Cancun Eliminates Mandatory Customs Forms for Arriving Tourist

Travelers at the customs line at Cancun Airport.

Government officials in Cancun announced the destination has ended the need for arriving travelers to fill out customs (FMM) forms and granted Americans a fast-track entry process.

According to the Cancun Sun, many travelers who didn’t complete the Forma Multipla Migratoria (FMM) paperwork online were forced to complete the documents in person, causing delays at airport security and immigration checkpoints.

The Mexican Association of Travel Agencies in Quintana Roo’s executive president Sergio Gonzalez Rubiera said eliminating the paperwork would reduce the process from around an hour to just minutes.

Rubiera also revealed the new system would soon be available in other airports in Mexico.

The government will now issue travelers from the United States and other approved countries a stamp instead of the previously required card. The card would need to be presented as travelers departed Mexico, with visitors footing a $25 fee if they lost it.

Now, approved travelers will be granted a residence permit for 180 days. The government is working to streamline the entry process for tourists as part of an effort to ease the workload for airport employees, as staff shortages continue to impact the industry.

Earlier this month, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism revealed that the country hosted approximately 25.4 million international visitors between January and May, more than 5.2 million more than 2021, representing an increase of 25.9 percent.

Last week, the U.S. Department of State released its annual update to the Travel Advisory for Mexico, upgrading three Mexican states—Nayarit, Estado de Mexico and Coahuila—thanks to improvements in security.

New AMR Collections resorts coming!

More luxury. More privileges. More destinations. Yep, the AMR™ Collection is getting bigger in 2022.

There’s nothing more exciting than when a travel brand you love introduces a new hotel … unless of course there are EIGHT of them!

Already one of the largest, most respected names in all-inclusive vacationing, AMR™ Collection is once again expanding their portfolio, with new Secrets, Dreams, and Breathless Resorts & Spas and Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts opening their doors this year. We’re breaking down why each one deserves to be on your radar—and how soon you can stay.

MEXICO

BREATHLESS CANCUN SOUL RESORT & SPA
Adults-Only │ Now Open!

A new cosmopolitan beach experience is shaking up Cancun. Bringing Breathless Resorts & Spas’ exclusive brand of edgy sophistication to the Hotel Zone, this all-suite Unlimited-Luxury® property premiered just two months ago—and has been making a stylish statement ever since. Expect plenty of opportunity for spreading your social butterfly wings with rooftop, pool, and themed parties that tap into the soul of the destination.

Need-to-know: 429 suites, 10 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, close to downtown shopping

Don’t miss the …

  • xhale club. Not only does this upgraded level of accommodations have its own rooftop pool and bar, but every suite has a mini TV in its vanity mirror and a complimentary martini bar.
  • xcelerate infinity pool, located on the roof of the tower of the same name.
  • Fizz Iced Champagne Bar next to said pool. Sparkling refreshments are optional but splurge-worthy, except for xhale guests, who get a free 750 ml bottle of the resort’s choice.

ZOËTRY CASA DEL MAR LOS CABOS
Adults-Oriented │ Now Open!

One of the few boutique options for luxury stays in the Tourist Corridor, the Endless Privileges® of Zoëtry’s latest venture are a much-needed addition to the Cabo scene. Inspired by hacienda architecture—its colorful fountains, red-tile roofs, and picturesque arches—the property feels more like a private hideaway than a hotel. Here, ocean views from every single guestroom nourish the mind, while organic, local fare refreshes the body. Four pools, including a serpentine oasis, tennis courts, and free green fees at a nearby golf course keep the energy high or low as you need.   

Need-to-know: 57 rooms and suites, 2 dining venues, 2 bars, no set check-in or check-out times

Don’t miss the …

  • Saltwater restaurant, serving up seafood as stunning as the sea views. Time your dinner to align with sunset for the best panoramas.
  • Complimentary tequila tastings throughout the week.
  • Zoëtry Spa. Hydrotherapy starts off your wellness journey; premier Natura Bissé products send you straight to relaxation.

SECRETS MOXCHÉ PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Adults-Only │ Opening April 18, 2022

When a warm “Welcome home” greets you as you check in to this hotly anticipated property, you might think you’ve been caught up in a dream. Wake up to romance at its most luxurious as you stroll through corridors graced by Yucatan aesthetic and a fine eye for detail. Follow them to restaurants like the à la carte Bamboo, where a full alternative menu is reserved for plant-based cuisine; outside to three manmade cenotes, re-creations of the region’s natural wonder; and couples’ classes on cocktail making.

Need-to-know: 485 suites, 11 dining venues, 9 bars and lounges, ideal for groups and weddings

Don’t miss the …

  • Bike tours. Free and a great way to get a feel for the grounds, it’s the vacation date we didn’t know we needed. 
  • Taco tasting bar at Dos Almas, the resort’s Mexican eatery. Included tequila and mezcal tastings make for the perfect accompaniment.
  • Shops and restaurants of Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s trendiest street and only a ten-minute drive from the resort.

SECRETS IMPRESSION MOXCHÉ RESORT & SPA
Adults-Only │ Opening June 1, 2022

A separate resort within the larger Secrets Moxché property is set to up the elegance just in time for summer. Every detail is designed to, well, make an impression at this all-new concept from Secrets Resorts & Spas, from the elevated concierge service to the beachfront villas. Privacy and personalization have been given priority to ensure the highest level of Unlimited-Luxury® yet, evident in amenities like the exclusive beach club and a pillow menu for a night’s sleep Goldilocks would envy.

Need-to-know: 198 suites and villas, 14 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, free hydrotherapy once per stay

Don’t miss the …

  • Butler-service suites, including the 2-Story Penthouse Suite Ocean Front, outfitted with a private pool on the terrace and sprawling open living area.
  • Author’s Signature restaurant. Open for dinner only, this optional dining experience—free for select room categories—changes up the menu daily based on the freshest ingredients and chef’s inspiration. Formal attire and reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.
  • Free-flow access to Secrets Moxché and all of its amenities, including areas normally reserved for the Preferred Club.

DREAMS COZUMEL CAPE RESORT & SPA
Family-Friendly │ Opening June 2022

Adventure, romance, and relaxation are coming together at this new all-suite, all-Preferred Club resort. Understated luxury carries throughout, from the suites to the tropical gardens, but serenity and fun are equal partners here. An Explorer’s Club for Kids will keep children 3 – 12 entertained with games and even a climbing wall, while the teen set can socialize at the Core Zone. Crafted mocktails let families toast to finally getting away; movies on the beach give everyone a wind-down to look forward to. 

Need-to-know: 154 suites, 5 dining venues, 4 bars and lounges, access to Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and, for adults, Secrets Aura Cozumel

Don’t miss the …

  • Swim-out suites. Room categories like the Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out Pool View offer direct pool access for an extra-refreshing stay.
  • Scuba pool. An entire pool reserved just for scuba diving lessons is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to take the first step toward certification—and underwater exploration.
  • Sneak peek from May 15 – 31. Guests who want to be the first in line can check in before the official opening for full bragging rights.

THE CARIBBEAN

ZOËTRY CURAÇAO RESORT & SPA
Adults-Oriented │ Now Open!

A complimentary bottle of blue Curaçao liqueur is a fitting welcome to a suite inspired by the island. Only a ten-minute drive from the airport, the resort has all the charm of a secluded sanctuary nevertheless. Decompress in the free-form pool with hot tub, oversized but never overcrowded. After you’ve reenergized, head to a tasting at the wine bar, Papiamentu lesson to pick up a little local lingo, or a couples-massage demonstration. Low-key but luxurious activities let you redefine wellness any way you like.  

Need-to-know: 72 suites, 2 dining venues, 3 bars, 15 minutes from UNESCO-listed Willemstad

Don’t miss the …

  • Private wine cellar. Events for up to ten guests can be booked in advance through the hotel’s concierge.
  • Main restaurant, Bloom. An intimate, personalized dining experience, it focuses on turning fresh, locally grown ingredients into culinary masterpieces suited to taste.
  • Full access to Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Mix up—and add value to—your vacation with a foray to this family-friendly sister resort just a private golf-cart ride away.

ZOËTRY MARIGOT BAY ST. LUCIA
Adults-Oriented │ Coming in 2022

The first AMR™ Collection resort on the island of Saint Lucia is making its debut in 2022. Private but close to the action of fashionable Marigot Bay—the marina, the shopping, the restaurants—this completely redesigned property certainly has location down. Expect the service to be equally impressive, with its Endless Privileges® and emphasis on personalized leisure.

Need-to-know: 124 rooms and suites, 4 dining venues, 4 bars and lounges, located on Marigot Bay

Don’t miss the …

  • Not one, but two infinity pools overlooking the bay.
  • Included dining that proves healthy eating is good eating.
  • Massages, facials, and other vitalizing treatments at the spa.

COLOMBIA

DREAMS KARIBANA CARTAGENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Family-Friendly │ Opening April 2022

Unlimited-Luxury® is arriving in South America this spring, in the ultra-exclusive Karibana gated community. Neighbor to the Karibana Club on the beach; an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus (and also the only Tournament Players Club course on the continent); and, of course, the ocean and offering a wide variety of on-site activities, the resort will happily fill a need for families seeking an upscale all-inclusive getaway close to Cartagena.

Need-to-know: 279 suites, 6 dining venues, 5 bars and lounges, over 24,700 square feet of event space

Don’t miss the …

  • Live entertainment. Aimed at all ages, it’s a daily and nightly feature standard to Dreams Resorts & Spas.
  • Snack bar by the pool, for when you need a quick bite, but don’t want to leave your lounger.
  • Connecting rooms for families. Ideal for parents with older children or multigenerational vacations, these rooms have the best of privacy and proximity.
Apollo Back  –  6/3/21 local press release

Apollo Back – 6/3/21 local press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bruce Kahler                                                                                              

Apollo Travel

407-341-0853

Bruce@ApolloTravel.com

 

 

Apollo Travel Orlando announces vacation opportunities for honeymooners, couples and social media friends

 

 

Apollo Travel Orlando, a leading travel agency based in Florida, is kicking off the start of the summer travel season by reminding customers of its specialty couple vacation packages designed to spice up your love life.

 

The last several months were tough for families and relationships, but clear skies await Apollo Travel couples. One thing that sets Apollo Travel Orlando apart is the value and importance of romance. Booking romance travel with Apollo Travel gives you access to gorgeous destination wedding options and beautiful honeymoon locations with exquisite beaches and scenic landscapes. Many in-love travelers make memories in Cancun, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, and Barbados.

 

“For couples, the pandemic was a trying time. It was tough, and people need to reward themselves for making it out of a global health emergency as a team, as a family,” Apollo Travel Orlando CEO Bruce Kahler said.

 

A wedding is a unique and special experience that sets a foundation for lasting happiness. Apollo Travel Orlando avoids the “cookie-cutter” approach to traveling and gives each client a custom experience.

 

Letting Apollo Travel Orlando take the reins lessens the stress of any destination wedding or vacation planning. Apollo Travel Orlando agents can assist with many wedding stressors like your Honeymoon registry.

 

Apollo Travel Orlando also has options for all family and group sizes and accepts clients all over—not just Florida. Prospective travelers have an array of choices from its Caribbean All-Inclusive resorts and cruises to unique and affordable international travel options in Europe. Don’t worry Apollo Travel Orlando agents are industry experts and have all the information you need before traveling overseas.

 

Have a big family or special requests/accommodation? Leave your worries in the past. Apollo Travel Orlando agents can customize your travel to fit your family’s unique needs.

 

Let’s not forget about our social media friends. Apollo Travel Orlando is unique and caters to your entire friend circle, including those online. Travelers can book Organized Social trips with friends and family and connect with new friends.

 

For more information about booking your next vacation, visit www.apollotravel.com

 

ABOUT APOLLO TRAVEL: Apollo Travel Orlando is a successful travel agency specializing in Destination weddings, Social groups (with a flair for social Facebook group gatherings) as well as Caribbean all-Inclusive resorts, cruise and European vacations. The Apollo Travel Headquarters has a brick and mortar storefront, in the same Florida location since 1985.

 

 

Passport Application tips

Passport Application tips

Successful Travelling Begins with a Passport

~ Passport information update ~

The Department of State has issued updated passport guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with new safety guidelines, the Postal Service has made changes to its passport application process.

Beginning March 25, 2020, the Postal Service will conduct all passport application services by appointment only. You can use a computer or mobile device to go to usps.com/scheduler to make appointments.

Passport fairs will resume only after it is safe to do so.

Make your passport the first of your travel check-off list

To help you prepare for your international traveling any time of year, here are some passport application tips that are spot-on for happy adventurers. You can access passport information on our Passport Page on USPS.com®.

The Postal Service has operated as an agent for the U.S. Department of State to process passport applications since the 1970s.

The Postal Service is currently expanding offsite availability of its passport acceptance services and extending appointment hours across the country. You can see a list of passport offices throughout the country at the Department of State Travel Newsroom.

In 2007, more than 18.3 million passports were issued. The Postal Service accepted applications for more than half — 9.8 million. Those passports expired in 2017, creating a surge in passport applications and renewals.

In addition, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (enacted in 2009 that requires a passport or passport card when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and other countries of the Caribbean by land and sea) has added to the surge.

Preparing to travel out of the country

First, as you make your foreign travel plans, don’t forget to check your passport’s expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home and needs to have two or more blank pages. Also, be sure to check your family’s passports.

The passport application process can take several weeks, so it’s important to apply for your first-time or renewal passport as soon as you know you and your family will need them. You can check the current approximate processing time on the State Department’s Travel website.

The good news is the Postal Service has 4,800 passport acceptance facilities around the country that can accept first-time passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. It’s easy to find one by using the USPSLocator for a list of Post Office™ locations near you that process passports.

Gearing up for future travel and in need of a passport? The Postal Service will be here to help by offering the convenience of passport application and renewal at passport fairs, once it is safe to do so. New fairs will be listed regularly so be sure to visit the USPS press release page and click on your state. During the fairs, appointments are not required. Customers are encouraged to arrive early, as applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until the applicant maximum capacity has been reached.

USPS processes first-time passport applications and passport renewal applications for those not eligible to renew by mail. See ‘How do I renew my passport?’ in the FAQs listed below for information on renewal by mail.

What’s New?

Passport Execution Fee Effective

The Department of State passport execution fee for submitting your passport application to a passport acceptance agent (a United States Post Office, state or local government or State Department official) for verification and review is $35.  For more information, see details at the Department of State .

Applying for a Passport is Just a Few Clicks Away

There are a total of 4,800 Post Offices around the country that offer passport acceptance service. Of these, more than 3,100 offer appointments via telephone, and these select offices now offer the ability to schedule appointments through the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (RCAS) tool.

Be Timely

Current applications for the first-time at acceptance facilities throughout the country, routine passport processing is estimated to take between 4 to 6 weeks.

We encourage adult applicants to apply well in advance of travel plans as we anticipate longer than average wait times for passport processing over the coming months. First time applicants are encouraged to apply at the nearest acceptance facility.

Acceptance facilities do not accept renewal applications, so adult renewal applicants should mail in their application.

Take a new photo

There are new guidelines for passport photos. If you want to renew your passport and your existing photo shows you wearing eyeglasses, you will need to take a new passport photo without them. At some Passport Acceptance Facilities, photos can be taken for an additional fee.

Passport Video

Please see our video on USPS TV for a short presentation with some helpful passport tips. The tips include how early to apply for a passport, where to locate a USPS office for assistance, how long a passport is valid, expiration requirements, application requirements, and other important information to ensure your passport is ready for travel.

For more than 40 years, passport acceptance has continued to provide a convenient service for customers as well as a revenue stream for the Postal Service. The Postal Service is proud to work with the Department of State to provide customers with such a convenient way to apply for their passports.

Frequently Asked Questions

We want to ensure your passport application process goes smoothly and that you have the resources you need to begin your travel planning. Here are some common questions USPS passport acceptance clerks are often asked regarding passports.

Q: How do I apply for a first-time passport?

First-time passport applications must be submitted in-person at a passport acceptance facility (e.g., U.S. Post Office).

Here’s what you’ll need to do at a Post Office facility:

Complete Form DS-11: Application for A U.S. Passport

Submit evidence of U.S. citizenship

Present state-issued identification

Submit a photocopy of the identification document

Pay the applicable fee

Provide one passport photo

At some locations, you can have your passport photo taken on-site for an additional fee.

Q: Can I renew my passport at the passport acceptance facility?

No. First time applicants are encouraged to apply at the nearest acceptance facility. Acceptance facilities do not accept renewal applications, so adult renewal applicants should mail in their application.

Q: How do I renew my passport?

You can apply for a passport renewal by mail if the following apply to your passport:

Undamaged and able to be mailed with your application;

Was issued when you were age 16 or older

Was issued within the last 15 years; and

Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change with original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change.

If you meet the above criteria for a mail-in renewal request:

Complete Form DS-82: Application For A U.S. Passport by Mail

Include your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card

Include a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed

Pay the applicable fee

Provide one passport photo

Mail your application to the address on the form

If none of the above passport criteria apply, then you need to apply in-person. See the USPS Locator for a list of Post Office locations that process passports.

See more information about passport renewals here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html

Q: I’m not currently in the United States, how do I apply for a U.S. passport?

See here to apply for a U.S. passport while outside of the United States: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/applying-for-a-u-s–passport-from-outside-the-united-states.html

Q: I’m traveling in two weeks and need my passport renewed. What are my options?

If you have urgent travel needs (within two weeks), make an appointment at your nearest passport agency by visiting Travel.State.Gov or call our National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Q: How long does it take to get my passport?

Passport processing takes between 6 to 8 weeks, however, if you choose an expedited service*, you can receive a faster processing time.

See here for expedited passport application information:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/expedited.html

There is a $60 fee for expedited requests.

Q: Where do I find general passport information?

Information, a list of fees and instructions how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Or you can always stop in at your local Post Office and ask us in person, we’re happy to help.

Finally we would like to wish you and yours happy travels this year wherever your journey takes you.

Bon Voyage – Aloha – Cheerio – Farewell – Adios!

Shared from:
https://uspsblog.com/usps-passport-tips/

Travel tips

Travel tips

Your trip is booked and the anticipation of your upcoming adventure is building. As you plan and prepare for your upcoming trip, review these tips to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

  • Visit the tourism website for your destination country and review any new requirements they have due to Covid-19. Many countries have requirements in place for Covid-19 testing, minimum travel insurance coverage and more. You can also check the CDC or WHO websites for information. This website is a handy resource for finding Covid-19 testing locations all over the world.
  • Make copies of the endorsement page of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member. Take another copy with you, in a separate part of your luggage from the actual passport, or take a photo of it with your smart phone.
  • Take a small amount of cash ($100-300) in local currency for ease of transition at your destination. Many international currencies can be purchased from your own bank (if it’s large enough) or through a large, corporate bank.
  • Make sure your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting. Most European banks have switched almost entirely to the more secure chip-and-PIN technology. Fewer businesses abroad are accepting the outdated magnetic-strip cards. You may also want to find a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, as this can save you a lot of money.
  • Acquaint yourself with the electrical voltage requirements in the country/countries you are visiting. If the voltage is different from the US, purchase a converter and/or adapter. Your best bet is to buy an adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets, so you only have to bring one adapter instead of one per country.
  • Check with your cell phone provider about plans and pricing for international calling, texting and data.
  • Place any liquids (soaps, shampoos, etc.) that will be in your carry-on in clear 3 oz. bottles, together in a clear quart size Ziploc bag.
  • Make note of the telephone number for the phone number of services in your travel protection plan.
  • Call your debit and credit card companies to advise them of your travel dates and destinations. You can also do this by logging onto your online account.
  • Keep any prescription drugs in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on luggage.
  • Learn a few key phrases in the local language of your destination. (Simple things, like “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Thank you”, “Where is the bathroom?“)
  • If you have any food allergies or severe medical conditions, it’s important to learn how to inform others about those issues in a foreign language. If you don’t feel comfortable with your language skills, print out a document with relevant phrases or make flashcards to carry with you.
  • Do not pack your travel documents (itinerary, passport, paper tickets or vouchers) in your checked luggage.
  • Unless you are planning to attend a black tie or similar event, leave your valuable jewelry at home.

 

Safe and happy travels!

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