Alison Kroulek

Still trying to figure out what to ask Santa (or your mom, or the gift-giving genie of your choice) to get you this year? Still not sure what to get the world traveler who has everything? A passport renewal is one of the best gifts to give and to receive. Here's why.

Is there any way to protect yourself from the problems a lost passport can cause? You may be able to get some peace of mind by purchasing a travel insurance policy from a reputable insurer, but make sure to read the fine print before you do.

For the past few years at least, the travel industry has been buzzing about "voluntourism," or combining a vacation with doing volunteer work for a charity or nonprofit. Voluntourism allows people to feel good about taking a vacation. In impoverished countries, it also allows them to feel like they are "giving back" to the community instead of just exploiting it for a good time. But is voluntourism a worthy use of your new passport? Do these programs actually do good, or do they just feel good?

Most people prefer to travel by car or by train, but if you're a bicycle enthusiast, nothing beats seeing the world from the back of a bike. However, not every corner of the globe is equally suited to this mode of travel. Here are 5 of the best bicycle-friendly destinations.

For obvious safety reasons, most human encounters with wild animals take place in zoos, safari parks or theme parks. However, when it comes to aquatic animals, it's generally preferable to see them in their natural environment. It's even more difficult for humans to provide larger marine animals with anything resembling an appropriate reconstruction of their natural habitat than it is for most land animals. You won't regret traveling to see these 5 animals in their homes.

Babies come with lots of accessories. Even before you bring your new little bundle of joy home, you'll have many different decisions to make: cloth diapers or disposable? What type of bottle? Pacifier or no pacifier? Here's one choice that many new parents don't think of until it's too late...should you get a child passport for your baby? There are pros and cons to doing so; here are some questions to ask yourself.

Vermont has a relatively high rate of passport ownership. However, new border regulations have increased the need for Vermonters to keep a valid passport on hand. Here's what you need to know to renew your passport in Vermont.

Attention, geeks: There's no need to leave to your love of science fiction, fantasy and comic books behind when you travel abroad. In fact, applying for a new passport opens up a whole new world of geekdom. Need some inspiration? Here are the five geekiest destinations to take your new passport.

Backpacking is a great way to see the world, but some countries are more suited to it than others. The best places to backpack combine inexpensive, easy-to-come-by lodgings like hostels along with cheap, preferably delicious food and breathtaking scenery. If you have a US passport, here are 5 of the world's best destinations for backpacking.

Have you been meaning to apply for a new passport but been stymied by your local passport office's inconvenient operating hours? Get your birth certificate and your black ink pen ready: next month, passport agencies and post offices across the country will be celebrating Passport Day in the USA by accepting passport applications on September 17, 2011.