PASSPORTS:
Q. Who needs a passport?
A. Any U.S. citizen who plans to exit and/or return to the United States by air. Minors age 16 or younger can present evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate when returning from Canada or Mexico by land. A passport is not required for reentry when traveling on a closed-loop cruise.
Q. When should I apply for a passport renewal?
A. It is recommended that you begin the application process to renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires although the application can be submitted at any time. Passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date.
Q. How long does it take to get a passport?
A. Standard processing takes up to 6 weeks, 8 weeks or more depending on the demand at the time you apply. Expediting a passport at an acceptance facility (new) or by mail (renewal) takes 2-3 weeks.
Q. How long does it take to get an emergency passport?
A. Emergency passports can be processed at regional centers. Processing at these locations can take up to 8 business days. Same day passport service is available under certain circumstances.
Q. Where can I get a passport or travel visa?
A. CIBTvisas can process a travel visa or passport request fast – often in as little as one day.
Q. Does a baby need a passport?
A. Yes. An infant, even a newborn, must possess a passport if the child will be taken outside the U.S.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES:
Q. Other than a passport, what form of identification is acceptable, can be used, etc.
A. When the passenger does not have a passport, they will need an ORIGINAL birth certificate and a state issued photo identification.
Q. Do not have an ORIGINAL birth certificate?
A. When the passenger does not have an original birth certificate, they can order one if they reside in a different state than the state where they were born. You can obtain more information on this by visiting Vital Check @ www.vitalcheck.com.
BOOKING:
Q. What if I do not want travel insurance?
A. We require that you opt-out of travel insurance by emailing us travel@youpackiplan.com.
Q. What if I have more than one destination in mind?
A. We will help you plan for the perfect destination.
Q. What if I do not know when I want to travel?
A. We will help you plan the best time to travel for your needs.
Q. What if I am travelling with other travelers?
A. We will help you plan for your trip and theirs.
Q. What if I am not sure of my budget?
A. Consider how much you would like to spend per person, or we will help you a plan a trip budget.
Q. Will I be able to adjust my trip dates to stay within my budget?
A. We will help you plan different dates for your rate.
Q. What if I request special accommodations while travelling?
A.We will help you plan for any special accommodations you are requesting.
Q. What if there are amenities that I am interested in?
A. We will help you plan for your chosen amenities.
Q. What if airfare is not published yet for my dates, can I book the hotel?
A. Yes.
Q. What if I have hotels I would like to stay at?
A. We will help you plan your stay at your preferred hotel.
Q. Can I book single, double, or triple occupancy rooms or suites?
A. Yes; however, some room types have occupancy restrictions
CRUISE:
Q. Do I need a passport to cruise?
A. No. A passport is not needed to cruise on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise beginning and ending from a U.S. port). However, I do recommend for my clients to get a passport card. You can obtain more information on this card by visiting the U.S. Dept. of state @ http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
Q. Other than a passport, what form of identification is acceptable, can be used, etc.
A. When the passenger does not have a passport, they will need an ORIGINAL birth certificate and a state issued photo identification.
Q. Is the full payment required at the time of booking when the sail date is close to the date of purchase?
A. Yes in most cases.
Q. Does the pricing include all taxes and gratuities?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I purchase trip insurance?
A. Yes. We highly recommend you purchase trip insurance.
Q. Is a deposit and final payment required prior to departure for each person?
A. Yes. Please refer to the established deadline.
Q. When booking a cruise/trip with others, can each passenger book and pay individually?
A. They can book individually. They’ll need to put their roommate names in the comments when booking.
Q. I’ve never cruised before, what type of cabin should I book?
A. I always suggest first timers go with an inside cabin. It’s usually the least expensive and allows you to reduce the viewing/feeling of the ocean, in the event you get motion sickness.
Q. Does cruise include beverage packages and wifi?
A. No. These can be purchased directly through the cruise line.
Q. Can I book an Oceanview with wheelchair access?
A. Yes you can book an Oceanview with wheelchair access.
FLIGHTS:
Q. What can I take in my carry-on?
A. Since 2006, the Transportation Security Administration has limited “wet” substances to 3.4 ounces in one quart-size plastic zip-top bag. The restriction covers liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, with an exception for travelers needing larger quantities of medications, baby formula/food and breast milk for the flight.
Q. What are Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
A. They are both a benefit to frequent travelers, but Global Entry is preferred, which costs only $15 more than TSA PreCheck and will likely automatically generate the latter most times you check in for a domestic flight.
TRIP TIPS & RESOURCES:
Q. What are some common items seasoned travelers take with them?
A. Don’t forget a small power strip—ideal for sharing a crowded outlet in an airport, and a simple way to keep all devices close by once at a hotel. (Combine that with a Zolt—which powers a laptop and two devices with a charger the size of a lipstick—and it’s even handier.) Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone; lose either of them, and you’ll be grateful for the reference. Pack a scarf—always.
Q. What are the best travel tips and apps?
A. Download Tripit and GateGuru apps before your next trip. And, of course, sign up for Global Entry.
Also, don’t forget that Zolt charger we mentioned earlier, so your phone doesn’t die before takeoff.
Q. What’s the best way to sleep on a plane?
A. Pre-flight exercise and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
EVENTS:
Q. Can passengers that DID NOT book with YPIP purchase tickets/wristband for the events that are hosted by YPIP.
A. Yes, tickets can be purchased for most of the events hosted by YPIP. The events details and pricing are subject to change.