Passport Rules Come into Effect Today

I thought it would be prudent to also post the new requirements for travelling between the US and Canada whether you are flying or driving. Please read this carefully as these new rules are in effect as of today.

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling via air, land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
The U.S. Passport Card: The passport card is only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website Ready, Set...Go!

Hotel Accommodations

Hello Family!
I feel the need to clarify something about the hotel accommodations.
Great Wolf Lodge was chosen as the venue based on feedback I received from some family members who have already RSVP'd. I understand that GWL rates are somewhat high - however, you have to see this place to realize the value we'll get if we stay there. They have offered us a GROUP RATE of $269.00 per night if our family books a minimum of 10 rooms at the hotel. This is $100 off their regular rates for July. I am only getting trickles of feedback but recently, I have heard concerns about these rates.

Of course there are other hotels in the Falls that have more reasonable rates - they are everywhere. I have also looked into the other large waterpark in Niagara Falls, which is atop the Casino, overlooking the Falls, and they have rates especially for locals, which means if we wanted to stay in other, more affordable accommodations, and take a trip to the waterpark, we could do that and it would free funds up for sightseeing, shopping, etc.

So, I am including TWO other options for accommodations in and around the Clifton Hill vicinity of Niagara Falls. Great Wolf Lodge is about 5 to 8 minutes away from Clifton Hill by car.
My suggestions are:

The Days Inn - http://www.daysbythefalls.com/ $416 for two nights on the weekend of the reunion, including taxes.

The Hampon Inn by the Falls - http://www.hamptoninnatthefalls.com/index.php $347 for two nights on the weekend of the reunion, excluding taxes.

Both of these are very accessible to the tourist area, and close enought to GWL so that if anyone wants to stay at Great Wolf Lodge, we can still all connect very easily. At this rate though, if you have not booked your hotel because of the high rates, now you have options.

PLEASE contact me directly if you have any questions at all! I am eager to hear from you. As always, please pass this information along to family members who may not know about it, as I am dealing with a limited contact list.

Thanks, and we'll see you in July!

Crossing the Border into Canada - US Requirements

This came from cousin Tony Johnson- Please take note:


American citizens crossing the border into Canada by land or water need ID that proves two things: 1) Citizenship, and 2) Identity by way of a photo. A driver's license on its own or a Social Security Card on its own are not valid ID to cross the Canadian border.

Tony

Julie's additional comment: If you have a passport or a NEXXUS Card, that is your best bet.