Six Cities to Gain New U.S. Passport Offices Posted on March 17, 2024July 12, 2024 By Travelworldwide Getting a passport or renewing your current one has become much simpler. The U.S. State Department recently revealed plans to open new passport offices in six cities nationwide, adding to the existing 29 offices. The new offices will be strategically located across the U.S. to help millions of Americans easily get or renew their passports. Currently, about 48% of Americans have passports, a significant increase from just 5% in 1990. While you can renew your passport by mail or sometimes online, the only way to get a new passport is to apply in person at a passport office or acceptance facility. Visiting a passport office is also the most straightforward way to renew an expiring passport. These new offices will be a great help to many travelers. Here are the cities where the new passport offices will soon open: – Salt Lake City, Utah – Kansas City, Missouri – Orlando, Florida – Charlotte, North Carolina – San Antonio, Texas – Cincinnati, Ohio The exact opening dates for these offices haven’t been announced yet, but all locations have been confirmed. This is welcome news for millions of Americans who previously had to travel long distances to reach a passport office. For instance, people in north or central Florida had to drive to Miami, which could take over six hours. Similarly, residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, had to go to Atlanta, more than four hours away. These new offices in densely populated cities will make it much easier to find a passport office nearby. Regarding mail applications, you can renew an expired passport by mail, but you can’t apply for a new one this way. However, I don’t recommend renewing by mail due to the long processing times, which can take 6 to 8 weeks, plus additional mailing time. As for online applications, the State Department introduced an online passport renewal system at the beginning of 2023. However, this is only for renewals, not for first-time applications. The online system has had many glitches and takes as long as mail renewals. Therefore, I suggest applying for or renewing your passport in person at a passport office. You can schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778. Blog
Blog A Glimpse into My Essential Packing List for the Mini Tour de Mont Blanc – Video Posted on March 13, 2024July 12, 2024 I want to share what I packed for my 3-day hike above Chamonix on the Tour de Mont Blanc Path. Packing light but smart is crucial, especially if you’re doing the full 11-day TMB circuit. Even though we only hiked for 3 days, I wouldn’t pack much more for the… Read More
Blog Savoring the Flavors: A Culinary Guide to Prince Edward Island, Canada Posted on March 13, 2024July 12, 2024 Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, is known for its sandy beaches, shallow bays, and rolling farmlands. The island’s cold Atlantic waters and rich, red soil provide a bounty of fresh produce and seafood. The food culture here is relaxed and authentic, featuring a mix of lobster suppers, farmers markets,… Read More
Blog Exploring the Enchanting West Coast of Sardinia: Flamingos, Black Rice, and Candlelit Festivities Posted on May 29, 2024July 12, 2024 Astrid Ruffhead takes us on a scenic drive along Sardinia’s west coast, from the lively capital of Cagliari to the coastal resort of Alghero, with a stop at the candle festival in Sassari. Cagliari, located on Sardinia’s southern coast, has been a key trading seaport in the Mediterranean for centuries…. Read More