Travelin’ Necessities, Artists’ Sketchbook, By Donna Lyons © 2014
Summer days, travel days
By Marty Coffin Evans © 2022
Summer beckons itchy-footed travelers to land, sea and skies. For some, travel plans have come to fruition with only a slight delay. For others, an occasional glitch can provide an exciting opportunity.
Such happened to friends planning on taking a rescheduled trip to Europe. Their places on their tour were reconfirmed so all seemed in order.
After their 2019 trip abroad, their passports were carefully put away. Not a problem, or so they thought, as they went to look for them. After spending significant time and energy, they realized those needed passports were not to be found.
Even with a copy of these passports, that wasn’t good enough for travel documents. Next step – fill out forms for Lost or Stolen Passports and another for New Passports.
On the day of their scheduled meeting with the postal person in charge of passports, they arrived with new photos and completed forms. “Where are your birth certificates?” the postal person asked. At home! Well, pay for a government search or schedule another appointment with the birth certificates.
Another month later, they again presented themselves along with all the required documents. “Who’s first?” asked the postal person. “Ladies first!”
A quick scrutiny of her documents identified another problem. “Your driver’s license is expired.” No doubt, this couple looked at each other, laughed and wondered if they should be traveling at all!
Although a review of the husband’s birth certificate resulted in a comment about a slight discrepancy, all documents were submitted. His new passport arrived first. She received a letter indicating one form was unsigned! Before over-night mailing this signed form, she included a copy of her new driver’s license, just in case.
By now, they are traveling with new passports. They never found those misplaced ones! What’s your travel story?
July 2026