Talk Travel: Do I need proof of citizenship when traveling near the US-Canadian border?
The Washington Post’s Travel section writers and editors recently discussed stories, questions, gripes and more. Here are edited excerpts:
Q: I do not have a passport for myself or my son, but am planning on visiting New Hampshire and Maine this summer. With the news about Border Patrol conducting roadblocks up to 100 miles from the border, do you have any suggestions on how to deal with this? Do I need to carry my son’s birth certificate to prevent problems, even though we are not leaving the country?
A: If you are American and are staying in the States, then no, you don’t need to carry around proof of citizenship.
– Andrea Sachs
Q: Do you have any idea why there aren’t more hotels in or near Bethany Beach, Delaware? It’s tough to go just for the weekend with so few options, but we like the relatively low-key feel of the place.
A: Bethany keeps that low-key feel by not welcoming dense development. But there is a Holiday Inn Express.
– Carol Sottili
Q: What do you all think about services like Hopper that try to predict when prices will rise and fall? Helpful? Accurate?
A: I think airline prices are so volatile, there is no way to predict. But maybe I am cynical. I book a flight when I see a fare that matches my budget. But some people swear by Hopper.
– A.S.
Q: We booking our Hawaiian honeymoon for the fall and I’m wondering if I should use a referred travel agent. I am curious if others find it worth it – either by cost, time or better perks. My friend loves this person but they are friends who have a slightly larger budget! We’re both overwhelmed with planning our wedding and we’re looking forward to just relaxing on the beach, doing some fun stuff and eating amazing food.
A: If someone has recommended a travel agent, that might be the way to go here. Putting together a honeymoon is time-consuming, and if you have someone who knows the destination and is recommended by someone you trust, why not? Of course, once they put together a package, spot check the prices to make sure they’re competitive and look at the hotel reviews.
– C.S.
Q: My sister is going on a (really cool) cross country road trip this summer that will involve some light camping (as in, close to the road, established campsites sort of stuff) and a ferry up to Alaska as the cherry on top. Can you think of any basic camping supplies or road trip essentials that would make a good gift? So far I’ve walked around REI but not found anything worth buying.
A: A few off the top of my head: A head lamp or solar lights; a Hydro Flask stainless-steel bottle for hot and cold beverages; road snacks; star chart; guidebook to wildlife/flowers/attractions.
– A.S.
Q: I looked up flights last night to Aruba for February/March/April 2019 and things seemed very high (for both direct and non-direct flights). Is it possible more will be added between now and then? Maybe it’s that Southwest doesn’t have the pricing available yet, but I wasn’t seeing anything less than $550 with a connection, or nearly $800 direct. I figured it was worth seeing if you all have any advice.
A: I would wait to book as long as you have flexibility. Fares may go down. Just keep checking. You can sign up for alerts on just about every booking web site and app.
– C.S.
Q: Do hotels offer discounts for extended stays? If so, how long is the minimum — a week, a month, two months, etc.?
A: There are hotels that bill themselves as specializing in extended stays. Most others do not negotiate rates based on length of stay, but you can always call and ask.
– C.S.
Q: I am a 64-year-old woman who will be visiting Paris and Berlin for two weeks in June-July with family members. We will be doing a lot of walking. If I am wearing shorts and sneakers, will that clothing scream “tourist” to everyone?
A: In a word, yes. Ditch the sneakers for some comfy walking shoes, and wear lightweight slacks, a skirt or a dress instead of shorts.
– C.S.
MORE COVERAGE:
The biggest events in every Midwest state (sorry, Lolla)
Leave a Reply