Travel Checklist- Helpful Tip for Packing from the TSA
Before Packing
 Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
3.4 ounces or less per container
1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
1 bag per passenger

 Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
If purchasing a baggage lock, be sure to look for those that are TSA recognized.
Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics.

When Packing
Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline.
All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.
Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility.
Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.
If traveling with a pet, be sure to bring a leash so carriers can be properly screened.

Before Leaving for the Airport
Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early.
Wear easily removable shoes.
Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227.

Before Entering the Checkpoint
Eligible passengers look for the TSA Pre✓® lane for expedited screening at participating airports.
Have your ID and boarding pass out for inspection.

In Standard Screening Lane
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

Resources

Our Travel Resources links will help you prepare for your vacation. Any need-to-know information, advisories, precautions and travel insurance information can be found here.

U.S. Department of State-Passport Information:
Travel.state.gov

Travel Alerts- Alerts and warnings by destination:
Travel.State.gov

CDC Travel information- Health precautions and warnings by destination:
cdc.gov/travel

Travel Services Administration- Security and check-in procedures for Airlines:
TSA.gov/travel/security-screening

STEP Program- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program- https://step.state.gov/step/

Travel Guard Travel Insurance-Purchase a travel insurance policy to protect your vacation investment.
Click the link below:

TSA Pre✓® = Game Changer
Who doesn’t want to get through security faster? TSA Pre✓® allows you to do just that. It’s quick and easy security screening for travelers we know more about – and have earned the esteemed title of “Trusted Traveler.” Applying is easy and once you’re a member- you’ll never want to go back.If you want to know more about all of the DHS trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry and Nexus, pls visit: dhs.gov/tt.

+1.228.547.8626

Travel To Hot Climates

Traveling in hot climates can make you sick, especially if you are not accustomed to the heat. People at highest risk are the elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses, but even young and healthy people can get sick from heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

When you are not in an air-conditioned building, take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths when traveling in hot climates:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
Try to schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
Rest often, and try to stay in the shade when outdoors.
If you will be doing strenuous activities in the heat, try to get adjusted before you leave by exercising 1 hour per day in the heat.


Overheating can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, headache, dizziness or confusion, and nausea. If you or anyone you are traveling with develops these symptoms, get out of the sun and try to cool off by fanning or getting in the water. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency; get medical attention if symptoms persist.

U.S. Passports:
Who, What, When, Why and How


The U.S. Department of State is expecting an increase in passport applications through 2018. This comes as a result of the 2007 Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) that mandated that U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by air or land from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico must have a valid passport in order to gain entry. Because of the timing of WHTI, those new passports issued in 2007 (over 18 million!) are expiring, causing an influx in renewal applications and a slowdown in processing times.

Mexico and the Caribbean are very popular vacation destinations for U.S. citizens, who need valid passports to gain entry to those destinations AND to the U.S. when returning home. So what can you do to make sure you and your passport are ready for travel this year?

Do you currently have a passport?
First, check the expiration date! Based on when you got it and the timing of WHTI, it could be expiring this year. It’s important to know the expiration date because many countries require travelers to have at least 6 months of remaining validity on their passport in order to gain entry.
So if you’re going to St. Lucia in September and your passport expires in July, you would not be allowed to enter the country. Travelers should renew their passport as soon as possible and, based on processing times, even push back the travel dates to be sure they’ll have their renewed passport when they depart.
Passport renewals can be done by mail if you meet the criteria, which is clearly outlined by the U.S. Department of State. Renewals can also be done in person if your client doesn’t meet the criteria to renew by mail. And if your departure date is sooner than you thought, renewals can be expedited for an additional cost.

Are you  applying for a passport for the first time?
First, make sure your application is complete, correct and submitted on time!
Next, the photo. According to the State Department, bad photos are the #1 reason the passport application process is delayed. A photo that is too bright, too dark, not recent, too small, too big or of low image quality may not be accepted. And, as of November 1, 2016, photos with eye glasses are not accepted. Your best bet is to have your photo taken somewhere that offers passport photo services, like Walgreens or CVS.

Another common issue when applying for a new passport is submitting improper proof of citizenship. There are a few options to choose from, but the most important thing to remember is that the original document must be presented, no photocopies! Options include:
Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (must meet all of the following requirements):
- Issued by city, county or state of birth
- Lists bearer’s full name, date of birth and place of birth
- Lists parent(s)’ full names
Has date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
Has registrar’s signature
Has embossed, impressed or multi-colored seal of registrar
- Previous U.S. passport (may be expired, but must be undamaged)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship,

Travelers must also present proper photo identification and, this sometimes causes confusion, a photocopy of that identification is needed. Proper photo identification can be:
Valid driver’s license (if it’s issued in a different state than where you apply, you must present a second ID)
Undamaged U.S. passport (if issued less than 15 years ago)
Certificate of Naturalization
Valid government ID (city, state or federal)
Valid military ID


As of December 1,2017 and subject to change t any time, The cost of a new passport for an adult is $135. The cost of a renewal of an adult passport is $110. A passport for a minor (anyone under the age of 16) costs $105. Passport cards, which are different than a passport, are less expensive but can only be used for international trips by land and sea – they are not valid for international air travel. To learn more about passport cards, visit the Department of State’s passport card page.