As of Jan. 23, 2007, the U.S. government is requiring all citizens to carry a valid passport in order to reenter the country after traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada. Hotels and destinations in the Caribbean have responded by offering a variety of incentives to travelers who need to get a new passport before taking their island vacation. Here's some of the best deals, rebates, and other bargains designed to help you get a passport in hand!
Aruba's tourism agency is coordinating a program in which five major island hotels offer a variety of incentives to visitors whose first passport stamp is for Aruba. Participants include the Westin and Renaissance resorts.
Dozens of Jamaican resorts are taking part in the Passport to Rewards program, which offers travelers a property credit equal to the cost of getting a new U.S. passport ($97 for adults, $82 for children). The credit can be used to pay for a variety of services and amenities.
Couples all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica are offering a $200 spa credit to new passport holders whose first passport stamp is for Jamaica; the offer is good through April 1.
Nineteen hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island in the Bahamas will send U.S. travelers a rebate check for the cost of getting passports for their entire family (up to four family members per room). To get the rebate, you need to apply for a passport by March 24 and visit Nassau or Paradise Island by March 31; two-night minimum stay is required.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company wants travelers to know that they don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico (or the
U.S. Virgin Islands). There's no passport deal per se, but travelers who book a "Puerto Rico Now!" deal through
Liberty Travel between Feb. 8-19 for travel through Sept. 15 will receive a $300 per room air credit when they stay at any of about 30 participating hotels. Some of the hotels also are offering a fourth night free.
Marriott hotels and resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico are offering $100 resort credits to new U.S. passport holders. Five-night minimum stay required.
