Are you ready to apply for your very own passport?

Since the holidays are just around the corner, why not go ahead and plan your ideal vacation in one of several cool countries! Before you make any plans, however, you need to have 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, the Avondale Regional Branch Library, and the Springville Road 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. Call 205-226-3705 or stop by the Citizen Services Department at the Central Library to find out more. 

The Avondale Branch Library and the Springville Road Branch Library both offer passport application services by appointment only. Call the Avondale Library at (205) 226-4000 to reserve your spot. Call the Springville Road Branch Library at (205) 226-4081 to reserve your spot at this branch. 

Here is a list of the documents you need to apply for your passport today: 

• Form DS-11 
• Birth certificate 
• Driver's license 
• Photograph (Photograph services at Central, Avondale, and Springville) 
• 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. Department of State reported that normal processing time for passports now ranges from 4-6 weeks. Expedited passports, which cost extra, range from 2-3 weeks. 

If you need to renew or apply for a passport sooner than the 2-3 week range of expedited passport processing, you can schedule an appointment at either the Atlanta Passport Agency or the New Orleans Passport Center. 

You can also contact your state’s senators if you have other pressing questions, concerns, or sudden emergencies pertaining to your passport application process. 

Now that all the paperwork is out of the way, here are some recommendations from the U.S. News and World Report's best winter vacation destinations!

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is literally a winter wonderland.

Switzerland is a unique country because it is a melting pot of other European countries. Lucerne sits in the heart of this astonishing, diverse place. 

Take the Gütsch Funicular up to the luxurious Château Gütsch if you want an incredible view of the surrounding countryside and mountains. Don’t forget to walk across the iconic Kapellbrücke, which is also known as the Chapel Bridge. The Swiss people take a lot of pride in this symbolic landmark. 

Other bucket-list-worthy locations include the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), Kultur und Kongresszentrum Luzern (Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre), and the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Museum of Transport). 

You can also knock out a lot of holiday shopping and skiing if you choose to explore Lucerne.

Sydney, Australia

It doesn’t get more Australian than just looking at the Sydney Opera House.  

Don’t let the long flight to Sydney intimidate you. It is very much worth a trip to this iconic city that has given us the attention-grabbing Sydney Opera House and the awe-inducing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Once you’ve taken an obligatory photo of the venue, be sure to catch any show of your choice at the Sydney Opera House. You can also go on a tour here too. If you’re feeling brave, don’t hesitate to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

If you want to escape the freezing cold, Sydney’s temperatures are very warm from October to December. 

Other places to check out include Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and Queen Victoria Building.

Saint Lucia

This is just a glimpse of how beautiful Saint Lucia is.

Among all the islands that are a part of the Caribbean, you should check out this underrated paradise. Saint Lucia is the perfect place for a dream wedding, a honeymoon, or just another fun trip with friends and family. 

Every beach is worth exploring. After soaking up the sun, get some rest before you hike up the Pitons. Such majestic volcanic plugs have become a symbol of Saint Lucia’s tropical beauty and variety of captivating, exhilarating activities. The view will stay with you forever once you reach the top. 

Once you complete this epic hike, treat yourself to rest and relaxation at Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths. All your worries will vanish once you visit this natural wonder. 

Saint Lucia is known for its delicious chocolate. Don’t forget to book a chocolate tour! 

Set aside some time to also explore Pigeon Island National Landmark, Sulphur Springs, and Gros Islet Street Party.

 Although the COVD-19 pandemic started over four years ago, be sure to keep practicing sanitary habits and be mindful of your overall health. 

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. 

Find out more about these travel destinations and others at the Birmingham Public Library and other members of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative.

By William Anthony | Librarian I, Citizen Services Department