For years, I never considered myself a globetrotter, so I never enrolled in the Global Entry program (www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry), which allows expedited clearance through Customs for preapproved travelers upon arrival in the US. Members can enter using automatic kiosks at select airports.*

I had learned how simple a quick-entry system can be while on a trip to Australia in February 2020. Upon arriving in Sydney, all passengers on the flight were allowed...

My wife and I planned a trip to Antigua for July 10-17, 2021. Antigua requires proof of a negative RT-PCR test for COVID taken, at most, seven days before entry. As such, my wife and I went to our local CVS Pharmacy on a Monday, five days before our Saturday morning departure, and had the nasal swabs administered. We fully expected to receive our test results from CVS no later than Wednesday morning.*

However, by Thursday there were no test results reported, and, most disconcerting,...

On a summer trip to Europe in 2018, my husband, Bill, and I flew from Switzerland to Italy, where we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Milan – Malpensa Airport (888/465-4329, www.ihg.com) for $100 per night, with breakfast. I highly recommend this airport hotel. After several weeks in Europe, it was very nice to have cold air-conditioning, an elevator and an ice machine!

We would stay there again the night before we flew home, but after renting a car and touring other parts of...