APRIL Q&A: RICHARD T. EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
In the April issue, our senior vice president, Richard Evans, reminisced on some of his favorite travel memories. From horseback adventures in Kenya to a barge trip on the Canal du Midi, several of Richard’s travel highlights involved unique activities and a great group of friends. He asked: How many of our readers have spent most of their time touring on horseback or through a country on a canal?

Last year, my wife and I did an excursion around Denmark on these great hop-on, hop-off water buses through the city’s canals. It was an awesome way to see the sights and gave us a much-needed break from the walking tours! We’ve never done a horseback trip, but it sounds great.
TOM MILDRED, New York, N.Y.

Group travel, in my opinion, is the way to go as long as you all get along. A few of my friends and I took a trip to San Juan recently and rented a great house in the heart of Old San Juan. We spent a day on Condado Beach, explored Old San Juan, partook in the city’s cigar tradition at Don Collins Cigars and visited the Bacardi factory. It was the first time I’d visited Puerto Rico, so it was great to have some friends with me. The more the merrier!
ANTHONY PHILIP, via email

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GOALS
In the April 25 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about the rise in numbers of travelers intending to go green in their travels in 2017, which the United Nations dubbed the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. We asked: Are there certain eco-friendly practices you look for in an accommodation? How do you partake in sustainable travel practices?

I try to make the same conservation efforts while I travel that I do when I’m at home. I don’t wash my towels and sheets every single day when I’m at home, so I don’t request it daily in a hotel. I think people often forget about things like water conservation, recycling and electricity usage when they’re in a hotel, but these are easy ways to be a little more eco-conscious.
STEPHEN DARREL, via email

I don’t necessarily always go out of my way to seek out sustainable hotels or airlines, especially if I’m traveling for business, but I always love to see hotels that can make guests comfortable while also being aware of the resources they’re using. Little things like on-site gardens, local food sourcing and electricity-saving features are always nice things to see when I’m traveling.
KEVIN HARTMANN, via email

BEST HOTELS IN THE UNITED STATES
In the April 18 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about the results of Hotels.com’s annual Loved by Guests awards, in which 969 U.S. hotels were recognized. We asked readers: Do you have an all-time favorite hotel? Which city, in your opinion, boasts the finest hotels?

I’ll be adding these hotels to my list! I have stayed at The Peninsula New York and agree with its ranking, and would perhaps even rate it higher. I enjoyed a great stay there. If I had to choose a city for my favorite hotels, I have to go with New York for its variety of hotels alone. I’m off to Chicago in a couple of weeks and am considering a stay at The Langham. I’ve heard great things about its Travelle Kitchen and Bar.

TODD BARNES, via email

RISING TRAFFIC AT AIRPORTS
In the April 4 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about the rapidly rising numbers of travelers through North American airports, the challenges that causes and how airports are responding to the steady growth. We asked: Tell us about your overall airport experience in 2016. What are the most important factors in a positive airport experience?

In all my years of travel, I’ve probably experienced the most delays, cancelations and airport issues in 2016. I’ve had different experiences at different airports, with varying quality of customer service, but overall I’ve definitely felt the congestion that many of these airports are experiencing. It is encouraging to see so many airports trying to make things easier with different security processes, and Global Entry and TSA PreCheck couldn’t have come at a better time.
CARY BEVERLY, via email

The construction is turning into a real problem at so many airports. I’m sure all of these projects will be worth it in the long run, but for the time being, I dread flying out of or into an airport with construction going on. Even without construction and expansion projects, I’ve noticed longer security lines in recent months than I ever remember seeing.
ALISHA KLINE, via email

THE GREEN ISSUE
I love that you chose to make the month of April an Earth Day edition! As a frequent traveler, I’m finding myself thinking more and more about how I can lessen my environmental impact when I travel. I especially loved Debra Bokur’s article discussing the different ways in which the travel industry is making strides in sustainable practices. It’s encouraging to see so many efforts put in place.
From a personal standpoint, it’s not always easy, but there are so many little ways to help, from not requesting new sheets and linens daily in my hotels to choosing airlines known for sustainable practices whenever possible. It’s an important issue for me, and it was great to see my favorite magazine shares that interest.
AMANDA EVELIN, Chicago, Ill.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
I took an AdventureSmith Exploration Northern Passages Alaskan cruise last year, and it was really interesting to learn about the cruise line’s carbon-free practices that Ilona Kauremszky talks about in her article in the Green Issue. I feel like in the wake of these widespread and serious environmental challenges, some of these great initiatives go unnoticed, but these travel companies are truly doing some amazing things. I also stayed at an Element hotel recently, and I was pleasantly surprised to see offerings like bike sharing and the property’s LEED certification.
MEGAN HANNA, via email

Q&A WITH ANGELIQUE PLATAS, OFFICE MANAGER
I have been intrigued by the idea of a health and wellness retreat for a long time. A getaway among incredible natural beauty, outdoor activities, wellness practices and fresh cuisine seems ideal, but there are so many locations to choose from.

What resorts and destinations are worth trying this summer for first-time wellness vacationers?

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