Travel Tip #3: Don't wait before it's too late!

Planning to travel outside of America?  Or even just to Canada?  Well, do you have your passport?  Yes this seems like something that should be common sense, but many people still do not realize how long it takes to get a passport or just procrastinate until it's too late.  In previous years you could travel to Canada without a passport, but now you will need one.

Obtaining a passport can take about a month give or take a few weeks depending on the time of year and the peak travel seasons.  Getting your passport is super easy, you fill out a form, pay a fee, then send it away.  It will usually cost around $100 dollars to get your passport, especially if you are not re-newing an older one.  If you receive a passport before the age of 16, your passport will need to apply for a new passport once you have turned 16 or older since you will now be considered an adult.  You must apply for your passport in person if you are a minor or a first time applicant as an adult (16 or over).  Yes this does mean if you got a passport before 16 you must apply in person when you apply for your passport as an adult.  Once you have your passport as an adult, you have about 15 years before you need to worry about renewing it!

Most places you can get your passport photo taken on spot, I have gone to a US Postal Service branch not far from my house where you can fill out a passport and get your photo done.  Photos should be from your shoulders up, in color, and a very clear focus.  Make sure you present yourself how you would normally to avoid confusion when entering or exiting customs.

This may not be an interesting topic to talk about, but it is important.  And what is even more saddening is that only about 30% of Americans today have a valid US Passport.  So 70% of the country is missing out on the world?  This fact makes any travel enthusiast cringe at the thought of it--there is so much to see!  Getting your passport is simple and easy, but it is understandable that these economic times are hard to see all the world has to offer.  If you're not ready to apply for a passport, or can't afford to travel too far out of the country--you can still get a taste of paradise by visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico!  These places are more affordable if you're on a tighter budget, and even better news--NO passport required!

I highly recommend for everyone to go out and get a passport, you never know when an opportunity may arise when you can go see the world!  And get it soon, don't wait before it's too late and your opportunity is here and gone.  I love my passport, it's something I can show off with all the different stamps from different countries at their customs gate.