Vacations - Vacation Planning - Discussion

@GuardianAngel I leave on March 7th. I booked an extra day at the start of the trip just in case there are any weather or other delays. I fly back on March 19th. As for the passport saga...it continues. I called, emailed and kept getting different responses. I was number 197 when calling to actually speak to someone...the first time. She didn't understand what the problem and said they should have been in touch with me when the issue occurred. Nevertheless, because there was a hold on it, apparently the whole process starts again! Unfortunately, this time there is a 17 week turnaround vs 13 weeks last time which would have me in big trouble. My travel agent said to expedite it which I was told by them, but she also said to contact my MP and that things move a lot faster that way. I will check again next week and see how it is progressing, but after the new year I will be getting it expedited ASAP.

It is all so stressful. I only booked when I thought my passport would be arriving in a few days and had plenty of time. Now I could be out of a trip and money and am stressing out about the whole thing. Bloody hell!

@Sprite I don't understand what the issue is. Typically you go to the p/p office, give them what they need, end of story.

I'd be calling my MP asap. I'd also be calling the people you are dealing with and give them the name of the MP advising he will be contacting them, and you give them authorization to discuss your matter.

There is no way it should take this long, backlog or not. You started this months ago.

@Sprite So sorry to hear all of this. Incredibly stressful. Just wanted to say that you may have travel insurance from whichever credit card you used to purchase the trip. Might be worth checking.

@luvstx great point!

Well that all turned quickly. After my passport was put on hold, one of the agents I spoke to told me they start the process from the beginning...17 weeks now...but, yesterday I had a notice put in my mailbox that I had a package at the post office for pickup today. Hallelujah...it was my Canadian Passport!!! Now I can continue working on the Croatian one and my trip is safe. What a relief!

@Sprite so happy for you!

@Sprite hallelujah!! May I say it’s a Christmas miracle?!?

@luvstx Yes, a Christmas miracle is exactly what it feels like!

So glad it all worked out for you! @Sprite

@Sprite I'm so happy for you! Terrific news!! Now you can relax and enjoy the anticipation!

That's great news, @Sprite! My Canadian passport took way too long but we ended up not needing it like we thought we did (the rules for dual citizens were hard to understand). I'm glad you have options now.

Anyone else jealous of friends in warm climates right now? I've never really wanted to do a Christmas cruise but have 2 friends traveling with family on different cruises and it's sounding better and better.

@albean99 I'm not jealous....because I'm joining them today! Leaving a day earlier than planned for our winter spot: St. Croix USVI. Changed our flight out of Boston so that we leave before the storm hits here. Overnight in MIA and then on to STX on our original flight there tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to all! Happy Hanukkah too! We do both in our family