Heading Abroad Soon?

A recent article in The New York Times, Cum Laude in Evading Bandits, by Nicholas D. Kristof, offers some thoughtful travel advice for the novice or seasoned traveler. You will inevitably rethink your safety and security plan once you or a friend are victimized while traveling abroad. Take precautions in advance of finding yourself in a precarious situation. Make it a memorable trip for all the right reasons!









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New Passport Law Takes Effect Today

In my November 13, 2008 posting, Planning To Go Abroad? Get That Passport!, I alerted you to an upcoming change in the law regarding passports. Crossing the border is no longer as easy as it used to be! This change takes effect today. Follow the link for more information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!



Please Note: If you are reading a posting from this blog through sources
other than the actual blog or a subscription to the blog,
you can find additional postings from Mom Knows Best at:
http://bloggermomknowsbest.blogspot.com/
where you will also find a link enabling you to subscribe directly to the blog.
Thanks,
Mom

Planning To Go Abroad? Get That Passport!

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, and the end of the semester not far behind, many college students are getting ready to venture abroad for the spring semester, for a school break, or for the summer. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to apply for your passport. It wasn't that long ago when it took 2 to 3 months, or even longer, to receive your passport. There is currently a 3 week wait for the processing of routine applications, according to the U.S. Department of State's passport site.

The State Department's passport site, in addition to walking you through the process of obtaining a passport, covers topics such as travel warnings and alerts, visas, general information for students, and an abundance of travel information. Since you may soon be home for Thanksgiving, take the time now to check out the passport requirements, in case you need to locate some of your personal documents.

Of special note:
A significant change will occur as of June 1, 2009, when it will no longer be quite as simple as it used to be, to return to the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require a passport, passport card or a traveler card (NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI) from those U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea. Don't be surprised if there is a sudden surge in passport applications, and therefore an increase in the time it will take to receive a passport, as the June 1 deadline approaches.