Travel Tips and Information Documents Passport information Passports generally take 4-6 weeks to arrive. Everyone will need a passport if you are traveling outside the United States (including children). You do not need a passport if you are traveling to Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John and St Croix.) They are good for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. Locally, you can get them at Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River, Wright County Government Center in buffalo and Stearns County Government Center in St Cloud. Here are their websites if you need more information: Sherburne County Wright County Stearns County If you already have a passport, check your passport validity for international trips also be aware of visa requirements for the countries you are travelling to. It is also a good idea to leave your passport details and copies of your travel documents with family. A passport must be valid at least six months from the date of departure. If you are traveling with your child (or children) outside the United States and both parents are not present, you will need to have a notorized letter from the absent parent that states consent. The only exceptions to this is if you are the legal guardian or the absent parent is deceased. If this is the case you will need to bring paperwork showing this. If you are going on your honeymoon and have not changed your last name yet, you will travel with your maiden name. Your name needs to match your license and/or passport. Packing Tips Here are a couple packing checklists that will make it easier for you to remember everything you will need on your vacation: General packing tips Activitiy packing tips Pack your travel documents in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase, for easy access Carry prescriptions for any required medications or eyewear. Pack a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage in case of baggage loss or delayed. Couples who have several types of Credit Cards should select one different card each. If one of the Credit Cards is lost or stolen immediate credit is available with the use of the other card. Before you Go Check with your doctor if any vaccinations are required for any destinations you are unsure of. If you are traveling abroad and will be renting a car, you many need to purchase an International Drivers Licence. Reconfirm that your frequent flyer numbers are in your booking, including any special meals required and any seating preferences. Retain all your boarding passes until the next frequent flyer statement to ensure you have received your points. If you are staying at an all-inclusive, there probably are dress codes for the evening restaurants. Call us for more information on your particular hotel. For international travel, check the country's voltage to see if your appliances are adaptable. If not, you may need to buy an adapter. Check the currency used in the country you are travelling to and if all credit card types are accepted. You may want to use travelers checks, however if you are traveling to tourist areas in Mexico or the Caribbean, US money may be accepted (and in some places preferred). If you are planning to call home when you are gone, you should purchase an international calling card. Charges to call home from your cell or from your hotel will most likely be very expensive! Airport and baggage info Baggage fees Most airlines are charging for any baggage you check in. Typical prices are $15 per person each direction for the first checked in bag and $25 for the second. You can still carry on luggage for no charge which typically consists of 1 suitcase and 1 purse, laptop or briefcase. Check with us regarding the policies of your specific airline. Prohibited items Here is a good website that explains items that you can and cannot bring with you as carry on or in you checked luggage: Prohibited items The most important thing to remember is that you may not bring any liquids in your carry on unless they are in a 3 ounce bottle or smaller and enclosed in one quart size zip lock bag. This includes toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, shampoo, make up. etc. You may included all of this in your checked in luggage. Call us if you need any further information. Contact airline Call your airline to reconfirm your flight times about 24 hours prior to your departure AND before you leave for the airport to make sure there are not any last minute changes. Baggage - make sure that you have external tags and labels with name and address and internal labels with name address. Record details of the dimensions, brand, value, size and contents in case of lost luggage with an airline, complete a lost baggage report and retain a copy for insurance and your own follow-up. Exchange Rates Here is a website for to help with currency conversion: Exchange Calculator   Call today and start planning your vacation of a lifetime! Stefanie Epperly 763-262-0188 Noreen Mccalla 320-743-2962 Home | Services | Travel Info and Tips |Contact Us | Add to Favorites