U.S. Passport Changes That You Need to Know

Passport changes are coming, and if you plan on traveling in the near future—especially if you’re among the 49 million Americans whose passports will expire in the next few years—you need to know what passport changes are in store.While it may seem easy enough to acquire or renew a passport if and when you plan a trip, the State Department says there’s about to be a massive backlog of passport applications. (More on that in a minute.) Plus, passports themselves are going to change. Here’s what you should know about both the expected passport application delays and the passport changes coming in the years ahead.

For more information visit: https://www.smartertravel.com/2016/10/27/passport-changes/

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8 Best Cruise Lines for Families

Are you looking to book the perfect family vacation at sea? Here are the top cruise lines to consider for taking multiple generations onboard.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is probably the first company to come to mind when considering any cruise vacation, and that’s for good reason. It offers one of the best values on the market while truly providing something for everyone. Gone is its former booze-cruise stigma, and here now are family-friendly activities, great kids and teen facilities and plenty of dining and entertainment choices to satisfy even the pickiest.

Disney Cruise Line

Just the name Disney is enough to capture the imagination with all kinds of family fun. It may not be the cheapest line on the list, but as with everything, you do get what you pay for. And on the Disney Cruise Line that means premium entertainment, larger-than-average children’s clubs, signature character meet-and-greets with the likes of Mickey and Minnie and great dining in themed spaces. After all, Disney is always telling a story.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Chances are you may have not even heard of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, but if you’re in the market for enjoying a luxury cruise with the entire family, its EUROPA 2 may very well fit the bill. There are staterooms dedicated to multiple generations as well as kids and teens venues, all things not nearly as common on most luxury lines.

Holland America Line

Similarly, Holland America Line may not immediately come to mind when you think of younger children coming along, but grandparents love this brand, making it a perfect setting for parents and kids to come along. Besides, the line’s average age is declining each year, and as it continues to modernize, there’s more for all ages to enjoy including playful kids facilities.

MSC Cruises

Not only has MSC Cruises partnered up with great kid-friendly brands like Chicco and LEGO, but the line also features astounding Kids Cruise Free fares on select sailings. That way everything from the aqua park and water slides to F1 simulator and 4D cinema are that much closer to entertaining you and your little ones.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line may have recently ended its partnership with Nickelodeon, but it still offers some of the largest kids facilities at sea, especially on its newest ships. Plus, the latest vessels also have fantastic water slide complexes with tame to thrilling varieties to suit everyone’s tastes for adventure.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises already had great kids facilities for ages up to teens, and now the line is improving them in collaboration with Discovery Consumer Products. That means while families can collectively enjoy Discovery at Sea programming like trivia and stargazing, children also get their own spaces dedicated to shows and networks like MythBusters and Animal Planet.

Royal Caribbean International

Last but not least, Royal Caribbean International is making a name for itself in the family market by featuring cluster cabins suited to multiple generations on its newest ships as well as one of the greatest arrays of entertainment at sea. The DreamWorks Experience also brings characters and film screenings onboard while ice skating spectaculars and water diving performances up the ante on basic production shows.

Featured article: http://cruisefever.net/0215-8-best-cruise-lines-families/

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Travel Tips

Tips for Flying with Gifts!

If you're celebrating the holidays away from home, you may be wrestling with how to get gifts to your loved ones. With careful planning and packing, however, you can get your gifts safely to their destination. Read up on our favorite tips for flying with gifts.

Flying with Wrapped Gifts

Wrapped gifts are allowed in both carry-ons and checked luggage. However, airport security may need to open gifts as part of their inspections, but it is rare. To decrease the likelihood of your gifts being unwrapped, pack them in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on.

Flying with Edible Gifts

Be sure to factor where your baggage is stored during flight, especially edible gifts as they may be prone to spoiling or melting. Bag and cushion perishable gifts with clothing to avoid a mess in your suitcase. Keep in mind, any liquids or sauces that exceed 3.4 oz. will need to go into your checked luggage.

Flying with Valuable or Irreplaceable Gifts

Carry valuables onto the plane in a small carry-on bag and place it beneath the seat in front of you. The only way to ensure your items are not damaged, stolen, or lost is to carry them yourself. An alternative is to ship valuables via a shipping service that includes insurance and tracking.

Flying Home with Gifts You Receive

Pack a sturdy duffel bag to use as an additional piece of luggage on your return flight. Use it for clothing, laundry, shoes, non-breakable items, and transport fragile gifts home in the more protective suitcase.

By using these tips as a guideline, you can better organize and prepare for your trip. Stay tuned to Travel Tip Tuesdays for more in-depth information about the best way to travel.

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