What do I need to travel outside the country?

A question we get a lot is how is it traveling in Mexico? Better yet, what documents do I need to begin traveling? In this post, I'll give you a basic run-down of what you'll need to prepare for your first trip outside the USA, specifically focused on Mexico.
Traveling is such a fun and exciting way to experience cultural differences as well as meet new people & try unique cuisines. Mexico is no exception! When traveling outside the U.S. you are required to have an U.S. passport that has been issued within 10 years and will be valid for 6 months from your departure date, regardless if you're stay doesn't equate to 6 months abroad.

Applying for a U.S. passport can be done online using the US Department of State website found here. travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html This whole process is relatively easy, and the website will prompt you on which form to fill out. (For example: Is this your first time applying for a passport? Or are you renewing your passport?)
You will need to show proof of citizenship through ONE of the following items:

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements: 
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship

In addition you will also need to provide proof of identification which can be shown using ONE of the following:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner's permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver's license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents

Prior to submitting your passport application, you will be asked for a photo that will go inside your passport book. You can get this 2 inch by 2 inch photo taken at a local Walgreens or some U.S. Postal Offices offer this service for a minimal charge, typically $20 or less.
Once you have all of your documents & photos in order you are ready to submit & pay for your application. A U.S. passport book costs $110 and you can either pay with credit card through the website or print out your application and mail it with a check payable to the U.S. Department of State for $110 U.S. dollars. Once you submit your application you will receive an email when your application has been received and you can track your passport up until it is delivered in your mailbox. (Standard processing rates are 4-6 weeks).
Once your passport arrives in the mail, open it and review all of your personal information to confirm accuracy on spelling, date of birth, photo, as well as issue/expiration date. If all is well, begin happy dancing and book your flight abroad!! If you do happen to have any error, you will want to notify the passport agency that issued your passport immediately to correct the error, this information will be provided to you in your envelope that your passport arrived in.
Although the timing to receive a passport is long awaited, I assure you it is so worth it! This little document that is readily available for you to experience the world in a whole new light is not only refreshing but also encouraging! So if travel is in on your list of accomplishments this year--get your passport now!