International travel: passport; credit cards; travel advisories; STEP; general advice?

Bullitt
Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:08:51 +0000
In My Humble Opinion

I live in the USA and looking for some help from you who frequently travel internationally. It’s been over 10 years for me, and it was usually business travel. I’m retired now.

First, passport

My passport expired years ago and I need a new one. (I guess when I get it, I should never let it expire; I should always renew it and keep it current; OK I’ll do that.)

What’s the best way to get a new passport? My planned international travel will be in December, so I’ve got a couple of months.

I’m a AAA member and they have a service to get a passport, but the fees look a little prohibitive.

➜ https://aaa.rushmypassport.com ■
New Passport Application
$99.00 Smart Service
$34.95 Passport Card
$29.95 Passport Protection
$25.00 STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
$188.90 Subtotal
-$9.90 AAA Discount
Total $179.00
Not including $242.05 government fee. SAY WHAT??!! Is this usual and customary? Or ridiculous? Seems to be ridiculous.

I searched and we haven’t discussed this recently. I did find this thread,

➜ https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-emergency-facts-needed-now-16-feb-2024/997654?u=bullitt ■

In the 4th post, @MikeS gives this link

➜ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html ■

This seems to be the best way. Fortunately I can select Routine, and not Expedited or Urgent. They do have a choice for Life-or-Death. Good to know.

Next — credit cards, money, how best to pay

What about credit cards for international use? I remember getting hit with FTXs, foreign transaction fees. Most of my international travels were for work and I got hit with many FTXs, but fortunately my company paid for those.

I want to avoid cash as much as possible.

I’m very security cautious. But my wife is not. She leaves her purse hanging on the back of her restaurant seat. I’ve got some training to do!

Next — travel advisories

I remember that I used to be able to subscribe by email for State Department Travel Advisories by country.

I found this but can I get advisories sent to me? Even by text?
➜ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Philippines.html ■

My travel will be to the Philippines.

Finally — other international travel suggestions?

What suggestions do you have for international travel? Hotel bookings? My travel will be to the Philippines.

What about rental cars? And I’m actually thinking about renting a motorcycle, or maybe even buying an inexpensive one to use when I’m there.

Is STEP worth it? ➜ https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step ■

Any recommended program to expedite the customs process? A friend recommends Global Entry. Thoughts?

➜ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry ■

Other suggestions?

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Thanks in advance for your help!

85 posts - 28 participants