Get Your Passport Ready for Spring Break Fun at the BPL
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| Everything you need to know on one convenient flyer. |
By William Anthony | Citizen Services Department, Central Library
Ready for your spring break plans? Spending your ideal vacation in several cool countries requires a passport!
Apply for or renew your passport today at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) to avoid packing any last-minute stress on your vacation.
The BPL is a Passport Acceptance Facility and has many passport acceptance agents who can help you navigate the application process.
You can start your passport application process at both the Central Library and the Avondale Regional Branch Library.
Central Library's passport hours for walk-in services are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment only. Call 205-226-3705 or stop by the Citizen Services Desk at the Central Library to find out more.
The Avondale Library offers passport application services by appointment only. Call the Avondale Library at 205-226-4000 to reserve your spot.
Here is a list of the documents you need to apply for your passport today:
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license
- Photograph (Photograph services at Central location only)
- Payment for U.S. Department of State check or money order
- Payment for Library in cash, check, or credit
NOTE: If you want to travel overseas, you need to account for the time it takes to receive your passport. Just recently, the U.S. State Department reported that normal processing time for passports now ranges from 8—11 weeks. Expedited passports—which cost extra—range from 5—7 weeks.
Now that all the paperwork is out of the way, here are some recommendations from the U.S. News and World Report's top 20 best summer (or spring) vacation destinations!
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| One of the New Seven Wonders of the World. |
Rome, Italy is, without a doubt, one of the quintessential cities to visit in Europe for the perfect spring break trip.
This city is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—the Colosseum. Be prepared to spend hours roaming and exploring the Colosseum as well as the beautiful designs of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pantheon.
Rome has many breathtaking museums to enjoy that steep you in their history and culture for an immersive experience. You can visit many culturally significant locations and monuments that are awe-inspiring and iconic in pop culture. How many times have you seen the Trevi Fountain without actually visiting it?
To truly explore this city, Rome must stay on your travel lists for more future trips.
London has major historic sites, like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Of course, you cannot forget paying your respects to the Royal Family and visiting Buckingham Palace. The West End is a mandatory stop if you love theatre, but it offers tons of entertainment for all types of tourists.
Spring is the best time to visit London when the temperature is just right. You can enjoy a fun, competitive football match without freezing or baking in the sun.
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| You should be in this picture. |
If you are a fan of Hawaii and the Caribbean, you will love exploring Bermuda, located in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The best months to visit Bermuda are March and April.
Soak up the sun on its lush, exquisite beaches, like Horseshoe Bay Beach, Tobacco Bay Beach, and Warwick Long Bay Beach. There are plenty of opportunities to go sailing, snorkeling, and cave exploring that will keep you out of your room, so pack your sunscreen.
If you enjoy history, stroll around Bermuda’s oldest town, St. George’s, and learn about its British colonial architecture and culture.
Most countries still have specific travel guidance amidst the ongoing pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Before traveling abroad, check for travel restrictions in any locations that you are traveling through. This includes your final destination and any other stops for connecting flights, layovers, or similar trips.
All of your travel plans should go according to plan as long as you practice sanitary habits and abide by the country’s health requirements.
Find out more about these travel destinations and others at the Birmingham Public Library and other members of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative.
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