Q I will be traveling out of state soon, and would like to apply for a passport while I'm gone. Can I do that outside of my state of residence?

A Because the federal government issues passports, you can apply for one in any state. Once processed, passports are mailed to your home, no matter where you initiated the process. More than 9,000 public government offices nationwide, including libraries and post offices, accept applications; find a convenient location by plugging in your ZIP code (or the ZIP code of the place you'll be visiting) at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Be sure to bring what you'll need: For first-timers, that includes a completed DS-11 form; evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as an expired, undamaged passport, a valid driver's license or a naturalization certificate; a photocopy of the identification, and two passport photos. If you are renewing a passport, you can do so entirely by mail, provided your original passport was issued when you were age 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change. Renewing by mail requires Form DS-82. For more information and to access the forms, go to travel.state.gov/passport.

Answers to travelers' questions appear in Travel weekly and every Monday at startribune.com/escape artists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startibune.com.

KERRI WESTENBERG

Here's a gift idea for the traveler in your life: Give an annual membership to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhasssen, and the recipient receives reciprocal privileges at more than 200 botanic gardens, arboreta and conservatories in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Thirteen of these gardens are in Florida; California has 16. Prices for membership start at $45 for an individual; duo and family memberships range from $65 to $85 (www.arboretum.umn.edu; 952-443-1440).

JIM BUCHTA

What was this year's most-searched vacation destination on AOL? Sao Paulo, Bali or some other faraway place? Nope, travelers were most interested in finding out about Disney World and Disneyland. Rounding out the top 10 were Las Vegas; Florida; Hawaii; Mexico; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Costa Rica; Italy; Colorado, and the Grand Canyon. Desperation and budgets were the driving forces. Beth Caulfield, editor in chief of AOL Travel, attributed Disney's popularity to its aggressive promotion of affordable family packages. Las Vegas earned the No. 2 spot because it's offering great deals.

The U.S. State Department has lifted its travel alert for Honduras, saying the improved security situation there has removed the immediate threat to the safety of U.S. citizens in the country. The United States originally issued the alert after the June 28 coup sparked protests, primarily in the capital, Tegucigalpa.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Megabus.com is offering 100,000 free seats in the new year on 28 bus routes, including 4,000 between Minneapolis and Chicago. The offer is good on travel from Jan. 6 through March 20; travelers can book now using the promo code GETAWAY. For more information, go to www.megabus.com.

KERRI WESTENBERG

The lights are back on for the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, this year held at the Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. After a one-year hiatus, the winter wonderland is back and bigger than ever with millions of colorful lights, strolling costumed characters, music, holiday treats and Santa. New additions include Mr. and Mrs. Frosty, Santa's reindeer, replicas of the Enger Tower and the Aerial Lift Bridge and a store selling Bentleyville merchandise. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. Admission is free, but donations are accepted (1-218-740-3536; www.bentleyvilleusa.org).