By Ricky Tyus
The Truth Contributor
So, about a year ago, I decided to treat myself to an eight-day All-Inclusive escape to Aruba. My first international jaunt since COVID and I said goodbye. Aruba is a desert island lounging in the Caribbean Sea where it’s perpetually sunny 83 degrees and rains just enough to tease you.
Oh, and hurricanes? Not invited. Perfect, right?
Earlier this year, I settled the bill for my dream vacay and started sketching out a list of essentials. Call the credit card company, check. Inform the cell phone provider, check. Pack fabulous outfits, check. Passport – oops, almost forgot. With a week to go before paradise, I finally cracked open my passport only to find out it expired during the pandemic. Fantastic, right? Cue the frantic drumroll.
Spent the weekend donning my detective hat, searching for solutions. Found a local hero who promised a three-day turnaround but wanted my wallet along with it. Commence the eyeroll. Just when I thought all was lost, a fellow procrastinator schooled me on the magic of getting a passport in a single day. Intrigued? Thought so.
Here’s how:
I sauntered over to https://travel.state.gov and discovered that Uncle Sam runs this VIP passport agency and center gig. They’re not like your everyday post offices or libraries; these folks are by appointment only, catering to desperate travelers within 14 days of their exodus or those needing a visa in 28 days.
After some paperwork jazz on travel.state.gov, I ring 1-877-487-2778 to book an appointment. Spoiler alert, no slots available. Panic mode, activate!
It’s Monday and Aruba is calling on Saturday. Enter the 72-Hour Emergency Service, the unsung hero of the passport world. If your flights are within 72 hours, they grant you an appointment. So, I had to bite my nails till Wednesday to call, and tada!! Got a Thursday appointment. Rolled in and, boom, passport handed over the same day. Crisis averted.
Pro tip: Dodge the nail-biting drama. Apply early at a trusty acceptance facility or by mail. Your future self will thank you.
Ricky Tyus, Owner of Tyus Tours & Travel has been in the travel business since 1997. We specialize in cruises, both ocean and river, all-inclusive resort vacations, destination weddings and honeymoons, guided tours, European Vacations, theme park vacations, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, sporting events and private aviation.
Phone: 866-547-5362, www.tyustours.com, Travel@tyustours.com
We have a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Ricky Tyus is also the Publicity, Education & Program Chair for PTANA Greater Detroit Chapter