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Ask a Travel Agent

This Month's Question:

“If I purchase the adoption fare can I use miles to upgrade to business class?”

No, the airlines do not allow upgrades on adoption fares.

-Marci

Ask a question

Question Archives:

Can you help me with travel even though we're not adopting?

Yes! We can book air, car, hotel, vacation packages, cruises & tours for you to anywhere in the world.

When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as possible. The government has put forth new rules regarding Americans returning to the United States. Starting January 1, 2007 a passport will be required for U.S. citizens who travel by air or sea to and from the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Central and South America and Canada. All land border crossings from Canada and Mexico will require a passport as of January 1, 2008. A passport is good for 10 years and costs $97. Apply now and avoid the rush. For more infomation on how to apply visit www.travel.state.gov or call Travel Intrigue.

Do you have any packing tips?

1. Always carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be packed in checked luggage.
2. Label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home address. If an address is needed, then put your office's. And remove old claim checks and airline tags to avoid confusion.
3. If you are taking a laptop be sure it is taken in a padded, laptop-specific bag for maximum protection. Don't ever let your laptop be in a bag that needs to be gate-checked.
4. Be sure to put film in a carry on bag becase the x-ray machines that checked bags go through will usually destroy film.
5. If you are flying on a small plan for any part of your journey, the overhead bins and under-seat areas are smaller and may require you to gate-check a bag that is deemed too big. Standard, rectangular, rolling carry-on bags usually fall into this category. Be ready to remove anything you want in the cabin with you for the flight or consider using a smaller carry-on bag for the trip to avoid this issue.

For a list of air travel prohibited items and more packing tips go to: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1052.xml

Can a single parent travel internationally with a minor child?

Yes, you can. You will need to be well prepared, however. You will be required to present documentation to both the airline and Customs and Immigration officials that:

1. verifies sole custody/guardianship of the child to you
2. gives permission from the other parent for you to take the child out of the country (this needs to be in the form of a notarized letter) or
3. shows that the other parent/guardian is deceased (certified copy of death certificate)

Can I use frequent flyer miles to pick up my child?

You can certainly try, although "standard award" tickets may not be available to you when you are given travel notice. If your country requires 2 visits, it may be possible to use them on the first visit if you are able to be flexible. Travel Intrigue does charge a fee to help facilitate frequent flyer awards if they are earned from a particular airline. If they are earned through a stand-alone credit card (for example, Capital One) we will not be able to assist with that.

How big/heavy can my luggage be?

With a few exceptions, the general rule for most airlines now is 2 checked bags per person weighing not more than 50 pounds per piece and measuring not more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per piece. 1 Carry-on bag is permitted per person weighing not more than 40 pounds and measuring not more than 45 linear inches. You may also take a personal item such as a purse, laptop, briefcase or diaper bag. In-country flights are an exception where most flights restrict the checked bag weight to 44 pounds.

Some destinations are allowed a higher weight limit and some airlines extend a higher weight limit to their elite frequent flyers. The Northwest Airlines adoption fare allows families to take 1 extra bag at no charge. Baggage information can also be found on all major airlines websites.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

There are some variables to consider on this one, however for the most part, YES, we would recommend that you purchase insurance. There are many different policies to consider from medical to trip cancellation. We sell Travel Guard insurance on a regular basis and they are a very reputable and easy-to-work-with company.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Check with your personal health insurance company to see if you are covered for medical care outside of the United States. Most carriers in the US do not pay for coverage in foreign countries.

How much luggage should I bring?

Less is best! Individuals are allowed one checked and one carry-on each. You must remember that you will have to be able to manage your own luggage and your child’s—no one will be there to help you. Check with airlines about size limits—if your luggage is overweight fines can be expensive.

Can I bring my relatives with me when I travel?

This is possible, but remember there will be extra charges for cars and accommodations and it can get expensive quickly.

Will I need to bring an electricity adapter with me?

To learn more about electricity in foreign countries, you can visit www.walkabouttravelgear.com/nongr.htm. Keep in mind that you may need an adapter plug and a voltage regulator to operate electric appliances. Consider battery powered shavers, curling irons, etc. Many hotels provide hair dryers.

How much money should I bring and what are the exchange rates?

A general rule of thumb is to bring $1,000 more than you think you will need. Click here for foreign currency conversions.

Before you travel, check with your county health department or the Center for Disease Control to find out what precautionary measures are necessary before you leave the United States.The toll-free number for the CDC is 1-800-11-3435 or you can visit their website at www.cdc.gov.

For more information on all your travel needs you can purchase the booklet “Adoption Travel for Smarties” at www.adoptionaccents.com/products/travelsmarties.php.