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My advice? Get your passport, whether you plan to travel soon or not. And start now, while the passport wait is normal. When south of the border travel heats up again this winter and the deadline looms closer, I predict longer lines at the post offices for passports, and a lag in the time it takes to receive a passport in the mail. For an additional $67 fee you can have a passport expedited within 14 days, which is helpful for urgent travel needs.
In addition to potential spontaneous travel, consider the follow benefits of owning a passport:
A second form of identification: A passport can benefit you in the United States as well. Should your personal identification be lost or stolen, the immediate task is a day at the DMV and other offices, and hours of getting things back in order. However the passport sitting in your file cabinet at home is acceptable proof of identity everywhere and a perfect backup in the meantime. It’s a lifesaver if you lose your I.D. and flying domestically. It’s accepted when cashing a check, or maybe you just want to grab a beer with friends, (while commiserating over your DMV visit).
Parents take heed: The passport fee for a child is $40 plus the other above fees, for a total of $82, (instead of $97.). If you have a child age 12 or 15, a passport may be useful for a future high school trip overseas, and since it will last 10 years, that will cover them until their mid 20s. You’ll save $15, which adds up for a larger family. Just remind them to send a postcard when they’re 21 and backpacking through Europe.
Business: Through global communications and the development of trade agreements between countries the world is becoming virtually smaller. Regardless of your political opinions on globalization, if you’re in business, especially sales, your next job may entail travel and negotiations in foreign markets, or at least a knowledge of some foreign processes. Get a leg up on your competition and be prepared. Being well versed culturally will allow you to better relate with your clients, and better relations equals increased sales.
Avoid the digital passport: I’m not a privacy zealot, but I’m less than thrilled about new passports that will incorporate RFID chips, allowing them to be scanned at 35 feet away. The benefit is faster processing. Perhaps future immigration lines will resemble an auto toll plaza with short lines. Tests are underway, but concerns are that the electronic readability of new passports will allow “skimmers” and others with nefarious intentions to gain personal information from your passport. The new wave of passports is set to roll out in the summer of 2006. If this is a concern, you should start the process now and you may avoid being issued one.
There’s nothing to lose by owning a passport. Next time you’re at Kinkos, or waiting for your prescription at Walgreens, wander over to the photo section, smile for your picture, and you??ll be on your way to becoming a savvy world traveler.
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