It's common knowledge that very few things go as planned when on vacation. If you're one the many that have stolen US passports, you should try not to freak out. However, you don't need to. There are things you can do to get a new one quickly, and with a new passport under your belt, you can get back to having fun on your vacation or get home with little hassle.

The first thing you can do to help yourself is to just not panic. Anyone in that sort of situation would be stressed, so it's completely understandable. However, being stressed won't help you. Relax yourself, as there is a solution to this scary problem.

After you've regained your thoughts, quickly contact the local United States embassy. Do not delay. If your passport gets into a criminal's hands, they can cause a lot of harm. Passports are prime targets of criminals because they are a tool of identity theft. This is an increasing problem, so if your passport got stolen, act as soon as possible.

Once you have contacted the embassy, ask to speak with someone from the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section. First, they will immediately invalidate your missing or stolen passport. They will then tell you exactly what you will need to do in order to get a new passport, including how to get a new application and passport photos.

Report the theft to the local authorities, if applicable. They will file a report that only further ensures that your passport stays out of the wrong person's hands. These reports are useful if you suspect your identity's been stolen, as they are required by the embassy to issue reports.

Be sure to supply all the necessary information to the embassy in order to confirm your identity. You will need to provide your name, place and date of birth, when and where you were issued your passport, and also the passport number. Make sure to have this data in a secure place, as having it ready beforehand expedites your request and ultimately grants peace of mind. Also make sure someone in the United States knows that your passport has been stolen. Notifying them of any possible delays is always a good thing, and they might also be contacted in order to verify your identity.

In order to protect your passport, along with your money and other important items, you might think about investing in a little purse or a money belt to wear beneath your clothes. Thieves who are looking to commit a crime will most likely target those who have their passport within reach. So by keeping yours hidden, you drastically reduce the risk of theft.

In the recent news, Lindsay Lohan, the tabloid queen, claimed that her passport was stolen in France. In her case, this left her having to miss her DUI case in Beverly Hills, along with her required Alcohol Education courses. Regardless of whether or not this is true, she quickly and efficiently obtained a new U S passport and got back to the United States in a timely manner. Many people go their whole lives without having to deal with something like this, but this story shows that it can happen to anyone. Being prepared is the best way to prevent theft, but if you discover you have a stolen US passport someday, having this sort of knowledge at hand can help you get back home.