Expedited Passports

In some countries, getting a passport is almost second nature.  Not here, though. According to this recent post on The Expeditioner.com, only 22% Americans have a passport. That’s less than a quarter of the population! For a little perspective,  compare that rate to our neighbors in Canada. According to Wikipedia, 56.2% of Canadians have a Canadian passport.

Why is it so different here? The Expeditioner lays out a couple of possible reasons, both of which I basically agree with:

• Money: Most families don’t have enough extra lying around right now for a passport, much less all of the other expenses associated with international travel. Getting a passport for a family of 4 is no joke, financially speaking, and the US Department of State’s proposed passport fee increases certainly aren’t going to help matters.
• Culture: Traveling abroad isn’t as much a part of the culture here as it is in, say, Europe for example. The Expeditioner attributes this to Europe’s history of colonizing other parts of the world, while America pretty much kept to itself. I think you could also argue that America’s size plays a part-you can do and see a lot without leaving the US, and unless you live next to Canada and Mexico, it’s not as easy to visit another country as it is in Europe.

Here’s another factor I think the Expeditioner might have left out:

• Paperwork: Getting a passport requires dealing with paperwork, forms and bureaucrats, all of which Americans are historically impatient with.

In fact, if you have a deadline coming up and you need your passport quickly, the paperwork and time involved can go from intimidating to downright terrifying. Did I fill out this form correctly? Is there anything that could hold up my application?

In times like these, you may want to consider using a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com. When you apply through us, you get helpful instructions and checklists to make sure that nothing is missed, and you get the assistance of a private passport specialist who can answer any questions you may have.  Then, we deliver your application directly to the Department of State for processing in as little as 24 hours.

Apply today to see how easy getting a passport can be!

News of natural disasters or political violence in other countries leaves most people simply shaking their heads. However, for some travelers, bad news in an otherwise attractive travel destination means that it’s time to double-check the expiration date on your passport.

Why would you want to travel to an area that’s experiencing difficulties? Most people choose to stay home or go somewhere else when conditions in a particular destination are less than ideal, which means that you can often score excellent deals on hotels and flights. For example, when the New York Times’ Frugal Traveler covered the topic, they interviewed  Jeff Waldman, a California man who hopes that the political unrest in Thailand can help him snag a cheap vacation there. To Mr. Waldman, it’s all a question of risks vs. benefits:

“If Thailand erupted into civil war tomorrow, I don’t think that I’d be going. But a few little protests that are scaring off some of the less-risky travelers? I’ll absolutely take advantage of that.”

There’s no doubt that you can save money, but is it right to take advantage? What’s the difference between bargain-hunting and profiting from the misfortunes of others? Really, it depends on the situation. For example, spending money in Mexico during the H1N1 scare could actually have been beneficial, as long as you chose a time and an area of the country that was not severely affected and overwhelmed by large numbers of sick people. The economic crisis in Greece is also fair game.  In general, according to the Frugal Traveler, visiting during an economic or mild political crisis is fine, even a help to the affected communities. Visiting during a natural disaster is not, unless you are going as a volunteer to help.

Want to take advantage of the volcanic ash eruption in Iceland or the economic crash in Greece? Getting a passport is the first step. The application process usually takes about 6 weeks if you apply for normal processing and about 3 weeks if you apply for the government’s expedited processing. If you need your passport more quickly, the easiest and most convenient way is to use a private passport expediting company. An expediting company can make getting your passport a breeze, offering help with the application process and hand-delivering your paperwork to the Department of State for lightning-fast processing.

Getting a passport? Let us help!

If you need a lot of dental work done, the costs can be prohibitive.  For example, according to Wikipedia, the average cost for a root canal in the US ranges from $699 to $1300.  One root canal and crown is enough to exhaust the annual benefit limit of many dental policies, so what happens if you need more than one?

One possible solution involves getting a passport and flying to somewhere where dental care is less expensive. This is called dental tourism.  While the thought of getting dental care overseas may be intimidating, summoning visions of scary-looking old-timey dental instruments, in reality most of the “dental tourism” hot spots have well-trained staff and facilities that are quite modern and cater to English-speaking tourists.

The most common dental tourism countries for Americans are Mexico and certain countries in Central and South America, particularly Costa Rica and Brazil.  Thailand and Hungary are also known for providing quality dental care at a reasonable cost, though of course you may pay more for flights because they are farther away.

Is getting a passport and catching a plane the best way to take care of your dental needs? Well, it depends on your individual situation. While drooling in a dentist’s chair may not be your favorite way to spend a vacation, if you need a lot of work done you can save enough money to take a vacation, see someplace new  and still come out way ahead. For example,  the Dentavac clinic in Costa Rica quotes an average price for a root canal of $125 – $250.

However, there are concerns. For example,  USA Today quotes American Dental Association consumer adviser Matt Messina:

“My concerns are not for the quality of dentistry received … but for the patient when it comes to long-term follow-up and possible complications. The term ‘buyer beware’ is very much in play here, as you may have fewer options after treatment if you feel it has not gone well.”

If you decide to go to another country for dental treatment, make sure that the dentist you choose is reputable.  Check their accreditation and seek out reviews from former patients. I would recommend actually trying to contact some of those patients by phone as well-forums and review sites can be a great place to start, but you need to know that the person who just gave the dentist you plan to see a glowing review is actually a person, not a spammer.

If you decide that dental tourism is right for you, you should begin the process of getting a passport as soon as possible.  It usually takes about 6 weeks for your passport to arrive if you apply for regular service.  If you apply for the government’s expedited service, expect to wait at least three weeks.

Obviously, if you’re having a dental emergency, you should seek care immediately here in the States. But, if you need to get a passport in a hurry, a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com can help.

An expediting company can deliver your application directly to the Department of State. cutting processing times to as little as 24 hours.

See how easy getting a passport can be- apply with us today!

Heading to Europe, but looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path?  Look for an European Destination of Excellence.  An European Destination of Excellence, or EDEN for short, is an award given out by the European Commission to highlight relatively “unspoiled” tourist destinations that still offer visitors the chance to experience local culture.

According to this article in the New York Times, European Destinations of Excellence include small, quaint villages with an ancient history, like Carlingford, Ireland Edirne, Turkey. Carlingford features fresh seafood and medieval monasteries, while Edirne has been around since the Neolithic era and claims to be the birthplace of marzipan.

Visiting an EDEN destination is also an environmentally responsible choice, since sustainable development is one of the criteria for winning the award.  In the New York Times article, Ton van Lierop, a spokesman for the European Commission, explains “We want to promote destinations, locations, regions and towns with particular historical and cultural backgrounds, where sustainability plays a role.”

So far, there are 52 destinations that have received the EDEN designation.  Check out the European Destinations of Excellence website here to discover awesome destinations like the Sierra de las Nieves in Spain or the Tourist Wine Route of the Jura in France.

Of course, once you find a place to go, getting a passport should be your first priority. It’s important to allow enough time for your passport to arrive before you plan to leave. Getting a passport takes at least 6 weeks if you apply directly to the Department of State with regular processing, and at least 3 weeks if you apply for expedited processing.

However, if you’ve found an irresistible last-minute travel deal, don’t despair. Getting a passport quickly is possible. The easiest way to get a passport in a hurry is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com.  RushMyPassport will hand-deliver your passport application to the Department of State, resulting in processing times as quick as 24 hours.

Getting a passport is easier with us-apply for yours today!

Can getting a passport help you find your soulmate? Sounds bizarre, doesn’t it? Not to Air New Zealand! They’re currently offering $200 off to single travelers who book a ticket on their “Matchmaking Flight.” The flight leaves from Los Angeles on October 13, 2009. A plane full of single people will fly to Auckland, New Zealand to attend a “Matchmaking Ball” held 3 nights later, which should give you just enough time to shake off your jet lag.

You’ll also get to rub elbows with a couple of reality TV stars-Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney of “The Bachelor.” Or, if fancy balls aren’t your thing, check out their Adventure and Cultural Matchmaking Packages. Perhaps the person of your dreams is waiting for you in New Zealand’s lush mountains! You can book your flight here-make sure to enter the appropriate promo code depending on the package you want.

Also, make sure you apply for your passport well in advance-getting a passport can be time-consuming, and you can’t go to New Zealand without one. Getting a passport with normal processing takes at least 6 weeks. Even if you request the government’s expedited processing when you apply, it could still take at least 3 weeks.

If you can’t wait that long, a private passport expediting company can make getting a passport easier and faster. You’ll get easy-to-understand instructions to help you fill out the necessary paperwork, and you’re application could be processed in as little as 24 hours!

Apply for your passport today!

Can you get a passport with a felony? A felony conviction can change your life. It can make it hard to get a job. In some states, you could lose your right to vote. What about getting a passport?

Whether or not you can get a passport with a felony conviction depends on what you were convicted of and whether or not you are still under legal supervision. If you on probation or parole for your felony, you may not be allowed to travel without prior approval.  If you have been convicted of a felony drug offense that involved crossing international borders, the State Department may deny you a passport if you are still under supervised release. You could then apply for an emergency or a humanitarian exception to get a passport issued, although there is no guarantee you can get one.

However, in most cases, you can still get a passport even with a felony conviction. Of course, once you have your passport, finding a country that will let you in may be a little bit harder. Some countries won’t let you in if you have a criminal record, especially if you have a felony conviction.  If you have a felony conviction, it would be a good idea to research the entry requirements for the country you’re entering.

Also, make sure to allow enough time before your trip for your passport to be returned to you. Passport processing currently takes over 6 weeks for regular processing and 3 weeks for the government’s expedited processing.

If you are nervous about applying for your passport, it might be worth going through a private passport expediting company, as well. They can help you with the paperwork, and can cut processing time down to anywhere from a little over a week to just 24 hours, depending on the option you choose when you order.  The sooner you have your passport in hand, the sooner you can stop worrying about it and start planning your trip.

Apply for y0ur passport today!

A new change in the rules for getting a passport will make things easier for same-sex couples married in Massachusetts and other states that allow  same-sex  marriage. Under the new rules, same sex couples who change their names after marriage will be allowed to apply for a passport using their spouse’s last name if they choose to change their names after marriage.

Before this ruling, in order to have the same last name as their spouse, one spouse would have to legally apply for  a legal  name change in court instead of simply being given the option to apply for a passport under their married names. To make things even more confusing, these couples were able to get state driver’s licenses and other identification documents in their married names without having to go through an additional name change process in court. Now, getting a passport name change is possible for these couples with a copy of the marriage certificate, just like it is for other marriages.

In a statement quoted in the Boston Globe, Keith Toney, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that prompted the rule change, described what a hassle it was having a driver’s license in his married name and a passport in his old name when he traveled with his family:

“We’re thrilled that we will no longer have to worry about being interrogated when we go through airport security, or anywhere else outside of the US simply because of a discrepancy in my legal identification documents.”

Do you need to get your name changed on your passport? To find out how to get your new passport as fast as possible, read How to Rush a Passport Name Change.

Do you need to get a passport name change in a hurry? RushMyPassport.com makes getting a passport name change fast and easy.  Our passport specialists will provide you with instructions for filling out the paperwork. Then, we’ll hand-deliver your application to the Department of State for processing. With RushMyPassport.com, your application could be processed in as little as 24 hours!

Get your passport application in today!

Four US states (Washington, Michigan, New York and Vermont) have started offering enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL’s), which can be used instead of a passport to travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  If you live in one of these states, should you trade your old license in for an EDL, or should you get a passport?

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, based on how often you travel out of the country and whether you usually drive or fly. Here are some factors to consider:

• Cost: EDL’s are less expensive than getting a passport, but they still cost more than a traditional driver’s license. In Washington, it’s an additional $15 over the cost of a regular driver’s license renewal. In Vermont, it’s an additional $25. In Michigan, it’s $45. In New York, it’s $30.
• Time: Because EDL’s are accepted as proof of citizenship, you must bring your official birth certificate or other proof of citizenship to apply. Also, you may have to go to a special DMV office to get an EDL.
• To apply for a passport, you’ll still need proof of identification and proof of citizenship, but the process may go a little bit faster since you can apply at a passport acceptance facility (often your local post office) instead of having to go to a DMV.
• EDL’s are only good for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. They won’t work if you’re traveling by plane, or if you’re traveling to any other countries.  Passports are good everywhere.
• Passports are good for 10 years. EDLs are only good for five.

If you decide to get an EDL, you’ll have to wait for your application to processed and the license to be sent to you in the mail. The processing time depends on the state, but may take around 3 weeks. Processing time for a passport varies: at least 6 weeks with regular processing and at least 3 weeks with expedited processing.

The bottom line is that an EDL is great for someone who frequently drives into Canada or Mexico for day trips. If you prefer to travel by plane or you plan to visit countries that are not in the Western Hemisphere, getting a passport is probably a better idea for you.

If you need to a get a passport for an upcoming trip, getting a passport through a private passport expediting company is your best bet. Expediting companies simplify the process of getting a passport by making sure you know exactly how to fill out the paperwork and which documents are needed. By hand-delivering your documents to the US Passport Agency, they can also dramtically reduce the time that getting a passport takes, sometimes to as little as 24 hours!

Get ready to travel this summer-apply for a passport today!

As a consequence of the new travel regulations that went into effect on June 1, many places in Canada and Mexico that depend on tourism are expecting  a slow summer, according to TampaBay.com. The report noted that some Niagara Falls tourists that were surveyed said they would not be back due to the new rules, which require adults to carry passports for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The article also noted that only 20% of Americans have a passport at this time.  Why such a low percentage? Part of the reason is cost: a passport book, good for 10 years, is $100.00 for Americans aged 16 and older. That’s only ten dollars a year, but it’s still a significant upfront expense for many Americans. Also, getting a passport can be kind of a hassle-there are a lot of forms to fill out, your passport pictures have to be “just so,” and you have to gather up supporting documents. So, people tend to put off getting a passport until they are sure they will actually need one for travel.

The problem with putting off getting a passport until the last minute is that passport applications take some time to process. For example, right now, if you apply for a passport with regular processing, it can take approximately 2 months to get your new passport in the mail. If you apply using the government’s expedited service, it can still take at least 3 weeks.

Fortunately, there is a faster and easier solution to the problem of getting  a passport. A private passport expediting company can help you with the paper by providing clear, easy to understand directions. Then, they can hand-deliver your application to the US Department of State. This drastically reduces processing times, so your new passport could be on its way back to you in as little as 24 hours!

Order your passport from us today, and see how easy and fast getting a passport can be!

Are you the type of person that likes to take off on an adventure at the spur of the moment? A new travel site called Voyij could have you applying for a passport, quick! Voyij is a service that draws information on last-minute travel deals from other travel sites like Hotwire, Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity.

What’s different about Voyij? Unlike other travel sites, you don’t start with a pre-planned destination. Instead, you enter in the airport that you would like to depart from and the dates you expect to travel. Then, Voyij pulls back a list of travel deals like flights, hotel rooms and all-inclusive vacations that leave from that airport.  Destinations can be within the United States (Las Vegas seems to popular right now) or anywhere else in North America and the Caribbean. International destinations are coming soon.

Remember, if you use Voyij to uncover a last-treasure of a deal on travel to another country, you’ll need to get a passport quickly if you actually want to go.  Right now, normal passport processing through the government takes at least 6 weeks, while the government’s expedited processing takes 3 weeks.

However, if you use a private passport expediting company to submit your application, you’ll get your passport much faster than that. A private expediting company will hand-deliver your application to the US Passport Agency. With processing times as low as 24 hours, you can book your last-minute trip with confidence!

Don’t get left behind-apply now to get a passport, quick!