Bridgewater Officials Debate New AirBnB Ordinance

Summertime in New Jersey is almost over. This means it's everybody and their mother's last chance, to get in a weekend or two of fun in the Jersey sun. However, for one Central Jersey town, weekend partying is the topic of debate. As Bridgewater is looking to crack down on weekend travelers using AirBnB and other similar sites.

From mycentraljersey.com The vacation property rental service is under fire from the town of Bridgewater. As residents have filed multiple complaints to town officials. The Council passed a vote this past Thursday to move the potential ordinance forward to a public hearing and possible final vote. Though what does this ordinance entail?

Well, it would require those looking to rent their properties on Airbnb or other short-term rental sites to have a minimum rental period of no less than 30 days!

One property is in the spotlight a house on Gateshead Drive in Bridgewater that is often rented short-term because of its pool and is used for weakened parties.

According to the complaint actions like these disrupt the quiet neighborhood. The rental property is referred to as the Gateshead Hotel because of the amount of in and out renters. I think this is a bit ridiculous, I understand if this was a problem for all short-term renters, but it really isn't. So limiting all AirBnB renters to that month-long ordinance wouldn't be fair.

So council members are also trying to pump the brakes, Council President Michael Kirsh, commented that while action does need to be taken. They want to make sure appropriate measures are enacted.

This reflection would hopefully ensure that a few problem properties, don't hurt other short-term renters and businesses in the area. The possible vote on the final adoption will be held on Aug. 17.

Without having knowledge of why the residents complained I think this is an issue with renters not respecting the community they are coming into and vice versa. There is a balance that needs to be maintained and I don't think a 30-day ordinance is the answer.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.