Although NEXUS cardholders get screened more quickly, they're still subject to all the standard border checks and procedures. Major crossings have special NEXUS lanes, but to use the lane, everyone in the vehicle, including children, must have a valid card. So they're not a solution, except for frequent travelers.

Still, potential long lines notwithstanding, crossing the border from Canada should be easy, assuming everyone has proper ID (passports are always best). The Customs and Border Patrol maintains a Web site (apps.cbp.gov/bwt) that tracks crossing times at major points on an hourly basis.

When your turn comes, drive up to the stop point and roll down the window. Border agents may run through the normal quiz, such as where you were born, where you reside and where you hold citizenship, how long your trip will be, why you are visiting and what you're bringing back with you.

These are not trick questions, so don't be nervous. Answer clearly, but neither stall, joke nor lie. Holders of foreign passports should be prepared for additional questioning and requests for documentation. Unfortunately, these days we sometimes greet visitors with a suspicious eye rather than a friendly smile.

And, of course, there are the usual customs prohibitions and requirements, such as declaring purchases and not bringing back more that $10,000 in cash or negotiable paper.

Otherwise, relax and enjoy your journey.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette travel editor David Bear can be reached at dbear@post-gazette.com.