I have always been intrigued by traveling and never would've imagined I would visit so many countries so soon. From sky diving in Dubai to hiking volcanoes in Guatemala, I often surprise myself like “who does this girl Abi think she is?!” haha.

My parents are not from the United States, they are Guyanese immigrants 🇬🇾, so the entire family having a passport is vital for us whether or not we have an international trip planned. I still feel that having a passport means nothing if you aren't going to use it, but they still feel like it’s one of those “emergency” items...I guess. These days you can literally get it in ONE day so is it really that serious? 😆

Though I traveled when I was younger, that was at the expense of my parents, not me. Honestly, half of the time I did NOT want to go 🤷🏾‍♀️. I’d rather be hanging out with my classmates in Kings Plaza buying DKNY and eating a chopped cheese than be on vacation with my parents (even though they’re fun and I am thankful for the experiences). I am now on my fourth passport, and my third passport is my most filled passport ever. I mean so filled that ya girl had to get a new one in less than 4 years. Every time I open the pages I smile like “woww, I been to all these places”. Everywhere I’ve been is thanks to ME! No parents, no man, no sponsor of any kind. In today’s world it is sad that people can’t believe that a black woman can get it in her own. Like would there be the same doubts if I were a white man? Well I am living proof of a Black globetrotting female, thankssss 👏🏾.

I received my third passport in September 2015 and started filling the pages in February 2016, with my first trip being Barbados. Here we are in August of 2019 and I am wondering if this one page and 3 stamps can make it for my upcoming trips to Sint Maarten and Europe! Most countries require at least one blank page when entering their country and some countries stamp your passport upon arrival and departure. I’ve decided to play it safe and expedite my new passport. I can not believe I filled up my 27 page passport that fast! It’s also crazy that I don’t have even 6-8 weeks to spare to wait for a new one in the mail since I just returned from Brazil earlier this month and going to Sint Maarten in about two weeks. I have to get it expeditiously! *T.I. Voice*

I must confess this was my first time doing the process on my own 😩 my mom always did it for me, s/o to mom dukes! Howeverrrr, the process was rather simple and I was stunned as to how it easy it was. I signed up for an appointment online at travel.state.gov. I followed the simple detailed steps for an expedited U.S. Passport renewal. I chose to do it in person at the office in Manhattan since I worked near the office. I selected my desired date and time out of what they had available (availability goes fast! Do NOT wait) and waited for my appointment date.

places I’ve been, click to enlarge

the process

In order to qualify for for this ‘6-8 days” expedited process, you MUST be traveling within 2 weeks and have proof. It can be a flight or hotel confirmation with your name on it. You will need it when you go in for your appointment. I was so shocked as to how quiet and literally empty it was, you could honestly hear a pin drop. I was totally expecting a DMV jungle inside the location. A guard told me it’s chaotic in the morning, which is the only time they allow walk ins. He said there are people with their families and suitcases just hours before their flight trying to get a passport, YIKES! There is a checklist of all the things you will need for your appointment online and the forms that you will need to print. Here’s what you’ll need to take with you, just so you’ll have an idea.

Completed Forms (it’s only 2 pages)
Old passport
Print out of my flight/hotel itinerary with your name
New passport pics (I found a coupon for $3 off on Duane Reade’s website)
$110 passport fee + $60 expedite fee = $170

The entire process from walk in to walk out took about 10 minutes. The clerk was nice, I handed her everything, she looked it over, gave me my receipt and a slip that told me I can pick it up as soon as the next day. I was like “I can get it back TOMORROW?!” she assured me yes. I knew it would be quick but sheesh. If you are going to be traveling a lot I suggest you go for the bigger 52 page booklet.

Here's a look at my old passport R.I.P. 😢 who was almost 4 years old, we shared many memorable adventures.
click on images to enlarge