Is Getting a Passport Too Much Trouble?
Only 20% of Americans have a passport at this time. Why such a low percentage? Is getting a passport too much of a hassle?
Getting a passport
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A Fast Passport To Adventure
For most people, a vacation means relaxing, whether on the beach or beside the pool. However, other people prefer to kick it up a notch, to do something that gets their blood and their adrenaline flowing. If you fall into the latter category, "adventure travel" is probably your idea of a perfect vacation. Adventure travel usually involves activities like wilderness hiking, kayaking, or whitewater rafting. However, many adventure travel providers also offer luxurious accommodations so that you don't feel like…
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New Passport Rules A Surprise to Two Former Presidents
The Department of State put a lot of effort into publicizing the changes to US travel requirements that became law on June 1st. They added a clock to US Passport Agency's web site, counting down to the second when the new rules would go into effect. They made announcement after announcement, starting months ahead of time. However, for all their outreach, there were at least 2 people that the State Department failed to reach with their warnings: Former US Presidents…
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Boating Across the Canadian Border? Bring Your US Passport!
Recreational boaters in the Great Lakes region have long enjoyed sailing across the Canadian border to visit our neighbors to the north. However, security concerns and regulations have made what was once an easy trip a little bit more complicated. On Monday, June 1st, another set of restrictions became effective as the US Government rolled out the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). With the WHTI, US citizens traveling to Canada by land or by sea now…
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Voluntourism: Getting a Passport to Give Back
"Voluntourism" is a word that was coined to describe traveling to another country to see the sites and to volunteer. Volontourism offers more than just a fun vacation. You'll also get a chance to meet local people, develop existing skills and learn new ones. Plus, it looks great on a resume. What options are available for people who want to volunteer and travel at the same time? CheapOAirBuzz has a post up describing some of the different opportunities and destinations…
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New Passport Rules Don’t Slow Border Traffic
Today, Border Patrol officials began asking Americans for passports at the American and Canadian borders. The final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is in effect, and a passport or another government-approved document is now required to re-enter the country. How has this affected traffic across the borders? Not much, it seems. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that wait times at both the northern border with Canada and the southern border with Mexico are normal today, and that the…
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Best Lost Passport Story: Parrot Steals Passport In New Zealand
Losing your passport is never fun, especially if you are overseas. However, despite feeling quite sympathetic to the unfortunate Scotsman described in this article, I couldn't help but suppress a chuckle as I read about his misfortune. The New Zealand tourist has to have one of the best lost passport stories ever-his passport was nabbed by a kleptomaniac parrot! The native New Zealand parrot, called a kea, spotted the man's passport as his tour bus was stopped along the road,…
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One Item To Add To Your Honeymoon Registry: An Express Passport
Are you getting married in the near future? If you've been living on your own for awhile, you may not need the traditional wedding gifts of household appliances and dishes. And, if you're like me, the thought of someone spending a lot of money on nice china just because "it's something you're supposed to have once you're married" may make you cringe. If this sounds familiar, consider using a honeymoon registry instead of the traditional wedding registry. A honeymoon registry…
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How to Rush Your Passport For a Trip To Mexico or the Caribbean
Monday, June 1st, regulations regarding travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean will change. Under the old rules, passports were only required for air travel to and from these countries. However, the new rules require adult citizens of the US to present an approved document, such as a passport, to return to the United States from these countries. What do the new rules mean to you? If you're going to travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean in June, you'll…