The current COVID-19 pandemic is the most recent, and by far the worst, of a series of coronavirus outbreaks over recent decades. For multiple reasons, COVID-19 poses a high risk to me, so, like many others around the world, I’m hunkered down and not traveling. I wasn’t always so concerned.

The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of 2002 to 2004 started in, and primarily impacted, China, especially Hong Kong. The CDC issued travel alerts for Taiwan and...

While my wife, Michaele, and I traveled with a group through the Five ’Stans with JMG Tours (Lauderhill, FL; 866/548-4238, www.jmgtibettours.com) in April 2017, we came across one of Central Asia’s most impressive restorations of medieval Islamic architecture: Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, along the old Silk Road.

Its three madrasas had been the hub of the Timurid Empire Renaissance. The square was a place where royal proclamations were read and...

If any travelers are like me and like to help their fellow man by donating blood when they can, a change in blood bank policies is worth noting.

In the past, after traveling to a malaria-infected country, any blood donor would be deferred from donating for one year. I discovered recently that, after someone travels to a malaria-infected country, donation is now allowed after only three months’ deferral.

Please check with your local blood donation center to see if you can...