Tour operator Apple Vacations will pay for its passengers'
passports when they book an Apple Vacation for travel in 2007 at
participating hotels. Through Oct. 31, passengers booking a
seven-night package on any of Apple Vacations’ exclusive charter
flights will receive $100 per person off the price of their
vacation.
As early as Dec. 31, valid passports may be required for U.S.
citizens of all ages returning to the U.S. by air and sea from
Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama and Canada. Passports for
those 16 and older cost $97. Passports for children under 16 are
$82.
While the percentage of Apple Vacations passengers who have
passports exceeds the national average, there is still a
significant number of vacationers who do not. Until now, Apple
Vacations passengers have been able to enter Caribbean and Mexico
destinations with a state-certified birth certificate and a valid
state drivers license or ID card.
“We wanted to make it as easy as possible on our vacationers who
need to get a passport,” said Mark Noennig, vice president/general
manager of Apple Vacations. “There are no forms to fill out, no
need to prove to us you got your passport. We hope passengers take
the $100 savings and go out right away and get their passports.
”
Various groups and tourism boards are lobbying to postpone the
Dec. 31 deadline. However, a postponement might only gain travelers
a year or two after the current passport deadline.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that sooner rather than later,
you’re going to need a passport,“ said Noennig. “This is a great
opportunity to beat the rush to have your application
processed.”
Some of Apple Vacations’ most popular hotel partners are helping
to offset the cost of passports. Palace Resorts, Occidental Resorts
and Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts are among the participating
hotels in the “You Fly, We Buy” promotion.
Apple Vacations’ “You Fly, We Buy” promotion is not valid on
group bookings of 15 or more or for children “staying free” at
select hotels. For a list of participating hotels and other useful
information on obtaining passports, visit
www.applevacations.com/passport.
www.applevacations.com
