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If you’re thinking about international travel then your first step, even before picking up some lovely brochures, should be to apply for a passport. Due to the heightened security across the U.S. border, passports are required to travel just about anywhere and if they’re not required they’re highly recommended and can really expedite your time in customs. Since almost everyone requires a passport there has been a huge increase in demand, meaning the people working at the U.S. Department of State are a bit overworked and getting your papers in order can take longer than ever. The first step in getting a passport is getting your passport photo, actually two photos. A lot of places take passport photos but generally post offices, Walgreen’s, and other drug stores are a good place to start. The facility has a special camera and will take two photos and give them to you in a small folder. Next, you need to find a passport acceptance facility. There are about 9000 of those in the U.S. and should be fairly easy to find. Again, a post office may work, a clerk of court is generally a good bet, some libraries and other municipal facilities. You’ll be required to provide your passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship, and valid photo identification. The passport acceptance facility will provide you with the proper paperwork and give you the information you need to mail to the U.S. Department of State. In the past it took a few weeks to get your passport but with the current heavy flow it may take much longer, estimates are 10 to 12 weeks for regular service and 3 weeks for expedited requests. If your passport hasn’t arrived and your vacation is rapidly approaching check the official website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html to see if you will be allowed temporary travel flexibility.