Problems You Would Encounter When You Don’t Have A Passport

So you’re the type of person who doesn’t really care if you don’t have a passport. You have never tried to apply for one and maybe won’t ever apply. You think it doesn’t matter because you’re just here in the U.S. of A and have zero plans of going elsewhere. But one day you will want to travel with your friends, family or special someone or you might want to even travel on your own. You may have a few problems on your hands if you have no passport or have lost it. Take a look at our list.

Proper Identification

Even if you don’t travel outside of the country, a passport can be handy. It is a government-issued identification and can serve as a basis or evidence of your identity. Your other IDs, such as employee I’d, can be reproduced easily, unlike a passport where you can assure authority of your identity.

Travel

Nowadays, the bus isn’t enough to take us to where we want to be. It takes hours and that’s just time wasted on seating down. With the fast-changing times, every second is precious. Going from California to Dallas takes almost 19 hours via private vehicle. That’s almost a day. It would only take 2 hours and 30 minutes via airplane. That saved you a lot of time, money and stress. How about when you go outside the country? Even going to Canada or Mexico requires a passport. You do not want to get stranded in another country without a passport. You will definitely find yourself in trouble with the authority.

Board And Lodging

For countries outside of the U.S.A., hotels and other places such as bed and breakfasts requires to see a passport from their customers. This is, again, for identification purposes and for their company files in case they may be harboring a fugitive and can be shut down by authority. Not having your passport with you gives you a 99% chance of not staying in any place while on vacation. Plus, most people in other countries like Italy, Spain, Brazil, etc. can’t speak or understand straight English. One way they can understand you is by your passport. People working in hotels can give you better service by knowing which country you came from. They can speak to you via your local dialect or find a translator who can speak on your behalf.

Even Small Cruises

Yes, even small cruises need a passport. An example of this is the Yukon trail ride where they have small ship trips to smaller Caribbean isles for those needing a quick getaway. For as long as your cruise ship’s itinerary passes another country’s border, you are required to have a passport. Some also require a Visa so better check the official website of the countries on your cruise’s itinerary before booking that holiday.

Booking A Flight Or Cruise

In this age of computer and travel apps, it’s not practical to go to a travel agency to book a ticket because booking a ticket is just a click away even on your android phone. There are travel apps where you can book with a specific airline. There is also an app that gives you the cheapest flights to where you want to go. You can even book tickets while in the shower; it’s that easy. You know what’s not easy? Booking without a passport, that’s what. Booking without a passport can be next to impossible. Booking requires your personal information plus your passport information in order for them to process your request. It’s not personal, it’s just that almost everywhere you want to go to requires an identification of some sort and most warrants the need for your passport.

Bottom line, if you have a smartphone, you can easily apply for a passport online. You can easily look up the needed requirements online. You don’t have to take a chunk out of your life. You are taking a bigger risk by not having a passport. Once you do have a passport, you can book a flight or cruise any day, any hour, whenever and wherever you feel like taking a little R and R.