Travel Tips

Posts Tagged ‘passport card’

In today’s world of high security measures, nobody should travel without a valid form of photo ID, even domestically. When traveling internationally, proper identification is not just a good idea, it is an absolute requirement. The pasport ID card is a reasonable replacement for a traditional passport that can be used in many travel situations.

Passport cards are granted by the Department of State and are a completely legitimate form of identification, closely resembling a driver’s license. The card actually provides a suitable form of photo ID for an individual who has lost their driver’s license. Since passport cards were first made available in July 2008, over two million have been given to US citizens.

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 the card is not valid for all travel, there are many reasons that it is a handy thing to have. Anyone who has traveled outside of the country knows what it is like to check luggage and backpacks over and over to make sure the passports are still where they left them. Passport cards are the size and shape of a credit card, so they are easy to store safely in any wallet.

The feature that makes passport cards so truly unique is the vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID chip in each card. Each chip contains a unique number, which is associated with records in a secure government database. Since there is no information written on the chip itself, holders can rest easy that their privacy is not being violated. The chip simply makes passing through a border quicker and more efficient.

Applying for the card is a very similar process to applying for a passport book. Both applications require documents that verify the applicant’s citizenship and identity. Both documents can even be obtained simultaneously by filling out a single application. Both can be processed in about three weeks for an additional charge but typically take about five weeks to be received.

Just as a passport book is good for ten years for adults and five years for children, so is the card. The significant difference comes in the cost. A passport book costs ninety-five dollars for adults while the card is just forty-five dollars. If someone does not plan on flying overseas, they can save a significant amount of money by getting the card instead of the book.

Whether someone needs an alternate photo identification card or plans on traveling over land borders, the pasport ID 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 http://www.uspassportnow.com for more info.

Canada is one of our closest neighbors, but many do not know a whole lot about it. Alive with rich history and a dynamic cultural heritage, Canada is a great place to take your family and explore. Now, thanks to the passport card, taking a vacation to Canada has become more accessible and convenient.

Canada’s history goes back over 26,000 years ago when the Aboriginal Paleo-Indians roamed the land. Regarded as Canada’s first discoverers, these people harness the land and adapted to the harsh environment, and they are still around today. Their cultural influence is vast and is seen in much of North America’s culture, from lacrosse to maple syrup. Music, art, dance, and languages still flourish even in Canada’s city life. With such a prominent influence still felt today, a trip to Canada quickly becomes a very unique experience.

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 is as wild as it is unique. Travel to Somerset Island in Nunavut and embark on an “Arctic Safari.” Pitch your heavy-duty tent and stay up with the sun until 2 am. See belugas and hear them sing or watch the seals play and sunbathe. Dig for prehistoric fossils and an aurora, one of nature’s most beautiful natural displays.

If you live for a good party, Montreal is the place for you. With delicious food served in trendy modern restaurants, you will be ready to live the nightlife on style. World famous bars, lounges, and clubs populate the streets of Montreal, and with no need for a car, you and your friends can live it up. Spend some time at the Cirque du Soleil and witness first hand the extensive cultural scene that makes Montreal famous.

No trip to Canada is complete without a trip to Niagara Falls. Put on your poncho and head out on the Maid of the Mist to float under the falls, or, if you prefer to stay dry, hop aboard a helicopter and see what a bird’s eye view of the falls would look like. A world famous, family friendly landmark, Niagara Falls is a must-have for any visitor’s itinerary.

Canada is the perfect place if you’re looking for a different setting without traveling too far. And with your American passport card, getting there is even easier. There is no need to step foot on a plane. Canada has something for everyone, whether you prefer adventure over spa treatments or great food over great views. Either way, all you need is a sweater and your U S passport, and Canada is yours for the discovering.

If you want a vacation that literally has it all, a cruise should be your vacation choice. This is an opportunity for an experience that is all inclusive combining travel, dining, activities and accommodations all for one price. Many feel this is the easiest, most cost efficient way to vacation. While there are many cruises available traveling to all corners of the world, a good place to start is the Caribbean. This tropical paradise provides a close to home experience and a passport card is all that is necessary so go online and download a United States passport application so you can get started.

One of the most popular Caribbean cruise destinations is Barbados. Local stores and sidewalk stands provide the shopper the opportunity for duty-free purchasing and many see an opportunity to purchase camera equipment and alcohol. The adventurer seeker is entices to enjoy cave exploration, scuba diving or snorkeling. The wildlife lover in us all will not want to miss a visit to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve where Green Monkeys, Red-Footed Tortoises and numerous tropical birds make their home.

Costa Rica is another exotic destination in the Caribbean that features tons of wildlife. While this destination has only .25% of the world’s entire landmass, it features a full 5% of its biodiversity. The forests of Costa Rica are home to many species of monkeys, over 800 species of birds, and 2,000 species of plants. Tortuguero National Park, translated as “full of turtles,” is home to numerous species of turtles, sloths, and the world’s fastest lizard, the spiny-tailed iguana. Other national parks hold even more species, and if you are wildlife lover, you need to do some exploring in Costa Rica.

Cozumel is an island located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and has a reputation for providing some of the most beautiful scuba diving opportunities in the Caribbean. The ancient Mayan ruins also serve to attract the history enthusiast and provide a mysterious exploration opportunity. The water experience in the waters surrounding Cozumel are highlighted with a 48-passenger submarine or glass-bottomed boat ride on or under the crystal blue waters.

Another tiny island that attracts a lot of vacationers is Aruba. Located off the coast of Venezuela, it is also known for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. Underwater ship wrecks provide interesting sights for the water lover to explore. The world’s largest ship wreck is found in the waters off of Aruba and provides interaction with many species of fish. This is a paradise not far from the United States and you can get there by using a passport card which is easier and cheaper to get than a passport.

The underwater and island adventures that await you on a Caribbean cruise can not be counted but you can’t begin unless you have a US passport card id. By finding an online passport agency, you can download a US passport application and get you card quickly and safely. The hardest part will be deciding which island paradise to visit and which cruise ship to sail on. Just be sure you try cruising the Caribbean.

Simply the thought of having to make a long car ride with a child is enough to give you gray hairs. Plane tickets can put a big dent on your travel budget, so a car trip often proves to be a cheaper option. Since the economy isn’t in the best state, many people are doing their best to save money. However, this shouldn’t keep you from a much needed vacation. Canada and Mexico are only a car trip away, making a whole different sort of world very accessible for you and your family to explore. Ever since the passport card id came out, families have been able to travel for much cheaper.

When I was little, my absolute favorite thing to do on car trips was the craft sets and coloring books. Armed with a Barbie coloring book, a zoo animals coloring book, and some washable markers and crayons, I would go to work for hours. Also, big felt pieces in all sorts of shapes with holes in them, along with some shoe laces, made the best little girl “sewing kit.” My little brother, on the other hand, loved the big building blocks. The best part of these blocks is the amount of assembling and disassembling possibilities.

My mom also provided me with these little “worksheets” with some easy puzzles on them. She would hand me one, I would complete it, and hand it to her to “grade.” I’m proud to say that I always got A pluses on those worksheets. Big books full of these puzzles are a great way to introduce some education to your child. For example, when I was a little bit older, I learned to add from this big book that taught me in the simplest sort of way. So view these long trips as a great learning opportunity!

Technology has a huge potential to keep your children busy and entertained. One of the best things I’ve seen is the Leapfrog Leapsters, which is basically a hand-held electronic device that plays fun and educational video games. Another good idea, although it’s not quite as technologically advanced, is recording your child’s very own audio books. Using a tape recorder, record yourself reading some of your child’s books, and let your child listen to them. You can even change the names of the characters to let your child play his or her favorite part in the story!

Passport cards are easy to obtain. All you need to do is visit your passport agency or apply online. Passport cards are so much cheaper than passports, and you get almost the same benefits. A passport card allows you to travel by land or sea instead of airplanes, and they let you travel to many places around the United States. Having these cards lets your family go on a great vacation without putting a hole in your wallet.

If you are thinking of taking a vacation, you don’t need to waste any time worrying about what to do with the kids. Whether you want to take a Mexican siesta or explore some beautiful Canadian landscapes, get your American passport card by visiting your local US passport office, or simply going online. Some of my best memories come from traveling with my family, and you can give these memories to your very own children with an awesome family road trip.

For the convenience and safety of American citizens, the US State Department has provided the option of a lightweight card as identification when crossing certain borders. Also known as a PassCard, it became available in July 2008. So, what is it? Is it the right choice for you? Here is what you need to know about the American passport card.

The card identifies a person as a US citizen and is a special alternative to the traditional passport booklet. It can be applied during travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but only when commuting by land or sea. It is not a valid method of identification for air travel, and cannot be used in travel to or from any other countries.

The card has benefits for people who commute heavily throughout countries in North America, or live in border towns. It is the same size as a credit card and can fit in your wallet. It also has a more economical price for those who get around, but don’t often see themselves travelling outside of North America. The expectation is that these cards will also reduce the wait lines at the border.

There are special security features included in the card to help defend against forgery. The RFID chip gives off a radio frequency that can be read at the border. There is no personal information held on the chip and should not be of concern. This same chip is present in passport booklets and many debit and credit cards. For those that worry, a radio blocking sleeve comes with your card.

The price is what most people look at to make their final decision. The traditional booklet costs one hundred dollars, compare that to the forty five dollar price of the PassCard. Just like the booklet, the card is valid for ten years for those over the age of sixteen. Under sixteen years of age the card is valid for five years.

The card and booklet have the same application process. You will need to find an approved passport facility and turn in your paperwork in person if this is your first time getting a passport. You will need to show valid identification and fill out the proper form. Then the two 2×2 pictures you have brought will be mailed along with your proof of US citizenship, either a birth certificate or papers showing naturalization. These will be returned to you when your card arrives in the mail.

For those who already have a passport, all of the necessary paperwork can be sent by mail. You can even use your passport booklet as proof of US citizenship. You will get it back when the card comes in the mail. It is also possible to both renew your booklet and receive a new card using the same application.

The passport id card is made for North American travel, has a lower price than the U S passport, and can easily fit into a wallet. Now that you know what it is, decide whether it is the right choice for you. There are many resources online that can assist you in obtaining your passport card.