It’s finally fall. Summer’s over, kids are back in school, and it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. Should getting a US passport renewal be on your to-do list this fall? Possibly-check the expiration date, and keep in mind that the US Department of State recommends applying for a US passport renewal 9 months before your current passport expires.
Why is fall a good time to renew your passport? Here are four fall/winter activities that require a valid passport:
Traveling Europe in the Off-season
All of Europe is on holiday in the summer, it seems-which makes the fall a particularly nice time to visit. Say “Ciao!” to long lines, crowds and stifling heat, and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed European vacation.
Skiing in Canada
With world-class ski facilities like Whistler in British Columbia, Canada is an excellent place to hit the powder this fall and winter. Ski season in Canada generally begins in November and ends in April, so if you’re planning to go this year, now is an excellent time to apply for that US passport renewal. Under the WHTI, passports are required for US citizens flying into/out of Canada. When driving into/out of Canada, you need a passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license, or another form of WHTI-compliant ID like a NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card.
Chasing Summer
If you can’t bear to let go of that summer sunshine just yet, why not follow it? After all, September may mark the beginning of fall in the US, but great beach weather can still be found in the Caribbean, South America, or even further afield, in Thailand or Australia.
Spend the Holidays Overseas
Are you dreading the upcoming hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Sometimes, the best way to appreciate the holidays is to experience them somewhere else. Whether you just want to see the way another culture celebrates the holidays or you’d prefer to go all Ebenezer Scrooge and avoid them entirely, apply for a US passport renewal now and you’ll be all set!
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.
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