I’m a frequent traveler. Whether it is for business or pleasure, it’s a constant string of flights, hotels, restaurants and transportation services in various countries and cities. When traveling and visiting cities I am often asking locals or authorities on the service or product what their suggestions may be for a successful trip. I find that being a frequent traveler and working at Global Traveler, I, too, am asked questions regarding hotel brand preferences, transportation dos and don’ts and favorite hot spots to wine and dine. The responsibility and power that comes with suggestion in all things should not be taken lightly by businesses or by those providing or receiving the knowledge.

This blog is entitled “The Power of Suggestion” because I find our suggestions and those we accept as truths have great power and can shift industries and the way travelers spend their money. Sometimes we are quite bold/brazen on social media, ready to criticize an airline or hotel due to poor service, but I urge those out there who choose to share generously to remember that their words matter. It is crucial to be accurate when writing a review of a product or service, but this must also include the issues an organization may have, so hopefully when the organization receives the recommendation, they may reflect and adjust accordingly.

Each year our readers have a strong “power of suggestion” through their voting in the annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. The month of September is the final voting month for 2019’s votes. Once tallied, we will notify and celebrate with the winners in each travel category in December, a splendid way to toast the end of a well-traveled year!

If you would like to use your “power of suggestion,” please click this link and submit your votes this month! YOU have the power to push your favorites to the top. Happy voting and safe travels, my friends!

— Stephanie Makowski, account executive