Q. In all of my prepping for a trip to Spain next week, I forget to check the validity of my passport. And apparently it expires exactly one week after I leave Barcelona and return home to the US. Should I be worried?

A. Spain is included in the Schengen nations, which require that your passport be valid for up to 3 months beyond your intended stay. And elsewhere in the world, you're required to have at least 6 months! So, yes, be worried. You might find it worth the expense to apply for an expedited passport. Better safe than sorry.