Resources
I've spent a good many years learning which sources to trust when the questions actually matter — a passport that must be renewed in time, a child's papers for travelling abroad, a storm gathering off the coast. These are the ones I'd point your family to. Not everywhere you could look — just where I'd send you myself.
Passports, visas & international travel
The paperwork that lets everyone actually leave — best sorted early, for passports have a way of expiring at precisely the wrong moment.
Travel.State.Gov
Passports, destination information, travel advisories and help abroad — the primary State Department source.
Visit resourceSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Enroll a trip abroad to receive embassy alerts and emergency support.
Visit resourceA quiet kindness to your future self — enroll with STEP before you go, and the embassy knows you're there.
U.S. Passport Application Status
Check where your passport application stands.
Visit resourceFind U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before or during international travel.
Visit resourceTravel with Minors
Documentation and consent considerations when children travel internationally.
Visit resourceInternational Driving Permit Guidance
When you may need an international driving permit — and how to avoid fraudulent sellers.
Visit resourceHealth & travel safety
A little foresight here spares a great deal of worry later — what's going round, what's in the air, and what the sky intends.
CDC Travelers' Health
Destination-specific health information, vaccination guidance and travel notices.
Visit resourceAirNow
Current and forecast air quality — useful for children, older adults and sensitive travelers.
Visit resourceNational Weather Service
Official forecasts, watches, warnings and radar for U.S. travel.
Visit resourceNational Hurricane Center
Storm tracking for coastal, Gulf, Caribbean and cruise travel in hurricane season.
Visit resourceIf your trip hugs the coast in season, glance here before you pack. Better a change of plans than a change of luck.
Airports & flying
The small questions that hold up a whole family at security — answered before you ever reach the line.
TSA — What Can I Bring?
Fast answers for carry-on and checked-baggage questions.
Visit resourceTSA — Acceptable Identification
Current airport ID requirements, including REAL ID and accepted alternatives.
Visit resourceTSA PreCheck
Expedited security screening for eligible travelers.
Visit resourceCBP Global Entry
Expedited U.S. entry for frequent international travelers.
Visit resourceCBP Mobile Passport Control
A free CBP mobile option for eligible travelers at participating ports of entry.
Visit resourceFamily & accessible travel
When someone in the party needs a little extra care — a service animal, a child's seat, a place beside a grandparent — these are the offices that know the rules, and your rights.
Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights
Your fundamental rights under the Air Carrier Access Act.
Visit resourceKnow these before you fly. They're yours — and a calm word at the gate goes further when you do.
DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard
Compare airlines' fee-free family-seating commitments before you book.
Visit resourceRoad trips & weather
Before you point the car at the horizon — the conditions ahead, and how to keep the whole carful safe.
FHWA 511 Traveler Information
The gateway to state and regional real-time road conditions and closures.
Visit resourceUnited States Road Conditions
A clickable U.S. map linking to each state's official road-condition reports (NWS).
Visit resourcePets & animal travel
The dog is family too — and family travels with the right papers. Here's where the requirements actually live.
USDA APHIS Pet Travel
Official destination-specific requirements and health-certificate guidance for pet travel.
Visit resourceParks & outdoor adventures
Some of the finest days cost little but planning — passes, permits, and the reservations the good parks now require.
National Park Service — Plan Your Visit
Park alerts, maps, accessibility, passes and trip planning across the national parks.
Visit resourceRecreation.gov
Reservations, camping, permits, passes and timed entry for federal recreation.
Visit resourceU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
National wildlife refuges — fishing, wildlife viewing, and visiting the refuge system.
Visit resourceU.S. Forest Service
National forests and grasslands — trails, camping, scenic byways, and recreation passes.
Visit resourceConsumer protection & emergencies
The ones you hope never to need. Keep them close all the same.
DOT Aviation Consumer Protection
Refunds, baggage, complaints, disruptions and passenger protections.
Visit resourceFTC — Avoid Travel Scams
Consumer-protection guidance on travel offers, rentals and payment scams.
Visit resourceState Department — Emergencies Abroad
Consular assistance and emergency-contact guidance for U.S. travelers overseas.
Visit resourceLost or Stolen Passport Abroad
What to do if a passport is lost or stolen while travelling abroad.
Visit resourceTuck this away now — you'll be glad to know exactly where to turn if the day ever comes.
FamScapes provides these external links as a convenience. Third-party websites are operated independently and may change without notice. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of the information, products or services provided. For official requirements, always verify current information directly with the responsible government agency.