Cape Girardeau Public Library to host Expert Travel Tips series

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – People hoping to plan a getaway outside the Heartland can begin the process here at home.

The Expert Travel Tips presentation series is happening from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 2, 16, and 30. That’s in the Oscar Christian Hirsch Community Room at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Topics include:

• Updates on Real ID, Passports, & Visas (July 2)
• Top 5 American Road Trips (July 16)
• Art Around the World (July 30)

A representative with Elite Travel Inc. will present the information, free to anyone 18 and up, with or without a Cape Library card.

People can register online by going to the library’s website.

Adult programming coordinator Victoria Cattaneo said the series ties in with this year’s children’s programming, creating an opportunity to broaden the entire community’s horizons.

“Our summer reading theme is ‘Adventure Begins at Your Library.’ For us adults, adventure a lot of the time is travel, so that’s our focus this summer,” Cattaneo said.

At the first workshop on Tuesday, July 2, Shannon Thompson with Elite Travel Inc. said people can learn about the Real ID, something raising concerns for many.

“The big question for a lot of people is the Real ID, because we’ve had so many extensions,” Thompson said. “You would need to have [it] if you want to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings.”

Thompson said the presentation will include information on how to get a Real ID, how passport books come into play, and what Elite Travel Inc. offers for customers.

The Real ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025. Read more on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Whether people want to travel far or stick close by, Thompson said there’s one main takeaway.

“We just hope people realize how easy traveling can be,” she said. “The world is a big place but also, the United States has some great options to stay domestically if you want to.”

For bookbound adventures, the Cape Public Library offers many free programs and resources to the community. Visit the library’s website to see what’s coming up.

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