Jack, excellent commentary and advice. Especially about packing light and right and never checking bags even for several weeks. Also for easy return into the states, download Mobile Passport app, approved and links to the Customs And Border Patrol. Register and take a picture of your passport. Just before landing go into the app, answer the usual questions for re-entry and when you land turn back on your cell service (assuming you turned off while abroad to prevent roaming charges). The app sends you a receipt to your phone. Show it to the Global Entry agent and your through. You bypass the kiosk and its short line, camera, fingerprint check (which I fail 90% of the time and have to show my failure ticket to the agent anyway), and believe it or not -- it's free! Best for the 4th. JT