When you finally receive your passport, congratulations! You are in the minority, as most Americans do not have one.

Tired of the same old same old? Want to see something different? Want to experience something new?

Then I suggest traveling. After living and traveling in Europe for many, many years, I have experienced the good, the bad and the excellent.

Throughout this semester I plan on giving and sharing advice about my tips of traveling as well as the things that I think students should know before planning a trip, backpacking and studying abroad.

Some of the topics that I will cover are: where to go, getting to your destination, planes trains and automobiles, places to stay, backpacking, power tour vs. culture tour, study abroad, language differences, student festivals, jobs and working abroad, as well as things to look out for.

Before you leave the country, you will either need a passport (for most of the world) or a passport card (Mexico and Canada with some restrictions).

Many people might say that there is no point of applying for a passport if a trip is not already pre-planed, but I disagree. While the Web site http://travel.state.gov/ does state that on average it takes four to six weeks from time of receipt to process the passport application, if they have a back-log of passports, (high season for passport applications is between January and July) it can take months before you receive your passport. If possible it’s always better to have your passport in hand before planning your trip and buying airline tickets.

If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time you need to apply in person at one of the 9,000 public places that accept passport applications.

Visiting http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html can help you find such a location as well as the appropriate documentation you will need. The Office of Passport Services/Customer Service designates many post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other state, county, township and municipal government offices to accept passport applications on its behalf. Check out the website for a location nearest you. When you apply in person you will also need to bring proof of U.S. Citizenship, a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, present proof of identity such as a driver’s license, passport photos, a social security number and the passport fee which is about 100 dollars.

When you finally receive your passport, congratulations! You are in the minority, as most Americans do not have one. Minneapolis Star Tribune staff writer Jon Tevlin says “that in Germany, 90 percent of citizens have passports. In Canada, it's 40 percent. In Great Britian, 64 percent.”

Along with giving advice on passports, if you do plan on living or traveling in a foreign country for an extensive amount of time, I highly suggest that one of your parents or both also apply for a passport. Not only will this raise the number of Americans who actually have passports, but it is necessary for at least one of your family members to have a valid passport in case something should happen to you.

Most people might think that “that something happening to you” is bad, and it could be. There is nothing more frustrating for a parent knowing something bad has happened to their child and they cannot leave the country because they are waiting for a passport. But on the other hand, the reason your parents/family need a passport could be really good. Perhaps you meet that girl/guy of your dreams while you’re traveling or living abroad.

That wonderful person who you are in love with has grandparents who have an estate in the French Alps with waterfalls, a swimming pool and a private park. You’re going to get married to this person, and you want your family to attend the wedding.

Too far fetched you might say? It happened to me, and I’m very happy to say my wedding reception will be held there this summer.

If you have any travel questions, feel free to write to Krista at editorial@uwmpost.com.

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