This summer, my kids are traveling on their first international adventure – a cruise to Canada right from our home city of Boston. Neither of my kids have traveled internationally before, so we’ve never needed to get a passport for them. Right now, I’m in the midst of getting photos and applying so we’ll have the passports ready to go before we leave. Since we are only going to Canada (by sea) we do have the option of getting a US Passport Card instead. So, what should you choose when you are ready to get a passport?
For most travelers, it probably makes sense to get the full US Passport book. Although there is a price difference, you never know when you’ll need it. Even if you plan to drive to Mexico/Canada, or cruise to the Caribbean, what if an emergency occurs and you need to fly out quickly? You’ll need that passport to get back into the US.
When I evaluated my own personal options for myself, I chose to get both the US Passport and the US Passport Card. I don’t always travel with my passport, but I love having the US Passport Card in addition to my driver’s license. It’s a great backup to have just in case I misplace my driver’s license during my trip (something I’m always paranoid about doing).
Regardless what you choose, make sure you make a photocopy of it and store it in a separate location when you travel – just in case you lose your wallet or purse.
Photo credit: US Mission Canada
