Obtaining a United States Passport

  • Step 1: find passport/photo services locations at usps.com/passport or the government website of travel.state.gov
  • Step 2: Print an application online, or pick up an application in person.
  • Step 3: For 1st time applicants, or those unable to renew by mail - the application must be submitted in person.
  • Step 4: When filling the application do not sign until submitting.
  • Step 5: Bring present proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and two passport photos when you submit your application.  (see below)

Submitting the Application:

  • Unsigned Passport Application form
  • Proof of US Citizenship (any 1of the following): prevous fully valid U.S. passport, certified U.S. Birth Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Certificate of Naturalization or citizenship
  • Proof of Identity (any 1 of the following): Recent certificate of naturalization/citizenship with recognizable photo, current - valid drivers licence, goernment employee ID, military ID - Children under 16: child and both parents/legal guardians must appear in person with evidence of the child's US citizenship, evidence of the relationship to parents/guardians and parental/guardian ID.  If only 1 parent is present 1 of the following must be submitted: 2nd parents notarized written statement consenting to passport issuance for the child, primary evidence of sole authority to apply, a written statement of the second parent's unavailability
  • Two Identical passport photos: 2x2" size, clear - taken within the last 6 months, color, full-face - front view on a white/off-white background, normal street attire, no hats-headgear.

Common Questions:

How early should I apply for a passport?

  • It is best to apply several months before your planned trip outside of the United States.
  • Want to see the time to receive a passport?  Visit: travel.state.gov
  • If passports are needed sooner: Express Mail can ship applications guaranteed overnight there and back, and can be tracked at usps.com

Tips:

  • All information is available from the National Passport Information Center - 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793, or travel.state.gov
  • Photocopy your ID page in case your passport is stolen, in which case, report to the local police authorities and the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
  • Carry Two extra passport size photos with you
  • Before leaving, check for US Department of State travel warnings.

Miscellaneous Travel Tips:

Double decker buses in London, England  Shoreline in Mexico

  Air pressure – during take-off, chewing gum, blowing with your hand over your nose and mouth , and swallowing and yawning may help alleviate the air pressure build up from high elevations!

 

B  When planning a cruise, find your dream boat.  Instead of only focusing on the destination,  pay attention to the actual ship atmosphere and facilities. 

 

C When Cruising – a powerstrip may make one less worry – Many cabins have one outlet – so a power strip will provide many outlets for all electrical hairdryer, razor, cell phone, etc.

 

Disney Theme park adventure - avoid the large crowds, begin at the back of the park - people stop at the first attraction they reach so start at the back and work forward.

 

Extra insurance day in cruise planning:  add an extra day to the beginning of your trip in case of flight delays/cancellations…  it is well worth the cost!

 

F Flying with Children?  On family vacations – book airline seats early enough for the whole family to sit together.  Booking window seats for children may be an easy distraction by the excitement of airport life as the plane is ready for take off, to alleviate boredom!

 

I  Indoor Entertainment: when planning your day at  a theme park, or at a warm location, Leave the shows and indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day when you'll appreciate the cool air conditioning.

K  Keep an idea of the airport layout before leaving for your trip, to get information of the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving. This gives an idea where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.

 

L  Label your laptop computer when flying.  Tape a business card or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or the accidental "exchange" by other passengers.

 

M  Miscellaneous Necessities: an extra debit card, food for flight, sunscreen, and extra copies of travel guides and documents to write on or stain, a small bottle of just in case medicines (advil, Tylenol, etc).

S Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and footwear on top of other contents in your luggage to keep airport security from spending more time searching your luggage.

 

T  Children Toys – give each child their own hand luggage with many things to keep them occupied (a cuddly toy, cards, colored pencil, or a portable DVD player!)

 

Q Quality tourist Photos – ask another passerby with a good camera to take your photo as he may have more interest in photography and may know how to take a quality photograph – without cutting off your feet or creating a blurry image!

 

 -For All other questions, or additional information please contact our office at: 508-588-5100

150 West Center Street, West Bridgewater MA 02379

 

-Visit these fun websites for Unique Travel advice:

- Travel cell – cell phone rentals when you are abroad or need a phone during your vacation,

call 877-cell phone, http://www.travelcell.com/

-Airport parking reservations.com 800-727-5464

- Opentable.com – dinner reservations

- GPS planet: 866-4699 www.gpsplanet.com/affiliates

 

 

 

 P&H Travel

Travel Check List

   Checklist for Traveling 

Before You Leave...

  • Advise Family of itinerary
  • Advise Local Police
  • Advise neighbor to watch house
  • Arrange lodging for pets
  • Clean/Set refrigerator
  • Have post office hold mail
  • Leave key
  • Put extra jewelry in safe deposit box
  • Set heat or Air Conditioning
  • Set timers and lights
  • Stop newspaper delivery
  • Turn off ice maker
  • unplug major appliances
  • water plants

Document List:

  • Addresses and stamps
  • Credit/ATM cards/Travelers Checks/Wallet
  • Foreign Currency
  • Health Card/Insurance
  • International driver's permit
  • Itinerary
  • Passport/visa
  • Pen and paper
  • Phone card/Phone Numbers
  • Picture ID/Driver's license
  • Reading material/Tour books
  • Tickets
  • Travelers Checks
  • Vaccination certificate

General List:

  • Alarm clock and wristwatch
  • Beach attire, bathing trunks/suit
  • Binoculars
  • Camera/film/Batteries
  • Cell phone/battery charger/adapter
  • Coat, jacket, raincoat, umbrella
  • Dress/Walking shoes
  • Handkerchiefs/scarves, hats, gloves
  • Jewelry
  • Laptop/batteries/power adapter
  • Pajamas and robe
  • Sewing kit
  • Slippers, scuffs, swim shoes and thongs
  • Socks, hose, underwear, belts, ties
  • Suits, dresses, sweaters, shirts, slacks
  • Video camera/batteries, tapes, power adapter

Personal List:

  • Cosmetic Supplies, comb/brush
  • Dental Supplies, deoderant
  • First aid supplies
  • Glasses/contact lenses and cleaning supplies
  • Hair dryer/curling iron
  • Hand lotion/moisture lotion, perfume/cologne
  • Insect repellant
  • Medicines/vitamins, prescriptions (duplicates)
  • Nail clippers/nail file and manicure supplies
  • Q-tips/cotton balls
  • Razor/shaving cream
  • Shampoo/conditioner and styling supplies
  • Sunglasses, suntan lotion, sunscreen