Consider This Your $35 Coupon

If you’re like me you’re numb to the rising costs of travel because no matter what, you’ll find a way to get around those extra fees or additional charges. (Me to Continental gate agent: Any chance you have a pair of exit row seats available on today’s flight? Perhaps two that I don’t have to pay for? It’s my wife’s birthday today. Agent: Well in that case honey, lemme see what I can do for you.) Whammo! If it’s money-saving tips you’re after then consider this you’re lucky day, especially if you’ve been procrastinating about getting or renewing your passport. Effective July 13, adult passport book fees will jump to $135 from $100, while those for minors will increase to $105 from $85. Just need a renewal? Expect to fork over $110, up from $75 according to the U.S. State Department. So what do passports have to do with Bermuda? All you Americans out there can’t visit the island without one and that goes for passengers arriving by sea as well. Of course cruise-shippers can always apply for a passport card—the driver’s license-style I.D. that allows you to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-call—but the fees to obtain one of those are also rising ($55 from $45 for adults; $40 from $35 for kids). For more information on how to renew or obtain a new passport, visit the U.S. Department of State. But act fast! Rates increase on July 13th.