Happy Sunday Funday, everyone! Today, amidst the rain in Mississauga, I had the opportunity to venture to Buffalo, NY with my friends and family. However, as I prepared this morning, I realized that my daughter’s passport needed updating, which made me hesitate about crossing the USA border. Despite it being Sunday, I quickly turned to Google and tried reaching out to Border Services for guidance. Though I couldn’t reach anyone by phone, I trusted God that the information I found online would suffice—and it did!

Passport and Border Tips:
As of 2024, you can enter the USA via car with your child if they’re a minor, by presenting their expired passport or Canadian birth certificate. Here are a few things to consider before traveling from Canada to the USA by car:

• Ensure you have valid passports or birth certificates for everyone in the vehicle.
• Pack some snacks and water to keep everyone happy and hydrated during the journey.
• Plan your shopping stops beforehand to avoid impulse buying and overspending.
• Be mindful of what you declare at the border to avoid extra taxes on purchased items. Keeping it simple and declaring around $150 is usually safe.

Shopping Adventures:
While the trip was mainly for the girls, I tagged along to support their shopping spree. As someone currently unemployed, I’m mindful of how I spend money. Target was our main stop, and I found some great beauty products for my daughters.

I hope these tips help you plan your own day trip to Buffalo. If you’ve recently visited, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Let’s continue sharing and inspiring each other on this journey of life!

Best wishes,