One of the biggest things for traveling abroad is the passport.  I’ve been out of the country twice: once to Canada, the other time to the Bahamas.  I didn’t have to have a passport for either of those trips.  This trip to Europe is a bit different and I definitely need one!  They take 4-6 weeks to process and receive, so you’ve definitely got to put in your application a while in advance.

I put in my application on April 13th at the USPS on Riverside Drive because they could take the passport photos on-site. The lady did not tell me when she was taking the picture, so it looks like a freaking mug shot. Oh well, who wants a pleasant photo for official government id? The passports aren’t exactly cheap, but they are valid for 10 years.  I’m hoping to get a good bit of use out of mine, so I think of it as a good investment!

I don’t expect any trouble getting my passport since I was recently cleared for a secret security clearance through the company I’ll work for after I get back.  It’s just a matter of waiting to get it back!   A handy thing is that you can track the passport application online.  I recently got an email saying it was now in the system.  Should definitely have it in more than enough time for the trip.  I believe Chuck put his application in a week or so after I did, so he’ll be good to go as well.

We’ll soon be updating with more info about our travel plans.