Travel Visa for Europe? Not exactly, but close..

Travel Visa for Europe? Not exactly, but close..

by apollotravel_jqirs4 | Nov 16, 2023 | Europe, Press, Travel

Starting in “mid-2025,” Americans will need one more document in order to enter countries in the European Union.

To visit, you’ll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). You will apply online, and the authorization, which will be linked to your passport, will account for short-term stays, including up to 90 days in a 180-day period. 

This had been planned to be in effect till 2024, but in October, the European Union updated their page on ETIAS to indicate it won’t happen till the middle of 2025, confirming rumors of a delay. European Commission spokesperson for home affairs Anitta Hipper had told Kiplinger in late September, “The Commission

In addition to adding some hassle, this requirement will make a family vacation slightly more expensive. Applications will cost 7 euros, which right now is close to $8. However, applications for people under 18 or over 70 years old are free. There are also some exemptions for those who have EU citizen family members and “non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.”

The ETIAS website says that “most” applications are processed in minutes, but it could extend to within four days of an application. Additionally, some requestors may be asked for more information or to do an interview, which would extend the process by up to 14 days, for more documentation, or 30 days, for an interview. So if you’re planning travel, remember to apply well before you have to go.

The good news is that once you’re approved, the authorization lasts for three years. But if your passport expires within those three years, you’ll need to apply again.

Email is important to this process. You apply online, and then receive an email confirming your application. That email “will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference,” the ETIAS website says. You will get another email once your application is processed. 

If your application gets rejected, the email will have the reasons for it. You will have the option to appeal a rejection. 

To fill in the application, you’ll need some basic information. This includes your name, address, passport information, current occupation, as well as information about past travel to conflict zones and criminal convictions. You will also have to share information about your travel plans, as well as answer questions about if you have relatives who are citizens in Europe. The application will not require any health information or biometric data, like fingerprints. 

One more thing to look out for: ETIAS warned this spring that many unofficial ETIAS websites have sprung up. ETIAS says these sites have incorrect information and some “already collect travellers’ personal data, which is concerning.” Protect your identity by only using the official ETIAS website. 

This is a big change for Americans, since there hasn’t been a visa requirement to visit  EU countries before. Keep this in mind before your big trip to Greece, Italy, France, or any of the other 30 Euro nations. 

But, Cameron Hewitt, content and editorial director at Rick Steves’ Europe, told the Washington Post: “It certainly shouldn’t cause anyone to rethink a trip to Europe. From what we know, ETIAS looks like it’ll simply be a manageable bit of red tape.”

Passport Sex Offender

by apollotravel_jqirs4 | Jan 29, 2023 | Cruise, Europe, Resources, Travel

Passports being revoked for Sex Offenders

 

The US State Department has begun revoking the passports of registered child sex offenders. The change has been made in order to comply with a law passed last year, the International Megan’s Law. Under the new law, registered sex offenders who have been convicted of an offense against a minor will no longer be able to use their current passports. Instead, they will have to apply for new sex offender passports that identify them as registered child sex offenders. The new passports will have a statement printed on the inside back cover that reads, “The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 United States Code Section 212b(c)(l).”

The new law will not limit the ability of registered child sex offenders to leave the country. However, the identifying marker in the new passports is very likely to prevent affected people from being allowed to enter other countries. The only convicted sex offenders in the United States who are not able to get passports at all are people who have been convicted of sex tourism crimes. (Most convicted felons are able to get normal passports in the United States. The main exception is people who have been convicted of international drug trafficking.)

The goal of the change is to help curb child exploitation overseas. It is a noble and worthy goal, but it is unclear just how much effect the law will have on children abroad.

The International Megan’s Law is named after Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old girl who was murdered by a registered child sex offender back in 1994. The terrible crime led to the creation of numerous state sex offender registries. Currently, every US state, the US territories, and many American Indian nations have sex offender registries. Those registries can all be accessed and searched through the FBI website.

If you are a registered child sex offender, you should expect to receive a letter letting you know that your passport has been revoked. If you haven’t yet received such a letter, you may still want to apply for a new passport, especially if you have international travel plans in the coming months. Keep in mind that this new regulation does not apply to all registered sex offenders, just people who are registered child sex offenders.

Crimes that can land you on a child sex offender registry include molestation of a minor, sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping a child, engaging in lewd acts in the presence of a minor, and viewing or sharing child pornography (whether inadvertently or on purpose). In 29 states, having sex with a teen when you are also a teen can also land you on the list. So can posting naked pictures of yourself online if you are underage.

In High Demand: Travel Advisors

by apollotravel_jqirs4 | Aug 29, 2022 | Agent, Europe, Marketing, Travel, Travel Advisors, Trends

As a Travel Advisor, Joshua Smith knows what it’s like to help travelers maneuver through difficult situations, from pandemic restrictions to natural disasters and medical emergencies.

Those quick-thinking, problem-solving skills are coming in handy more often as travel professionals navigate turbulent times. Smith says his company, Global Citizen Journeys, has never been busier, both with clients seeking help with logistics as well as millennials craving unique adventures. His experiences are a microcosm of the trends emerging in the travel marketplace right now.

Turning to the pros in turbulent times

In this era of uncertainty, travelers are looking for stability. That’s likely one of the reasons why travel advisor and travel management company bookings are projected to account for 32% of all air bookings by 2024, according to the US Travel Market Report. In addition, 44% of travelers say they’re more likely to use a travel advisor after the pandemic, a study by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) found.

Google search trends offer a glimpse into travelers’ top worries. After Russia invaded Ukraine, searches spiked for questions like “Is it safe to travel?” and “Should I travel to Europe?” Earlier in the pandemic, Google searches for “travel restrictions” skyrocketed.

“The number one thing is security,” says Recep “Richie” Karaburun, a clinical assistant professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. “They actually want to book the trip and they want to feel secure doing it.”

Before the pandemic, there was discussion about whether the travel advisory profession was fading away, but that conversation has completely changed, says Karaburun, a leading expert with two decades of experience in the travel industry. “People want to trust someone,” he explains. “They want someone who knows the trends. The travel advisors are the experts and advocates for customers.”

Line graph results of search interest in traveling to Europe from May 2021 to January 2022Source: Google Trends

In addition to providing a sense of stability, travel advisors build relationships with their customers. That personalized, custom travel experience is where Smith’s Global Citizen Journeys excels.

“The value of relationships is the biggest reason why travelers should use travel advisors,” Smith says. For example, Smith recently worked with clients who were interested in visiting Thailand, but he knew the requirements for entry were complicated, so he steered them to Colombia instead. Smith created a tailored Colombia trip based on their interests, and they raved about the unique experiences he curated.

 

Locating luxury and leisure

Relying on the expertise of a travel professional is, in itself, a form of luxury. Rather than scrolling through pages upon pages of online reviews to find the best hotel, Smith says he and his colleagues can recommend not just the best hotel in a particular city but the best room in that hotel. By drawing on their own experience as seasoned travelers, he adds, travel advisors can offer restaurant recommendations, suggest specific menu items and even share the best time of day to visit certain attractions.

That insider experience matters. More than half of travelers who have never used a travel advisor are more likely to use one if it means they have access to the travel advisor’s special relationships and insider access, the ASTA study discovered.

Luxury clients tend to have high expectations, Karaburun says, and travel advisors are wise to understand that. For instance, he says, a luxury traveler who doesn’t like their room is likely to call their travel agent to deal with it, rather than calling the front desk themself, because they trust the agent’s work.

Millennials, in particular, are eager to outsource the planning and benefit from VIP treatment, the New York Times reported. And 35% of millennials prefer upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, a Resonance report found.

But those millennial clients see luxury differently than past generations, the experts say. While older clients may want more deluxe accommodations, millennials are instead putting that money toward experiences, such as a helicopter ride or a cooking class, Smith explains. To millennials, luxury is about access and diving into different cultures.

Indeed, Karaburun says, for this generation in their mid-twenties to early-forties, experiences and Instagrammable moments matter.

Generally speaking, he notes, millennials care less about the hotel room and more about the public spaces of the hotel and its surroundings. Karaburun describes this generation as ‘prosumers’ meaning they’re not just consumers of information, but they also produce user-generated content. They’re sophisticated consumers because they’re constantly online reading reviews, researching destinations and talking to their friends about their experiences.

 

Marketing to millennials and generating Gen Z business

The first step in marketing to millennials and Gen Z, Karaburun says, is using technology such as programs like chatbots for 24/7 availability and virtual reality (VR) during trip planning. Adapting to this technology will build loyalty with millennial customers, he says, because it indicates that the advisor is not only trustworthy and available but also up to date on trends.

“My advice is to use technology,” he says. “These are digital natives. The phone is, for them, part of their body.”

The classic word-of-mouth referral still matters, too, it just might be more accurately called “word-of-Instagram-message.” Smith, for example, sees his younger clientele posting about their trip on social media, which creates a buzz. Then their friends ask how they can do something similar, and they turn into a referral.

In addition to running his own agency, Smith co-founded Millennials in Travel, a career development and networking organization for young, passionate travel industry professionals. The group started nearly a decade ago and has grown to 3,200 members worldwide. The group helped highlight for the industry that millennials travel differently and need to be marketed to differently. Ever on the cutting edge, Millennials in Travel is starting to focus on Gen Z as well.

The global group wants its members to understand that fellow travel advisors are not competitors; they’re colleagues. Smith delights in being able to call a colleague to ask about destinations he’s not as familiar with, and he’s glad to offer his expertise to others as well.

That broad intel is especially useful when young travelers don’t have a specific destination in mind. When beginning to plan their last trip, only half of Gen Z travelers already had a specific destination in mind, whereas among Gen X and older travelers, 57­ to 92% already knew where they were headed, according to Phocuswright research. That means travel advisors can play a major role in molding consumer preferences.

Apollo Back – 6/3/21 local press release

Apollo Back – 6/3/21 local press release

by Bruce Kahler | Jun 13, 2021 | Agent, Europe, Resort, Travel With Bruce, Uncategorized

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

by Bruce Kahler | May 16, 2021 | Europe, Resort, Resources, Wedding

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 USPS™Locator 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/

7 Things a Travel Agent Wants You to Know

7 Things a Travel Agent Wants You to Know

by Bruce Kahler | Apr 29, 2019 | Agent, Cruise, Europe, Resort, Travel

7 Things a Travel Agent Wants You to Know

There are quite a few ways to book a cruise vacation. You can book directly through the cruise line, you can book through a third party website like Expedia, or you can book through a travel agent. A travel agent doesn’t charge for booking your cruise. They earn a commission by the cruise line.

Here are seven things you should know about your travel agent.

1. Respect his time

If you call a travel agent, be kind enough to give him your business. Most likely, your travel agent has sailed on the ship you are considering going on, and if not that specific ship, most likely the cruise line. A travel agent will spend a large amount of time trying to identify what cruise is best for you, so respect his time and knowledge.

2. Don’t expect miracles

Your travel agent can do lots of things to make your vacation great, but don’t expect miracles! If you choose to book at the last minute to save a few bucks, don’t expect your travel agent to get you the “perfect cabin”. You know the one, not too close to the elevator but not too far away from the main dining room! Trust me. The so called “perfect cabin” was sold a year ago! Your travel agent will do everything he can so he earns your repeat business (and word of mouth referrals), but he isn’t a superhero!

3) Share your expectations and needs

Tell your travel agent all the “variables” up front. Do you want early dining? Do you want to take shore excursions? Is the ship “family friendly?” Do you want a true double cabin, or are you okay with a pull down bed in your cabin? Your travel agent needs to know all the details upfront so that he can craft a great cruise vacation for you.

4) Need a room?

Ask for recommendations from your travel agent about pre- and post-cruise lodging and things to do in port before and after your cruise. If you are flying to your cruise, be sure to fly in the day before! If you fly in the day of, lots of things can go wrong. Your travel agent will let you know the best hotel for your pre-cruise stay and what attractions are in the area.

5) Travel insurance – don’t leave home without it

Unforeseen problems happen all the time! Someone in the family gets sick at the last minute. Your luggage is lost. You misplace your passport. Your plane arrives late and you miss the cruise. You name it, anything can and will happen. Travel insurance costs pennies on the dollar and it gives you peace of mind. Ask your travel agent which travel insurance is best for your vacation.

6) Super Secret Tips

Your travel agent will have lots of tips that those online travel websites won’t tell you. When is the best time to board? Can I bring bottled water? What is the tipping policy? What special events are on the ship that I can’t miss? What are the best shore excursions? Those are just a few tips that your travel agent can share with you to put you heads and shoulders above your fellow cruisers!

7) Tell your friends about me

If your travel agent gave you a great vacation, tell your friends on Facebook, at church, and at work that they are awesome. Travel agents work hard everyday and they are able to continue serving cruisers by word of mouth referrals. Be a supporter of a small business by giving them his name, phone number and website. Be sure to let your travel agent know you are referring people to him. Chances are he will hook you up with something nice in your cabin on your next cruise for all the business you have given him.

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