April Newsletter – ET Family Travel Deals, Travel News and Guatemala
We are already into Spring here in North America, so the year is flying by quickly. The world is changing rapidly with things such as tightening security, rule changes, and in some areas over tourism. While there are challenges, travel is still as rewarding as it has always been and from our recent travels to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Panama the people are still ready for tourists and are as friendly as ever. Sustainable tourism gives income to people and countries that need it and help enrich our minds and lives. I look forward to more travels in the future no matter the challenges that there might be.
Guatemala
In January we headed to the Central American country of Guatemala. We found it a country of friendly and kind people and full of history and adventure! We witnessed our first Volcanic eruption and visited ancient cities deep in the jungle. Check out our new Pursuing Travel with the Millers guide to Guatemala!
Guatemala – Pursuing Travel With The Millers
ET Family Travel Deals
Donna and I are travel agents with ET Family Travel and they are an amazing agency with many connections and provide travel deals. Our travel website (Pursuing Travel with the Millers) is the information side of Donna and I’s operations (not part of ET Family Travel) and ET Family Travel is our agency where we book all travel. Here is a list of ET Family travel deals going on at this time!
Gate 1 Flash Sale
CIE Insight Vacations Travel Deal
Moon Palace Deals in Cancun and Punta Cana Deal
Travel Agents – Hotels & Resorts, Pleasant Holidays Offers | TravelLeaders.com
Celebrity Cruise Deal
Royal Caribbean Deal
Globus Europe Deal
Travel News
With global instability and changing rules there are a few things to keep a watch out for and news. We do not get involved in politics in our newsletter and only provide information to help travelers based on our experiences and stories we see.
Higher Security When entering the US
There has been a lot of talk in the news about Customs and Border Patrol becoming stricter at our borders (including airports) and the searching of phones and detainment. So far this year we have not encountered any additional security when passing through US Passport Control. If you are law abiding citizens, then I don’t believe you will have to worry but check out this article to be prepared.
CBP electronic device searches: What you need to know
SSSS
If you travel internationally often you will most likely get the SSSS on your boarding pass at some point. This means that the US Government has selected you for a Secondary Security Screening. This search is always done in the country you are departing from before you leave for the US. We have received it at least once a year the past few years. We can usually tell one of us has it if we are not allowed to check in for our flight online. We are avid travelers and always obey the law, so we have nothing to fear in a search. The search usually means you will be taken to a “detention” area, and all your bags are searched, a pat down and residue scan occur. We have had some un-nerving experiences where our passports were taken from us, or we are taken off to a back room. All ended up working out fine. In Belize, I had a new experience where I was escorted to the plane by an officer (was very kind), and Junior High Kids on a STEM trip were searched. Remember when going through this that it is a US requirement, and not the requirement of the country you are visiting so treat the officers with kindness. The US also disallows purchased water and other drinks from being brought on the plane even after security in some countries and triggers another search. I have seen young and old, US Citizen or foreign national go through the process. It’s best to keep your cool and go with the flow.
US Travel Demand Decline
With some of the tensions right now US Travel Demand is declining from international travelers. Depending on what happens it might allow for lower travel costs in the US.
‘It’s like our friend started a fist fight with us’: These Europeans are skipping US travel
Remember to book with us at ET Family Travel for your next adventure. You will unlock our experience and knowledge, and you will be helping a Small Business grow all while not costing you ANYTHING! In these busy times let us help and let you truly enjoy your travel adventures!
Jason and Donna Miller
You May Also Like
Mid-March Pursuing Travel with the Millers Newsletter
