We’re doing some upgrades to the site and, as a result, some of the older photos aren’t currently working. We know about this and are working on it!

I was dreading having to renew my passport this year, so I was really excited to learn that the process is quite simple now and can be done by mail! You can use Form DS-82 to renew by mail if you currently have an undamaged passport that is less than 15 years old, was issued to you when you were 16 or older and you have the same name or documentation to support a name change. Just send the form in with your old passport, a passport photo (available at any CVS for $9.99) and a check for applicable fees. I did the expedited service and got my new passport in just 10 days. My old one was returned about a week later.

Remember that all new passports have an RFID chip embedded in them which holds all your personal data, so it’s wise to buy an RFID blocking case to protect your information.

People often think of travel as an expensive luxury. It costs money, time and effort. Yet over and over, studies have proven that vacations are vital to health and well being.

As I’ve dealt with health issues over the past year, I’ve had to change the way I travel, at least temporarily. Instead of flying, we’ve found places we could drive to and we’ve been taking many day trips in lieu of longer getaways. Travel doesn’t have to mean jetting off to somewhere far off and exotic….all you really have to do is leave your home. You can walk, drive, take a bus, train or plane and you can escape for a few hours or several days. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. There are so many great parks and public spaces in every city here in the U.S.. You can camp, visit a friend, stay in a hotel or drive home at the end of the day. The point is to get away from your typical schedule, even if it’s for a short time.

I know a lot of people are struggling with money or health or other stressful problems that are part of life, but that’s why it’s so important to take a break. It’s so important to get away from the computer and the phone and the TV and spend real, uninterrupted time with the people that are important to you. It’s so important to see the beautiful things that exist in this world in nature, and art and culture. No matter what your situation is, there is a way and it will feed your spirit and your relationships, improve your health and make the dark times a little brighter. I’ve never heard a person say they regret taking a trip….not once.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day!!!

Visit My Adventures to read about our trip to Monaco and check out pictures on my Photos page or by clicking into the album through one of the images posted.