HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELERS

As you are about to embark on a foreign vacation, there are certain things of which you need to be aware. Apple Vacations strongly recommends that you visit the portion of United States Department of States’ website http://travel.state.gov/index.html, which deals with foreign travel. Specifically, you should read tips on foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries you plan to visit. Although foreign travel is exciting and rewarding, you must keep in mind that you are not traveling in the United States and extra caution is required to make your trip happy and successful. Just a few of the issues you need to be aware of are: medical standards and training of emergency responders and resort medical facilities vary greatly. If you have medical issues or concerns about medical services, Apple Vacations urges you to contact the particular property, as health care abroad may not be the same as you might expect at home. Sports and aquatic equipment, especially scuba gear, may not meet U.S. safety standards and many resort pools and beaches may lack lifeguards. 

TSA Requirements – Regarding Customer Contact Information

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has new requirements regarding customer contact information that we must receive at the time of booking, This information is needed for security purposes and includes, but may not be limited to, your full name and date of birth. These new requirements have been instituted for the safety of the traveling public. Incorrect or incomplete information may result in denied boarding. For more on TSA privacy policies, please see the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov

3-1-1 Rule for Flying with Liquids

TSA and our security partners conducted extensive explosives testing since August 10, 2006 and determined that liquids, aerosols and gels, in limited quantities, are safe to bring aboard an aircraft. The one bag limit per traveler limits the total amount each traveler can bring. Consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear the items.

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.

Children under the age of 18

If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?

Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and as possible victims of child pornography, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child’s other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” See our Q&A parental consent.

* School groups, teen tours, vacation groups.

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized.

More information can be found here http://www.cbp.gov/