As you read this today, I'm floating in the Atlantic on a cruise ship bound for the Caribbean.
Yes, I know. The life of a travel editor is, like, so exhausting. But I'll have you know it's my first vacation in nearly six months, so I'd like to think I've earned it.
In preparing for my trip, I was reminded of the new passport rules that go into effect June 1. As of that date, most Americans will need to show a passport or passport card to enter the U.S. by land or sea.
Airline passengers already have to show such identification. But car and cruise travelers returning from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and parts of the Caribbean, had previously been exempt. That's no longer the case. However, I did learn that cruise ship passengers who leave from and return to the same U.S. port are not required to have a passport even under the new rules.
However, it makes sense for cruise travelers to have one anyway. What happens if you need to fly home for an emergency or because you missed the boat in the Bahamas? I renewed my passport months ago, with very little wait time. Border officials say they won't deny entry to travelers who are not up to speed on the new rules. Not right away, at least. But be aware that not having the right documents will cause significant delays and possibly secondary inspections. For details, go to getyouhome.gov.
A beach boom : According to Ocean City officials, about 270,000 tourists hit the beach over the Memorial Day weekend, giving them their best unofficial start to the summer season since 1993. There were nearly 50,000 more visitors to the shore this year than at the same time in 2008. Folks like O.C. Mayor Rick Meehan are really hoping there's a pent-up demand for travel this summer. "Our Memorial Day numbers really suggest that people are ready to let go, relax and enjoy the summer ahead," said Meehan, in a statement last week.
Harford county student in Peru : Peter Meehan, 14, is in Peru traveling with National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Team. Last week, Peter arrived in Lima and visited Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological Museum, where he saw Incan pottery and other relics of their culture. He then went to the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and the next day, boarded a train for Machu Picchu. Peter is taking hundreds of photos and will be able to share those with us later. For now, you can read his e-mail updates at baltimoresun.com./travel.
New Web site : I don't know how new it is, but it's certainly newly discovered. Check out voyij.com for last-minute deals and steals. A colleague of mine used the site recently and found a great, cheap weekend in New Orleans. All you have to do is type in your departure airport and let the deals roll in.
