I hear this question a lot and I think it’s time to set the records straight.  Passport Cards are fairly new to the travel scene since 2008 and are on the rise.  Hopefully these people know what they are getting into.  The Passport Card is only $55 compared to the Passport Book costing $135 for a first time applicant, making it a big savings.  It’s also wallet size making it easier to carry.  Travel.State.gov gives us the skinny:

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

To someone that just booked a cruise, this information could be vague.   As long as you are enterting back through a US port, a Passport Card would suffice.  Though, is it worth the risk?  Weather conditions & over bookings can affect cruise itineraries.  In the slightest chance you did have to get off the boat and fly back home, the Passport Card wouldn’t cut it.  Overall, cruisers should play it safe and get the Passport Book.

For those of you looking to cross the border to hit up Vancouver or party over the border of Texas, the Passport Card is a good idea.  Other than that, you should shell out the extra cash and get the Passport Book.  Just think, if you travel more, you get a better return on investment out of the application fee!

Looking to collect a few more stamps? I would love to help you plan your next trip.

Amy Seng, amy@destinationsbyamy.com, 847.529.0041, www.destinationsbyamy.com