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Traveler Advocates - Your best interests are the priority.
Service - Out travel agents are knowledgeable and active in the industry. We provides education, training and resource materials to our agents to equip them with the tools to offer the highest quality of service.
Agents Will Go the Extra Mile - Agents work for you and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs. Some agents literally go that extra mile to help their clients.

• Best value. Our agents work hard to get you the best value for your dollar. While we can't control prices, we can provide you with accurate information on the latest deals and special promotions. We can explore what options and quality products exist so you can make an informed decision.
• Convenient one-stop shopping. Save time and money by having your travel agent handle every aspect of your trip from lodging to activities.
• Consumer advocate. We don't stop working for you once you've booked your trip. In the event that you experience problems along the way, your agent can act on your behalf and see that restitution is made.
• Expert guidance. Experienced travel agents know the "ins" and "outs" of the system and can help you take full advantage of them. We have access to a variety of travel options and quotes from a host of suppliers and can help you find the product that's right for you.
• Personalized service.Our agents are not some impersonal voice or lifeless Web site. We know you and your travel needs and offer unbiased information since we work for you, not the supplier. Our agents strive for customer satisfaction since they want you to return the next time you're planning a trip.

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We know you have many options when it comes to where you purchase your travel, so we thank you for choosing us. We'd like to remind you that even after you've booked your trip, we remain committed to your satisfaction. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding your trip or need assistance at your destination, feel free to contact us.

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Kansas City MO
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880