Most people don't realize it, but the law will change come January 1, 2007, that requires all travelers to the Caribbean to have a valid passport. Gone are the days of traveling with just a driver's license and birth certificate.

Currently 7 million Americans go to the Caribbean without a passport. There has been relatively little publicity about this change. Can you imagine the potentially disastrous impact of all these Americans trying to get their passports at one time? Once Americans leave the US, they won't be able to get back.

The time is now to get your passport and beat the end of the year rush. It is easy to get and it gives you freedom to travel wherever and whenever you choose.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license. You can use the Walgreen's right by the Highlands Ranch post office on Lincoln to get two pictures taken. Thenyou can hop right over to the post office to apply. You can also visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ for other locations.

Remember that each applicant needs to apply in person for the following reasons:applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, if you have an expired U.S. passport and it is not in your possession,if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, if your previous U.S. passport was issued when youwere under age 16, or ifyour currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

Forms and more information can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport. For other travel tips visit www.specialoccasiontravel.com