TRAVEL TALK: Check your passport.

When you plan to travel outside your country, ensure that your passport validity fits the requirement of the country you are visiting. Most countries require that your passport be valid six months from the date of entry or exit or, for some, from the date you applied for a visa.

For example:

If you scheduled to leave a country on October 4, 2014, your passport should be valid until April 5, 2015. It’s actually much better if the validity is farther than that. Some travelers, especially those who travel often, allow a 12-month space prior to expiration date.

Aside from the validity of the passport, it is important to bear in mind the processing time frame of passport application or renewal, whichever applies to you. Ensure that the passport will make it on time for your departure. Aside from the passport, check if the country requires a visa. That's a whole new different story.

It is easy to remember. A lot of travelers, probably, already know this rule. But it’s also easy to overlook. To be safe, it’s always best to renew your passports at least close to a year before it expires. Each country may have different passport validity requirements so it’s better to check it during your planning stages. Go to legitimate websites to ensure you have the right information.