“Think of Canada as a foreign country,” wrote the Buffalo News on May 31, 2009, that’s because those Western New Yorkers who take weekend jaunts to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto and Niagara Falls (because everyone knows the view is better on the Canadian side) now need a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, trusted traveler program card or proof of being a member of a special group (i.e.: U.S. Military) to drive across the border.

It’s not just Western New Yorkers who need to think of Canada as a foreign country but it’s every American citizen looking to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This is thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The goal is to strengthen U.S. border security, expedite re-entry into the U.S.

The first phase of WHTI went into effect for air travelers in 2007. No longer is a driver’s license acceptable (unless it was issued in either Washington or New York and is used specifically for land or sea cross-border travel) nor is a birth certificate (in most cases) for those driving across borders or taking a cruise.

U.S. travelers using air travel are required to have a passport but for those traveling by car or sea, there are a myriad of options which are thoroughly explained on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Web site run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (It’s also a great site for Americans traveling abroad, too.) In brief, the following documents are acceptable when crossing a border either by land or sea:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card (limited-use travel document that fits nicely in a wallet)
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• Trusted Traveler Program Cards (issued to pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite entry into the U.S.)
• Special Groups (includes groups of children, Native Americans, U.S. Military, etc.)

The safest bet when planning a vacation to Mexico, Caribbean (including the Dominican Republic), Canada or booking a cruise or driving across the borders, just smile pretty for the camera and apply for a passport to ensure a pleasant trip.

It’s not the end of overpriced airline tickets, but it’s a step in the right direction! It will come as a surprise to many that airlines have policies which will help put money back in your pocket, rather than siphoning it out!

If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket and the price drops before your departure, your airline may actually refund, or at least provide you with travel vouchers, in the amount of the difference! Depending on your flight and ticketing procedures, a change fee of up to $150 may apply, but in many instances it is more than appropriate to at least inquire about such policies.

Southwest, for example, offers a cash refund without a change fee! On the other hand, companies like AirTran, Frontier, and Virgin America don’t offer any sort of refund or vouchers. Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Northwest, Midwest, United, and US Airways all provide vouchers, although some deduct change fees. Some airlines,  however, allow you to cancel your reservation within a certain timeframe and rebook at the lower rate!

We all loathe air-travel, but this is one thing to restore a little confidence in customer service! If you’re intrigued, there’s even more details in a recent USA Today article.

Facing increasing economic hardship, many businesses are seeking to create demand by slashing prices, offering unbeatable incentives and doing all they can to keep you coming back. The story is no different for the loathed yet equally essential airline industry. Many say the current rates would have been nearly double only three months ago. Fares to many of the hottest destinations have dropped an average of $53 over the last five weeks, with many destinations with savings of anywhere from $100 all the way to $1,000! For example, you can fly round-trip to Cancun from D.C. for less than $330, whereas it may have cost upwards of $500 only a year ago! If airfare was standing in the way of your dream vacation, now is the time to make the plunge and experience your dreams!

Leave the snow and slush at home while you enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Mexican Riviera! Bring in the new year while exploring a lush natural reef! Plan a romantic getaway and celebrate your life and love without the worry of your wallet! You’re in control!

Couple this great savings on airfare with the additional savings of a greatly increased exchange rate and you’ll be able to enjoy an amazingly luxurious vacation without ever coming close to breaking the bank! Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by enjoying the luxuries provided at El Dorado, Sandos, and Mayan resorts! Sip mimosas by the beach, tee off next to the Caribbean, or even have a daily intensive massage. Now is the time for you to truly reward yourself for the life you live — Paradise awaits!