If you are traveling internationally (outside the United States), you must have a passport that will not expire for at least 6 months past your travel dates and have at least 2 blank pages. If you like to travel outside the USA on a regular basis, Global Entry is the only way to go. No more standing forever in long lines at Immigration/Customs when returning to a U.S. airport. It’s well worth the cost ($100). It also automatically includes TSA Pre✓® (although Pre✓may not be recognized by airlines outside of the United States).

I remember one such slow moving line a few years ago that took well over an hour to clear. Now, in less than 5 minutes, I can be on my way after a long flight.

Currently, Global Entry is valid for 5 years. (A passport is valid for 10 years.) So really, the cost is minimal in the end while the convenience is at a maximum.

Note: If your identification or passport includes your middle name, be sure to use that when making airline reservations. It could mean the difference between getting to where you want to go and experiencing delays.

Important Reminder: If you have Global Entry, and renew your passport during the 5 year membership, you must relink it to your Trusted Traveler Account. Also, you must update if there is a change in residence.https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/

Check out Global Entry – https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

“Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.”

Karen and I moved to Washington, D.C. about 1-1/2 years ago. Since then, we have continuously ventured out to explore the many historic sites, museums, monuments, memorials, restaurants and more. Late March/early April is Cherry Blossom Time where the Tidal Basin, monuments and neighborhoods bloom with pink and white blossoms. It’s simply a beautiful site! You don’t need a fancy camera to capture the beauty – it’s not shy! It’s everywhere you go…everywhere you look! This will be our second year to view the cherry blossoms.

There are several ways to get around to see the cherry blossoms, along with the museums, monuments and more. You can sign up for a group tour, private tour, or pedicab tour for instance. You can walk, drive or bike. Note that parking can be difficult to find on the streets and garage parking is available, but can be costly. There are limited number of handicap parking spots that are quite often already taken. For the most part, the sidewalks and pathways are smooth and level with few, if any, steps to navigate. There are ramps or alternative paths for wheelchair and scooter access. There are ample places to stop and rest on wooden or granite park benches and just enjoy the area. Restrooms may be slightly problematic, but there are usually temporary facilities set up along the way, which include a handicap station. If you are in the FDR or MLK Memorial areas, there are well-kept restrooms available. The Lincoln Memorial has a restroom but also a long line most of the time. The Jefferson Memorial has a row of temporary facilities. Food trucks, small snack shops and vendors are everywhere to grab a bite to eat or drink or purchase an item to commemorate your visit. If you are in the Tidal Basin area, across from the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, there are a couple of historic restaurants as well.

Our visit to the blossoms was a couple of days too early for their grand entrance. The day was chilly and overcast, but that was the day we could experience this once a year delight, so off we went! Still beautiful and so very photogenic.

My most recent travel – February 2019 – was across the pond for a cruise from Rome, Italy to Barcelona, Spain. This trip had me flying overnight into Munich, Germany, then transferring to a flight to Rome. The return flight was from Rome to Frankfurt, Germany. Which brings up the subject of airports. 

Big or small, there’s lots of people and lots of walking. Don’t be embarrassed to request gate-to-gate assistance. It relieves the stress from both mind and body, as well as whomever you may be traveling with. But, not all gate-to-gate is created equal, so best to be prepared. 

Generally speaking, and depending on the airport and departure gate, either wheelchair assistance or electric cart assistance is provided to the gate. Sometimes a combination of both. And depending on the airline or airport procedures, navigating the jetway is done at the beginning of boarding either by wheelchair or on your own to allow extra time to be seated without the mad rush of eager travelers behind you.

On our most recent trip, not only did the flight’s purser offer me his assistance stepping up onto the plane, but was also there to assist me deplaning. That was not the norm and most appreciated. Another kind gesture, on the same flight, was the attention of one of the cabin’s flight attendants. With the lights dimmed and my eyesight dimmed as well, I had a bit of an issue heading to the lavatory. She was there to assist me by lending an arm to and from my seat, safely. You just don’t find this type of service on every flight! The kindness of these two individuals will not be forgotten.

Domestic Airline Travel
From the smallest airports to the extremely large U.S. Airports, people and walking are inevitable. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of direct flights anymore so gate changes are just part of the travel experience to get from city to city and country to country. My suggestions are the same however. Request gate-to-gate assistance when booking your air travel or at the departure check-in.

Tip: Not all international airports have priority boarding for those of us who need extra time to navigate the jetway. Stop at the departure gate desk and let the attendants know that you wish extra time. This kind request is rarely ignored. 

Note: While it is certainly at your discretion, it is a nice gesture to compliment your escort with a small gratuity. While some companies do not allow their escorts to accept gratuities, it is appreciated by many. Remember, they have safely transported you from one area of the airport to another in a timely manner. This is especially true when there is a tight connecting flight.

This is another experience for sure. Some (international) airlines request that you are the last to deplane when you have gate-to-gate assistance. Which can be difficult if you are seated with other passengers. Momentum moves you forward. Be prepared though…I was scolded for trying to exit with passengers behind me! I merely intended to sit in an empty front row seat until the plane was empty! This particular airline is not my favorite! Other airlines have your wheelchair transportation waiting in the jetway and the escort has your name on a sign. And still others expect you to walk through the jetway before providing a wheelchair or motorized cart. It is their responsibility to transport you from one gate to another or through customs and baggage claim, to your final transportation. In the years that I have used this assistance, there has only been one bad experience with an escort, which just left us dumbfounded. Oh, and one harried dash through another airport with my eyes closed hoping there were no casualties in our wake! A small gratuity to your escort for their efforts to safely transport you is appreciated. However, on our recent trip, the escorts were not allowed to accept gratuities, so be sure to warmly and graciously thank them for their assistance. 

On the same international trip, a flight found me having to exit our late-arriving airplane on the tarmac, down several steps (no jetway), with impatient and weary travelers hustling to be on their way behind me. At the bottom of the steps was a transfer bus. While other passengers offered their assistance to help me navigate the high step entry, I found that it was easier (hah!) to assist myself by grasping both railings and hauling myself onboard, further hurting my already hurting body. And, I missed my connecting flight in end anyway. Unfortunately, I was not informed by the airline of this particular “gate-to-gate” service. Had I been using a wheelchair, I’m not quite sure how that would have worked out. Badly, I suspect! On a previous international airport transfer, there was a special assistance bus waiting for me, which made my experience so much better and a lot less painful! And, I made my connecting flight as well! 

Lesson learned. Ask more questions. Even though I was assured that I had gate-to-gate assistance, there was no disclosure of there not being a jetway, the steps and shuttle bus that did not have a hydraulic lift.