Food Safety: How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

You arrive in Bangkok and you decide that your first adventure after a great relaxing sleep is to fill your hunger both for adventure and your tummy. So off you go to be the next Tony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern of The Travel Channel.  Your destination is the Floating Market. You notice a number of small stalls and boats selling local fruits, produce treats, snacks and oh does that noodle dish look so yummy. And what about that grilled BBQ “whatyoumacallit” on a stick? My gosh it’s cheap, so of course you immediately want to buy-try-savor, right?... BUT WAIT.....Salmonellosis, E.coli, Norwalk virus, intestinal distress, traveler’s tummy, Montezuma’s Revenge, Traveler’s Trot,  the Toltec Two-Step, Delhi Belly, The Runs, TD (Traveler’s Diarrhea) are you listening here! IS ANYONE LISTENING??????

As a Smart Traveler you have got to be wise in your choices. It’s not to say that these local fruits, treats and snacks are all gonna make you sick! But there’s no guarantee that it won’t either. The reaction by one visitor may not affect the same way as in another. Below are some articles I came across that will hopefully assist you in guiding
your decisions to try various street food, colorful drinks and even safety on eating a local fruit. 

You be your best advocate! Princess Cruises may sponsor the shore excursions but understand that they use local guides and operators. So the guides may not think about reminding you about food safety and how to potentially avoid getting sick. 

An added note the photographer had was this notation under his photo which was taken in Bangkok Thailand...a good note to remember: " ...street food looks tempting, 30 degrees Centigrade being on the street for hours at night makes this a risky adventure, when it is healthy, its really tasty, when it isn't healthy, it's time for the emergency room"

  

Food Safety: How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/safety-and-health/food-safety-how-to-avoid-getting-sick-while-traveling

http://zesterdaily.com/world/asian-street-food-safety-tips/

http://www.travelfish.org/feature/235

http://goasia.about.com/od/Food-and-Drink/qt/Street-Food-in-Asia.htm

Photo provide by Flickr.drbutoni

TRAVEL APPS for YOUR SMARTPHONE

Applications (APPS) for your iPhone or Smartphone are an amazing new technology to me.
So I am not by any means an expert. But I am for handy tools and I believe this is one of those amazing tools that can aid us travelers. If you haven't downloaded the Starbuck's
Living Earth app. I highly recommend you do. Last night I was browsing and found that it was so convenient  to open this app to find the temperature of each of our ports....100 in Bangkok and 34 in Anchorage. 

Cristin also shared with me a handy app called appsgonefree which is an app that accesses other apps that are free. Thanks Cristin...

Five Easy, Essential Mobile Travel Apps
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/five-easy-essential-mobile-travel-apps

Essential Travel Apps, Part One: The Basics

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/essential-travel-apps-part-one-the-basics

Essential Travel Apps, Part Two: Accessory Apps
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/essential-travel-apps-part-two-accessory-apps

Video Provided by YouTube.com Rocketboom Tech  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_fnTHJ-Ar0

Insect Spray for Your Packing List?

Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang are but a few of the ports of call we will be visiting and since these destinations will be a in much warmer region there will be a good chance the bugs, including mosquitos could invade our juicy skin. I highly recommend you consider bringing a can of insect spray to use on your clothes or skin. I was told that the product with DEET is the best. But controversy of it being a chemical verses organic alternative is always a personal choice. Whatever you decide, be sure you add this to your packing list. I know it never hurts to be prepared....

Sample resource links that may assist you...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm

http://www.consumersearch.com/insect-repellent

http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/safer-bug-spray

http://www.fitsugar.com/Bug-Spray-Dilemma-DEET-Really-Bad-1692380

Hand Sanitizer ...Diana's Pick!

Just wanted to share with you that I found an excellent product that is produced by CVS Pharmacy. It is their own brand hand sanitizer. With over 2,000 passengers and tons more for ship crews and staff roaming the ship and this doesn’t even mention all the people that are in our Ports of Call, Security Personnel as we embark and disembark the ship we will be visiting. I highly recommend you carry and bring a hand sanitizer. For those who use this handy health tool, you know what I’m talking about. 

What I like about this particular product is that unlike others when I use it my hand does not feel sticky after I spray or drop it on and rub it. You can also buy the portable stick holder which is light and handy to carry around while you are in port and on the ship. And there is a refillable bottle you can also pack in your suitcase. Do not bring this on your carry-on. Check out the photo so you can see what the brand looks like. The ship usually has a hand sanitizer as you enter the dining room but this is the gel kind that leaves your hand sticky. I know I’m not into sticky, just picky I guess!

REMINDER...MY PRINCESS-CRUISE PERSONALIZER

Just a friendly reminder that Alex would like for you to get your MY PRINCESS/CRUISE PERSONALIZER completed and filled out. Please complete this no later then Friday,
March 15, 2013.

This will allow her time for her to review your information and work on any follow-ups as needed. This is very important as you will not be able to get your cruise documents if you
do not have this information completed and on-line for her to access. If you need assistance, contact the 800 Princess Cruise line (I have used them and they were very helpful) or contact us and we'll do our best to help you.


Photo provided by Princess Cruises

RFID CREDIT CARD FRAUD

RFID CREDIT CARD FRAUD.....IMPORTANT SAFETY PROTECTION

Did you know that many credit card, debit card and yes even your identification cards and passports too, are embedded with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) that contain both personal and financial information. With many of us on the go through airports, tourist areas and shopping destinations. Identity theft can become an easy access with anyone of us. 

To take appropriate steps to protect yourself. Please take a moment to view the 6 minute YouTube Video and also to explore how you can protect yourself with RFID wallets, pursues

backpacks and other accessories that are available through various links I have listed for you below. 

Kelly and Lien, you might want to seriously take advantage of your winning Cruise Orientation Door Prize and think seriously of protecting your information with your Amazon Gift Card. Congratulations on being the big winners!! 

Magellan Travel

http://www.magellans.com/small-bags-and-wallets/small-bags-and-wallets-rfid-blocking

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A1036592%2Ck%3Arfid%20blocking

Travel smith

http://www.travelsmith.com/ProductSearch?storeId=10057&catalogId=10057&langId=-1&firstAnswer=&searchTerm=RFID+CREDIT+CARD+BAgs&externalSearch=false&historyString=1361688383512%257CsearchTerm%255E5%255ERFID%2BCREDIT%2BCARD%2BBAgs&currentSortOption=Relevance&sortBy=ProductSearch%3FstoreId%3D10057%26catalogId%3D10057%26langId%3D-1%26firstAnswer%3D%26answerPerPage%3D%26historyString%3D1361688383512%25257CsearchTerm%25255E5%25255ERFID%252bCREDIT%252bCARD%252bBAgs%26action%3D6%26entryID%3DNA%26currentSortOption%3DNA%26externalSearch%3Dfalse&answerPerPage=100&answerPerPage=100

Video provide by YouTube

25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF & MORE

Some of you have been asking me how do you plan your wardrobe for a 32 day cruise? One of my secret is to coordinate my outfit by bringing black/red/yellow/pink/blue top (stay away from white as it picks up drips from your fine dining on the cruise). Add and exchange with either black pants, black skirt, black dress AND THEN accessorize, accessorize, accessorize with your scarves, jewelry, belts. Your combo of outfits are multitude!

Here is a video that fellow cruiser and fashinista Karen Vaughn shared with me. 25 ways to wear a scarf or in our case one (1) scarf and 25 new cruise outfits? Thanks Karen and YouTube!

Traveling With a Camera ...by John Working

John Working

Peggy & Rocky Alby

I do like to travel, taking either long or short trips; and when I travel I love to take my camera(s) and take pictures. It's fun; and when the trip is long past I can look back at all the pictures or bore friends with them all the time remembering the wonderful time we had. I have a friend who never takes pictures, or for that matter never brings a camera which makes me wonder how he remembers all of it. I've found pictures help me remember and many times remind me of a funny story or an unplanned adventure. So anyway, Diana asked me to share some travel photography pointers and while I'm certainly no expert I'll give it a go. 

When I travel I see many people using their cell phones as a camera. On our last trip I saw two people using their IPads and thought it seemed real awkward. I think I'd worry more about dropping the IPad then getting a good picture. If you are a member of Costco there is a  question about using one of the new smartphones rather than a camera in the December 2012 issue of "The Costco Connection" (page 15). Marc Saltzman, high tech reporter, answers it better than I could. For those of you not members he basically says the camera takes much better pictures because a camera manages the light better, has longer battery life, use optical zoom rather than digital zoom, meaning pictures are clearer when you zoom. Many of the new digital cameras allow uploading directly to websites or your computer using Wi-Fi. The newer cameras also allow for GPS "geotagging" to mark geographical information. A person I often travel with wondered why people spend all the money on the trip and then use their cell phone for pictures. I wonder that too because cameras are not really that expensive and they do not take up much room. 

Here are some things I do:

• When you get to your destination remember to check and set the time and date on the camera. And if you're traveling around like we will be check the time occasionally, making sure it reflects local time.  Every time you take a picture it is stamped with date and time and if you're like me and take many many pictures it really is helpful when organizing your pictures. You might also forget where a picture was taken, the correct date will help. 
• Be sure to bring along an extra memory card for the camera just in case something happens to the first or you end up taking more pictures. A memory card is where the camera stores the pictures and like a computer memory has limited storage. Pictures take up lots of memory. 
• If your camera allows consider organizing your pictures by date or a separate folder for each day. I did this the last two trips and it helps with organization when you get home. You could also keep a small diary to go along. 
• I usually bring my lap top and, when I have time copy the pictures off the memory card to the lap top doing some organizing and editing (deleting) as I go.   My pictures are then saved in two locations, the camera memory card and the lap top. If you cannot upload to Facebook from the camera you can off the computer and that's always fun. I notice Princess has WiFi Connection of sorts. 
• Be sure to keep your camera with your carry on. The scanners used for checked luggage can be stronger and possibly damage the camera, memory card or both. Plus checked bags get banged around, possibly damaging things inside. 
• Take as many pictures as you want because you can easily delete either on the trip or once back at home. This last trip my wife and I took 1.900 pictures!
• Don't forget to pack your camera battery charger and maybe an extra battery. 

So bring a "real" camera and take lots of pictures, you will not regret it! 

Let’s hope not, but .... LOST & STOLEN PASSPORTS

Back in September, I recall giving all of you a heads up to check your passport for expiration dates and applying for passports if you needed too. And because I know each of you are very conscientious travelers you have all ready completed this task or in the process of doing so. Fantastic! 

Now many of you probably made copy of your Passport and Driver License for your China Visa? If you haven’t copied your passport and ID to Alex. I might highly recommend you do so. This way she can be your “friend” who has a copy to assist in case you needed it.

Now also make a few copies of your passport and leave one at home and be sure you bring a couple with you. Also bring a couple of recent passport size photos of you these extra copies will be handy in case you need it for replacement due to loss or stolen passports. These are the “just in case” back-up. This should not be a bad burden as we currently preparing to check off our checklist for our China Visa and so grab a couple of extra photos. Remember if you are a Costco member, this service is very inexpensive and they give you plenty of extra photos. 

Below is a link to the Lost and Stolen Passport article I came across. The article had additional tips like scanning and emailing your passport to your In Box for access. Great idea especially if you are the technical type. There is good information and I always find that preparation is a key to avoiding potential mishaps.  Enjoy the resource and tips....

Lost and Stolen Passports

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/troubleshooting/lost-and-stolen-passports  

Photo provided by Flickr.Rakka

The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas

Some of you cruisers have begun to inquire about foreign exchange, use of credit card and ATM’s. Though I have heard that some Southeast Asian countries will accept US dollars such as Vietnam. I would not count on this as a for certain option. Plan on either getting some cash ahead of time at your local bank. Keeping in mind of course, that this could easily take a week or more. So please plan ahead. 

I’ve been finding out that the best exchange rate is by using an ATM, but understand that this option has a service charge so think about the amount you will need to make it worth your while. And its very important to get a PIN number in advance for usage as using an ATM in another country is not like the USA. The article I found below may be more specific in detail to address your specific needs or questions.

Also to my surprise, credit card usage is not widely accepted in the Asian countries like in Europe. Small vendors for shopping and eatery prefer to deal with CASH and so exchanging to the local currency would be your best bet. Of course the hotels we will be staying at will easily accept your credit card for services. And on the Diamond Princess you will need a Credit Card for all your purchases and expenses as upon check-in you will be required to provide a credit card for the cashless purchases onboard with the Cruise Card. I also found out that the Diamond Princess also has an ATM machine for foreign exchange. But AGAIN plan on a service charge for this service.  

.

Of course, on our flight to and fro you will need a credit card. As most airlines have stop using cash and only deal with credit card transaction for bar drinks, headphones etc.. Be sure to check on line with your specific airline to see what their procedure requires.

Lastly, think about taking extra credit cards. There has been incidents where you might put in your credit card in an ATM machine and for one reason or another. It does not return and holds your card due to circumstances. Yes, this actually happened to someone in our group in Europe. So be prepared with a couple of backups.

I will continue to keep my eyes open and post information regarding this issue. But in the meantime, these articles may assist you in getting prepared for what you will need to do to address your specific monetary needs. Happy Countdown!

IndependentTraveler - Best Way to Carry Money Overseas

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/the-best-way-to-carry-money-overseas

Get the Best Exchange Rate

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/get-the-best-exchange-rate

About.com - How to carry Money in Asia

http://goasia.about.com/od/Planning/a/How-to-Carry-Money-in-Asia.htm

Travel Money

http://seniortravel.about.com/od/seniortravelbasics/f/TravelMoney.htm

Photo provided by Flickr.borman818

IMPORTANT REMINDER .... 16 Day Cruisers, PAYMENT DUE

Our total cruise payment is due to Alex by Friday, 

February 1, 2013. If payment is not received by this date your booking will be cancelled. Alex will be sending out your 

invoice via email. So check your In Box! Please 

contact her if you have specific questions. Her number is 949/756-3223.

32 Day Cruisers, its crossed off your list, your payment has been  paid in full last month! Welcome Aboard!

Photo provided by Flickr.Dolphinsdock

IMPORTANT REMINDER .... 32 Day Cruisers, PAYMENT DUE

Our total cruise payment is due to Alex by Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Please be advised that if payment is not received your booking will be cancelled.She will be sending out your invoice via email. So check your In Box! Please contact her if you have specific questions. Her number is 949/756-3223

16 Day Cruisers, your payment will be due in Full by Friday, February 1, 2013

Photo provided by Flickr.Dolphinsdock

Packing with the Eagle Creek Pack-It-System

If you are looking for an alternative way to pack. This Eagle Creek Pack System might be worth looking at. Here is a YouTube Video that this woman packed for her family of four for 6 weeks in this system. I have seen some of these items at the Container Store and I'm sure you can look on-line to see what other places sell them.

If you like it...might be on your wish list for the holidays?

Video provided from YouTube.com

What to Pack for a Cruise

Grab a drink, a pad of paper and a pen, sit back, you will want to take notes! Watch this helpful video of "What to Pack for a Cruise"! Thought it had some great ideas of what you might want to add to your packing list. If you have about 10 minutes, its worthwhile...check it out!

Video provided by YouTube, What to Pack for a Cruise, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4D_KzcqWVg 

Choosing the Right Luggage

Where do you even begin when you are picking out new luggage? This is the next step in what Roger and I are tackling. Most recently, we made a visit to an independent luggage store called Peninsula Luggage in the Tustin Marketplace. Roger and I have bought luggage here before and have had helpful success in getting questions answered and also getting some hands-on, real look at some actual types of luggages. There are other sources of course, including Department Stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Discount Outlets such as Premium Outlets and TJ Maxx/Marshalls,  Speciality Stores such as Travel or Outdoors focus, including Magellan or REI, On-Line Website Sources, Amazon, Zappos, EBay, Overstock, LuggageShow Room,eBags, tibesti and the list goes on and on.   

With our trip being overseas, We knew that we had to begin with our luggage allowance with the airline carrier we chose . Because we opt to travel business class, our particular airline allowed two checked baggage per person and obviously carry-on. But, this may not be the case for all.

Do your homework, so you won’t get caught in the hard sell of the sales person trying to meet their nomination to be Employee of the Month. So let’s start by listing some homework suggestions, before you head out to actually go shopping.  

• Find out what is the allowable baggage on your airline. Number of allowable Luggage, Dimensions, Weight etc. 

• How many days do you need to pack for? 16 day cruise plus ? 32 day cruise plus?

• How much do you want to spend on your luggage?

  

• Know your Luggage options and what you need or want: 

>Regular Suitcase   

>Garment Suitcase

>Duffle Bags

>Carry-On - suitcase, bags, totes, satchels

>Toiletries bags

  >Accessories - tags, belts, hooks, money holders etc

• Choice of Luggage options:

>Soft case vs Hard case

  >Regular weight or light weight 

>Solid Colors vs Prints

>Number of Rollers

>Handles, interior or exterior

>Interior storage and compartments

• Explore the websites and see the different brands and prices

Additionally below are some websites you can view to assist you in your knowledge of  luggage and baggage for your upcoming cruise. 

Choosing the Right Travel Luggage

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/packing-and-accessories/choosing-the-right-travel-luggage

Tips for Selecting Luggage for Your Cruise

http://cruisediva.com/luggage.htm

Best Luggage to Use for a Cruise

http://www.overstock.com/guides/best-luggage-to-use-for-a-cruise

4 Most Common Reasons Airlines Lose Luggage

http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/4-most-common-reasons-airlines-lose-luggage,7558/

Photo provided by Flickr.Pellgen

Easily Misunderstood Abroad

etiquette |ˈetikit, -ˌket| , noun

the customary code of polite behavior in society 

or among members of a particular profession or group.

As a kid, our parents hopefully  taught us this important life lesson about manners. We learned to be polite, pay attention, be gracious, kind, considerate. We learned to shake hands and say “please and thank you”. It seems simple, doesn’t it? And it is here in America because it’s what is familiar to us. But now, what about the countries we will be visiting. In Asia, is it all the same? Is Thai the same as China or Japan or Korea? Then what about Singapore Malaysia where there are three major different cultures Chinese, Malay and Indian as in India, oh my! 

The term “Ugly American” derives from the 1958 political novel of the same title by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer as well as a 1963 Movie starring Marlon Brando. “The Ugly American”, is fiction based on reality, alluding to Americans losing political presence in Southeast Asia because of their failure to understand local culture. The novel quotes a Burmese character as saying,

For some reason, the [American] people I meet in my country are not the same as the ones I knew in the United States. A mysterious change seems to come over Americans when they go to a foreign land. They isolate themselves socially. They live pretentiously. They’re loud and ostentatious.

As best shared by my Japanese cousin on a past visit to Tokyo, he said “...of course we don’t expect you to know all of the customs, culture and ways of Japan as a tourist...”

But I still couldn’t help think that I certainly did not want to be THAT Ugly American! 

My cousin is right. We as tourists, aren’t expected to know everything, but I also don’t believe we need to be ignorant and not aware either. With a little effort, preparation and lessons from our parents we don’t have to be Ugly Americans. 

Let me leave you with this final quote:

“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you, not because they are    

                      nice, but because you are...”     Unknown 

                                                                                                                                                        

So following are quite a few links to help you explore and prepare to create a better "International Relations" as you sightsee, dine, and shop in our various visiting ports of call.

    

International Etiquette Guide

10 Common Gestures Easily Misunderstood Abroad

Customs & Courtesies

Thai Etiquette

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/moving/country-file/customs-etiquette/

http://asiatours.net/thailand/info/customs.html

Vietnamese Etiquette

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/vietnam.html

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/vietnam/culture-of-vietnam/vietnamese-etiquette.html

Malay Etiquette

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/Page531.htm

Chinese Etiquette

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/Page531.htm

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.html

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/etiquette.htm

http://www.etiquetteinchina.com/

http://chineseculture.about.com/od/businesseconomy/a/Chinese-Culture-Learn-All-About-Chinese-Etiquette.htm

Korean Etiquette

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/Page531.htm

http://kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html

http://kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html

http://www.vayama.com/etiquette/south-korea/

Japanese Etiquette

http://www.247travelguides.com/937/japanese-customs-tips-things-to-know-before-your-trip-to-japan/

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/Page531.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Japan

It’s Time for Your US PASSPORT!

Did anyone check my Asia to Alaska Timeline I placed on the blog? Well if you did, you would see that I had noted for your action list for September is to handle your US Passport needs. I know this may seem a bit early. But I agree with our experienced travel agent, Alex that since this is such a crucial piece of travel document, early is better. To help guide you further I have highlighted the US Passport Checklist that Independent Traveler provided. Please double check the fee as I did not verify with the actual US Department of State for the current fee. And finally, be sure that your expiration date on your passport is valid for at least 6 month prior to your return date to the States. The check list is noted below and if you would like to read the full article I have provided the following link address : 

Passport Applications and Forms

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/passports-and-international-travel/passport-applications-and-forms

US Passport Checklist

First-Time Passport Applications (Adults Age 16 and Up)

Form DS-11

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($135)

First-Time Passport Applications (Minors Under 16)

Form DS-11

Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of child's U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)

Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($105)

Passport Renewals (Adults Age 16 and Up)

Form DS-82

Existing U.S. passport

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Renewal fee ($110)

Passport Renewals (Minors Under 16)

Form DS-11

Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of child's citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)

Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($105)

Passport Card (Adults Age 16 and Up)

Form DS-11 OR

Form DS-82 (if you previously had a regular passport and are applying for the passport card as a renewal)

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($55 for first-time applicants, $30 for those who already have a passport book and are applying for the card as a passport renewal)

Passport Card (Minors Under 16)

Form DS-11

Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of child's U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)

Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($40)

Name Changes

Form DS-5504

Current U.S. passport

Certified copy of document specifying name change

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Renewal fee ($110) if you've had your passport longer than one year or if your name was changed for any reason other than marriage or court order

Lost or Stolen Passports

Form DS-11

Form DS-64

One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months

Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)

Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID

Application fee ($135 for ages 16 and up, $105 for children under 16)

Additional Visa Pages

Form DS-4085

Current U.S. passport

Fee ($82)

Photo provided by Flickr:Rakka