Posts Tagged ‘passport book’

Canada Is Calling: Encounter Its Endless Natural Features

November 16th, 2010

Canada, our closest neighbor to the north, is full of fun possibilities for you and your family to experience. Everywhere you turn holds another discovery, whether it’s Canada’s long colorful history or a testament to their rich heritage. With the recently new creation of the American passport card, families can access Canada’s treasure trove of fun family experiences without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a place to take your family without spending too much, Canada offers tons of exciting opportunities.

The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.

Canada is only a road trip away; no need to purchase airplane tickets or rent a car, making it a great place for a family vacation. The passport card, a new variation of the original passport book, allows a family to travel for much cheaper than usual. The passport card, available for $30, is a fourth of the price of a passport book, and allows a family to travel by land or sea for less money. Saving this money helps reduce the cost of vacation, making a relaxing get away that much more accessible.

Canada’s rugged terrain makes for a great adventure with your whole family. Arctic safaris, as they are called, take you to a side of Canada many haven’t seen in Somerset Island, Nunavut. You can dig for fossils, hear belugas singing to each other, or see the seals playing in the water. Pitch your super-duty tent and try to stay up until the sun sets, which is at 2 am! Or, stay up even later and try to catch a glimpse of an aurora dancing in the sky.

Montreal is the place is to go if you crave the nightlife scene. World famous clubs and lounges line the streets and performances are always in motion. Delicious food is served in chic restaurants around the clock. See the Cirque du Soleil and bask in the Montreal’s vibrant cultural atmosphere. If you want to party in style, then Montréal is your city.

Of course you can’t visit Canada without seeing Niagara Falls. A world famous landmark, Niagara Falls is something the whole family can do together. Take the Maid of the Mist and get super soaked under the falls, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the falls. However you experience it, Niagara Falls will make any excursion into Canada a very memorable experience.

Although Canada is so close, its unique characteristics make it the perfect travel destination. You can feel like you’re experiencing a whole new world without having to step foot on a plane. All you need is a U S passport card and some warm clothes, and Canada will be sure to make it memorable. Whatever you’re looking for – adventures, relaxation, family time – Canada can offer it. If you and your family need a get-away, grab your U S passport and pack the car. Canada is calling.

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Mexico City – Providing Far More Than You Could Even Dream Possible

October 24th, 2010

With all the stress and the fast pace of modern living, there are times that you simply need to make time to get away and recharge. You don’t need to travel a long distance to experience a great vacation because there is one waiting just off of our southern border. Mexico is the ideal place if you are simply looking for a quick getaway but be sure you get your US passport card online before you attempt to travel there.

It is important to remember that all international travel requires a passport but traveling to Mexico can be accomplished with the aide of a passport card. These are less expensive that a passport book and allow you to travel by land or by sea to locations close to the United States. If you decide, however, to fly into Mexico, you will need a passport book. If the thought of getting a passport book or card seems too complicated, pass port services are available online to assist you so there is really nothing to fear.

If big city life is your thing, you will want to visit Mexico City. This is the capital of Mexico and is also its largest city. This exciting city offers the traveler great cuisine, colorful festivals and nightlife that never seems to stop. The Mexican culture lends itself to fun and celebration so getting away to this exciting city is sure to put a smile on your face.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the Mexico City is just a party town. There is a rich history and culture to be investigated in its museums and you will even have the opportunity to experience the performing arts. People are often surprised to learn that this city is home to the Palacio de Bellas Artes which hosts performance by opera and theatre companies as well as concerts by locals and foreigners alike. A visit to this performing arts center will treat you to a site that is quite spectacular and that is the stained glass curtain that is raised before each performance. The Palacio de Bellas Artes houses not only the performing arts but also the visual arts as it also features a museum where over 6,000 pieces of world famous art can be viewed.

Sometimes a visit to a big city like Mexico City can be exhausting but don’t worry, this diverse city contains a section known as Coyoacan. This part of Mexico City contains cobblestone streets and lush open spaces with thick, green grass perfectly suited for a family picnic or a Mexican siesta.

Mexico City is also a living testament to the ancient cultures that once lived in Mexico and Central America. The Pyramids of Teotihuacan are a must-see, as they will absolutely take your breath away. Be sure to do a little research before seeing these ancient pyramids, as it only enhances the experience that much more. The monumental pyramids, still adorned with ancient carving sand hieroglyphics. The echoes of this great, incredibly advanced and powerful civilization still reverberate, and the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and theTemple of the Plumed Serpent will no doubt leave you breathless.

Mexico City can offer you and your family all that a large city has to offer you in modern areas as well as give you the opportunity to experience the culture and history of Central America. Museums, night spots, beaches and ancient pyramids await you but you will need a passport book or card to travel here. But luckily, pass port services can be located online and they will assist you in all your passport needs. Getting a US passport card ID online is quick and easy and will enable you to make the entire world your playground.

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Pasport Card Has Revolutionized Travel

October 16th, 2010

Anyone who travels abroad knows that passport book doesn’t last long because they get worn out before long and aren’t too handy to transport. Many frequent travelers prefer to use a passport card instead because it is more convenient to store and access when needed. A card is sturdier and convenient to carry around and access quickly when crossing borders.

The passport card was created to accommodate those who regularly cross the border to The Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Canada. Travelers can cross the border several times when they use the card as an alternative to stamps or passbooks that wear out when they are used too often. The card is well suited for people who have jobs across national boundaries and commute a number of times per week.

A passport card is made up of something called a vicinity-read radio frequency ID device. A computer database connects with the chip that contains the information needed for safe border crossing. There is no personal information about the cardholder on the chip on the card, which makes it safe to use.

These cards are meant to read very closely by particular border personnel who are trained to decipher them. This keeps the card from being scanned by the wrong people either accidentally or purposely. The card should be kept in the “blocker sleeve” it comes with when it is not being used for traveling so it is not scanned when it is not supposed to be.

One of the most attractive aspects of the card is that it is more economical than a traditional passport. The standard passport book charge for an adult who is getting one for the first time is $100.00. An adult can get a card for more than half the price at $45.00 for the same 10-year life span the passbook lasts for.

Any person with an existing passport will appreciate the incentives of switching to the card. A passport holder only has to pay $20.00 for a renewed passport if they want to switch to the card as opposed to having to pay for a whole new card. The cost-effectiveness and convenience are appealing factors when considering changing to the new passport method.

There is one “monkey wrench” to consider, however that could be the deciding factor when considering a passport book or card. International travelers are not allowed to use the card when they use the airlines as their mode of transportation. These types of trips will require using the standard passbook method to take along for border inspection and crossing overseas. People tend to cross borders more often than they use airplanes to for international travel, so a lot people prefer the card for crossing borders regularly.

While more people around the world use passport books, the American passport card is easier and more convenient. The card fits snuggly in a wallet or pocketbook for easy storage and access and doesn’t wear out like the paper book. Many convenient outlets carry the card, including local United States passport agency and online merchants for economical and convenient border crossing.

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Think About Taking A Cruise: Family Excitement And Exotic Caribbean Beaches

October 6th, 2010

Deciding to take a cruise with your family might be just the thing you need. Cruises are renowned for their convenient and totally customizable experience, so if you’re looking for a quick getaway, a cruise may be the best option. All you need to do is apply for your US passport, grab the sunscreen and a bikini, and you are ready to go.

Not many know of the cruise industry’s very rigid safety and security guidelines. With these in place, it is possible for a woman or child to explore without fear. A 24-hour security team is always around to ensure your safety, even if you are returning from a bar very late at night. Fun activities for children are always supervised and allow parents to completely relax, without worrying where their children are. So whether you crave a midnight adventure or a midnight snack, there is always going to be someone looking out for you.

Cruise activities are a lot more extensive and geared more towards individual interests. There is something for everyone in the family, from arts and crafts for kids to salsa lessons for adults, to movies and nightclubs. A fairly new quality of cruises is the diversity of restaurants geared towards all sorts of audiences, whether you want a romantic night out with your significant other or a fun night out with the kids. These qualities make cruising a completely personalized vacation.

Many people are hesitant about cruises because of rising passport fees, and this often keeps families from going on fun vacations. Passports are now over $100, and this may end up breaking a family’s vacation budget. However, a great new option has become available: the passport card. This card was first distributed in 2008 so families living on country-to-country borders could travel to and from work without having to invest in a passport book. This card provides convenience and a family friendly way to take vacations, allowing sea and land travel between the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. At only $30, you and your family can travel together for the cost of just one regular passport.

Sometimes the stress of booking a plane, a hotel, a rental car, gas, food, and entertainment can be too overwhelming for a family, thus making vacation something to dread. Cruising allows you get everything under one price, creating a convenient and comfortable vacation experience. With everything clumped together, you and your family can relax without having to worry about exorbitant extra costs. This sort of one-stop shopping  makes booking a cruise easy.

Everyone needs a break sometime, and you and your family can embark on a great adventure with only the help of a passport or US passport card and a swab of sunscreen. A cruise may be just the escape you’re looking for. Whether you need just a weekend or a few months, a cruise allows a family to explore new horizons together. So go ahead, apply for your U.S. passport, put on your bathing suit, grab a strawberry daquiri, and soak up the sun.

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U.S. Passport ID Card – Apply For A Passport Today

September 25th, 2010

A passport ID card can be used to replace worn passport books, which makes for frequent border crossing easy and convenient. The wallet-sized passport card is for easy wallet-sized transport and can be used by people crossing borders to Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Canada. The only drawback, however, is that the card is invalid for people who travel internationally using air travel.

This card can be a great benefit to those that live on the border of the U.S. and find the need to travel into Mexico or Canada for business very frequently. Each of the cards is embedded with what is known as an RFID chip. This chip can be read by border patrol agents and information on the bearer will be brought up from a secure government controlled database.

The RFID chip does no have any of the cardholder’s personal data on it, just information that pertains to the person’s passport.. Only authorized personnel can access the information and properly read the card using the database. The card comes with a protective blocking sleeve that protects the information from unnecessary and unwanted scanning.

The passport can be made available to any citizen of the United States, even if they never had a passport before. Applicants must complete the necessary passport application, a DS-11 and send it in with accompanying identification and pictures. Someone who already has a passport can apply for an upgraded card and receive a discount on the price of the passport card.

Fees for a passport card are a lot more economical than a traditional passport book. The adult fee for a first-time card purchase is only $45.00 as compared with the adult passbook price of $100.00. Children under 16 years old can get an ID card for only $35.00. People who already have a legal passport only have to pay $20.000 when they switch to a passport card.

Passport ID cards last the same amount of time as a standard passport book. The adult card is valid for 10 years from the date of purchase and a child’s card can be used for five years using the same criteria. The cards don’t need to be renewed before the time period is up, so makes them very convenient to use.

While people can apply for cards by mail, they will not get them any faster through rush delivery methods. New cards are only sent to cardholders by way of first class mail. If cardholders want to get their cards as soon as possible, they need to choose another method to get their card during the preferred time frame.

Private passport agency vendors are available on the Internet that can help people obtain a Pasport ID Card faster. Online providers know how to navigate through the passport process quickly and issue the card in a day or two with an added cost for speedy delivery. The additional fee in on top of any other costs the government receives for United States passport agency costs.

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A Getaway Guide To Overnight U.S. Passport Cards

September 13th, 2010

You know what a passport card is designed for, and have determined that having one meets your travel needs. The next step is to understand what it takes to apply for the card, and how long it normally takes to get one. If you discover that the normal processing times do not meet your requirements, you might need to follow the steps necessary to get an express passport card.

This new travel document was designed for United States residents of the northern and southern border states who frequently cross the border to work, shop, or visit family. It is meant to be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to a regular passport. First made available in 2008, it is an option for any US citizen.

A key point you need to keep in mind if you are considering applying for the card is that it can only be used in certain situations. With the passport card, you can only exit the United States border to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean islands. Further, these border crossing must be via land or sea. If you intend to fly to any of these countries, you will need a traditional passport book. In addition, if your travel will be taking you to any country other than those listed, this document is not right for you.

Just because the passport card is a simplified document, and has limited purposes, that does not mean that it has relaxed standards for application. The requirements are just as rigorous as for a regular passport. Since the process is the same, both can be applied for on the same application. If it is the first time an individual is applying for a passport document, there is a requirement that the application be done in person. This can be done at a Passport Agency office, or what is called an Acceptance Facility, which can be found in a local post office or governmental agency office.

If you are a first time applicant, the DS-11 form must be completed and presented to the agent. There are several other pieces of the application process. You must prove that you are a United States citizen, provide a government issued photo id to prove your identity, and submit two photographs that meet passport specifications. You must also pay the fee for the passport card, as well as a separate fee to the Acceptance Facility for providing their services.

Documents that are considered acceptable as proof of citizenship include a certified copy of your birth certificate, for those born in the United States, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, for citizens born outside the country. You can also use a Certification of Citizenship document obtained after becoming a US citizen. To prove your identity you can use a valid driver’s license, a current military identification, or a current government identification issued by a city, state, or federal agency. You must also provide a photocopy of whichever document you intend to provide as proof of your identity.

If you are a current passport holder, and feel that having a passport card as well is of value to you, there is an application process that you can complete by mail. Since you have already gone through the initial application process and provided proof of citizenship and identity, the DS-82 form is submitted as your application for the passport card. This is the same form that is used when renewing your passport, so if you are due to renew soon, you might want to do both together. With this process you submit your current passport with the application form, two new photographs, and the fees required. Your passport will be returned to you along with your new card.

If you already have a trip planned, and find that normal processing times for getting your card will not make the cut, there is always the option to request an next day passport card. You do this as part of your application process by paying an extra fee of $60. Whether you are applying in person for your first card, or by mail, the fee for a priority U S passport card is the same. Based on my personal experiences with passport agencies, this could cut your wait time in half.

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Experience The Exceptional Traditions And Beautiful Natural Landscapes Of Italy

September 6th, 2010

If you live for good food and even better wine, look no further than that boot-shaped country, Italy. Italy has been a famous destination for all sorts of people looking to take an amazing vacation, whether they want to live like a Roman for a day, get serenaded by a gondolier in Venice, or lounge on the coast of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. If you are looking for a destination for a wedding, a honeymoon, a family vacation, or just a relaxing get-away, all you need to do is go online or visit the pass port bureau and get a passport, book a flight, and you’re on your way to Italy.

You can’t mention Italy without mentioning the wine. Italy is the world’s largest producer of wines, as well as the producer of some of the world’s most famous wines. The climate and yearly weather on the Italian peninsula make it the perfect place to grow grapes, and good grapes equals great wine. Food and wine tours, complete with multiple wine tastings, make Italy a popular destination for simple wine lovers to wine connoisseurs.

The shore of the Mediterranean Sea along the Italian coast is the chosen destination for those seeing enjoyment and relaxation along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The coast is dotted with rocky coves, cliffs and a shore line that is nothing short of majestic. Beach cottages and accommodations entice the vacationer to enjoy the Italian city life while enjoying the Mediterranean sunset.  While visiting coastline Italy, your only dilemma will be how to visit all the beautiful places you want to enjoy during the course of your stay.

You can’t talk about water and not be reminded of Venice, one of Italy’s most famous cities and the most sought after destination of many around the world.  If you are traveling on a budget and who isn’t these days, you can enjoy a free, that’s right, I said free, visit to the famous St. Mark’s Basilica while visiting Venice.  The art work, the architecture, the plaza and the famous pigeons will  stir the romantic in all who visit as the St. Mark’s plaza has been the filming site of many movies where the guy always gets the girl (or vice versa). It’s so easy to get your passport applications online, you will be falling in love with Venice before you know it.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do but first you have to get to Rome.  With Vatican City almost contained in this beautiful city, many come to Rome on a pilgrimage of sorts.  St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel can be a destination impossible to resist.  Other attractions in this phenomenal city include but are not limited to the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, and the Mamertine Prison where the Apostle Paul wrote many of his epistles.  Go online and investigate the sites of Rome and you won’t be able to resist.

When you travel to Italy, you can enjoy culture, relaxation and beauty beyond compare.  Those who are recently married, have children, or want to celebrate good times with good friends find the possibilities to be endless within the Italian boarders.  To prepare for your adventure, visit your U S passport bureau or fill out your new passport application online.  That’s the easy part.  The hard part will be trying to plan only a short stay in the fabulous country of Italy.

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Renewing Pass Ports – Applying For A US Passport Is Simple

September 3rd, 2010

Most people are familiar with the traditional passport book that contains pages that are stamped upon entry to other countries. If the passport holder was over age 16 when the passport book was issued, it is good for ten years. If the holder was under age 16, the passport book is good for five years. When renewing passports, a person may want to consider obtaining a new passport card in addition to the passport book.

A passport card is more compact and much easier to deal with than the standard passport book. The wallet-sized card can be used for frequent travel across local borders such as Canada or Mexico. It is, however, not valid for air travel to any other countries. This means that a passport book will still be required, depending on the traveler’s destination, to enter or leave other countries by plane. A current passport holder can apply for the card by mail for a mere $20.00 more when renewing their passport book.

Passport cards are not just for current passport holders, any U.S. citizen in eligible to apply for one the same as a standard passport. Current and past holders of a valid passport book can receive the card via mail and will need to complete and send in the proper renewal form. Those who are applying for the passport card for the first time must do so in person.

Whether it is the book or the card that is being applied for, they both take approximately the same amount of time to process and send. There is a 4 to 6 week wait time on the card or book for the standard service and if expedited is requested, this may be accomplished in 2 to 3 weeks. The expedited service, however, does carry an extra fee. While an individual can submit their application via overnight mail, the passport itself will only be returned by first class mail through the Post Office.

Advancements in technology have made the card one of the most efficient methods of border identification available today. The RFID chip that is built in to the card allows the border personnel to scan an individual’s card and access all the necessary information regarding that person. The radio frequency ID chip can be read by the customs and border guards, giving the access to a secure database with the information, rather than it being contain on the card itself.

The card comes with high-tech security features, including laser engraving, that prevent counterfeiting and forgery. The card also comes with a protective RFID-blocking sleeve that is used to protect against unauthorized reading or tracking of the card when it is not in use. The card is as secure as current technology permits.

The low cost of the card in addition to the passport book when getting a renewal can make this a great secondary form of travel identification. The card is not only for adults as minors are also eligible to apply for this when affecting their renewal process. There are, however, very strict guidelines that the minors must adhere to in order to receive one of these cards.

People in the process of Renewing American Passports should seriously consider the addition of the card to the order. With over one million of these cards currently in circulation, this has quickly become a preferred means of quick identification for crossing close borders. While this is not meant to replace the U S passport card book, for those that cross to Mexico or Canada frequently for business or shopping, it will be a much more convenient method.

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Stolen American Passport – Retrieving It May Be Easier Than You Would Believe

August 30th, 2010

Some people take their passports with them whenever they travel, even within the United States. This does not present a problem until the day when they realize their passport has been stolen. Identity theft is such a problem these days that a stolen passport in the hands of the wrong person may yield damaging results for many years.

Stolen passports may be reported to the federal government via telephone and the passport holder will need to complete a form stating how and when the passport was stolen. In order to replace the passport, the individual will need to complete an application for a new passport book. The processing time for these applications can take up to eight weeks. In many situations, this is not feasible, so the alternative of using an independent service to get a new passport within one to two business days will be the best option.

These companies require that a few forms be completed in addition to the standard government passport application and stolen passport reporting form. The forms and instructions are housed on the company and government Web sites. The forms may not be submitted online because they require a handwritten signature, but they may be completed online then printed.

Along with the standard forms, there will be a need to provide identification proving not only who you are but also the travel itinerary. These are simple and should be items that are handy like a driver’s license and plane tickets. They will request secondary items of proof but these are easily faxed to the hotel or a local copy shop, if necessary.

New photographs will also be needed to help expedite the return of the passport. These can be easily obtained by locating an authorized passport photographer in the area by either going online or simply checking the local phone book. Odds are that this has happened before and the front desk staff may have a recommendation or two of their own.

The applicant should then contact the processing company to find out the best method to get the documentation, photos, and application to the company based on where the applicant is located. FedEx and UPS have offices worldwide, so they are usually a safe option. These carriers also provide package tracking which is a must in a situation such as this.

The cost for processing a replacement passport will vary depending on the private company selected. The fees tend to be about $300 for overnight processing, in addition to the standard $120 government charges. The government and processing company must be paid separately and several forms of payment are acceptable.

A Stolen American Passport does not need to be the cause for a ruined vacation because there are service providers who can assist with USA Passport replacement. The traveler can rest assured that the stolen passport will be canceled. The new passport will be in the traveler’s hands within the next day, if desired, and the trip may resume as if this whole nasty situation never occurred.

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Consider Getting A Pass Port ID Card For Convenient International Trips

August 17th, 2010

In this day and age, it is necessary to have an official form of ID for almost any type of travel. This is especially true when it comes to international travel, yet many people do not realize that they need a passport to travel to nearby countries such as Canada and Mexico. For this type of travel, the United States passport cards offers a more convenient alternative to the traditional passport book.

Passport cards are an official document issued by the Department of State and look very similar to a drivers license. In fact, it is a convenient form of alternative photo identification for someone who, for whatever reason, does not have a drivers license. Since they were first produced in 2008, over two million passport cards have been issued to citizens of the United States.

The main thing that distinguishes the passport card from a traditional passport is that it cannot be used for international air travel. It can, however, be used for land border crossing in and out of the US. This means that it is an appropriate form of identification for travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. This makes it perfect for road trips and cruises but remember that, even in these nearby countries, passport cards cannot be used for air travel.

Although it is not acceptable for travel to all destinations, there are many benefits to having this unique form of identification. All veteran travelers know the feeling of terror that washes over them when they think they have lost their passport. Passport cards are easy to keep track of since they fit into any wallet like a normal credit or identification card.

The key distinguishing feature of passport cards is RFID, which stands for vicinity-read radio frequency identification. This chip is placed inside each card and is linked to a record in a protected government database. The chip itself is not encrypted with any information, so no personal information is at risk. The chip is simply there to make the entire customs process more efficient.

Applying for a passport book and applying for a card are nearly the exact same process. The same required documents apply proving both identity and citizenship. Applicants can even use the same application to get both the book and the card. They both take about five weeks to be processed and can both be received within three weeks with accelerated processing.

Just like a traditional passport, the card is has a ten year validity for adults and expires in five years for minors. Where the two documents differ greatly is in the cost to obtain one. Adults must pay ninety-five dollars for a passport but can receive a card for only forty-five. This is a considerable savings for the traveler who does not intend to fly overseas.

Whether someone needs an alternate photo identification card or plans on traveling over land borders, the American passport card is a great option to replace a more expensive and less convenient passport book. No extra paperwork is required to get one and it is far less likely to get lost. This is a great option for international travel across sea or land. Check out US Passport Now for more info.

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