WHEN DO YOU COUNT A STATE AS VISITED? USA Today columnist Craig Wilson considers some criteria. I cannot count Alaska on any criterion, unless flying over it counts. I have passed through Idaho and Oregon on trains without disembarking, stepped off of trains and made purchases in the station in Montana and North Dakota, and used highway rest areas in South Carolina and Alabama (call it a little payback for the cradle of secession and hosting the first national capital of rebellion.) By any criterion, I can count the other 43 plus the District of Columbia.

I have a similar quandary for countries. I have passed through Wales on trains, stepped off a train in France and changed trains (with a purchase of bratwurst and magazines) in Germany and changed planes in Tokyo without ever leaving the transit lounge.