It’s a buyer’s market for summer travel and even those who book at the last minute are landing exceptional vacation deals. But travelers this summer should expect new and tighter passport regulations such as a requirement that all travelers be able to present an official passport book, or another travel document approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Forms of identification that were previously accepted at land crossings — such as voter registration cards and birth certificates — will no longer be acceptable to gain entry or re-entry to the United States. Citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea are now required to have a valid passport, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pertaining to specific populations and situations.   
U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware travelers may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries the cruise ship is visiting. Check with the cruise line to find out which documents are required. Please keep in mind  this is always subject to change at any time.
“A U.S. passport is, without exception, the best form of identification for travel anywhere in the world,” said Jim Sweat, managing director of AAA Travel Agency Services. “We strongly recommend that anyone considering travel outside of the U.S. secure a new passport if they do not have one; or, renew the one they have, if need be, for their own peace of mind.”
AAA offers passport application assistance. AAA encourages members and other consumers who have questions about the new identification requirements to visit their local AAA office for assistance. AAA offers passport applications forms and passport photos.
A passport is valid for travel to most places in the world by air, land and sea. To get or renew a passport, pick up an application at an AAA office or go to www.travel.state.gov to find the nearest location to apply for a passport. First-time applicants must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility and the total cost is $100 if age 16 or older and $85 for minors under age 16. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive.