travel

Theresa Winters Faraway Places Travel Travel with Kids

Local Travel Agent Theresa Winters Offers Tips for Single Parents Traveling with Kids

Local travel agent Theresa Winters was recently featured in The Compass Magazine where she shared some valuable tips for single parents who are traveling with children.

With a lot of pent-up demand for travel after a year and a half of closures and restrictions, vacationing and exploring new places are on a lot of families’ to-do lists.

In the interview, Winters, owner of Port Huron’s Faraway Places Travel, said that every trip is a learning experience when adjusting to traveling solo with kids.

Winters said, “We, as single parents, need an additional sense of ease. Most times, we’re outnumbered by children, which can easily make us feel stressed and overwhelmed. A travel advisor should focus on the ages of the children so their particular needs are met.”

As both a travel advisor and a single parent herself, Winters suggests letting kids help plan trips so they have a bit of a say in the activities. She also suggests road trips instead of flying as ways for single parents to save money.

Winters says all-inclusive resorts are a great option for single parents traveling with children as they have amenities onsite.

https://viewer.joomag.com/compass-summer-2021-master/0846492001627334402/p74?short&fbclid=IwAR0lsrGpzO5qisbm5u9CecM1FcA51ryFJ8gE1Jdqr1tSbQ7cMbWDhfSvDxA

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Announces Plans for Wireless Charging Roadway

Pontiac, MI — Governor Whitmer visited Motor Bella yesterday, and announced plans to develop a wireless dynamic charging roadway in Michigan.

In the opening ceremony of Motor Bella’s press and industry day, Whitmer said, “Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we’re paving the way for the roads of tomorrow with innovative infrastructure that will support the economy and the environment, helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Whitmer also said that the project will accelerate the “deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure in Michigan and will create new opportunities for businesses and high-tech jobs amidst the transition to electric vehicles.”

The Michigan Department of Transportation will release a Request for Proposal next week to start the pilot program that will create a one-mile stretch of roadway in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county that will wirelessly charge electric vehicles while they drive.

Michigan would be the first state in the nation to deploy this type of infrastructure.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Is It Time to Book Your Next Trip?

Many people put off travel plans for the majority of 2020, and now they are feeling ready to plan their next adventure. According to a local travel agent, now is the time to plan cruises, trips to amusement parks, and tours overseas.

Rules, regulations, and restrictions vary by country, mode of travel, and destination, so working with a travel agent may be more valuable than ever. D’Ann Kolan from St. Clair Travel said keeping up with what’s happening where is her job.

Although nothing is set in stone, many travel destinations and cruise companies are requiring visitors be vaccinated and/or COVID tested, and currently, COVID testing is required for those re-entering the U.S. from outside the county. These extra steps are not deterring travelers, and many are comforted by the idea.

“Travelers are biting at the bit to travel.” said Kolan. She is actively scheduling trips to Disney World and Disney Land (which just opened up), Switzerland, and Mexico for this year. Disney currently requires both tickets and reservations to get into the parks  which makes things a little more complicated, and masks are required throughout the park, but Kolan says people are enjoying the lower capacity in the parks.

“Disney does things right. They have everything in place and they have the employees to keep it up. You do not need to be vaccinated to go [at this time],” she said.

Travel discounts vary by destination. Kolan says, “If you’re going to Vegas this summer, you’re probably going to get a good deal, but if you’re booking far out on a future holiday, it’s tough. That’s going to be more expensive.” The main issue is that with limited flights, air fare is more expensive. 

If you’ve never used a travel agent, Kolan, who has been in the business for 30 years,  says St. Clair Travel’s services apply to trips big and small. They regularly do air and hotel packages and air and car rentals.  She said, “We do travel to anywhere and all different types, and we don’t charge service fees.”

To learn more about St. Clair Travel, visit their website:

https://www.stclairtravel.net/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

TSA Extends Face Mask Order

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the organization focused on keeping transportation by air, bus and rail safe and secure for travelers. In response to COVID-19 in February of 2020, the TSA initiated a face mask requirement for all travelers, and they have extended it until September 13, 2021.

Children under 2 years old and those with certain disabilities are exempt from the face mask order, but all other travelers in airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on buses, and on rail systems will be required to wear a facemask or risk a fine ranging from $250 – $1,500.

TSA officers at screening checkpoints will continue to require people to lower their face mask to confirm their identity, but the mask must be worn in all other areas of public transportation facilities.

The CDC only recommends travel for those who are fully vaccinated or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 3 months and have fully recovered. People in those categories have the least chance of spreading COVID-19 or becoming infected with the virus.

Form more information about travelling safely, visit the CDC’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

REAL ID Enforcement Date Extended to May 2023

The Department of Homeland Security has been urging travelers to get their REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for some time in anticipation of the October 2021 enforcement date. Due to the challenges state agencies have had during the COVID-19 pandemic, the enforcement date has been extended to May 3, 2023.

Many states have cancelled and/or limited in-person service at their licensing agencies and state governments have extended the deadlines for renewing licenses during the pandemic. As a result, DHS reports that only 43% of state ids and driver’s licenses are currently REAL ID compliant.

The 19-month extension will enable individuals, states, and the Department of Homeland Security more time to implement and adjust to the changing requirements.

All U.S. travelers planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 3, 2023 will have to have a REAL ID compliant id card. All enhanced driver’s licenses and state ID cards are already REAL ID compliant.

To receive or convert a Michigan driver’s license or identification card to REAL-ID, you must  show two forms of documentation: one with your social security number such as a social security card, W-2, or pay stub, and one showing citizenship, naturalization, or residency status such as a certified birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or valid U.S. or foreign passport.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Real IDs Required for Air Travel Starting in October

Real IDs will be required for commercial air travel starting October 21st of this year. The deadline was extended due to the pandemic, but it is back on the calendar and many travelers will need to take action.

A Real ID can be a state Driver’s License that has enhanced security protocols so it is less likely to be counterfeit or copied. The Real ID can also be a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, or an Enhanced ID.  Michigan residents who have an Enhanced ID, which allows travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, do not need a new ID.

Real ID cards will be distinguished with a gold star in the upper right corner, although those issued before 2017 may not have the star, but are still valid. To get the Real ID, several documents will need to be brought to a Secretary of State Branch. A government-issued birth certificate with raised seal or stamp, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.

A Real ID will also be needed to enter federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases.

For more information:

https://www.michigan.gov/SOS?fbclid=IwAR1cPin_wkZjQzG4xI-M8h9Rtyo3hC17kRRUHnbLDJ-Ry0vyATl3mKOG2DY

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland