Europe here I come

EUROPE HERE I COME!!! 

I'm super excited for this trip and even more excited that i will be going with one of my BESTIES. 

(Everyone needs to have amazing BESTIES like I do)

Krista's brother is in the Air Force and just moved to Germany. The perfect opportunity to see him and see the that part of the world. Krista and I have talked about going there for a trip. The places that we would want to see and do.  Sooooo, randomly one day Krista text me  "Guess who's going to Germany with me". I replied "Pam (her wife)" Krista "Nope" Me "Your mom"  Krista "Nope" To my surprise Pam has to work, her mom is going next year and its ME. I am the lucky one. Since I found out that I was invited I started what any sane person would do. Start making a list of things to do while we are there. We are both making a list of we feel we must see.

I started doing research on flights, passport renewing, transportation while we are there and shopping for needed travel items. Oh, this is going to be fun. So of course I want to share my (our) experiences. We will be doing this trip on a tight budget. I'll be sharing how to do that, hopefully we can make it happen.  

First thing first a passport is needed. If you don't already have a passport there are a few things that will have to do. For starters you will need to get that passport. Apply for a passport here  If you just need to renew your passport. It's super easy.  Renewing directions here.

Mine had just expired. I went online to see what I needed to do. Just follow the link above for directions. It is said to take up to 6 weeks. You can of course pay for faster service. Since my trip is still a few months out, I just went with the standard shipping. (The sooner the better to be on the safe side) I still received it within 3 weeks. Krista sent her renewal in and it didn't take the whole 6 weeks either. You will need to send a picture in for your passport along with your old passport. (Don't worry you will get your old one back). I had gone to the UPS store for a picture to send in, cost $10. If you decide to go to the post office ensure that it is a post office that does passports. I live in really small town, post office is closed on Saturdays and only does mail, nothing else. If you have never had a passport you will have to schedule an appointment to turn in your paper work. 

Trip cost (will be updated as preps are made)

Passport renewal $110

Passport picture $10

Any questions about the process just ask. Have tips, suggestions, your experience would love to hear them.