Everyone of us should get a passport.........renewal or new. It is well worth the wait.

We would not want to be restricted should a super caching opportunity be presented. I have had mine for a while and certainly know it afforded, even before 9/11, a smooth transistion at airports.

Also, you can use a digital photo that meets their regs, crop it to a printed 2" x 2" and they will take it as long as it is clear. I took my husband's photo as he didn't want to pay to have one done.

Also health wise - don't forget to boost your Tetnus vaccine if not current and make sure other things are up to date. There was an area of Canada that just had a very recent outbreak of mumps - certainly, where it is vaccine preventable, not something one of us older than a kid needs today.

FYI - there is a way to do an expedited passport but it does cost more.........doesn't everything today? Also, if you have a current passport - check the expiration date and Do Not let it expire! Renew it before it expires as if you don't it will cost you more too!