Navigating the world of travel and identification requirements can be confusing, but understanding REAL ID is essential for your future travel plans. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this federally accepted form of identification and why it matters.

What Is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets minimum security standards set by the federal government. These standards were established to make identity verification more secure and consistent across all states. While upgrading to a REAL ID is optional, it is highly recommended for anyone planning to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities.

Why Is REAL ID Important?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the need for stronger identity verification and security measures. This legislation established consistent standards for state-issued IDs, ensuring they are more difficult to forge and easier to verify.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to:
•    Board domestic flights within the United States.
•    Enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses.

Without a REAL ID, you could face significant disruptions to your travel or access plans.

What Does a REAL ID Look Like?
It’s easy to identify a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card. Here are the key features:
•    Star Icon: Look for a star in the upper right corner of your card. This indicates that the ID meets federal REAL ID standards.
•    Non-REAL ID Marking: If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, it will clearly state “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES” on the front.

How to Get a REAL ID
Obtaining a REAL ID involves visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and providing specific documentation to verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Requirements may vary slightly by state, so check your state’s DMV website for details.

Why Upgrade Now?
Although May 7, 2025, might seem far away, it’s best to upgrade to a REAL ID sooner rather than later. DMV offices often experience long wait times as deadlines approach, and planning ahead ensures you’re ready for future travel and access needs.

Final Thoughts
A REAL ID is a small upgrade that makes a big difference in your ability to travel and access secure facilities. Don’t let the new requirements catch you off guard. Take the time to check your ID today and make the necessary updates to ensure smooth travels tomorrow.
For more travel tips and updates, stay connected with us at Smith-Hairston Travel. We’re here to make your journeys as seamless as possible!
 

By Sheldon Smith

During this holiday season, many of us are planning trips to go see family or spend time with friends. The winter weather outlook predicts a wetter south and a warmer north, and there will be plenty of opportunities for severe weather. That’s why we encourage our travelers to plan extra time into your itinerary to accommodate canceled or delayed flights.

Make sure to book your travel with a credit card that offers trip delay, or cancellation and interruption insurance. Trip delay insurance will protect you from expenses incurred because of flight delays. The benefit of trip cancellation and interruption insurance is its ability to cover non-refundable expenses that result from unforeseen circumstances that impact your travel plans. When booking cruises or resort destinations, we highly recommend that you use travel insurance benefits available through your card or purchase travel insurance.

Monitor the weather forecast. Severe weather that impacts your travel will likely result in ground stops which could lead to delays. Significant weather impacts can have devastating effects on aircraft and crew schedules, and often result in cancellations.
If you plan to drive, weather forecasts should play an important role in your routes and timing. A couple of years ago, when returning from Texas with my family, my original plan was to leave my point of origin and stop in Mississippi for the night. The next day, I planned to take a route through Tennessee into Western Virginia. But, during our overnight stop in Mississippi, I saw a weather forecast that had winter storm warnings along our planned route of travel. That provided an opportunity to shift our route south and east.

We made it home a day before a historic ice storm hit our area that resulted in significant downed trees and a catastrophic impact on our power system that took weeks to repair. In fact, trees came down across my driveway that took days to clear. So, being informed of the weather allowed me to make some smart decisions that kept my family and me safe.

Here are some preparedness tips from Ready.gov to consider.
•    From blizzards, to avalanches, to ice storms, be aware of the winter risks in places you visit. Check the local weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. Visit National Weather Service for up to date forecasts and download the FEMA App for alerts in up to five locations.
•    Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out.
•    If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling.
•    Tell others your route and anticipated arrival time.
•    Want more tips on travel safety? Watch this PSA, made in partnership with FEMA and the TSA, for additional tips on travel safety.
I know this post was rather long but hope it will benefit some of you in your holiday journeys.

Happy holidays and safe travels!
 

October 19, 2023

By Ruth Branson
You are finally doing it! You saved your nickels and you’re ready to take that trip you have been planning and dreaming of congratulations! Before you fly or sail off into the wild blue yonder there are a few things you may want to consider whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice. The seven tips below may save you some time or money, prevent travel frustrations, and allow your trip to be enjoyable and carefree. So, let’s jump right in!
1. Long before you decide where you want to go, apply for your passport if you don’t have one already. Passport processing times vary depending on seasonal demand and can take up to 13 weeks or more. Don’t pay for a trip only to have it spoiled by not getting your passport back in time. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Some countries require that your passport be valid not only for the expected duration of your trip but also for 3-6 months beyond your return date so that you are covered in the event your return is delayed. Also, make sure that your passport has at least 4 blank pages, more if you are traveling to multiple countries. Some countries will not place their entry/exit stamps on pages that have already been stamped by other countries even if there is sufficient space to do so.
2. If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa, contact the embassy of that country to determine application time and requirements. Many countries do not require a visa for U.S. citizens if you will be in the country for short periods of time. You can go to the Country Information Sheet in the International Travel section on the travel.state.gov website and type in your destination country to obtain visa information for each country to which you will be traveling.
3. Do your research! The Country Information Sheets mentioned above also contain valuable information such as Travel Advisories & Travel Alerts, visa requirements, safety & security information, local laws, entry/exit requirements, and much more for each country in the world. Additionally, each Country Information Sheet has contact information for the U.S. embassy and consulates in the countries to which you are traveling.
4. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your international trip. In many countries doctors and hospitals require payment prior to treatment and it is unlikely that your domestic insurance will cover you abroad. Should you be seriously injured abroad and require a medical evacuation (medevac) flight back home or to a country where your injuries can be adequately addressed, the cost will be astronomical. A medevac flight from the Caribbean can cost upwards of $15,000 and over $100,000 from Africa, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. The insurance is relatively inexpensive and there are many reputable companies that offer it.
5. It is wise to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Once you create an account and enroll you will receive information about your country of travel and any Travel Warnings or Security Alerts. The embassy or consulate in country will be able to reach you and/or your designated contact to offer assistance in the event of emergencies such as political unrest or a natural disaster while traveling abroad.
6. In the event your passport is lost or stolen you can apply for a temporary passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You should make a copy of the passport photo and visa pages and put them in your luggage, room safe, or other place separate from the original. You may want to carry an additional copy on your person. Be aware that some countries require you to carry your original passport at all times.
7. Always be vigilant and guard your belongings at all times. Under no circumstances should you agree to carry anything back to the U.S. or to another country for anyone. Countless U.S travelers have done so only to discover they have unknowingly accepted illegal drugs or other illegal items and have been imprisoned abroad. Sentences for drug trafficking abroad are often lengthy and, in some countries, the penalty is execution. Ignorance is no excuse and there is very little the U.S. government can do for you in these situations.
I hope your trip is packed with delight and adventure and will provide you pleasant memories to look back on for years to come. Bon Voyage! 

 

September 21, 2023
By Sheldon Smith

At Smith-Hairston Travel, we believe that travel has the power to broaden minds, foster cultural exchange, and create lifelong memories. And there’s no better way to capture such memories than to purchase a picture package from the cruise line.

Most cruise lines offer onboard photography and have trained and well-equipped photographers seemingly everywhere from the cruise terminal to ship events to disembarkation points at ports of call. In fact, opportunities exist until the last day of the cruise to get some stunning and memorable snapshots. So, when onboard photographers offer to take your picture, let them. It won’t cost you a thing unless you decide to buy the photo.

Although you can purchase photos taken on the ship individually, some may find the photo packages advantageous as you can document your fun without having to worry about carrying a camera or making sure your cell phone camera lens is clean (we’ve all seen those cloudy smartphone pictures). In short, photo packages take the work out of your fun.

So, when you see cruise photographers asking if you want them to take your picture, just say yes to the opportunity to capture lasting memories.
Royal Caribbean Blog - Photo Packages does a wonderful job explaining photo packages and can help you decide if they are worth it for you and your family or group.