There have been many many news stories about how 2016 is the tenth anniversary of needing a passport to travel to Mexico and Canada. Because of the volume of renewals, the State Dept has been warning about longer than usual delays.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/travel/passport-renewal.html

I have to say though, applying only two months before travel was already cutting it close.

You can expedite the process. In Michigan, people will drive to Chicago to the passport office. Not sure where you live or if there is one closer. You have to pay an extra $60 and I think you can get it in a few weeks

I heard of someone driving to El Paso and getting theirs within a few days.

Update: I finally got a hold of someone from the passport federal agency. He's good to go in May! Yay! The wording was confusing but the passport can't expire in six months. I now hope he receives it within 6 weeks!

We just got passports renewed and it took 4 weeks. Not sure if it takes longer for a new passport.

Wow, never heard of a passport in a day, but I guess there has to be a way, if not more expensive....

Ah, that's good news! What an adventure.

I'm wondering if people have had good experiences with airbnb? We've used vrbo several times and it has been good, but I found a place I'd like to rent in Montreal that is on airbnb. My request was approved, but the owner wants me to complete their verification process, which includes sending the website a copy of my driver's license. I'm very torn on what to do. I'd rather not share this information online, but it makes sense that the owner would want good info on a client, especially an international one. When I google this topic I get lots of worst case scenarios. I'd love to hear from someone who has done this verification and/or regular users of airbnb. Thanks!

I used AirBnB for our Barcelona trip. I was happy with it. I chose one based on many customer reviews. I will probably use it for our Japan trip, too.

I cannot recall if I showed a driver's license, but it was overseas, so maybe it is different. I think I just used credit card. I could be wrong, can't remember.

My husband and I used Airbnb when we stayed in Cardiff, Wales and while we were in London, England. We loved staying where we did. We picked where we stayed based off of reviews and so we only picked places that had more than 5 reviews and very good reviews. We did not have to show a license...I'm not sure what that's about. Do any other renters in that area require to show license too? We did not come across then when booking our stays.

I have had nothing but good experiences using airbnb. I don't think I've ever shared a dl, but the last time I used airbnb was almost a year and a half ago.

I've used AirBnB several times and overall it has been a good experience, but I recommend using it only when you are renting out an entire house or apartment. If you decide to rent a room, make sure to confirm there is a lock on the door before booking - I made the mistake of not checking this once and I felt uncomfortable all night knowing anyone could walk in on me while I was sleeping. Also, don't just look at the room rate - often times there are add-ons, like cleaning fees - that can add significantly to the price. I did have to provide my driver's license once that I can remember - I may be wrong, but my sense is that it is up to the owner whether to ask for it or not.

I have used ABnB quite often and have started hosting as well. I have never been asked for nor asked others for a DL, but yes, there is an additional verification step that can be done on the site. My only thought is that this host had a bad experience so are trying to protect themselves more. Personally, I don't WANT all these things linked so would probably look for someplace else but if you have no history, so no "trust" built on the site, it makes sense. That being said, I have never had a bad experience and have planned more than one vacation around moving from host to host.

I've used AirBnB a lot domestically. Always a good experience (especially in Nashville).
Can't remember if I submitted my DL .... but I started using AirBnB about 5 years ago and I know that their policies have changed since then.

Thanks everyone! I did end up going through the verification process. I had to submit photos of my license and link airbnb to my Facebook page. I'll let you all know if I find out someday that this was a mistake.

I'm very excited about this home we're renting! So much cheaper than a hotel and way better for our family of 6.

Oh yes this is mom; there is a STRONG facial resemblance. Lucky Wassa

Craig???

Or you could do like I did. Join the Navy and get paid to go, lol!
Anyway, congratulations and take lots of pics!

Just out of curiousity, how did this pop back up 8 years later? Did someone happen to see it and comment on it?

how did this pop back up 8 years later? Did someone happen to see it and comment on it?

Yep! You should try it sometime. It's sometimes fun to dredge up an old post and reply to it like it's brand new. *nodding* =)

-- Ryan, who is bookmarking this post so I can reply to it again 8 more years from now....

... and, how does bookmarking work on this site?

... and, how does bookmarking work on this site?

I click the "Bookmark" link, then whenever I use the "My Bookmarks" link under the "Boards" menubar option, I can review all of the posts I've bookmarked. They're mostly filled with suggestions for AQ that I'm interested in implementing someday.... at least my list is. I suppose others use it for other reasons. =)

-- Ryan

Thanks! Appreciated.

Well. Now the post from Craig makes sense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVSRm80WzZk

Yep! You should try it sometime. It's sometimes fun to dredge up an old post and reply to it like it's brand new. *nodding* =)

-- Ryan, who is bookmarking this post so I can reply to it again 8 more years from now....

Yeah, and while you're at it, you guys should go update your links in the Wassa widget.

Yeah, and while you're at it, you guys should go update your links in the Wassa widget

I second that motion!

Well...how was the trip??

Seriously the best trip I have ever been on. If I could afford it I would go again tomorrow!

It was so peaceful, (except for the honking of the penguins), clean, (except for the penguin poop) so exhilarating! Beautiful, unpopulated...again except for those penguins!

They were so cute to watch, they just didn't have a care in the world. They came right up to us and checked us out.

Seriously the best trip I have ever been on.

But you didn't score the Antarctica letterbox or plant one?

sadly no.... we did build a snowman on an iceburg! And eat Antarctic snow, just so we could say we did. Of course we followed the no color no eat rule!! down there you don't eat pink snow!