What is Global Entry? 

Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited service upon arrival in the United States by airplane. This allows you to skip the long lines at customs. With Global Entry, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Pre-check, which gives you faster times in the security line. 

How Do I Apply for Global Entry for My Kids?

Applying for Global Entry is relatively easy for passport holders. Here are the steps you need to take: 

1. Head to the US Customs and Border Protection website and create a Trusted Travelers Program (TTP) account for Global Entry. Each person applying will need their own account. If you don’t have Global Entry, you will need to create an account for yourself, as well as for each child that will be applying. 
2. Once you’ve created the account(s), you can complete the Global Entry application and, if you are also applying, pay your $120 fee.   When applying for those under 18, there is a section to fill out with your information so the fee can be waived (as long as you are applying or are already a Global Entry member). 
3. Once you are pre-approved, you must schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you are planning an international trip, some airports offer interviews upon arrival in the United States. If approved at the interview, you will automatically be enrolled and can start using your Global Entry status immediately. Minors also have to complete an interview. 

The post Global Entry Now Free for Kids appeared first on SmarterTravel.

After all that, you then have to wait for the State Department to receive your application (which can take up to two weeks depending on where you mail your package from) before the estimated 8-11 week wait time to process and approve your new passport begins.

Fortunately, the US government has embraced technology and as of this week will allow travelers to renew their passports online. A spokesperson for the State Department told SmarterTravel, “Our new online system will save Americans money, time, and effort, making it much more convenient to renew their passports.”

Who Can Renew a Passport Online?

You can renew your passport online if you meet the following conditions:

• Renewing a passport that was valid for 10 years
• Age 25 or older
• Most recent passport was issued over 9 years ago but less than 15 years ago
• People who live in the United States

Who Can’t Renew Their Passport Online?

You will not be eligible to renew your passport online if:

• You’re changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth
• You’re traveling internationally in less than 8 weeks from the date of the application
• You do not have your old passport in your possession (because it was lost or stolen)
• You’re under 25 years old
• Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your are renewing a passport that was only valid for 5 years (passports issued to minors under 16 years old)

How Much Will Online Passport Renewal Cost?

Online passport renewals will cost the same as standard passport renewals. However, unlike with mailed applications, you can pay any fees with a credit card (and get those credit card miles for travel). You’ll also save money on postage (which can be significant if you want tracking to ensure your package arrived safely).

Where Can I Get Digital Copies of My Passport Photo?

To renew online, applicants must upload their passport photo as a digital file. Photos must be unedited. Scanned photos and selfies will not be accepted. Your digital photo must be:

• Taken within the last six months
• At least 600 x 600 pixels
• In JPEG format
• In color
• No smaller than 54 kilobytes and no larger than 10 megabytes
• High-resolution (see further rules and suggestions regarding image compression on the State Department website) 

Many stores offer passport photo services, but not all will provide a digital copy of the images. CVS will send a digital copy of your passport photo to your email for $3.99 on top of the typical $16.99 passport photo service charge while Walgreens includes a free digital copy in its $16.99 price.

While many people prefer the guarantee that their store-bought photo will meet all government requirements, budget-conscious travelers can also opt to take their own passport photo at home. Check out our how-to guide for the most up-to-date sizing and requirements.

How Do I Submit an Online Passport Application?

Travelers can apply to renew their passport through their MyTravelGov account. To create an account, simply sign up with your personal email, create a password, and choose from the required two-factor authentication options. From there, click on “Renew Your Passport” and complete the application within thirty days of beginning.

Applicants do not need to mail in their old passport but be warned—old passports will be immediately deactivated upon submission. Furthermore, other than skipping the time applications would have spent in the mail before reaching the Processing Center, processing times for online renewal are the same as mail-in applications. Online submission takes the hassle out of applying for a renewal but don’t count on it to shorten your wait time.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Renewal

When should I renew my passport?

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after a traveler’s date of departure from the destination and some also require at least one blank page on the passport for the entry stamp. Even if your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip, it may need to be renewed to meet these requirements. Check the State Department website for information on your destination.

Can I renew my passport card online?

Yes, you can renew a passport book, card, or both online. However, applicants can only renew documents they already have in their possession—they cannot apply for a new document. For example, travelers who only have a passport card but would like to apply for a passport book cannot do so online.

Does my old passport need to be expired to renew my passport?

You can renew your passport before your old passport expires, however your old passport will be immediately deactivated upon submission of the application.

Do I need to renew my passport if I move?

You do not need to renew or update your passport with a change of address if you move.

How long is my passport valid for?

Passports issued to minors under 16 years of age are only valid for 5 years, while passports issued to those over 16 years of age are valid for 10 years. 

Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID?

Travelers must have a passport to travel internationally. You cannot travel internationally with just the REAL ID. To learn more about the REAL ID and what it can and cannot do, check out our article Everything Travelers Need to Know About the REAL ID Act.

The post Your Questions About Online Passport Renewal, Answered appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Ambroz is a rural area of Extremadura, Spain, located approximately three hours from Madrid and 4.5 hours from Lisbon. The region, comprising eight charming towns, earned the prestigious EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) Award in 2019 for its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of its rich heritage as a wellness destination. However, like many rural areas, Ambroz Valley has faced a population decline over the years, leaving some towns with fewer than 200 residents. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the region by attracting remote workers from around the world. 

If you moved here, you could spend your weekdays working from home and then your weekends hiking El Pinajarro, biking Via del Plata natural path, or soaking in the thermal poos at the Baños de Montemayor Roman Spa. 

“Far from the country’s big cities, Extremadura offers quality of life at a reasonable price,” boasts Extremadura’s website. “Cáceres is ranked as the second-best city in the country to live in, partly because rent is cheap…we can live in this community with up to 20% less salary than in other big cities.”

How to Apply

To be eligible for the Live in Ambroz program, applicants must be legal residents of Spain. Non-EU nationals can qualify by first obtaining Spain’s digital nomad visa. The program targets remote workers in the tech sector, specifically those working exclusively on digital media, IT systems, telematics, and information technology. In addition to the financial incentive, Extremadura will provide expats with support in finding housing, land, and anything else they might need to settle in.

The grant structure is tiered to encourage diversity and support smaller communities:

• Women, individuals under 30, and those relocating to Extremadura towns with fewer than 5,000 residents are eligible for an initial €10,000 grant.
• All other qualifying applicants receive an €8,000 initial grant.

After completing the mandatory two-year residency, participants can opt for a third year and receive an additional €5,000 or €4,000, respectively. Current Extremadura residents are not eligible for this program. The initiative aims to attract new residents to the region, with spots available for up to 200 approved applicants. To apply, visit the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point website. The application window will remain open until all 200 spots are filled.

The post This European Destination Will Pay You $16K to Move There appeared first on SmarterTravel.

About 10,000 hotel workers walked off of their jobs over the weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, due to unresolved contract negotiations. Members of the UNITE HERE union are asking for “higher wages, fair staffing and workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.” Many workers live paycheck to paycheck, and their pay does not cover the cost of living. 

Workers in nine cities and twenty-six hotels are currently on strike, and the possibility of more strikes looms large if no resolution is found. The cities with current strikes are Boston, Greenwich, Honolulu, Kauai, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Baltimore, and Seattle. The list of hotels with striking workers can be found here and will be updated live as more hotels join and as the strikes end. UNITE HERE represents workers from Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels. 

Many hotel workers are struggling during a time when hotels posted record-high daily rates and revenue, yet many hotels remain understaffed. 

If you’re nervous about an upcoming trip or are currently staying at a hotel impacted by the strikes, we’ve got answers to common questions you may have.

What If There Is a Strike at the Hotel Where I am Staying? 

As travelers, this is a legitimate concern. As difficult as it may be, you should never cross a picket line, so if you are staying at an affected hotel, ask for a refund and rebook at a different hotel. FairHotel.org allows you to search for your hotel to see if a strike may impact it. 

If rebooking is impossible for some reason (there is no other hotel in the area, and all other hotels are sold out), ask management to determine how the strike will impact housekeeping, room service, and amenities. 
Be kind and considerate to those workers still working, as their workload is likely much higher than what it typically is. If you have to cross the picket line, talk to those striking, and show your support for them. Remember: they aren’t protesting you, they are protesting management.

I Have a Future Booking At A Hotel That is Currently Striking

If you are booked for a stay at a hotel with workers who are currently striking, what you do depends heavily on when your trip is. If your trip is within the next week, try to find another hotel in the area that is not part of the strike. If it is well into the future, keep an eye on the news, and as you get closer to your vacation, if the hotels are still striking, rebook it elsewhere. 

What Hotels Are Impacted by the Strike?

As mentioned above, UNITE HERE represents workers from Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels. While it is only a handful of their hotels that are currently impacted by the strike, consider booking at a different hotel if you have an upcoming stay at one of those hotels, just to be safe. 

Alternate Hotels Due to The Strike

Here are some alternate hotels to book in each city that is impacted by the strike: 

Boston – Encore Boston Harbor

Greenwich – Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Honolulu – Ala Moana Hotel

Kauai – OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa

San Francisco – Chancellor Hotel

San Diego – Hotel Del Coronado

San Jose – Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown

Baltimore – Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Seattle – Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Check out UNITE HERE’s guide for further tips on what to do during a strike, including what to do if you are invited to a wedding at a hotel with striking workers. 

The post How Your Trip May Be Impacted By the Hotel Worker Strike appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Cyberattacks on American airports are not a new phenomenon. Major hubs like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta have all fallen victim in the past, and such incidents are likely to continue, potentially causing significant travel disruptions.

The tips that I learned from my experience could help you if you’re flying out of an airport that’s been hit by a cyberattack.

Check Social Media for Updates

There was minimal news coverage of what was happening at the airport, and I found the most accurate and up-to-date information on SeaTac’s X (Twitter) account.

If you hear about a cyber attack, check the official social media accounts for the airport and your airline to find out what’s happening. 

If you’re not at the airport yet and want to know how chaotic it is, searching for hashtags related to the incident can show you real-time videos and stories from travelers already there that will help you know what to expect.

Monitor Your Flight Status

About an hour after being notified that my flight was delayed, I got another email letting me know that my flight was back to its originally scheduled time. You should monitor your flight status closely and plan to be at the airport for your original departure time in case anything changes. 

I flew out on the first day of the cyber attack, when 165 flights were delayed and six were canceled. My flight was delayed about an hour, but the delay was never announced again. When computer systems are down, there can be lags in notifying passengers about departure time changes. 

Allow Extra Time at the Airport

During a cyber attack, computer systems will be down, and passengers and luggage will have to be checked in manually. Even TSA screening may have to be done manually in some cases (in my case, I was able to go through TSA PreCheck as normal), which can take a significant amount of extra time. 

Check Into Your Flight Online

Fortunately, I had already checked in online and saved my boarding pass before the cyber attack struck. Check-in lines at the airport were extremely long for people who did not check-in online, so avoid doing this if you can.

Print your ticket at home (or save your mobile boarding pass to your phone) as you won’t be able to print your pass at an airport kiosk. 

Do Not Check a Bag

Avoid checking a bag at all costs during a cyber attack, as your luggage is very likely to be delayed or lost. A spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told the Seattle Times that staff was manually sorting over 7,000 checked bags at Sea-Tac because a “majority” of checked bags did not make it onto their flights during the cyber attack. 

Download Your Airline’s App

Although the departure and arrival screens were working in the main terminal at SeaTac, the screens were completely black in the terminal I flew out of. 

The televisions over the gates did not show what flight was departing from that gate, and there was no departure board to check flight status or gate. I had to check my airline’s app to find out what gate I was flying out of.

Listen for Information

My departure gate changed about 30 minutes before my flight boarded, and there was only one hard-to-hear announcement about the change. Without screens displaying information, this would have been really easy to miss, and flyers who didn’t hear it, may have missed their flight waiting at the wrong gate. 

The gate change was never reflected in the airline’s app—the only reason I realized my gate had changed was because the airline crew at my gate all got up and left for another gate. Pay attention to all announcements, and be sure to confirm with airline staff that you’re at the correct gate.

Don’t Swap Seats Once Onboard

My flight had to be boarded manually—instead of scanning our boarding passes, the gate agent visually inspected each one before radioing the flight crew which seat number was boarding. After everyone was on the plane, the flight attendants came down the aisle to verify that the correct passengers were in each seat—anyone who swapped seats ended up delaying the process even further.

The post It Happened to Me: What You Need to Know if There’s a Cyberattack at the Airport appeared first on SmarterTravel.

London-based residence and citizenship planning firm Henley & Partners compiles these rankings annually in what’s known as the Henley Passport Index. Using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), they assess passport power based on the number of destinations a country’s citizens can access visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges. This metric provides a clear picture of global mobility and diplomatic relations between nations.

In the latest Henley Passport Index update, Singapore has emerged as the frontrunner, distancing itself from the five nations it previously shared the top position with. This development marks a new milestone for Singapore, as its passport now grants visa-free access to an unprecedented 195 out of 227 global destinations.

France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain now occupy the second spot, offering their citizens visa-free entry to 192 locations. 

Meanwhile, the United States continues its gradual descent, moving from seventh to eighth place with visa-free access to 186 locations. This represents a significant shift from a decade ago when the US was tied with the United Kingdom for the most powerful passport.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan’s passport remains the least powerful, granting access to only 26 countries without a visa—the lowest score in the index’s 19-year history.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the passport index concept, notes, “The general trend over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom, with the global average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024.” However, Kaelin also says, “The global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been, with top-ranked Singapore able to access a record-breaking 169 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan”.

The Most Powerful Passports in the World

These are the most powerful passports in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index. 

The post The World’s Most Powerful Passports 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Effective immediately, tour groups will be limited to 25 people (not including children up to two years of age). The maximum group size rule is waived for students or those on an educational trip. 

Additionally, tour guides will be banned from using loudspeakers in an effort to keep Venice more peaceful for residents. 

Tourist restrictions will apply in Venice’s city center and to the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Groups violating these new rules will be fined 25-500 euros ($27-541). 

These measures are part of an ongoing war in Venice to fight overtourism. Earlier this year, the city experimented with a tourist fee in an attempt to limit crowds. On peak days between April and mid-July, day-trippers were charged 5 euros per person. Although the city collected over 2 million euros from the fee, it did little to curb tourist numbers.

In 2021, Venice banned large cruise ships from docking in the city center.

The post This Italian City Is Cracking Down on Tourist Crowds appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Unfortunately, these tiny plastic bottles are wasteful and have a significant environmental impact. New York State has just passed a bill banning small “hospitality care” bottles beginning on January 1, 2025. Hotels in the state will only be allowed to provide toiletries in bottles that are 12 ounces or larger. Any properties found in violation will be charged $250 for the first offense and $500 for each additional transgression. 

The law will initially only apply to hotels with more than 50 rooms, and smaller hotels will have to comply with the new rules beginning January 1, 2026.

Currently, California is the only other state with a similar ban in place. Washington state has passed similar legislation set to take effect in 2027.

Most hotels will likely transition to offering refillable, full-size toiletry bottles. However, these larger containers may raise concerns about hygiene and potential tampering by other guests.

We recommend investing in a set of travel-sized bottles that you can refill with your own toiletries in between trips. Although it takes away the fun of trying new products on the road, it means you’re guaranteed to have products you know work for your hair and skin and prevents you from being caught off-guard when the in-room products are not refilled. These refillable bottles from Matador are our favorite, as they are a flat design that saves space in your toiletries kit. 

The post New York State Bans Travel Size Toiletries in Hotels appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Starting September 6, 2024, JetBlue will loosen restrictions on its cheapest fare class, Blue Basic, allowing passengers to bring a carry-on bag onboard for free. Previously, the airline only permitted Blue Basic ticketholders to bring a small personal item onboard that could fit underneath the seat. 

“Carry-on bags are an important part of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another carrier’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue. “We’re always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences. This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”

Flyers booked in Blue Basic will be allowed to bring a free carry-on bag starting September 6, regardless of when they purchased the ticket. 

JetBlue’s only update to the Blue Basic fare class is adding a free carry-on bag. Flyers with these tickets will still have to pay an additional fee to select a seat and will board the plane in the last group. 

JetBlue Fare Classes

JetBlue Carry-on Bag Size

Carry-on space is not guaranteed in the overhead bin, so always be prepared for the possibility that your bag may be gate-checked (especially if you’re boarding in the last group.)  Carry-ons must adhere to JetBlue’s restrictions, which state that bags, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 22” L x 14” W x 9” H. 

All JetBlue passengers (regardless of fare class) are also permitted to bring aboard a personal item, such as a laptop bag or backpack, which must not exceed 17” L x 13” W x 8” H and should be stored under the seat in front of you.

The post JetBlue Makes Carry-On Bags Free for Blue Basic appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The prize includes: 

• Three nights accommodations at Hotel Three Sixty
• All meals and beverages (including non-premium alcoholic drinks)
• Ground transportation to/from SJO airport
• Two $750 air credits for use on flights from the United States to Costa Rica
• Two one-hour Jungle Classics spa treatments

Tucked away in a vast 58-acre private rainforest reserve, Hotel Three Sixty occupies just eight percent of the land, leaving plenty of wide open spaces to explore. The resort’s structures seamlessly blend stunning modern design elements with traditional materials and styles authentic to the region. Open-air designs and soaring vaulted ceilings help draw the panoramic jungle scenery indoors, intensifying the all-encompassing views. Natural stone and wood accents complement living floral walls that breathe life into the interiors.

Hovering nearly 1,000 feet above the jungle, the hotel offers breathtaking vantage points over the lush rainforest, Manuel Antonio National Park, the ocean, and the Osa Peninsula. 

How to Enter

Visit our sweepstakes page here to enter before the giveaway ends on June 21, 2024.

Entering is easy—all you have to do is sign up for SmarterTravel and Oyster’s newsletters. If you’re already a subscriber, simply enter your email address to verify your account (you won’t be signed up twice.)

You can gain bonus entries by completing one or more of the following tasks to increase your chance of winning. You’ll receive one additional entry per task.

1. Follow us on Twitter (X).
2. Retweet a Tweet from SmarterTravel.
3. View our Facebook post.
4. Share the sweepstakes with a friend.
5. Follow us on TikTok.

To see the full terms and conditions for the giveaway, visit the sweepstakes page here.

The post Win a Trip to Hotel Three Sixty in Costa Rica appeared first on SmarterTravel.