Start Planning Early For 2009 Travel

For those of you who are planning on traveling in 2009, there are some things that you should be aware of before your trip. Even though it just became October it is never to early to begin planning for trips happening in 2009. You do not want it to be 3 days before your trip and realize that you'll be needing a passport to drive into Canada!

In an article recently published on MSNBC, the following are new issues that will be taking effect in 2009.

• Starting June 1 a passport will be required for all border crossings whether its by air, land or sea. To avoid the passport rush seen before, apply for your passport as soon as possible, even if you are not planning on going anywhere soon.

• The European Parliament issued a new rule, which should take effect late in 2008 or early 2009, where when traveling to or in Europe all airfare prices have to include taxes, and fees when advertised. This will put an end to all the surprise charges that are seen when buying a ticket.

• Another law that might (fingers crossed) come into effect in 2009 is the Passenger Bill of Rights. This Bill would provide passengers who are stuck on planes for more than three hours, (due to delays) with fresh air, food, water, and waste removal. This bill was first introduced in New York, but was struck down by the federal appeals court this past March.

So regardless if you already have all your travel plans for 2009 booked, make sure that you brush up on the new rules and regulations before you departure, and don't forget to register to get your passport as soon as possible if you don't have your yet.