So maybe you don't need the actual passport just yet

Just an interesting tidbit. I've heard a lot of people tell me their crazy stories about driving down to New Orleans or Houston just before a cruise to Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean lately to stand in line for a passport.

Apparently you just need another government-issued I.D. plus your receipt from your passport application to get to Canada, Mexico and Bermuda right now. Check out the details at the Department of State Web site.

Maybe that will take a little of the travel stress off.