Category: travel

Best time of day to take a baby passport photo

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

It’s probably no surprise that getting a good picture of an infant to use for a passport can be a challenging endeavor. Since babies can’t sit still at will or control their movements, and are prone to crying at any moment, it can end up taking quite a bit of time to get the perfect shot that will be acceptable to the U.S. Department of State. Most of the requirements that apply to adults also apply to children and infants when it comes to passport photos, but there are a couple of exceptions. If you decide to take your baby’s passport photo yourself, rather than spend the money to pay a professional, here are a few tips to make the task a bit easier:

Use your baby’s car seat

Since the baby should optimally be sitting up straight, you can avoid trying to find ways to prop your infant up by simply using your baby’s car seat. Simply drape a white cloth over the seat and then strap your baby in. Make sure to dress the baby in a contrasting color, so that they clearly stand out from the white background.

Best time of day to take a baby passport photo

You probably have some idea of your baby’s sleep patterns to some extent. Wait to take the passport photo at a time when he/she is most alert, such as when they are waking up from a nap or after they have eaten. Doing the photo shoot at these times will also make it more likely that the baby won’t be unpredictably fussy.

Don’t worry about trying to make your baby open their eyes

According to the official website for U.S. Passports and International Travel, babies don’t need to have their eyes fully open. So you can make an attempt to get the baby to open his/her eyes but don’t fret if he/she won’t open them or only partially opens them.

Remember that you don’t need perfection

Try not to expect the photos to be perfectly proportioned or posed. It’s okay if the baby is slouching a bit. As long as the photo clearly shows the baby’s face and there are no distortions or extraneous items in the picture, you should be fine.

Photo: Baby by Hernan Piñera licensed under Creative commons 2

Why glasses are forbidden in passport photos

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Because of a policy change that took effect on November 1, 2016, applicants are now required to remove their glasses for passport photos when applying for or renewing passports. According to the US Department of State, they have had to reject over 200,000 passport applications because of the quality of the pictures submitted with them. The problems ranged from pictures taken from too far away or in dimly lit environments; however, the main reason for the rejections were glasses.

About the previous policy

Previously, there was a prohibition on the wearing of sunglasses or any other type of glasses with tinted lenses. This was because these glasses made it difficult to see the applicant’s eyes. In addition, any glare on the lenses of the applicant’s glasses would have to be dealt with before the photo was submitted. Glare is one of the main reasons for the change to the policy on glasses.

Glasses and biometric passports

Along with the issue of glare, another important reason for the prohibition on glasses in passport photos is the use of biometric data. This data includes measurements of your face in your passport photo. If you are wearing glasses in your photo, this makes it difficult to get accurate biometric data.

Current passport photos with glasses on

If you are wearing glasses in your current passport photo, this will not be a problem. You will not have to worry about it until you renew your passport. When that happens, you will be required to submit a passport photo with your glasses off.

How this change can help you

This change in the policy allows you to be more easily identifiable in your picture. The results that you should expect include faster processing of passport applications. Another benefit is that it should take less time to move through US ports of entry.

There are rare exceptions to the prohibition on glasses. These include cases where a person must wear their glasses in their photo due to a medical necessity. In these cases, glasses can be worn if the individual has a doctor’s note. It is important to note that the US is not the first country to forbid glasses. Both France and the United Kingdom have a similar ban.

Photo: Glasses by 0xMatheus licensed under Creative commons 2

3 reasons to use a travel agent for your next trip

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

In these days of online accessibility, you might think that using a travel agent is outdated. However, there are many benefits of using a travel agent, which are outlined below.

1. Travel agents have access to special deals

Online booking websites boast that they can offer you special prices, but most of them are simply unsold rooms that hotels have discounted at the last minute. Travel agents, however, have access to special deals from destination resorts and hotel chains that offer much bigger savings. These package deals frequently include airfare, hotel, dining, guided tours, car rental, and even discounted passes to nearby attractions.

2. Travel agents are knowledgeable about destinations

When you point your finger at a map and decide to take your whole family on vacation there, you’re taking a risk. You might not know a lot about the destination, including things that have the possibility to ruin your vacation. On the contrary, travel agents are constantly kept informed about destinations, including hidden dangers, little-known tips for getting better accommodations, or where the best beaches are for families with young children. Travel agents pass on that information to their clients who travel, including which countries require passports or special visas.

3. Travel agents can help plan your entire trip

With a DIY vacation, you’re on your own. You book your flight and maybe a rental car online, but then it’s up to you to navigate through the rest of your trip, including arranging for your family’s passports and passport photos. No one is there to personally help you get through the day-to-day activities, or inform you about shuttle schedules, opening and closing times and the best sites to see. You have to do it all yourself, and it isn’t always easy to figure out the best way to see an attraction. For instance, visiting big attractions with long lines such as Disney with kids in tow can be daunting and stressful. A travel agent who specializes in Disney adventures, though, is full of tips and helpful ways to make your family Disney vacation enjoyable and stress-free. They can tell you about all the ways you can reduce waiting time, visit when it’s less crowded and much more. No matter where you’re going on vacation, a travel agent can help plan your whole stay, not just the flight that lands you there.

Using a travel agent is the big secret of people who travel frequently. Whether you have to travel for a living or simply enjoy traveling for pleasure, a travel agent can help you make the most of every trip. To make life even simpler, you can get your passport photos approved in a hurry at Paspic, helping avoid lengthy delays.

3 reasons you should take your small child’s passport photos yourself

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Getting appropriate passport photos can be an ordeal. With several requirements that must be fulfilled, not including actual sizing and photo paper quality, this can be a challenge even for adults. Is your hair right? Is your head tilted? Is your smile natural? Now imagine the difficulty with children, especially toddlers and babies. What is the likelihood that your small child is going to cooperate in that photo booth or at that drugstore? Instead, consider digital passport photos for the following reasons:

1. You have the home team advantage

There’s no bundling and buckling baby up for a car ride when you take your own passport photos at home. A lot of small children tend to fall asleep in their car seats during rides, which means a cranky or sleepy baby when you finally arrive at your destination. The situation may be set up to fail before you even get out of the car. Maybe your toddler is uncomfortable in unfamiliar locations and needs a comfort object like a pacifier or blanket in order to feel safe. Unfortunately, these can’t be in the photo. Taking the photo at home, in a familiar environment, negates this potential need.

2. You are on your own time

How many times have you carefully planned an outing around your child’s nap schedule, only to have delays or unexpected circumstances throw the whole thing off course? Perhaps your baby was an angel all morning, but suddenly becomes irritable the moment you have to get something done? When you take the photos yourself, you can deal with these situations easily. As soon as baby is fed, changed, and happy, you can snap the photo without ever having to leave your home.

3. There’s no stranger danger

Do you have a baby that cries if a stranger even looks in their direction? While some children love attention from new people, many others feel threatened or frightened by unknown persons. The problem will only be amplified by the fact you cannot hold your baby for a passport photo. No strangers is another point in favor of taking the photos yourself.

4 international packing hacks

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Part of the stress of any international trip is the packing process. Luckily, you can take the pain out of packing by using these easy hacks to bring instant function and organization to your luggage.

Use the cubes

Small square bags with nylon–often used for just shoes–are a quick and easy way to pack neatly and make it easier to find the right clothes once you land. Stuff each cube with same types of clothing. For instance, you can have a cube for tops, a cube for pants and a cube for swimwear.

Mine for multitask pieces

Take a close look at your wardrobe and identify which pieces can serve for multiple outfits. Black pants, for instance, can be paired with several tops and are a better choice than that green and pink pair which only goes with one shirt. If you pack clothes that can do double or triple duty, you won’t need to take as much and will be better off if you end up in an unexpected clothing pinch. Be creative, too! Your favorite wrap dress may just work as a beach blanket after you’ve already worn it.

Skip the matching mini-bags

Your small bags for toiletries, medicines, jewelry and the like shouldn’t all match each other. It’s a cute idea in theory but not very functional. If you use bags with different patterns or colors for each object group, you won’t have to open up multiple bags every time you need one thing.

Have at least one opposite-weather piece

Even the some of the warmest places in the world can have rainy, chilly weather, and the colder spots could see a warm day while you’re there. If you’re going somewhere cold, have at least one short-sleeved item in your luggage. For somewhere warm, take a light fleece or sweater. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is run to the store because you suddenly find yourself freezing or hot in the clothes you brought.

Make sure you’re only taking what you need and do a last-minute check for your passport and other important items before you head to the airport. With a little prep and planning beforehand, you can take the stress out of packing!

Why you should consider a cruise for your next vacation

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

The world is an amazing place, filled with incredible destinations. This is wonderful in the sense that there are so many places to go. At the same time, having that many options can be overwhelming. Should you see the mountains? What about a beach vacation? Should you go out of the country? Yes? Can you go to more than one country? This avalanche of options is just one reason why a cruise is the perfect way to travel. What are some others?

1. There’s a cruise for every mood

Do you want to lounge on soft sand every day, only taking breaks from the sun worship to cool off in the clear, blue sea? The Caribbean sounds like the best bet for you. Would you rather be in a new city or perhaps even a new country every day? The Mediterranean is calling your name. Are you the type to do something more off the beaten path? Maybe a Baltic and Scandinavian cruise is more your speed.

2. A cruise ship is a city in itself

What other vacation could you take that would allow you to visit foreign countries by day but sing in a piano bar with new friends or dance until you drop at night? If you feel like Italian food one night and then seafood the next, you’ve got options. There are ships with everything from water slides to movie theaters to comedy clubs. It’s the ultimate vacation buffet.

3. Child-friendly

If you have children, you know that a vacation is often not actually a vacation for the parents. With a child-friendly cruise, everybody is happy. The kids can go to the childcare and immerse themselves in themed activities and games while you take that time to yourself you so desperately need. What about the days you want to make lasting family memories? Shore excursions like snorkeling are sure to be a hit.

Are you sold on the cruise now? Perfect. All you have to do is book your trip, get a decent passport photo taken, and pack! And if you’re eager to book a last-minute cruise and want to verify your passport photos to prevent delays, Paspic are here for you.

Photo: Our cruise ship by ukanda licensed under Creative commons 2

Safety tips for a stress-free trip abroad

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

We all have a tendency to get lazy about security when we travel – it is a break from real life after all! But there’s nothing worse than running into problems when abroad. Taking a few simple cautionary steps can help prevent incidents, and ensure they won’t ruin your trip if they happen.

1. Have copies of important documents

Should something happen and you end up losing important documents like your passport, credit cards, national ID, and other sensitive documents, there are steps you can take to ensure you can get these documents replaced quickly. You should always travel with photocopies of these types of documents, and extra prints of your passports photos from Paspic. This will make getting replacements much easier. Having copies will also make it easier for your embassy or security abroad to help you get home.

2. Spread money around

When you pack, both for your trip and just when packing your backpack or purse for the day out, try to keep your money spread around. If you have two credit cards, leave one in the hotel safe. If you have a lot of cash, divide it up to put in different places. This reduces your risk of losing everything if you are pick-pocketed or robbed.

3. Invest in a good purse, bag, or backpack

Nothing makes travelers a better target than when they have their carrying bags open, loosely at their side, or not secured. The best purses for travel should have a zip, buttons, or magnets (or more than one of these things). Backpacks should also have more than just a zip, or at least not lots of smaller zip pockets that could be easily opened without you noticing. If you’re especially worried or going to a less safe area, invest in a money belt or other device that you can wear under your clothes to hold valuables.

4. Look into travel insurance

If for whatever reason, you know you will be traveling with valuables, it doesn’t hurt to look into traveler’s insurance. You can often insure single items of value or insure yourself for any accidents that could happen while abroad. This can give you complete peace of mind while you travel.

Photo: Tourist by iantmcfarland licensed under Creative commons 2

3 major health benefits of traveling

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There are even more reasons to travel than just trying new foods, seeing new things, and becoming a more culturally seasoned person. In addition to the benefits of travel in terms of personal enrichment, traveling has also been demonstrated to pose real health benefits. By making a point to get out there and build your frequent flyer miles up higher, you’re doing yourself a service that will make your primary healthcare provider proud. The following are three of the most significant health benefits of making sure to satisfy your wanderlust on a regular basis.

Increased calorie burn rate

Simply by getting out there and moving from destination to destination on your travels, you’ll naturally be burning more calories from the increased physical activity demanded by walking from place to place. You may not be going to the gym every other day, but by consistently staying on your feet, your overall net calorie burn will actually be greater than it would be with only designated hours for periodic exercise in an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.

You’ll fortify your immune system

By being exposed to new environments, foods and pathogens, your body naturally adapts by strengthening its immune system to accommodate a more diverse array of energy sources and mild ailments. Though you might experience a slight bug upon exposure to unfamiliar germs in unfamiliar countries, this can act as an organic “vaccination” process that helps your body develop new defenses against it.

Decreased stress and susceptibility to depression

Being exposed to new places and experiences will provide a wonderful boost to your mood by dynamically stimulating your reward center with new, pleasant sensations that it hasn’t been desensitized to. The monotony of staying in the same place can elevate stress levels and can leave you feeling anxious and unfulfilled. Taking a trip to a new and exciting place helps you become more deeply immersed in the moment, creating a sense of fulfillment that can linger even weeks after returning home.

Get your passport photo approved with Paspic

In order to enjoy all of the benefits that frequent travel has to offer, you need to make sure that your passport photo checks out before go. If you want a passport picture that perfectly does you justice, contact us at Paspic today so that we can get you on the fast track to photo approval.

Photo: Travel by Moyan_Brenn licensed under Creative commons 2

3 things to do when your first arrive in a new country

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Your options for things to do between all of the different countries of the world are very diverse, but no matter where it is that you choose to go, there are a few things to always keep mind no matter what country may be on your itinerary.

You can make the most out of any international trip by going down a checklist of a few essential things to do as soon as you touch down on foreign land. The following are some of the best things to make sure that you do as soon as you arrive in a brand new country.

1. Get briefed at the airport desk

Stop number one should be the airport desk, where you can get brought up to speed on more than a few things that you can use to get yourself right into the swing of life there. The airport can give you a map of the city, the name and address of the hotel in the local tongue, the best directions to get to the hotel, and the rates for local transportation.

2. Start asking the locals questions

When you’re in an unfamiliar place surrounded by unfamiliar things, asking people questions to get up to speed can turn unfamiliar into familiar relatively quickly – it might seem obvious written out right here, but it’s an easy thing to overlook.

Even if you’re not necessarily a fluent speaker who can converse on a native level, there may be staff personnel who know enough rudimentary English to help out tourists. To make things easier, you can also make use of convenient apps that translate what you’d like to say into the native language to make a very simple back-and-forth every possible.

3. Hit the ATM

A lot of people have the idea that the first thing that they should do in a new place is hit up the local money changer, but that’s not completely necessary. You don’t have to take the costly and risky route of ordering a hefty amount of the target currency in advance either. Use your debit card at the nearest ATM and you can get a pretty accommodating rate for the local currency without having to drag around a pound of cash on your person at all times.

When you’re looking to travel abroad, regardless of the first steps you’re thinking of taking on arrival, your passport needs to be immaculate. The easiest way to obtain the perfect passport photo is with Paspic: contact us today to help get yourself ready for new adventures overseas.

Photo: airport by zoetnet licensed under Creative commons 2

Do I need a passport to travel by train to Canada?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Travel to Canada has become a new favorite vacation destination for American families and couples. In fact, it has been steadily growing in popularity over the past decade. The diversity of Canada’s ten provinces and territories has won over Americans looking for a new perspective on our northern neighbor. An emerging trend in tourism to Canadian is by train.

Why travel to Canada?

Top travel professionals rave about the benefits of vacationing in Canada. The country is home to sophisticated urban destinations and quaint countryside villages. The natural wonders of the Canadian landscape include mountain ranges, lakes, and forests. Rarely known fact: in addition to its arctic terrain, there is some desert in Canada, too. Camping, hiking, fishing, and snow sports are popular with locals and tourists. Events and festivals draw a large crowd and loyal following. Gardeners love the flower shows, and the arts and music aficionados gravitate towards the independent film and music events.

Ready to book your trip to Canada?

American citizens should note the passport requirements for entry into Canada. According to the United States Department of State, entry into Canada is bound by Canadian law. Regardless of if you travel by air, train or bus, the law requires that “all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity.” There are several official documents that can satisfy the requirement. American citizens who intend to cross the United States-Canadian border must have of these documents: a passport card, a valid U.S. passport, or NEXUS card. Note: children that are younger than 16 only need proof of present U.S. citizenship.

Fortunately, obtaining the required travel documents to cross the Canadian border are easy. Whether you travel with a passport or passport card, PASPIC will quickly process your passport photo. PASPIC makes the procedure simple. Upload your photo, order your prints, check out and await delivery. Our passport photo experts manually review your uploaded photo to guarantee it meets the US Department of state requirements. Once approved, PASPIC will post your prints and ship first class within two days. Ordering passport pictures with PASPIC is the smart traveler’s choice for quick, quality passport photos at a competitive price. Get your passport photos today to start your adventure tomorrow!