Hey Four Eyes!

Did you know that starting November 1, 2016 you cannot wear your glasses for the passport photo when you apply for or renew a passport ?  This is due to the poor quality of photos that were submitted to the U.S. Department of State for more than 200,000 passport requests last year, which resulted in delayed passport processing and delays moving through U.S. ports of entry. Don’t worry if you are wearing glasses in an unexpired passport.  You will simply submit a new photo without glasses with your renewal application once it’s time to renew your passport.  If you need to wear glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to get and submit a signed statement from a medical professional or health practitioner, and include it with your passport application.

If you have more questions about photo requirements and examples, send me your questions by emailing me at tracey@tljtravelgroup.com, or leave me message here on the blog post.

Take Your Crew to Alaska

A massive chunk of ice sheers off a floe, crashing into the powder-blue sea. A humpback whale makes ripples as he leaps high above the water and slaps his tail playfully. Cruising to Alaska means having front-row access to performances from Mother Nature time and again, in which every moment seems more incredible than the next.

Celebrity Cruises makes exploring Alaska even more attractive, docking in the most breathtaking cities and whisking you to shore experiences among inspiring icescapes, native villages and taiga forests. Cruises depart from Seattle and Vancouver, putting sailings within easy reach, and voyages take place seasonally between May and September, aligning perfectly with school breaks — meaning the entire family can enjoy itineraries like a classic voyage along the Inside Passage or a dramatic tour through Tracy Arm Fjord.

More than 40 excursions introduce the natural wonders of this outlying state. Animal-lovers snuggle up to Huskies born and bred for dog sledding, while adventure-seekers whiz above glacial waterfalls on a zip line and fly by helicopter over Juneau’s icy crevasses and remote peaks. Follow your invigorating adventure with a fireside marshmallow roast, panning for gold or let the staggering terrain unfold before you on a nostalgic steam train ride in Skagway.

You can travel even deeper into Alaska with Celebrity Cruisetours. Sail to the edge of a glacier and zip across breathtaking terrain aboard Celebrity Cruises’ glass-domed train, Wilderness Express®, pausing in historic Talkeetna. You’ll revel in 360-degree views as you approach Denali National Park, your expert Tour Director pointing out scenic passes and roaming wildlife. Deluxe lodges offer welcoming retreats after thrilling days of adventure and every detail — from porterage to transfers — is thoughtfully handled on your behalf. You’ll be utterly enchanted by Alaska’s charms before setting out on your cruise vacation where you’ll be greeted by a wealth of activities appealing to every member of the family. 

Whether you’re exploring the great diversity of Alaska’s shores or staying snug on the ship between ports, the range of unforgettable experiences befitting every age and interest are sure to unite your family, leaving lasting impressions of a journey unequaled by anything else.

Perfect Fit: Let us arrange the perfect accommodations, like a dedicated Family Veranda stateroom designed to keep you closer together in the utmost comfort. 

Contact me today to get more information about booking an Alaskan cruise with Celebrity Cruises at tracey@tljtravelgroup.com.