Important Note: Information below is for reference purposes only and should be confirmed prior to your trip. Some information provided by third party sources and may not be up to date.

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Influenza A(H1N1) Update

Breaking News: Travel Health Warning for Mexico Removed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department have removed their recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico due to the H1N1 Flu (or Swine Flu). See cdc.gov and travel.state.gov for more details.

Mexico- H1N1 Influenza Travel Alert No Longer in Effect
May 15, 2009
The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. As a result of the CDC's decision, the State Department's Travel Alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect.

The CDC continues to suggest precautions that travelers and U.S. citizens resident in Mexico (especially those at high risk for complications of influenza) should take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico; provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area where cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza have been reported; and recommends measures travelers should take following their return from an area that has reported cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza. Complete CDC guidelines regarding H1N1 influenza can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.

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May 7, 2009 Update: Mexico lowers swine flu alert
Mexico lowered its swine flu alert one notch Thursday as more than 6 million students started to return to classes and thousands of shuttered businesses reopened. The alert went from orange, which is “elevated, to yellow, or “medium.”

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano acknowledged claims by Mexican authorities who believe their cases have peaked and said, "I have no reason to think that is inaccurate. What the epidemiologists are seeing now with this particular strain of H1N1 is that the severity of the disease, the severity of the flu -- how sick you get -- is not stronger than regular seasonal flu," she said.
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April 30, 2009
To our valued clients,

We certainly understand your concerns regarding the reports of swine flu in isolated regions of Mexico. Many stories are being posted through various media (and non-media) outlets - some of them accurate, some wildly inaccurate. In order to clear up some of the confusion, we recommend monitoring the official agencies involved:

Centers for Disease Control

World Heath Organization

If you are planning travel to Mexico over the next month or so, our advice is to stay up-to-date using these official sources so you can make your own informed decision before making any significant changes. Situations such as these can often be quickly resolved without affecting your travel plans.

Tens of thousands of people travel in and out of Mexico's resort areas (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, etc., which in most cases are hundreds of miles from the affected regions) everyday, and continue to travel. I myself just returned from Cancun on Sunday the 26th, along with thousands of other American travelers. Keep in mind that approximately 36,000 people die each year in the United States from the common flu, compared to only one confirmed from swine flu.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our clients posted on any drastic changes or travel advisories/warnings. Please contact your Travel Consultant with any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,


Steve Umstead
President, Berwick Travel
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Related: Has the swine flu story been overblown?

1 May 2009 Update - No rationale for travel restrictions -- The World Heath Organization advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders: WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.

Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).

WATCH: Dr. Tim Johnson: Swine Flu Not Lethal

 

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Mexico Travel Alert Update

The revised Mexico Travel Alert issued by the U.S. Department of State was updated on February 20, 2009 and is designed to inform travelers of the issues and common sense precautions to “ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable”. We do not take this alert lightly, but it needs to be taken in the proper perspective.

The media has painted the country of Mexico (population over 100 million, and the 14th largest country in the world) with one brush, when in fact the drug related violence that triggered the update is centered in small border towns hundreds of miles from the tourist destinations frequented by our customers. We agree with the position taken by the Mexico Tourism Board that “Mexico remains a safe tourist destination.” In 2008, 18.34 million U.S. visitors traveled to Mexico and came home with experiences that only Mexico can offer. It has been, and will continue to be, Berwick Travel's #1 destination.

Read a letter from the CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board

What does the Mexico Travel Alert really say?
The Mexico Travel Alert dates back to April of 2008 and was UPDATED on February 20, 2009 as a result of increased violence along the US border towns of Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City. While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, violence in the country has increased recently, predominantly amongst the Mexican drug cartels. To review the actual alert, visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

What is the difference between a travel alert and a travel warning?
Travel Alerts, as issued in the case of Mexico, are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.

Is Mexico an unsafe place to travel?
The safety of our passengers is of paramount interest to our company. We have sent thousands of happy vacationers to the destination of Mexico and believe that our core leisure destinations remain some of the safest places for vacationers. There have been no reports of incidents in Cancun's Hotel Zone or the Riviera Maya, where Berwick Travel's featured all-inclusive resorts are located. Border towns including Chihuahua and Tijuana, which are the focus of such violence, are more than 1,500 miles and 2,000 miles from Cancun/Riviera Maya, respectively. The isolated, drug-related incident that took place west of Cancun's city area earlier this month was more than 100 miles away, and did not involve everyday citizens or tourists. While travel to the core leisure destinations remains safe, Berwick Travel, as we always have, encourages our customers to take proper precautions when traveling anywhere, not just Mexico. Travelers should stick to main tourist areas and be aware of their surroundings.

Wasn’t there a travel advisory cautioning travelers about popular tourist areas like Los Cabos and Cancun?
No, the Mexico Tourism Board maintains that Mexico remains a safe tourist destination, further reassuring that popular tourist destinations including Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya, all remain safe for visitors. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert warning U.S. citizens about dangers in border towns.

Reports of drug violence in Mexico have been widely circulated. Have these stories affected tourism to the country?
This is not a new alert nor is this drug violence something new to Mexico. It was simply updated on February 20, 2009 to advise Americans of a recent increase in the drug-related violence along US border towns. This violence had not affected the decision of tourists to travel to Mexico, which received thousands of tourists in the past months - the violence associated with drug trafficking is concentrated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations. Mexico is the most popular international tourism destination for Americans, with more than 18.34 million US visitors in 2008.

What are the resorts doing to ensure the safety of current guests?
Mexico's resorts are committed to providing guests with exceptional and memorable experiences and their satisfaction is our top priority. The all-inclusive resorts Berwick Travel handles are closed to outside persons, and employ 24-hour security to help ensure the safety of guests. In addition airport transfers are handled by professional well-established transportation companies. Mexico's resort areas remain safe tourist destinations and there have been no reports of violent incidents in the area.

What if something were to happen when on vacation?
Berwick Travel's suppliers and partners work diligently to ensure that our customers have a great vacation experience. That said, we know that sometimes the unexpected can happen on vacation. Our partners' in-destination representatives are available in all of our key leisure destinations and are equipped to assist passengers on all fronts. We also offer 24-hour care here in the US to assist customers with all aspects of their vacation, pre and post travel.

The distance from the closest border towns to Cancun and the Riviera Maya is more than 800 miles, the same difference between Chicago, IL and New Orleans, LA.

IMPORTANT: Now that many airlines have made changes to their baggage allowances, and may charge per checked bag, please visit the airline's website for the most up-to-date restrictions. Baggage Information by Airline If your airline is not listed, or if the link no longer functions, please see the airline's website directly. We cannot be responsible for extra charges or denied boarding associated with baggage issues. American Delta Continental Air Jamaica USAirways United Northwest USA3000 AeroMexico Mexicana Frontier SpiritAir Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere All persons (even infants) traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. . For more information, click here. As of 2008, the most recent correct information regarding minors traveling to the Dominican Republic or Mexico is as follows: Requirements for minors traveling to the Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic no longer requires a permit or a notarized letter for minors who are United States nationals or Canadian nationals. Anyone under 18 on the day of departure will be denied boarding if not accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Requirements for minors traveling to Mexico: Mexico no longer requires a notarized letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) for minors under 18. Anyone under 18 on the day of departure will be denied boarding if not accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Berwick Travel still recommends obtaining a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) giving permission to travel to avoid any delays or issues. For more information, click here. Transportation Security Administration List of Prohibited Travel Items PROHIBITED Ammunition Baseball bats Boxcutters Cattle prods Firearms Golf clubs Hammers/ice axe/picks Knives, excluding round-bladed, butter and plastic Lighters Meat cleavers Pellet or BB guns Pool cues Razors Scissors, metal with pointed tips and blades longer than four inches Ski poles Spray paint PERMITTED Cigar cutters Corkscrews Cuticle cutters Eyelash curlers Knitting and crochet needles Nail clippers or files Disposable razors Scissors, with a cutting edge of less than four inches Tweezers Tools, seven inches long or less, including screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers Walking canes All liquids must be in 3 oz bottles or smaller and be enclosed in a clear, one quart sized (sandwich) ziplock bag. The Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. For current information, click here.

U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings

U.S. Department of State Passport Information

Vital Records - Birth Certificate Information

Caribbean/Mexico Wedding Requirements

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travelers Health

Airline Phone Number Listings

Berwick Travel Honeymoon Registry Waiving insurance? Consider adding on AIG Travel Guard for unexpected issues. Need luggage? Wide selection of luggage at low prices from Luggage Pros. Best Service in the Sky - first bag free, free soft drinks, free movies, and free head sets. Preferred Perks offers you peace of mind and a hassle-free vacation travel experience. With Preferred Perks on USA3000 charter flights, you are the first to check-in, the first to go through security and the first to board. It's just like First Class - without the First Class price tag. For only $39 roundtrip, you will be a Preferred Perks customer, which means you get: * Preferred check-in line at the airport for faster, hassle-free check-in. * Preferred boarding pass. * Preferred boarding; you'll be the first to board. * Preferred seating in the front of the aircraft. * Preferred bag tag put on your luggage at check-in. Preferred luggage is given priority coming off of the aircraft. * And when and where TSA has their first class and preferred security line available and open to travelers, **Preferred Perks customers have the privilege to use this exclusive security line - just as though you were flying first class! *Currently not available from Detroit or St. Louis. **TSA preferred security line available in select departure gateways only.

What to Do if You Lose Your Photo ID, and More It's the headache you'll remember the rest of your life: You've flown somewhere for business or pleasure, but midway through your trip, your identification gets lost or stolen. What do you do? To some extent, the answer depends on whether you are in Berkeley or Bucharest. But no matter where you are, it is important to take action the moment you discover your ID is missing, whether it's your driver's license or your passport, because it could take some time to get the matter straightened out. What follows are specific instructions and tips regarding both scenarios. Print this out and take it with you, or bookmark this column for future reference. It's good information to have on hand -- just pray you never have to use it. Losing your ID while traveling outside the country presents a completely different set of issues and problems than you'd face if you lost it within the confines of the United States. Follow these steps to make recovery as painless as possible. Find the nearest consulate or embassy. Once you learn your passport is missing, immediately contact the nearest consulate or embassy. (The Department of State's Web site has a comprehensive list.) Know the hotline numbers. If you don't have the list or can't get to the consulate, contact the Department of State's Overseas Citizens Service. From outside the U.S., dial 1-317-472-2328. If you are in the U.S. trying to assist a family member who is traveling abroad, call 1-888-407-4747 toll free for assistance. Prove your identity. During an interview with a consular officer you will be asked to provide basic personal info, as well as your passport number and date and place of issue, if possible. You will need to supply the names of identifying witnesses at home and abroad; if you are traveling with others, they can be asked to vouch for your identity. In certain circumstances, you might need to have someone back home fax copies of identifying documents, such as a birth certificate, to the consulate. For this reason, it is a good idea to leave copies of these documents with family or friends. If there are no unusual circumstances, this part of the process goes very quickly. Reapply. Once your identity has been verified, you'll have to fill out a new passport application, as well as an affidavit regarding the loss/theft of your old passport. If you believe your passport was stolen, you might have to file a local police report. Pay the fee. Your replacement passport will cost at least $85 (an additional $60 expediting fee may be assessed as well), but it will be valid for the usual 10 years. If you lost your credit cards and cash along with your passport and have no way to pay, you'll be issued a temporary passport for free just to get you home. Accept a conditional passport. If the Department of State has lingering doubts as to your identity but is satisfied enough to let you back into the country, they'll issue you a conditional passport. Once you get home and can provide them with the proper documentation, you can have the passport validated for the full 10 years. Bottom line: Always carry a photocopy of your passport. Always. It's the next best thing to having your actual passport. But don't carry it with your passport or with any other travel documents -- put it at the bottom of your suitcase and leave it there. But even that might get misplaced, so as a backup consider scanning your passport and downloading the file onto your laptop or other digital storage device, such as an Apple iPod. If you don't travel with a laptop or an iPod, email the scanned image to yourself (both as an attachment and inserted into the body of the email) and let it sit in your inbox unopened. Either way, you'll be able to print out a copy of your passport from your hotel's business center, an internet caf?, or any other location that has Web access and a printer. (Use the same trick for your driver's license when traveling domestically.) For more on what to expect if you've lost your passport, visit the Department of State's Web site.