based on what I’ve read in this thread I would just use the passport wizard to make the application and then mail it all in with your check and photo. I did my photo at Walgreens - surely any chain drugstore or photo shop service can do it. With your travel already booked I would personally prefer to just mail in the documents. I didn’t even have scheduled travel and I still did expedite service plus expedited postage to return. I would also use priority mail flat fee envelope for mailing everything.

I would just do this during July. It’s several annoying steps that require an hour maximum per step. Photo. Application. Check-writing (15 minutes). Going to a post office and getting a priority mail flat rate envelope (9x12”) or ordering it free on usps. Mailing via priority mail, which means taking it to a mailbox or post office.

I forgot to check your location so don’t know how inconvenient some of these steps would be for you.