What personal I.D. do I need to travel within the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska?
For domestic flights, all passengers 18 and older are required to present valid and unexpired government-issue identification (i.e. driver’s license or passport) that matches the name on the airline ticket. All travelers must carry government-issued I.D. with them at all times and may be asked to show I.D. during boarding. Travelers without proper I.D. will be denied boarding.

Do I need a passport to travel within the Western Hemisphere?
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling by air in the Western Hemisphere, (Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Bermuda), you will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. For most international travel, your passport must be current valid for at least 6 months beyond your return travel dates. The name on your passport must match the name on you airline ticket.

Requirements for travel by land or sea between Western Hemisphere countries is currently in the process of change. Please check with your Journeys to Paradise travel consultant regarding the latest information for your dates of travel.

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green card holder's) do NOT need a passport to enter the United States, however you may need a passport to enter another country. Please contact the embassy of the foreign country you will be traveling to for their requirements.

What documentation do I need for international travel outside of the Western Hemisphere?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a current passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return travel dates. The name on you passport must match the name on your airline ticket. If you are travel to a country that requires a visa, you must also have this documentation available when checking in for all flights. For more information, please check with your Journeys to Paradise travel consultant.

How long will it take me to get (or renew) a passport and how much will it cost?
The actual time it takes to get a passport can vary based on seasonality. As of April 2008, you should expect to receive the passport in the mail within approximately 6 weeks after submitting the proper documentation. It is a good idea to apply for your passport as early as you possibly can. If you need your passport sooner, you can get it within 2 weeks by applying for expedited service. Additional passport and visa services fees will be added to your passport cost, and you will also be required to pay for the expedited shipping charges (overnight). The fees can be hefty, so be sure to ask yourself, “How long does it take to get a passport?” when planning your trip.

Where do I get a passport?
Passports can be obtained at government buildings, including the United States Post Office, any local Municipal Court or Municipal Building, most District Court buildings, and most neighborhood service centers. Check with the US passport service online to locate the best information on where to get a passport and additional passport and visa services in your area. Some travelers qualify to renew their passport through the mail. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you must apply in person. If, however, you are renewing a passport and were not under the age of 16 when you got your last passport, you may be eligible for renewal through the mail through most passport and visa services. Check with the U.S. passport service for the latest details regarding passport renewal by mail.

How much does a U.S. passport cost?
Currently (as of 5/1/08), the application fee for a U.S. passport is $75 and the execution fee for renewing in person is $25, so you must $100 to the U.S. Department of State for this service ($85 for applicants under age 16). If you qualify for renewal by mail, the $25 application fee is not applicable. Expedite charges for last minute passport issuance and renewal currently runs $60.

Do children need a passport?
Passports are required for children of all ages flying internationally.

Must my passport be valid throughout my trip or just at time of departure?
Not only must your passport be valid for you entire trip, but many countries insist that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your visit to that country. Check the requirements for each country that you plan to visit if your passport will expire less than six months from the last day of your trip. Some countries (like South Africa) even require that you have as many as three blank visa pages in your passport for entry.

Should I carry my passport with me at all times while traveling internationally?
This is usually not necessary unless crossing borders and often not feasible. However, if not in your possession, your passport should always be stored in a safe place, preferably a hotel safe. It is strongly recommended that you always carry a copy of your passport picture page when traveling internationally. By taking a copy of this picture to the nearest U.S. Embassy, this picture can often expedite the process of obtaining a replacement.

How early should I arrive at the airport? At the departure gate?
The days of late check-in and a mad dash to the gate are over at most airports. Please give yourself ample time to get to the airport and the boarding gate to avoid disappointment. Airport check-in times vary be airport and by airline but are always at least 1 hour in advance of flight times. In most cases, we strongly advise airport check-in at least 2 hours prior to departure time to compensate for possible long lines at the airline check-in counter and/or the TSA security check point. In some case (i.e. Mexicana and AeroMexico), passengers must be at the counter at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights and 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights. Airlines also require that passengers must be at the boarding gate up to 30 minutes prior to departure. Please don’t take these restrictions lightly. A late arrival can result in cancellation of your reservations and or reassignment of your seats.

Is it really necessary to reconfirmation of reservations prior to departure and throughout my travel?
Airlines schedules can and do change, sometimes with little prior notice. It is always advisable to reconfirm each flight prior to departure whenever possible. For international departures, it is advisable to reconfirm 72 hours prior to departure.

Do you recommend traveling to Hawaii with children?
Hawaii is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages. Compared to many destinations, it is safe and services are available to meet the needs of guests of all ages. Our 50th state provides all or most of the conveniences of home. Almost all hotels and condominiums have access to licensed child care and baby sitting services and many have excellent children’s activity programs. Some are free, Others charge a nominal fee but often include a meal and/or the cost of scheduled activities. Services vary from half-day to full-day and some programs even offer evening activities such as movies.

Aside from hotel programs, child-friendly activities and events abound in the Islands. Numerous water activities are available, including snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, turtle releases and even surfing lessons. Hiking, zip-lining, parasailing and other outdoor activities are offered more active and older children. Educational and cultural endeavors are also – whether visiting a museum, attending a Polynesian cultural festival or viewing some of Hawaii’s many authentic petroglyphs (ancient rock art).

Helpful hint: When traveling with small children, make sure you take some things onboard for at least a 5-hour plane ride (from California). Small toys that won’t disturb other passengers, quiet electronic games, a favorite stuffed toy and a favorite book or two are appropriate.

Helpful hint: Travel during holiday periods is almost always more expensive than travel in off-peak times. If you are taking children out of school to travel during off-peak times, consider getting his/her teacher to provide math, reading or other assignments to take along. It’s amazing how motivated a child can be to do his/her homework onboard an airplane if it means more beach or play time in Hawaii.

Can I take my dog or cat to Hawaii on vacation with me?
Hawaii is a rabies-free state and its quarantine laws are designed to protect its residents and pets from health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. Until recently, Hawaii’s laws made it extremely difficult to bring a cat or dog on a vacation because of its long quarantine period (up to 120 days). Now it is possible to bring a cat or dog into the Islands with as little as 5-days quarantine or even immediate release if certain requirements are met. Since requirements vary and can change for several reasons we recommend that you contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for questions relating to your specific circumstances. Snakes, birds, non-domesticated animals, and most other animals are prohibited from entry.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602

Telephone (808) 483-7151
FAX (808) 483-7161
E-mail: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov

How much checked baggage and hand-carry can I take on my flight?
Most airlines are becoming more restrictive regarding carriage of both checked baggage and hand-carry. Virtually all recent changes have decreased the number and/or weight of checked baggage that a traveler can transport at no charge. Size restrictions also apply and can vary between airlines. Additional baggage and/or overweight baggage can still be carried, but often the added fees are significant. Many carriers are going to a one-free-checked-bag policy where two free checked bags have been common in the past. We recommend that you check with your airline within 24-hours of your departure to obtain their latest policy.

Helpful hint: Do forget to allow for bringing back gift and souvenirs.

What items are permitted and prohibited from flights departing from the U.S.A.?
Since this can change at any time, we recommend that you visit the following TSA website and read “What To Know Before You Go,” http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/permitted/prohibited-permitted-items.shtm