With the start of a new year, many of you are already preparing for 2018’s travel adventures. This is a great time to talk to your advisor about the industry’s hottest destinations, plan your trips, and book ahead for the best availabilities and airfare. Dream big! Let your imagination take you around the world!

While you’re making all those wonderful plans to travel the globe with your loved ones or on your business ventures, I want to remind you of three important tips to keep in mind this year. Like most other industries, the rules of the game in the travel world change often, and this year is no exception. As your trusted advisor, my goal is to help you travel safely and with good common sense. By following these three essential travel tips, you can eliminate undue stress and maximize your time, value, and experiences during your journeys.

Keep Your Passport Current—Even if You’re Traveling Domestically

Thanks to the Real ID Act that went into effect recently, many US residents can no longer travel by air from state to state without a passport. This means if you live in certain states, you can’t whip out your license at check-in, even if you’re just traveling to another US city. While this may be inconvenient for some, the preventative solution is simple: Keep your passport current and take it with you whenever you travel domestically. To see the current restrictions of your state, click here.

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Apply for Global Entry

For those of you who travel frequently, Global Entry is your golden ticket! This government-approved card will grant you access to bypass long check-in and security lines in most US airports as well as with US carriers flying internationally. I can’t tell you how much time and stress Global Entry has saved me during my extended travels this past year! This is one travel expense worth its weight in gold. If you don’t have Global Entry yet, stop right now and apply. You’ll be glad you did!

Application Note: In order to receive your Global Entry card, you will have to go through an extensive application process, which also requires a scheduled interview with US Customs. If you don’t live near a customs interview center, you may have to drive out-of-state for your interview. To begin your application, click here.

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Purchase Travel Insurance

Just like home or car insurance, travel insurance is the safety package that helps protect you in case of unexpected emergencies. There are many different coverage options on the market ranging from natural disasters to illness or terroism. In today's unpredictable world, I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you and your family while away from home.

Thanks to our ProTravel network, we have access to some of the best travel insurance contracts available and can add a policy to any trip you book with us, even if it’s just airfare. Depending on your chosen policy, a proactive plan can help safeguard you in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For more information on travel insurance, click here.

My team and I would like to wish each of you a happy new year full of fun, adventure, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As always, we are here to service you with excellence and bring you the best travel experience possible. Happy Travels!

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