Students, this is an ALERT. Do not get left out of the spring break party because you did not get your U.S. passport. Do you even know that the U.S. Government (http://travel.state.gov) passed new passport laws requiring everyone, even infants, to get passports? In 2007 the government passport system bogged down and many people missed their vacations. What used to take the government 3 days took a minimum of 10 days. What used to take 3 weeks took a minimum of 10-12 weeks. Although it is running smoother now, it is always wise to plan ahead and allow extra time should there be delays and the system bog down again.  You can also consider expediting a passport with a service that may be able to have one in 24 hrs.

Do you have any idea how many people will still need to get a passport to travel not to mention just for spring break vacation? As of 2007, there are 300,000,000+ citizens. It is predicted ½ will have a passport in 4 years. As of 2007 about ¼ of the citizens currently have passports. So another 75,000,000 are expected to get a passport in the 4 years. What if they all want to apply this year? As the population grows, so does the line because infants have to have passports too. DO THE MATH:

Spring break is supposed to be about relaxing, the beach and parties. Just when you thought the hardest you would have to work to get there was to find the best spring break deals and discounts, Sun Splash Tours is here to the rescue. However, now the hardest you have to work is to get a passport. If you are traveling to some of the most popular spring break destinations like Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda and others, you may need a passport and you should consider applying far ahead. There are different rules for taking a cruise.

For more information on the government issuing refunds to some who paid for the government expedited services, and more details about the new passport laws, you can find some details at www.newpassportlaws.com.