There are lots of reasons you may need a fast passport. Here at The Passport Office we’ll make sure you get your new or renewed passport as soon as possible so that you can make it onto your flight. Whether you qualify for an emergency passport, or simply want an expedited passport in the next few weeks – or even the next day – we’ve got you covered.  

You can take a deep breath and rest easy knowing that you’ll have your updated passport in no time. As the number one expedited passport agency, The Passport Office will make sure you receive your passport in a hurry. 

Common Reasons For Needing A Passport In A Hurry

Typically, getting a passport can be a drawn-out process. Waiting is always the hardest part and when you have a plane to catch it can be stressful not knowing how quickly your passport is arriving. Sometimes there are emergencies or unavoidable circumstances that arise, forcing you to try to obtain a fast passport. The Passport Office makes sure that you receive an expedited passport as soon as you need it so that you can be on your way to whatever country and adventure awaits you next. 

There are multiple reasons people may need a passport in a hurry, and one of these reasons may apply to you! One of the top reasons is your passport simply went missing. You have your bags packed, itinerary stored, and as you’re going over your checklist you just can’t seem to find your passport. No matter how cautious you are about keeping your passport in a safe place, anyone can misplace their passport. If you realize your mistake shortly before your trip, you’ll have to get your passport in a hurry. 

The second reason you may need a fast passport is that your passport expired. Even if you remembered to store your passport in a safe place, it can be difficult to keep track of the expiration date – especially if you haven’t traveled recently. Passports are valid for 10 years for adults before they need to be renewed.  It’s important to keep in mind that some countries won’t allow you to enter their country unless you have at least 6 months left before your passport expires. 

Reason number three for needing a passport in a hurry is that a sudden need to travel arises. Whether an overseas family member has an impromptu wedding or falls ill, you never know when you’ll be needed in another country. If your passport is not up-to-date, The Passport Office will get you equipped to be on a plane and visit your loved ones at the times they need you most. 

The final reason is confusion about whether or not you need a passport for your trip. For most cases, you need a passport to travel anywhere internationally. However, several years ago you weren’t required to have a passport for traveling to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean from the US. Visit The Passport Office today for assistance on passport tips and requirements and for applying for a fast passport with our simple and easy application process. 

Requirements For Expedited Passport Services 

An expedited passport is obviously a need that arises when you have to leave the country quickly. The Passport Office can get you set up with an expedited passport with proof of travel, and you can have your new passport in the mail within a matter of days.  If you suddenly face the need to travel internationally on very short notice, contact your local Passport Office to learn more about the best way to proceed.   

Have The Essentials Ready 

When applying for a new or renewed passport at one of our offices, make sure you bring proof of international travel. This proof generally involves airline tickets or tickets proving some other form of travel. If you are traveling by land, such as driving into Mexico, you can write a letter explaining your travel circumstances.  We can help you expedite the passport from there. 

This next piece is the most important! Fill out the application form ahead of time. If you aren’t sure how to fill in some of the information, ask for assistance at The Passport Office. You will also need a standard 2X2 inch photo for your new passport. There are specific standards that passports require, so either double check the requirements or get your picture taken by a service that guarantees to meet the standards.  Examples of these specific standards include: 

Photo Basics 

• Submit a color photo, taken in the last 6 months 
• Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media. 
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies. 
• Take off your eyeglasses for your photo. 
• Use a plain white or off-white background 

Resolution, Print Size, and Quality 

• Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. 
• The correct size of a passport photo is: 
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)  
  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head 
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper 
• Do not digitally change the photo 
• You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges. 

Pose and Expression 

• Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.  
• Face the camera directly with full face in view.  

Attire 

• You cannot wear glasses. 
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application. 
• Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.   
• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.  
• You cannot wear a hat or head covering. 
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire  worn continuously in public. 
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor’s statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes. 
  • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face. 
• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices. 
• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.  

For a complete list of requirements, see the information available here from the United States Department of State.   

Last but certainly not least – bring your checkbook. A new passport costs $110 if it is not expedited.  An expedited passport costs $170 and a child’s expedited passport costs $140.  You can pay with check, money order, or credit card. 

How Fast Is Fast? 

The Passport Office offers same day service for those who really need a fast passport. Depending on your circumstance, you can receive a rushed passport at varying prices. Emergency passports will differ from expedited passport costs.  

If your passport gets lost or stolen, you will also need to act quickly. It’s important to immediately report a lost or stolen passport to the police or the authorities in the country you are in. The urgent services you’ll need with a lost or stolen passport will move along quicker the sooner you report your incident. 

The Passport Office is the number one ranked expedited passport service in the nation. By completing the 3 easy steps for a new or renewed passport, you will receive a new fast passport within a matter of days. With priority service, you can receive your passport in 3-4 business days, and if you’re really in a rush, with a premium fee you can opt for same day service. 

Final Quick Tips 

The Passport Office wants you to be prepared for your next travel adventure. Some key insights will help you apply for a passport in a hurry successfully. When we’re feeling rushed it’s easy to overlook some important pieces. So here are some final quick tips to assure you are ready to apply for your new or renewed passport. 

Become familiar with what is on a passport. A passport contains a person’s legal name, date and location of birth, head shot, passport number, signature, and date of issue and expiration. By knowing where the expiration date is on your passport, you can be sure that your passport is up-to-date. Keep in mind that some countries require your passport to be within 6 months of expiring.  

If this is your first passport, if your passport was lost or stolen, or if it’s been 15 years or more since you were last issued a passport, you’re required to go in-person to a local passport acceptance facility to apply. The Passport Office can help you locate the nearest acceptance facility if you happen to be in the United States.   

For special circumstances with place of birth, keep these things in mind. If you were born to American parents while they were traveling outside of the country, you should still have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You can contact the country’s consulate or embassy if you are unable to find this report. If you were born on a military base abroad, you may need to contact the hospital where you were born as you may not have been registered with a US embassy. 

When you apply for a renewed passport, the good news is you will get your old passport back! Your old passport will be sent with your new passport. That means that you can keep all your stamps of cherished memories from travels abroad. 

Contact The Passport Office today to get assistance with a fast passport. As the top-ranked expedited passport service in the US, you can be sure to get the friendly customer service you deserve and all your passport needs to be met. There are many reasons you may need a passport in a hurry. The Passport Office has you covered, so feel free to get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you.   

Summertime is here! School’s out for the summer and it’s time to spend some quality time with the family. Now is the time to make memories with your loved ones. Give yourself some peace of mind because summer travel and obtaining a passport for the whole family doesn’t have to cost too much either. This article will not only give you plenty of ideas for planning the perfect getaway for your family’s unique interests, but it will also point you towards expedited passport services if you need help in that regard. Whether you’re taking a cruise, visiting a national park, or riding some epic rollercoasters, you can be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Treat you and your family to a fun and exciting trip with these fabulous summer vacation ideas.

1. For Families in General

Safety and fun are the two priorities for summer travel with the whole family. When choosing your destination, finding children-friendly attractions is a must. Thankfully, there are many summer vacation ideas in the US alone that cater to families.  Just to name a few of the adventures, you can: sleep at a museum, go to a resort, volunteer for your community, visit an amusement park, relax at the beach, head to a state fair, or dance at a concert in the park. All of these options are easy on the wallet and will bring adventure to your child’s life while staying near home.   It’ll also eliminate the need for expedited passport services unless you’re coming to the United States from abroad.

If you want to get out of town and hit the road, there are plenty of summery beach towns like San Diego, California or Bar Harbor, Maine, that have kid-friendly activities and affordable hotels for the whole family to get comfortable. Attractions at piers do cost money, yet they are more affordable than larger amusement parks like Disneyland or Six Flags.

For those living or traveling to the middle of the country, the town of Keystone in South Dakota hosts the stunning and famous Mount Rushmore. After gazing upon the majesty of this national memorial, you’ll be able to engage in other family activities in the area from gold mining to hiking to the National Presidential Wax Museum.

There are also plenty of safe and affordable fun times to be found outside of the country. Take advantage of the Passport Office’s expedited passport services and head down south to Costa Rica for a tropical getaway. Children can zip line and pet sloths, while parents can relax and enjoy a cup of locally harvested coffee. If you’re wanting to head north, the Festival International de Jazz in Montreal, Canada is a must-see for everyone. The city is transformed for two weeks into a magical festival for parents and children to dance their summer afternoons away.

2. For the Budget-Conscious

Summer travel can rack up costs quickly if you’re not careful, but fun summer activities shouldn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. One of the best parts of summertime is all the time you can spend outside enjoying the sunshine. Additionally, lots of outdoor activities don’t cost much, if anything. State and regional parks are all over America and provide excellent opportunities for the whole family to explore the local nature scene.

Many families prefer theme parks to nature walks. Theme parks are one of the top summer trips that families plan each summer. However, if Disney or Universal are out of your price range, there are plenty of smaller and equally enjoyable parks in the US. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania is a popular destination, as is The Michigan Adventure theme park, and Cedar Point in Ohio.

For families more interested in historical and educational outings, many cities offer free museum passes on certain days of the week or reduced prices for children. A location worth mentioning is Williamsburg, Virginia, which includes Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.  These are feasible to visit in just one trip.

When planning your budget-conscious family vacation, ask hotels and restaurants ahead of time if they offer complimentary amenities specifically for kids. Many hotels provide activities and games free of charge for children as well.  In addition, make sure your paperwork is in order if you’re going outside of the United States.  If it’s not, contact The Passport Office so we can serve as your expedited passport agency.

3. For Summer Travelers

Summer vacation ideas are ample and can include destinations across the globe. Choosing the best place to visit in the summer is a lot to decide on, but for some, getting out and traveling is the priority. For summer travelers, consider traveling within the US. You could spend your summer vacation on a cross-country family road trip, a few days exploring a new city, visiting museums and parks across different state lines, or a spend week at the beach or in the mountains.

Many family travelers enjoy the affordability and adventure of camping and sleeping out in nature. Arizona and Utah are ideal states to see natural wonders and stay warm in the evenings. Lake Powell is one of the most popular house-boating destinations. After gazing at sandstone canyons from the water, families can venture out and explore the glory of Glen Canyon.

Even when staying within the country, it is a good idea to make sure your children have passports. Passports can be a fun way for children to learn about the country they are exploring and add stickers to commemorate their trip. The Passport Office, the top expedited passport agency, makes it simple and easy to start the application process when you want to purchase a new passport for your child.

For those who want to take traveling up a notch and see some world-renowned sites, a trip to Europe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Summer vacation ideas in Europe range from archaeological sites to museums to delicious food. Some of the world’s greatest cities are London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, which have attractions and entertainment for all ages.

One of the best destinations for families with young children includes Riviera Maya, Mexico, which is famous for snorkeling and searching through Mayan ruins. Another is Buckingham Palace, London where children can learn about queens and get a taste of royalty. Another top family pick is Tenerife in the Canary Islands in Spain, which is Europe’s highest ranked water park that has world class beaches with sand imported from the Sahara.

4. For National Park Lovers

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular road trip choices for families across America. As one of the largest canyons in the world, this majestic piece of land makes sense to travel to, but there are many other magnificent national parks across America. If you’re a national park lover, a worthy summer vacation idea is to purchase a yearly national parks pass and see as many parks as you and the family can in one summer.

Some national parks that are worth mentioning are:

• Redwood National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Crater National Park

Those are just a few of the many wondrous national parks – and those are just in the western portion of the United States! Most parks offer camping, hiking, fishing, climbing, biking, or some combination of those activities. National parks are the perfect opportunity to teach your children more about the environment they live in and how to protect and respect the planet. Not to mention all the wildlife and momentous sights will have them swept off their feet for a summer vacation they’ll never forget.

5. For Those Who Prefer All-Inclusive

Sometimes planning a summer vacation seems like more trouble than it’s worth. Thankfully, all-inclusive resorts and cruises make summer travel simple and convenient. You can get your luxurious getaway started ahead of time by having the vacation planning taken care of.

All-inclusive resorts have expanded in the past handful of years, so you don’t just need to head to Mexico or the Caribbean if you’ve already explored there. Beachside resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast, ranches in Montana with tons of cowboy activities, and other kid-friendly all-inclusive stays will let you sit back and relax.

One of the benefits of an all-inclusive resort or cruise is that food, activities, and entertainment are rolled into one price, making budgeting simple and without very many hidden costs. All-inclusive resorts generally include daycare, and you have the option of both casual and elegant restaurants so you can switch back and forth between family outings and one-on-one nights for parents.

Children always love all-inclusive resorts because they’ll be able to play with a variety of crafts and games and join in on special themed nights. In addition, all-inclusive resorts also usually organize activities for specific age groups so even older children will be entertained. Resorts tend to have pool areas and playgrounds as well.

How Expedited Passport Services Can Make the Difference

Whether you’re planning an excursion to foreign jungles or beaches or staying nearby and exploring your state’s parks and museums, summer vacation ideas are limitless. Moreover, The Passport Office has expedited passports for everyone in the family when you’re planning that last minute summer travel.  Now’s the time to get out there and enjoy the sunshine with your family and loved ones!

If you haven’t been in the loop for the past few centuries, the United States is pretty big. So big in fact that it’s the fourth largest country in the world, yet despite this it shares only two land borders. To those summer travel junkies who have always wished they could hop in their car and drive to a foreign land rich in culture, worry not. It so happens that our only two land neighbors in Mexico and Canada are also pretty large countries. Like the USA, Mexico and Canada have a variety of cultures existing within their borders.

But will you need a New Passport?

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I should mention what the exact requirements for entering Mexico and Canada are. For those that do not have one, you’ll need to acquire a new passport. Alternatively, if you plan on driving over the border like this guide suggests, you could bring a passport card with you instead. Passport cards work like new passports but they can only be used to cross certain land and sea borders. You could also just carry both and feel ultra secure.

Canada

Canada is almost cheating in this game of near the border tourist spots. Why? Most of Canada’s population lives within 30 miles from the US-Canadian border, so most industry, including tourism, is focused in this area. Let’s start this off with one of the more “foreign” feeling locations in Canada though.

Quebec

Ah, Quebec. Quebec gets a bad wrap, mostly because of the common stereotype of the french being rude to foreigners. While the residents of Quebec are not technically French, they came to be from a French colony. We can neither confirm nor deny whether Québécois carry the same reputation as their brethren over in Europe, but if you want to see what it’s like to be immersed in French life without going to France, this is the place. The primary language spoken in the Canadian province is of course French, so it’s kind of like France lite. Don’t expect everyone to speak English just cause Canada acknowledges both French and English as its national languages!

Niagara Falls

Located near New York, you can actually view Niagara Falls from the US side of the border, but while your there you may as well cross on over and say you went abroad. Niagara Falls is famous for looking better than every single other waterfall, Scientists the world over have joined hands in agreement that Niagara Falls is definitely the most datable source of water on Earth. All joking aside, watching water tumble over stone into more water can be quite awe inspiring if there’s enough water being tossed around. If you haven’t ever been to Niagara Falls, rest assured, there is enough water being tossed around.

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Canada’s major cities. The city itself is only located about 3 hours from Seattle if you drive, this makes it a great place to go if your in Seattle and want to see a more extreme version of it with nicer people. Kidding. Vancouver is known for its seafood, its hockey, a booming movie industry, and the fact that it rains 160 days out of the year. Vancouver is out on the world scene taking shots at Japan, Toronto, Hollywood, and England it seems. Cost of living in the city is also rather high, so I guess you could also compare it to San Francisco. Lucky for you all, hotels and AirBnB’s are not as pricey as rent is in the city.

Toronto

The largest city in Canada! It boasts a population of roughly 3 million people and sits on Lake Ontario. Unsurprisingly, the Canadian Province that Toronto is located in is called Ontario. Toronto has much in common with Vancouver, it even has a much larger film industry presence due to even larger tax breaks and stand out architecture. The CN Tower which looms over Toronto is open to the public, and after a short 1 minute ride to the top you’re able take in all of Toronto at once.

Mexico

While the destinations located in Mexico don’t have the luxury of being kissing distance from the border, they do inhabit a much warmer part of the world. This means you may have to plan for a bit more of a road trip than the Canadian entries in this article. If you plan on traveling during the winter in hopes of escaping the cold, or if you’re just trying to take advantage of the extra hours of sunlight the summer provides, these locations are sure to be worth the drive.

Baja California

Baja California literally translate to “Below California” and believe it or not it’s just south of the US-Mexican border in the state of California. How convenient. The Baja region of Mexico is home to many an activity, Tijuana which is a bustling party town is literally on the border. If that doesn’t do it for ya, there are also several coastal towns that can provide many a beach goers a good time. There are wall watching tours available as well, so if you’d like to see some cetaceans basking in all their glory. Even further south of Baja California is Baja California Sur, which is home to La Paz and a whale museum. So if you wanna go all in on the whole whale thing, there you go!

Mexico City

While Mexico City doesn’t have access to beaches like the rest of our Mexican entries, it does have a population larger than that of New York City, making it one of the largest cities in the world! Naturally this means that the City is brimming with culture and many activities for tourists, whether they be on the more touristy side of things or not. You could begin the trip by easing in with a day trip to Teoihuacan, then go off the deep end and indulge in some not-so-casual Lucha Libre action. All in all, Mexico City has much to offer to the casual and avid tourist alike. Even if you don’t plan on making Mexico City, it’s still a great place to stop by if you’re heading to somewhere like the next location on this list.

Cancun

Cancun is renowned for being a stellar vacation spot for the youth of the world. In the USA venturing to Cancun during Spring Break could even be considered a rite of passage, if you’re into that sort of thing. Cancun is a great spot to visit for great beaches and partying, however like our next destination, it’s a way of a drive from the border. Starting from Houston, Texas, you’re looking at a 34 hour drive. Might want to pack a few snacks for the trip. On the upside, before you hit the beaches, you can stop at various other locations in Mexico on your way to Cancun to make the most out of your trip!

Tulum

Tulum is just a bit south of Cancun so it shares many of the same problems with it as far as transportation goes. Like Cancun, Tulum is a beach paradise, with one added caveat: it’s the only beach in Mexico that also sports ancient Mayan ruins. The city itself does not receive as much attention as its neighbor in the north Cancun does, so this might be an excellent alternative if you’re trying to stay away from too many tourists. That all being said, Tulum is quite the place to behold, and as a host of ancient ruins the area does receive some attention from travelers looking to take advantage of the locale’s unique set up.

Conclusion

That’s all the locations we have for you today! If your interested in learning more about either Canada or Mexico, you can get more information here and here. If you’ve never had a passport or passport card and were interested in obtaining one, we can help with that as well! We at The Passport Office have been aiding travelers with their passport expediting process since 1993. Visit our website to find out more information about how to expediting your new or passport renewal process.

With the summer months quickly approaching, have you thought about those summer vacation ideas? How about a cruise?! It’s one of the easier summer vacation ideas out there since you can book most of the activities from the cruise line website. Whenever it’s time for vacation, I have a mental block on where to go and I can’t possibly be the only one. So, to make things easier for you, I have come up with the top 5 hottest travel destinations for this summer. Your summer vacation ideas don’t have to be stressful.  Once you have your reservations squared away, your next step should be to get your passport expedited, or otherwise you may find yourself high and dry come vacation time.

Cuba

Since this is still a new destination, I would leave the kids at home for this trip. If you’re in a hurry to vacation here before school’s out for summer vacation, you’ll need both your expedited passport (if yours is expired) and a visa issued by the Cuban government.  It’s worth it though, since Cuba holds so much history and there is so much to do, especially in Havana. Most sights to see are within walking distance of the cruise ship port! The walking tour is called “La Habana Vieja” and is offered by the cruise lines. You get to see each of the four main squares and how unique this UNESCO World Heritage site is.

Right down the road from the cruise terminal is the Havana Museum of Rum, which gives you a little bit of Cuban history, as well as a demonstration of the actual production process of rum. When you get tired of walking, you can catch a ride in one of their 1950s antique cars to finish touring the city. Cruise lines do offer this experience in advance, but local tour companies offer it for a cheaper price. Be sure to ask the tour guide to take you past Hemingway’s house, another must-see attraction while you’re here.

The Bahamas

A family favorite and a personal favorite summer vacation idea is The Bahamas. For this one, no visa is required, just an expedited passport if you want to hit the beaches the first day of summer (school’s out most places June 6^th this year).  No matter which port you end up in, it is a guaranteed tropical adventure.  Excursions can be found anywhere on these islands. Literally. On the island of Exuma you can swim with pigs. Real. Live. Swine. And on the off-chance pigs do start to fly, you’ll have your expedited passport ready to get in the airplane and witness this miracle for yourself.  But I digress…in all seriousness, you can pluck the pigs right out of the water and cuddle with them if you want to in Exuma.

Since some of us like to keep it not so extreme and just go snorkeling, there is something for everyone in the Bahamas. Atlantis Resort has an all-inclusive water park that is out of this world and Nassau hosts a pirate tour for your little adventure seekers.  Be mindful though, child passports are only valid for 5 years (unless they were older than 16 when they got it, in which case they need an adult expedited passport if theirs is expired) so they might need a new expedited passport as well.

Alaska

The weather is constantly changing, but that’s the best part. Between the mountains and the glaciers, how glorious! The wildlife there is diverse too. You can encounter all sorts of creatures, from eagles to whales. It is recommended that you remember to pack layers because it does get mighty cold in Alaska. Actual cameras, you know, ones with a lens, are also recommended for this travel destination because you cannot possibly capture the beauty on your smartphone camera app.

While you are in Alaska, the Misty Fjords National Monument is a must see. It is located near Ketchikan, which means it is only accessible by plane or boat. Thankfully, no expedited passport or emergency passport is needed since this is technically a domestic destination, but what is needed is a floatplane so you can get an aerial view of this National Monument.

Another amazing opportunity  in Alaska is the chance to visit is a Native American community. The Tlingit people are right outside Ketchikan and are known for their totem pole-making. The Saxman Village tour gives you an inside look at the Tlingit culture and has the world’s largest collection of totem poles. On the island of Metlakatla awaits the only Native American reservation in Alaska, and that is about 15 miles south of Ketchikan. There, visitors can get the inside scoop on another indigenous group, the Tshimshian.  How cool is that?

The Western Caribbean

Another quick, fun summer vacation idea is the Western Caribbean. This cruise typically consists of Key West, Mexico, Jamaica, San Juan and perhaps a stop in the Bahamas depending on how many nights you’re looking to go for. That expedited passport you applied for will come in handy to explore the beautiful beaches that Jamaica has to offer. Doctor’s Cave Beach and Seven Mile Beach are two of Jamaica’s must-see beaches, for surfers and sun worshippers alike.

You will also need to pull out that expedited passport when you step off the boat and into Cozumel, where you can learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes from a local chef while taking in the festive culture of Cozumel. Cruising through San Juan, it is recommended that you take the time to visit magnificent Old San Juan, as well as the Adjuntas Coffee Plantation. San Juan also has a Rainforest called El Yunque, good for a day of hiking and animal watching. If your cruise is going to stop in Key West, you’re in for a real treat. The nightlife there, and day life, for that matter is a whole different world. They have trolley tours for you to see the whole town, or you can just do the bar crawl…either way, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you don’t want to stay on land, you can rent a boat or go parasailing. What Key West is really known for though, is the sunsets, THOSE are one-in-a-million.

The Mediterranean

If the Mediterranean is your fancy, you should already have your tickets. And if you forgot to book your tickets, I’m guessing you also forgot to check your passport expiration date.  So if your heart’s set on Greece, Italy and Spain, get your passport expedited with just 3 easy steps, while we handle the rest.  Realistically, it’s not unachievable even at this late, especially because you’re going to be getting your passport expedited, but to save yourself some money, now would be the best time to book the cruise tickets if you’re serious about this getaway and summer is the only time you can go.

Must-see’s for this tour include the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, The Acropolis in Athens Greece, and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, to start off with.   Aside from visiting the historical monuments, cruising to the Mediterranean is really for the cuisine and shopping. Barcelona is big on scooters..you can rent one there to sight-see all around Spain, which puts which will put a different spin on things. When you get to Greece, you’ll have the opportunity to look around the oldest city in Europe and travel around the volcanic island of Santorini. After arriving in Italy, you can wander around Vatican City and eat your way around Rome. They do offer a panoramic tour of Rome, which covers sites spanning over 2,500 years of history. This panoramic tour of Rome gives you the opportunity to visit all the main attractions, including Capitol Hill and the Tabularium. Then, they drive you back to your ship when the tour is over. You know how I mentioned shopping and food before? Since Italy is known for their fashion and design, it is only proper that they offer luxury shopping. Their shopping tour includes a personal shopping session with a professional shopper and image consultant. The expert guides you through the top shops, saving you time and money and helping you avoid purchase mistakes.

Did you see a destination that was appealing to you and now you need an expedited passport for that special destination? Don’t fret! The Passport Office has over 20 years of expediting passports.  If you do happen to lose your passport on your international journey and need an emergency passport, applications for an emergency passport are accepted at the nearest United States Embassy or consulate general when traveling abroad and domestically, emergency passport applications are accepted through a registered passport expediting service such as The Passport Office, when applying for an emergency passport within the United States.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, or a three-week vacation, understanding how to better organize your next trip can save you a lot of time and stress. If you’re unsure of how many suitcases you’ll need and how much of each item is really necessary, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  

First, discover our helpful packing tips for various types of trips. We will discuss beneficial packing hacks and outline how much you really need to bring along with you. It will probably surprise you…   

Then, we will help you navigate how to get a new passport in time for your next trip. Spoiler: the key is that you don’t have to tackle the confusing passport process alone. There are many reputable passport agencies who can help.   

At the end of this guide, you’ll be packing and traveling like a professional in no time! So, get your suitcases ready, grab your passport checklist and keep reading.  

Discover How to Pack like a Pro for Your Next Trip    

We understand that sometimes the packing process can be overwhelming prior to your trip. By learning the secrets from travel experts, you’ll be able to focus more on the exciting elements of your next trip, like finding fun excursions and local events. Explore our following guide to stress-free, super simple packing.  

Weekend Trips 

How Many Suitcases Do You Need? 

Just one.  

How Much of Each Item is Necessary?  

Shoes- no more than two pairs. Consider bringing one comfortable pair, such as sneakers, if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The second pair should be something versatile that you can easily dress up or down, such as a pair of flats or fancier sandals for women and nicer boots for men.  

Shirts and pants- try to limit yourself to one set of pajamas, two pairs of pants and two shirts total. By laying out your entire outfits for each day, you’ll feel less compelled to overpack several shirts that probably won’t get worn.  

Jewelry- Consider bringing one or two pairs of earrings and just one necklace. If your trip is only two days, this should give you enough options.  

Additional Helpful Packing Tips 

• To save room in your suitcase, only bring travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and face lotions.  
• If you’ll be swimming, be sure to pack large plastic Ziploc bags to ensure your wet swimwear won’t dampen your other clothing items when you repack. 
• Roll, don’t fold your clothes to save even more space in your bag!  

One to Two Week Vacations 

How Many Suitcases Do You Need? 

One large suitcase and one medium-sized suitcase.   

How Much of Each Item is Necessary?  

Shoes- try to stick to no more than three pairs of shoes. By thinking of the types of activities you’ll be doing, this should be easy to achieve. Consider packing one pair for walking or hiking, another for casual daytime activities, and one more dressy pair for evening events.    

Shirts and pants- Pick out a specific outfit for each day of your trip. By committing to pre-planned outfits, you won’t have to stress about what to wear once you get to your destination, as it will already be decided for you. Consider factors such as the forecasted weather and how you’ll be spending each day as you select each day’s outfit.     

Jewelry- Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, how casual or formal your resort is, and how you prefer to accessorize your outfits, the jewelry you pack may vary. Generally, packing three to five pairs of earrings and three necklaces will give you lots of options.   

Additional Helpful Packing Tips 

• Keep in mind that most hotels or home rentals will have a blow-dryer on hand for you. It’s worth double checking this before taking up valuable space in your suitcase for these items.  
• Consider skipping bringing an extensive health kit with you, especially if you aren’t hiking or spending a lot of time in nature. Remember that you can most likely purchase these items at your destination.  
• If you’re checking your bags at the airport, consider bringing a few essential items in your carry-on bag. For example, bringing an extra outfit with you is a great idea, in case you’re stranded without your bag for a day or two. It’s also a smart idea to pack a photocopy of your travel itinerary, driver’s license and new passport information in case any of these items get lost along the way.

Planning for Two Week Trips & Beyond   

How Many Suitcases Do You Need? 

This will vary depending on the length of your trip. If you plan each outfit in advance and you’re conscious not to overpack, you should be able to make do with one to two large suitcases for every two weeks you’re traveling. Consider also packing two medium-sized carry-on bags, as well.  

How Much of Each Item is Necessary?  

Shoes- if you’re traveling for more than two or three weeks, you may need to pack several different pairs of shoes, for multiple occasions. Keep in mind that it may be easier to purchase less expensive footwear, such as sandals for example, while on vacation if your suitcase doesn’t allow you to fit them. If your trip requires bulkier shoes, such as snow boots, it may make sense to mail some of your shoes ahead of time to your vacation rental to save precious suitcase space.       

Shirts and pants- Along with packing specific outfits for each day of your trip, consider including items in your suitcase that you’re able to wear multiple days. For example, packing staple items like white and black shirts, and blue jeans, allows you to re-wear the same outfit more than once inconspicuously. Also, consider using a laundry service while on vacation to cut back on the number of outfits you’ll need to bring with you.  

Jewelry- Again, generally speaking, packing three to five pairs of earrings and three necklaces will give you lots of options during your travels. Consider packing your more expensive jewelry in plastic bags and keeping them in your carry-on as you travel. This will help protect you in the event your bags are lost at the airport.   

Additional Helpful Packing Tips 

• If you’re traveling somewhere that will allow you to buy toiletries and bathroom essentials at a local store while on vacation, that’s generally much easier than packing a month’s worth of products in your suitcase.   
• Don’t forget to plan several weeks ahead for certain travel requirements for longer trips, like a new passport, or a passport renewal. Then, as you’re packing, be sure to pack a photocopy of these important documents in both your suitcase and your carry-on.  
• Consider getting a suitcase with a TSA-approved lock on it. This will allow you to feel safe when you leave all of your belongings in your hotel room or house rental while on vacation.  

Now that you’ve mastered properly packing for your next trip, it’s time to review how to navigate the new passport process.   

How to Master the New Passport Process Prior to Traveling 

Learning how to pack like a pro is only one piece of the traveling equation. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to ensure your passport is ready to go long before your trip. This may mean applying for a new passport or renewing your current one. The best way to ensure this is a stress-free and smooth process is by enlisting the help of a reputable passport agency.  

An agency can answer all your passport questions, from helping you check all the boxes on your passport renewal checklist to assisting you with a new passport or with the child passport process. Review the three easy steps below to get started.  

Step 1: A common question travelers have is “how long does it take to get a passport?” First, if you’re on a time crunch and your trip is fast approaching, don’t fret. Many passport agencies offer expedited passport services for your new passport, to help you through each step of the process. Some agencies, such as The Passport Office, even offer same day services at their locations.  

Step 2: Now that you’re aware of how quickly you’re able to get your new passport, it’s time to choose a reputable, experienced passport agency to help you. This part is important! Choose an agency that has positive online reviews, offers safe and fast services and excellent customer support.   

Step 3: Last, determine whether you want to get your new passport online with the help of The Passport Office, or at one of their convenient locations. The Passport Office has offices located across the U.S. in San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Houston. To schedule an appointment for new passport services, expedited or renewal services, contact the Passport Office today.  

Start Planning and Packing Smarter for Your Travels 

The Passport Office has assisted the American traveling public with their passport needs for years. If you are within the United States and need a new passport, let The Passport Office team help you navigate the process securely.  

To get started, apply for a new passport online or contact our team to set up an appointment today.