In preparation for my trip, I needed a new passport. Gathered up all the goodies and submitted an expedited request. Despite the reports of horrendous delays, I received my passport in less than two weeks. Even more shocking, my shiny new passport did not bear the dreaded RFID logo on the front cover. The US Government had promised that all passports issued after January 1, 2007 would contain RFID tags. This coincided with the new rule that all Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean must have a passport. So what’s the deal? Are they leaving the RFID logo off? Skipping the RFID entirely for expedited passports? Supply chain problems with the RFID manufacturers?

At least I don’t have to pack a Faraday cage for the trip. Score one for the frugal tourist.