Take a break from the standard family vacation this year and get out of the country. Seeing the world is one of the most fun and educational things you can do with your family and the memories that come from such a trip won't be quickly forgotten. However, you'll need a passport, including a pasport for children.

Now that you have been encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and travel the world, we would like to suggest you consider South America as your destination. The United Nations has identified priceless sites around the world that hold natural and historical significance and many of these sites are found in South America.

Traveling to South America requires a passport. While this generally make people groan, it's amazing how easy it's gotten. Online passport expediting services means you can get your passport as soon as you need it, in opposed to being at the mercy of the traditional wait time.

The city of Cuzco, sometimes spelled Cusco, was the center of the Incan civilization. Found in Peru, it is rich with Inca culture and ancient ruins give insight into one of the most mysterious cultures on our planet. The Church of La Compania is only one of the historic sights that can be seen here.

The Galapagos Islands held a great attraction for Charles Darwin, the author of the book The Origin of Species. He is not the only one who has been inspired by the plant and animal life of this fascinating earthly location. The Galapagos Tortoise, penguins, marine iguana and a host of other exotic animals draw millions from all over the world. An experience with nature is available through hiking or perhaps diving in the waters that surround this island; but this is certainly an opportunity that should not be missed.

Of course a visit to South America wouldn't be complete without a trip to its famous rainforests, and Iguazu National Park is the place to go. Not only does this park feature the lush tropical forests, but also one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Iguazu Falls. The roaring falls send mist far up into the air, and surrounding forest is full of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, toucans, butterflies, and Caymans. This forest has incredibly long history, as it was first inhabited by humans over 10,000 years ago.

Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina features beautiful glistening glaciers. Close to fifty glaciers are present in the park, all fed by a giant ice cap in the Andes Mountains. This ice cap is the largest after Antarctica and Greenland. This park is incredibly rich in wildlife, with over 1000 species of birds present in the park. Other animals, like cougars, gray foxes, and guanaco also make their home in this park. And with the giant snow-capped mountains overlooking glassy lakes, Los Glaciares National Park is a place you need to see for yourself.

We hope we give given you a glimpse into the treasures of South America that have sparked an interest that will inspire you as you plan your next vacation. Remember that you and your entire family will need a passport to travel to South America. Many ask if there is a requirement for a USA passport for children. The answer is yes; but with US passport expediting services, you can get whatever your family needs in the way of passports quickly and securely by logging onto one of the online passport sites like uspassportnow.com. The fascinating continent of South America is waiting for you and your family. Make your plans now.