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Renew US Passport – How to Get a United States Passport Renewal

Posted by on Sep 27, 2012 in Planning

Need help with your US passport renewal? Easily follow these simple steps to get your travel document so you can set off for your enriching vacation. Fortunately, the renewal process is quite easy and has the least amount of steps compared to other passport procedures.

You qualify for a USA passport renewal if:

  • You are a resident of the United States and you can provide your old passport.
  • Were over the age of 16 when you got the passport.
  • It was issued in the last fifteen years.
  • Either have the same name or documented proof of a name change such as an original marriage certificate.

You will also have to look at the condition of your old passport. Even though it is already expired, the US Department of State considers damaged passports to be invalid proof of identification. Unfortunately, if it is damaged then you will not be able to get a renewal. Instead, you will have to go through the process of replacing a damaged passport.

Go to the US Department of State travel website and download the passport application for renewal, also known as the DS-82 form. You can also choose to use the online application instead of downloading a PDF.

You will have to get a new photograph taken. This is a good thing for some people since first time passport photographs are notoriously unattractive. Most people want a better looking, recent photo.

The cost of a passport renewal can vary depending on how fast you need it. The regular processing fee is $110. If you need it faster then you will need to pay an additional $60 to the passport agency.

You can then submit your application package for processing once you have the exact payment amount, new photographs, your old passport and a completed application.

If you apply by mail, it is best to use certified mail which will let you know that the passport application has been delivered. Also, thanks to the modern age of technology, you can easily track the progress of the processing online.

It does not take long to receive your passport. On average it takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Plan ahead and start applying early just to be on the safe side. After all, you don’t want to postpone the vacation you’ve been looking forward to because you forgot to get your passport renewed.

For anyone living overseas, the United States passport renewal rules are slightly different. To get it taken care of, visit your local embassy or consulate. The staff there will be more than happy to assist you. Make sure to plan ahead to avoid getting stuck trying to get your application processed in time for your trip.

Your Guide To Enjoyable Vacations

Posted by on Sep 23, 2012 in Planning

People nowadays are always full of activity in work, education or even in their everyday household chores, sometime feeling tired of doing the same thing over and over again can be nerve-racking. That is why vacations are great way to escape from the strenuous routinely activities. To chill out with relatives, friends or even all by yourself is what everyone ought to have after spending so many hours working. To be sure to have your dream break free from all harassment’s it should be premeditated very well.

There is no amount of money that can ever pay for having a peaceful trip. Preparing for it ahead of time will give you the assurance of getting the best destination for a very good price and the services that you will need during the trip. Following the guidelines on how to prepare for the trip will lead to an enjoyable one.

First and foremost is to decide on the destination six months before your target date of vacation. If you have no idea where to go the internet will help you to look for travel destinations and the best travel prices that will fit your budget. Booking a vacation early will help you get more discounts and get best deals at reasonable prices.

Making research through the net will make you aware of the many discounted offers from different travel agencies. It will aid in comparison of the rates for plane tickets, accommodations and car rental charges on the place you have chosen. Travel agents will greatly help you to watch special promotions for you so if you happen to know one never hesitate to solicit their help.

Once you have decided on your place of destination, you can now start making research about the place. You can check on the net the best sites to check out on that place, the best restaurants, the popular places and the activities you can do while on your vacation.

Reading travel guides and books about the place will give you an idea of what will be your itinerary. This will give you the idea on how are you going to travel from one site to another and what mode of transportation you will need.

Another consideration is how much you are willing to spend during your break. Remember that a break can still be fun without spending too much. Calculate all the possible spending that you will have. Compute using the actual cost don’t include mark down first so that when there are extra charges and fees you will cover them. If going to other countries whose money is not the same as yours estimate how much you will need and exchange money from banks and currency exchange centers. Bringing huge amounts of cash during travel will put you in risks so prepare your credit cards by calling your card company that you will be traveling and that you might be using the card. Check your balances to make sure that you will not be troubled using the cards.

Lastly, list all the things that are needed during the travel. This should include emergency kit, toiletries and clothes. Check on the weather forecast and the climate in that particular place so you can bring suitable clothing. Vacations are a great escape from all the hassles and stress so planning it with much time will make it truly worth all the time and the resources you will spend.

What Do All-Inclusive Vacations Offer?

Posted by on Sep 19, 2012 in Destinations

All-inclusive vacation packages offered by tour and travel companies include a wide range of facilities and services that remove the burden of worrying about overspending your travel budget or searching for convenient solutions in an unknown territory. The package may vary with respect to the price and chosen destination.

If you are planning a family vacation, then all-inclusive vacations can present a feasible option for a budget holiday. Your travel agent or the preferred travel agency will make the necessary bookings and reservations for transport and accommodation. You will be informed well in advance the name of the airline that you will board, the hotels where you will stay or the type of food that you can expect in the package. There are many activities and amenities included in an all-inclusive vacation package. You can choose your pick of activities from the list as per your interest and convenience.

Room amenities can include options such as a bottle of wine or flowers on arrival. Some resorts also include refined facilities like scented body oils and special aromatic teas. You can expect a Jacuzzi, private pool and patios at most of the luxury resorts. If you book a suite with private pool, you may also get facilities of a personal sauna and lounge area. Some packages also offer complimentary room service. These packages are inclusive of taxes and service charges. Car rentals and massage parlors are other amenities that you can avail in all-inclusive vacation package.

If you are interested in outdoor activities, then all-inclusive vacations package have a bunch of fun activities that you or your entire family entertained. You can choose from a wide range of activities such as trekking, water sports, cruises, and even safaris in specific destinations. If you visit the Caribbean Islands, you can stay at luxury resorts that offer non-motorized water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and sailing. Some resorts also offer sports like golf, volleyball, and tennis. Alternatively, you can participate in yoga classes or work out in a well-equipped gym. If you are travelling with kids, there are many all-inclusive resorts that offer fun activities and facilities for children. They include kid clubs in the resort as well as passes to nearby theme parks. Kids can have fun in theme parties, games and events organized in the kid clubs of the resort. Some resorts allow free stay for kids aged less than 12 years and also provide free coupons for food.

Some travel agencies also offer special or customized packages to suit the traveler’s interest and expectations. For example, engaged couples can choose suitable wedding packages that include legal fees, organizing the event, marriage license, champagne, wedding cake, bouquet and gifts for the bride and groom.