" Personally, I would never, as in *never*, leave the US of A without a
passport. ymmv

I agree. Shortly after 911, the wife and I saw the handwriting on
the wall
and applied for our passports. Assuming that you apply "pre need" so
there is
no rush, it is just not a big deal.

I have kept my passport current for the last 20 years, or so. You never
know when or where you might want to go somewhere, that not having a
passport would be a show stopper. Not only that, a passport is another form
of ID, for things you need to show 3 ID's for.

Get the Kid's passports. How many kids can brag that they have one! g
--
Jim in NC