Passport Laws and Border Entry Rules

People traveling to Canada and Mexico need to know about the new passport laws and border entry rules contained in a federal law called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI is designed to strengthen America's borders by requiring passports and proof of residency at points of entry into the U.S. -- border points where passports had traditionally not been checked (for example, when driving into Michigan from Canada). Under the WHTI, Americans traveling to any destination within the Western Hemisphere -- including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda -- are required to take a few extra steps on their return. The following guidelines summarize the basic requirements of the WHTI and how the law affects you.

Tarmac Delays and Airline Passenger Rights

Airline passengers who haven't experienced it firsthand have heard the horror stories.

Hurricane Irene Ruined My Vacation Rental: Do I Get My Money Back?

You've paid for the rental, but Mother Nature steps in. What now?

Travel Insurance: The Benefits and Limitations

If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, or if you become ill during your journey, travel insurance can reimburse you for the expenses you incur due to your bad luck. Montezuma's revenge? Broke your arm bicycling through the Swiss Alps? Wear your travel misfortunes like badges of honor. As to the

Air Travel: Children Traveling Alone

Millions of unaccompanied children between the ages of five and 12 (called "unaccompanied minors," or "UA," by the airlines) travel on the major airlines every year. Most airlines accept these children as passengers but impose restrictions and sometimes extra fees. Before you put your child on an airplane

Pros and Cons of Airbnb, VRBO, and Other Short-Term Rentals

Instead of staying at a hotel, more and more vacationers and travelers are choosing to stay in short-term rentals they find through online rental services like

Travel Scams: Where to Get Help

If you are the victim of any kind of travel scam, contact one or more of the following agencies or associations: State and Local Government Agencies State consumer protection office. To find the consumer protection office in your state or county, see Nolo's article State Consumer Protection Offices or

The travel agent caused us to cancel our trip -- shouldn't he pay?

My travel agent messed up on my mother's travel visa for her Europe tour. We returned the tickets. The agent says that we will be penalized for canceling late. I feel that the travel agent messed up, so he should give me a full refund and the penalty should be his problem, right?

Why won't my insurance pay for the trip I missed due to injury?

I was injured in a mountain climbing accident a week before I was due to leave on a two-week tour of "The Best of Elvis," and I spent the following weeks in the hospital. I had purchased trip cancellation insurance, but the company  says the cancellation isn't covered and they won't reimburse me for my losses. Is this legal?