It's Time to Check Top Travel Spots Off Your Bucket List This Summer: Hotels.com is Giving Away Free Passports

Although the U.S. lags behind countries like Great Britain, Australia and Canada, Americans applied for about 17 million passports in 2016* and it's already predicted that applications this year will hit 21 million. One of the barriers for a passport can be cost (a U.S. passport runs $110), so online lodging expert Hotels.com® is helping Americans save by offering free passports** with qualifying international accommodation bookings.

"Americans are eager to get out of town. We're seeing a strong increase in searches for European destinations year over year," said Josh Belkin, VP and GM for the Hotels.com brand. "With declining airfares, increased international flight options, and great hotel deals, now is an obvious time to venture abroad."

To help streamline your travel planning, here are the Most Popular International Destinations and Prices Paid based on the Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®).

Before you pack your bags, follow these Five Simple Passport Tips.  

1. Be Informed. Get to know the application process. See the US Department of State website for helpful details.
2. Keep time on your side. The routine application process can take six – eight weeks so don't procrastinate.
3. Drop the shades and spectacles. Most people don't know that you can't wear glasses in your passport pic!
4. Choose a Passport Card or Book. A passport card costs $30 and is valid for U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, but not for air travel outside the U.S. You'll need a passport book for international air travel.
5. Save $110 with the Hotels.com Passport coupon. Book by July 31 for travel through March 31, 2018. See www.hotels.com/passport17 and our Infographic to learn more.   

About Hotels.com
Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with properties ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Customers get instant savings *** with Secret Prices through our mobile booking app and when logged into the booking website. Hotels.com Rewards members can earn and redeem free**** nights at thousands of properties worldwide. The Hotels.com Mobile Concierge on iPhone is like having a local expert in the palm of your hand, offering fast access to services such as transportation, on-demand food delivery, restaurant reservations and activities.

© 2017 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, Hotels.com Rewards, Hotel Price Index, HPI and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST #2083949-50

*Source: The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
**See www.hotels.com/passport17 for terms and conditions.
***Instant savings are only available on select, participating properties.
**** Free nights are only available on select, participating properties. Maximum value of the free night is the average of daily rate of the 10 paid nights and doesn't include taxes or fees. See site for details.

Secret Prices are available to Hotels.com app users, Hotels.com® Rewards members and individuals who unlock Secret Prices on the website by subscribing to Hotels.com by email. Secret Prices will be shown where the “Your Secret Prices” banner is displayed on your search results. Available on select hotels and select dates only. Subject to full terms and conditions.

SOURCE Hotels.com

Related Links

http://www.hotels.com