Passport Day Coming Up, Time to Renew?

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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The timing couldn’t be better—or stranger, really: National Passport Day is Saturday, March 27, coming on the heels of a State Department proposal to substantially raise the fees associated with applying for a passport. But the fees shouldn’t yet be in effect, meaning it will be cheaper and easier to get a passport than you’re likely to find any time soon.

So what are the benefits of National Passport Day, exactly? It’s an opportunity for people to visit their regional passport office and apply for a passport or renewal without an appointment. Plus, since the event falls on a Saturday, people can visit the office without worrying about taking time from work.

There will also be “passport-themed events,” with details forthcoming as well as a list of offices participating. Check back closer to the 27 for more information.

As I said above, this is a good opportunity—especially for citizens without passports—to apply before the new set of fees goes into effect (assuming they do). Keep in mind that you can renew by mail under certain circumstances.

Readers, will you make use of National Passport Day?

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