If you're planning on taking a trip in the next few months that requires a passport but you don't have one, better not wait until the last minute. Starting January 23, 2007, a passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. According to today's New York Times, as a result of these new requirements the wait to get a passport is expected to increase from the previous 4 to 6 weeks to an estimated 10 weeks. The article doesn't mention whether the time for renewing a passport has increased, but if you've got a passport that you haven't used in a while, do yourself a favor -- go check the expiration date. Although the article also talks about companies that will expedite your service for you, even that route isn't worry-free -- and wouldn't you rather spend that worrying on which shoes to pack? The State Department's website includes information about how to apply for or renew a passport.
Today's Times travel section is full of useful information, focusing on affordable trips to Europe, including chic but cheap Paris hotels, less-visited European cities (Valencia, Naples, Zagreb, Bruges), saving money by staying in villas, dining on a budget in London, and where to find great art -- for free --in Rome (love that San Clemente). (The article on "36 Hours in Dublin" isn't part of the affordable Europe theme, but you don't expect me not to mention that, do you?) In another article, Matt Gross reviews European budget airlines -- including RyanAir and FlyBaboo (who knew?) -- in "Adventures in Low-Cost Travel." The article also highlights a booking agent -- flylc.com -- that acts as a one-stop-shop for budget European airlines.
And if you're not taking a trip any time soon, you can travel vicariously through Matt.
If anyone has time, check out that guy's website: www.wherethehellismatt.com. It's fun and fascinating. I love to travel, but Matt would put any travel lover to shame.
Posted by: mysterywriter | April 23, 2007 at 07:54 AM
I am terribly shamed by Matt. Pity me.
Posted by: NorthernOutlaw | May 13, 2007 at 03:15 PM
36 Hours in Dublin? I spent 192,852 hours there but I still want to go back after reading that article. If you're flashing through I'd add a quick visit to St. Michan's church - they have old stuff, carvings, architecture, Handel memorabilia and they have mummies - the dead stuffed kind not the ones getting flowers today (Mother's Day).
Posted by: NorthernOutlaw | May 13, 2007 at 03:25 PM