Passport validity

Adult US passport are usually valid for 10 years. Since it will eventually expire, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip, or you may not be allowed to enter a country which requires one for entry. Do not rely on the airlines to verify the status of your passport or visas. They may incur a large penalty for boarding you without the correct paperwork, but that won´t help you enjoy a much anticipated vacation that you are denied when Australia or Brazil send you home the day you arrive!