How to Get a New Passport Abroad if Yours is Lost or Stolen

Imagine taking the trip of a lifetime only to realize your passport is missing.

It’s one of the most fear-inducing moments a person can experience when traveling internationally. Whether lost, stolen, or misplaced, a missing passport is an immediate cause for concern.

Naturally, identity fraud is a serious issue—but if you’ve lost your passport abroad, you’re probably more concerned about how to get home.

After all, there’s no passing through customs without a valid passport or temporary substitute in your hand.

So what should you do if you can’t find yours? Here’s how to get a new passport abroad if yours is lost or stolen, according to the Department of State.

A quick note on embassies

The US is very active abroad, meaning we’ve got embassies in almost every country—and more than one in many.

In Spain where I live, for example, the US has embassies in both Barcelona and Madrid. There are also consular agencies, which are helpful in case of more immediate emergencies.

These entities are ready to move quickly to help Americans who face troubles while traveling internationally.

For the sake of this article, it’s important to note that you cannot receive a new replacement passport over the weekend or on holidays. Though embassies and consulates are staffed 24/7, after-hours officers are only trained to help in life-or-death situations.

How to get a new passport abroad if yours is lost

Step One: If your passport is lost, the first thing you need to do is locate the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Remember—the goal of every US embassy and consulate is to help you quickly resolve issues. Lost passports are stressful, but embassies are no stranger to this type of problem.

Step Two: Report your passport as stolen at the embassy with a phone call. If you’re able to travel to the consulate in person, even better. Either way, you want to get the wheels moving on your replacement passport, which means I recommend calling ahead to let staff know that you’re on the way.

Step Three: Receive advice from embassy or consulate staff on what to do next. If your return flight leaves in a few days, the consulate might provide you with a limited-validity temporary passport. It’ll get you home—but you’ll need to finish reporting the lost passport and apply for a new one once you’re back in the US. By contrast, if your flight doesn’t leave in the next few days, the consulate might require you to come in person to apply for a replacement.

Step Four: If you need to report physically to the embassy, then bring a photocopy of your passport, your driver’s license, a passport photo, your travel itinerary, and two forms (D-11 and D-64). Remember to ask about these forms during your call. Embassy or consulate staff can help you find and download these forms if you need to fill them out remotely.

Step Five: Wait for your replacement passport or limited-validity passport. This could take as little as a single business day—or longer if you have trouble confirming your identity, for example.

How to get a new passport abroad if yours was stolen

If your passport was stolen rather than lost, there’s only one difference in the process of obtaining a new one.

Before finding the nearest embassy or consulate, make a police report outlining the theft.

According to the US Department of State, it isn’t absolutely necessary to report a passport as stolen in order to receive a replacement from an embassy. However, it’s still important to document the theft and report it to the authorities.

Top 5 Places to Eat Clam Chowder on Cape Cod

Cape Cod transforms into a dream destination each summer.

While it’s often clumped with neighboring summer hotspots like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Cape Cod is a lot more relaxed, low-key, and casual.

This unique peninsula is home to fifteen unique towns, each of which offers a different way to experience Massachusetts’s coastal wonders. Some are there to lounge around areas like Brewster and Yarmouth while soaking up the sun. Others might be more interested in whale watching or sport fishing.

But one thing that’s on the docket for many visitors is the food. And for those who don’t live along the East Coast, one of the most popular dishes is the local sociality of clam chowder.

Clam chowder is a New England specialty, filled with clams, potatoes, bacon, and a creamy broth. While New York City has its own variety (with tomato sauce) and the Pacific Northwest has its very own take, neither has quite as rich of a flavor—or as hefty of a cultural impact.

It’s basically required eating on Cape Cod. Here’s where to find the best clam chowder in the area.

Skipper Chowder House, Yarmouth

Let’s start off with one of the tastiest clam chowders on the Cape—Skipper Chowder House.

You should be able to tell by the name of the restaurant that they’re focused on their chowder more than anything else. In fact, Skipper has been a local favorite for well over a decade.

Back in 2014, the restaurant took home a Cape Cod Times award for the best chowder in the area. It was a reader poll, too, so you know that you’re getting the fan favorite at Skipper.

Grab a bite at Skipper Chowder House

Captain Parker’s Pub, Yarmouth

This pub has been perfecting its clam chowder recipe since it opened its doors in 1981. In fact, you can find all of the best New England fare on their menu. Its clam chowder is hearty, delicious, and served in a bread bowl.

But you don’t need to take my word for it.

Captain Parker’s Pub has won numerous awards for its clam chowder over the decades. Two of those accolades are from the highly competitive Boston Chowder Festival and Cape Cod Chowder Festival.

If you want the crème of the clam, start here.

Grab a bite at Captain Parker’s Pub

Cleat & Anchor, Dennis Port

If sampling the old guard of New England dishes isn’t for you, then take on a newer and more intriguing project like Cleat & Anchor.

Cleat & Anchor is all about experimentation. Along with their highly rated clam chowder, you can even sample really strange mashups like their clam chowder pizza. (Just don’t mention that to an Italian.)

At Cleat & Anchor, you can also find other specialties, including some of the tastiest craft brews in the area. Best of all, it’s one of the most budget-friendly places to eat during the high season—so keep this on your list if you’re looking to save on a summer vacation.

Grab a bite at the Cleat & Anchor

Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant, Sandwich

Views are also on the menu at this restaurant. Fishermen’s View offers an almost 360-degree view of Cape Cod Canal.

Thanks to its proximity to the local wharves, its clam chowder is regularly whipped up with fresh catches from the fishermen. In fact, the restaurant is the passion project of two fishermen brothers who wanted to turn their love of the ocean into delicious fresh seafood meals.

That means that if you’re in the mood for other seafood dishes, you can find some of the best on Cape Cod here along with its clam chowder.

Grab a bite at Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant

Lobster Trap, Bourne

Once upon a time, the Lobster Trap was a popular neighborhood fish market.

From the mongers of yore, a new neighborhood joint has emerged—and the Lobster Trap serves up some of the very best clam chowder on the Cape. Like Fishermen’s View, the fresh catch is part of the dish’s success.

The Lobster Trap is great for families and other larger groups. It’s got a friendly attitude and casual atmosphere, letting you unwind while you sample its seafood-centric menu with a view overlooking the Back River. Not too shabby.

Grab a bite at the Lobster Trap

Canceled Flights Guide: What To Do When Your Flight is Canceled

I’ve lived the nightmare before—

I traveled across the Atlantic and touched down in Miami. My two-hour layover turned into a three-hour layover. Then a four-hour delay.

On and on and on until the clock struck midnight and Miami International shut down for the night.

American Airlines rebooked me on a flight for the next morning before offering me a stay at an airport hotel. (There was no way to get to the airport hotel at that hour aside from paying out of pocket for a taxi, but that’s another story.)

The moral is this: Canceled flights wreak havoc on travel plans, especially during late-night connections.

Worst of all, many travelers don’t know what to do about canceled flights.

Whether or not you’ve faced this type of catastrophe, it’s worthwhile to know your options to have a head start. Here’s what you need to know about canceled flights in the US, your rights as a passenger, and how to save yourself from disaster.

Canceled flights: urgent vs non-urgent cases

If your flight is canceled or looks like it might be canceled, the first thing you need to do is gauge whether the cancelation is urgent or not.

In Miami, I could afford an overnight delay because the wedding I was attending didn’t start until the next day. Though I’d be pushing it and arriving a bit late, the rebooked flight worked.

But that’s not always the case.

If you’re traveling for a major event or if you’re going to miss a connecting flight thanks to a canceled flight, then you’re in the urgent category.

So, what’s your best option in these cases?

You need to immediately rebook your flight (with your original airline or another) to get to your destination on time. It’s that simple.

But let’s dig a little deeper. How do you know if the airline will rebook you or whether you need to do it yourself? And who pays when canceled flights disrupt your travel plans?

For canceled flights, answer these questions first

Here are a few questions that can help you better gauge your situation and what to do next. Your first concerns should be: Rebooking the canceled flight, getting to your destination on time, and getting compensated for any problems brought on for the airline,

Was the flight canceled due to the airline’s negligence?

If the airline canceled a flight due to issues like understaffing, overbooking, rescheduled flight routes, and similar administrative reasons, the airline is responsible for either rebooking your flight or providing cash compensation.

In other words, in these cases, the airline must get you to your destination or provide an automatic refund.

However, if your flight was canceled due to poor weather, air traffic staffing, or mechanical issues, then the airline is off the hook. In other words, they were within their rights to cancel the flight.

In these cases, the airline still should rebook your flight—but you won’t have the option to receive compensation.

So, if an airline is responsible for the cancelation and you’re in an urgent position, you can rebook with another airline, and then wait to be reimbursed for that original flight. If you’re working with a time constraint, this is your best bet at getting to your destination on time and not incurring hefty costs.

What’s the fastest way to get in touch with an airline?

It’s not always easy to figure out why a flight was canceled and what comes next—even if you know your rights as a passenger. The easiest way to get in touch with an airline isn’t via the gate agents or the kiosks at the airport.

The fastest way to get in touch with an airline is via its app or an international phone line. If you want to immediately rebook your flight, then the app or collect calls are your best bet.

Do you have travel insurance?

If you have travel insurance, your policy probably covers canceled flights. One of the fastest ways to resolve issues stemming from canceled flights is to review your travel insurance policy, and then activate its canceled flight benefits.

This should get you on another plane quickly without you needing to bust out the credit card.

What to do when your flight is canceled: step-by-step guide

Determine the reason for the cancellation and document it. This will help you gain an understanding of the situation, your options, and what comes next. It will also help you demonstrate your need for reimbursement later on in case there are any conflicting reports.
Decide whether you can wait for a rebooked flight or not. If you’re in an urgent situation, you might not be able to wait for the airline to rebook you on another flight—especially if it’s scheduled to take off the next day.
1. If you can’t wait for a rebooked flight, book another ticket and wait for reimbursement later on. (But remember that this only applies when the airline is at fault. If your flight was canceled due to poor weather, for example, you won’t receive compensation.)
1. If you can wait for a rebooked flight, decide what option is best for you beforehand. If the airline is at fault for the cancelation, you can choose not to accept travel credits in favor of a cash refund. This would allow you to rebook with another airline without spending (a lot) more.
Accept the airline’s offer or rebook with a new airline. Pro tip: If the cancelation and rebooking happen late at night, I suggest getting yourself to a hotel before the rooms fill up.

Amazon Prime Day: Top 10 Travel Products on Sale

Every year, a fresh list of drool-worthy travel products hits the market.

Most are designed to make travel more comfortable and seamless—especially for those heading out on long-distance trips.

Others are designed to make domestic adventures like road trips more enjoyable or outdoor backpacking trips more streamlined.

But with new gadgets and gizmos constantly on the horizon, it can be hard to keep up with the latest travel tech and travel products.

Want a cheat sheet for Amazon Prime Day?

I’ve uncovered some of the world’s most impactful travel accessories.

And—no—I’m not going to be recommending the usual spiel of packing cubes, luggage tags, or compression socks. I’m digging deep to list the products that have actually had a demonstrable impact on my own travel journeys over the last two decades.

Here’s where to find them on Amazon Prime Day.

Travel products that will save the day

Wrap-around pillows. Forget U-shaped neck pillows that don’t actually offer posture support. There’s a new revolution in airplane pillows. Buy here.

Portable chargers. Stop worrying about whether or not your electronics are charged—and stop worrying about conserving battery power when you’re in the mood to snap some photos. You’re on vacation, after all. Buy here.

Universal adapters. Even some countries in the same geographic region use different sockets. Heading to Europe, for example? There are eight different types of sockets used. Buy here.

Compression packing cubes. I know I said I wouldn’t recommend basic products like packing cubes—and I’m not. I’m suggesting you look into compression packing cubes that will actually suck in your luggage’s gut, so to speak. Buy here.

Travel products that will make your life easier

Fold-up totes. I don’t know where you’re going next, but I know it’s always helpful to have a bit more bag in your bag. Buy here.

Portable fans. Nobody uses air-conditioning quite like the US, which means you might be facing sweltering heat while you dine in cafes, wait for tours, and more. Buy here.

Blanket scarves. Use them as fashion. Use them as portable blankets. Use them as picnic blankets. Use them as pillows. Use them as foot hammocks. Use them to protect against the cold. Use them to cover up dirty seats on public transportation. Buy here.

Travel underwear. It’s easy to wash and will dry overnight in case of any accidents. If you’re really worried about your undercarriage while traveling, you can even buy disposable underwear. Buy men’s here. Buy women’s here.

Toiletry bag with hooks. Why is there never enough sink space in the bathroom? That doesn’t matter if you have a hang-able toiletry bag in your arsenal. Buy here.

Travel products as emotional accessories

Digital camera with no screen. It’s a digital camera that doesn’t let you review the photos you’ve taken. Later on, you can download these photos and look back at your trip. I love the nostalgic quality of this unexpected travel gift. You can find these products from a range of manufacturers, but I think Amazon’s paper option is great because it’s lightweight and basic. Buy here.

Pill protectors. You should be taking your favorite painkillers and basic cold medications with you when you travel. There’s nothing worse than trying to find a suitable product when you feel like you’re dying. Buy here.

What Are Wilderness Retreats and Where Can You Find Great Programs?

Nature is one of the greatest reasons to travel. Not only does it feed our hunger for exploration, but it also works wonders on our weary souls.

When it comes to soaking up nature, Americans are in luck.

Compared to regions like Europe and East Asia, it’s not hard for Americans to get off the beaten track and into the wilderness. Still, that doesn’t mean foraying into Mother Nature is an easy task.

It takes a lot of careful consideration to craft a great camping trip.

Figuring out the minutiae of where to go, how to get there, what gear to buy, what permits you’ll need, and how to get there is like putting together an ever-shifting puzzle.

In other words, wilderness travel is alluring—but it’s complex, especially for beginners.

That’s just one reason why so many travelers end up going with a glamping experience. Glamping combines elements of traditional camping, explorations of nature, and hotel-caliber amenities like hot water and mattresses.

But what about other trending nature-based travel experiences like wilderness retreats? over the last few years, more and more travel companies have invested in nature-focused adventures.

Theoretically, all travelers need to do is sign up and show up. But let’s dig a little deeper to explore how wilderness retreats work and what you can expect from them.

How do wilderness retreats work?

Just like digital detoxes and other types of wellness trips, every wilderness retreat is slightly different.

Some go full-tilt into trekking and camping territory, while others are more closely aligned with glamping stays.

Typically, all wilderness retreats see attendees stay in eco-friendly lodging that’s immersed in nature—whether a tent, yurt, dome, or cabin.

The day-to-day is filled with exciting excursions like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, and similar activities. Usually, wilderness retreats are categorized as low-intensity, intermediate, and high-intensity.

Oftentimes, soaking up the outdoors is only one element of the retreat. They also include itineraries that often feature mindfulness practices like meditation, creative projects like writing or music, and group-based interactions designed for community building.

Do you have to be physically fit to go on wilderness retreats?

The answer depends on the program. Some require physical fitness, while others are designed to introduce attendees to outdoor activities.

On top of that, retreat organizers go to great lengths to advertise what’s on the docket and what level of fitness attendees must meet. Some companies even use ‘grades’ and other categories to provide an accurate depiction of the retreat, and also to differentiate their various retreat programs.

Usually, wilderness retreats that explore a national park are more focused on hiking, climbing, and similarly demanding activities. The more remote and rugged the national park or reserve, the more rough-and-ready the retreat probably is.

On the other hand, some wilderness retreats are geared toward relaxation and reconnecting with nature—no grueling hikes involved. The idea is to hang out in nature, soak up the sights and sounds, and let the nervous system recalibrate.

Some wilderness retreats are also segmented by age, whether for teenagers who need to develop a bit of independence or for senior crowds who are interested in building a community of like-minded travelers.

How can travelers find great wellness retreats?

There are a few ways to book wellness retreats.

Some hotels offer wilderness packages that can be customized for small groups. If you’ve really enjoyed your stay at a remote hotel or cabin, then consider looking to see whether it offers wilderness retreats.

But the best way to find a retreat that suits your needs is to use a retreat booking platform like BookRetreats.

The website works by allowing retreat organizers to host their own programs—which you can compare thanks to its easy-to-navigate design. With just a few clicks, you can explore a program’s itinerary, meal list, lodging details, and more.

The company also has a great rating from TrustPilot and plenty of attendee reviews that you can sift through to learn more about each wilderness retreat. For newcomers, this is by far the easiest way to start exploring and comparing offers.

Meet the Ghosts of Charleston, South Carolina

If you like tales of hauntings, you’ve probably heard Charleston, South Carolina cited as one of the US’s most haunted cities.

Much of that status is thanks to the city’s long and violent history. It was formally established by English colonists in 1670, slowly growing in size and influence over the coming decades.

It served as an important hold during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, facing devastating uprisings, sieges, and fires. Its jails imprisoned important politicians and generals—and even infamous pirates.

Charleston was also the US’s largest slave port. In fact, scholars believe that up to one-half of all enslaved Africans were brought to Charleston before moving to other parts of the United States.

Talk about a formula for multiple centuries-long hauntings.

Today, many Americans regard Charleston as a charming and historical city that represents some of the finest markers of American culture. That rings true, especially when the city fills up in summer with families on their way to Myrtle Beach.

But locals will be the first to tell you—underneath all the city’s homegrown delights are more than a few lingering ghosts. If you’re looking for a quaint little dash of terror this Halloween season, here’s where you can find the ghosts of Charleston, South Carolina.

Denmark Vesey, Old City Jail

The Old City Jail is one of the most common stops in local ghost tours—and for good reason. The grounds are home to some of the most famous ghosts of Charleston.

For over a century, this jail housed tens of thousands of prisoners. It also served as the grounds for around 13,000 executions. Visitors report seeing and hearing ghostly apparitions and voices throughout the jail.

It’s believed that one of the most active ghosts is Denmark Vesey. Vesey was an enslaved man who later bought his freedom and organized an uprising in the city. When his attempts failed, he was detained at the Old City Jail. City records indicate he was executed at the jail in 1882.

Revolutionary War Soldiers, Circular Graveyard

Circle Congregational Church, Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Beside Charleston’s historical Circular Congregation Church is a centuries-old graveyard. The grounds were first broken back in 1681. A century later, soldiers from the Revolutionary War were buried throughout.

Visitors today report seeing ghostly figures and shadows crawling amid the gravestones before disappearing suddenly.

For those who aren’t necessarily on the hunt for ghosts, you might be content to read the centuries-old headstones as you wander the grounds during the day. They’re well-kept, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.

Blackbeard & Stede Bonnet, The Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Want to know something a little strange about the soldiers buried at Circular Graveyard? They would have been British Revolutionary War soldiers fighting to keep the colonies as part of the British Empire. (Surprise, surprise!)

In fact, many of Charleston’s most haunted relics have direct ties to the period of British colonial rule. That’s the case with The Exchange and Provost Dungeon, which was built in 1767 to house political prisoners, prisoners of war, and other undesirables in deplorable conditions—including pirates.

The prison was once home to Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard, two of the most famous pirates to cruise the American coasts. Some guests swear to see their ghostly apparitions and hear the haunted groaning of prisoners on the brink of death.

Annabel Lee, Unitarian Graveyard

What does Charleston have to do with Edgar Allen Poe? Not much aside from rumor.

According to local legends, the graveyard of the Unitarian Church is home to the famous ghost of Annabel Lee. Lee was the subject of one of Poe’s most famous poems. How she ended up in a graveyard as one of the most well-known ghosts of Charleston is less certain.