Southwest puts business travelers first

As of October 1, 2007, every citizen flying home to the U.S. needs a passport, even if you're returning from a quickie getaway to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. The rules are different if you're driving across the border (such as from Canada) or sailing a cruise ship. You won't need a passport for those trips—for a while. [UPDATE 1/3/2008: A new rule is expected to go into effect by summer 2009. That rule may require U.S. citizens present a passport or a passport card when crossing the Canadian border and when doing other land/sea border entries. Until then, you won't need a passport.] Yet today at land and sea entry points, the best way to avoid border hassles is to show an original copy of a citizenship document, such as a birth certificate, and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. Just showing a passport will also do the trick. Citizens may soon be required to show these documents, if new rules go into effect, as expected, on January 31, 2008. For most Americans, the biggest adjustment will be for travelers to Canada and for cruise-goers whose ships sail into international waters. In the past, you could re-cross the border by car from Canada, or disembark from a cruise ship at a U.S. port, simply by saying you were a citizen and answering some questions. Now the rules noted above apply. [No passport is required, however, when traveling to Puerto Rico because it's a U.S. territory.] A note about children: U.S. citizens aged 15 and under who are traveling by air need passports. But if they're traveling by land or sea, passports are not necessary. A certified copy of the child's birth certificate is highly recommended, though. And if you're a divorced parent, you are advised to show documentation proving you have custody of the child. Many post offices have been set up to accept passport applications. Bring your application to a a post office or official passport processing center, with proof of citizenship, photo ID, two photos, and $97. As a general rule, allow about three months from application to receive your passport. The Postal Service website offers a passport application. Full passport rules at the U.S. State Department's website and the Department of Homeland Security's website. One more note of caution: If you don't have enough blank pages in your passport, or if it expires in six months or less, some countries won't let you in. Check the rules at the website of the embassy of the country you're visiting. Find websites and more info by visiting state.gov/travel. RELATED INFO FROM BUDGET TRAVEL: What are the visa rules again?

Every now and then it stuns me anew that Americans are not allowed to travel freely to Cuba. It's patently absurd, bordering on stupid, and definitely embarrassing—one more global PR gaffe that makes us look less like a superpower and more like a petty backwater. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood this morning, but really, when on earth will the embargo end? Bush is now saying that it will continue if power officially passes from Fidel Castro to his brother, Raul. But to act like the U.S. is taking the high road, arguing that the embargo is important because Cuban citizens aren't allowed to be free while U.S. corporations are busy shaking every hand in China—well, it's insulting. And when you factor in that one of the most appalling abuses of personal freedom is happening at the hands of the U.S. government right on the island of Cuba, well, it's enough to make you want to go back to bed. Then again, when it comes to Cuba, perhaps too many of us have been asleep for too long, allowing national politicians to pander to voters in South Florida. EARLIER No Cuba for you!