JUNE Q&A: ANGELIQUE PLATAS, ASSISTANT EDITOR
In the June issue, our assistant editor, Angelique Platas, expressed her interest in health and wellness retreats. From nature getaways and outdoor activities to meditation experiences and fresh, healthy dining, the possibilities for health and wellness retreats are endless. She asked: What resorts and destinations are worth trying this summer for first-time wellness vacations?

My daughter and I went to the Aqua Wellness Resort in Tola, Nicaragua, last year. The resort itself is so relaxing, and we got to do yoga on a deck overlooking the ocean every morning. Our room also had a private pool, perfect after yoga. This was my first wellness retreat, and I have to say, I came back feeling refreshed.
MAUREEN KOSA, via email

My husband and I love hiking. A few months back we did a simple search for the best hiking trails in the world and picked Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. We head out in November, spring in New Zealand, so it’ll be beautiful. We’ve never been to New Zealand, but we’re always looking for scenic hikes. For us, they combine exercise with relaxation. We’re addicts!
LAURA KUNTZ, Philadelphia, Pa.

CRUISE TRENDS
In the June 6 issue of eFlyer USA, we looked at some of the top cruise trends, according to CruiseCompete’s June report. We asked: If you’ve been on a cruise lately, tell us about it; and if you’re planning on taking a cruise, what types of things do you look for in a great cruise experience?

Last year I took my kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was aboard the new Harmony of the Seas ship, and it was incredible. We often forgot we were even on a cruise ship, there was so much to do and see. We did a week-long sail from Barcelona to Rome, as my kids had never been to Europe and I thought it was a great way to give them a sampling. If you don’t mind massive ships, I recommend the Harmony of the Seas. JIM TOLMEN, via email

AIRLINE SATISFACTION
In the June 13 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about the result of J.D. Power’s annual North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which reflects happy customers, overall. We asked: Have you been satisfied overall with your flights this year? Were there any particular instances of positive or negative experiences?

I’ve actually been really satisfied overall with my flights this year. With so much going on, I’d expect more stressful situations, but other than some slightly delayed takeoffs lately, everything has been smooth sailing (or rather, flying).
BEN MEARNS, via email

FOURTH OF JULY TRAVEL
In the June 28 issue of eFlyer USA, we shared the findings of a AAA survey that revealed a recordbreaking 44.2 million Americans traveling over the Fourth of July holiday. We asked: What did you do over the Fourth of July holidays? If you traveled, how did you get there?

Contrary to the findings, my family enjoyed a staycation this year. We usually visit family down south, but we enjoyed the comforts of our own backyard. We just weren’t up for the traffic and congestion. Hope you all had a great Fourth!
MARY SENOIT, via email

Every year, there are news articles about heavy traffic, airport congestion, etc., but my family travels every year around the Fourth of July to see friends and family, and we’ve never had too much of a problem. That being said, we do avoid driving to the shore during rush hour. This year we flew from New York to Austin and then headed to Florida to see some friends. Lots of great food, time to relax and fireworks. It was a nice break from work and great to spend time with the kids now that they’re out of school.
RON SIMMONDS, via email

GT SLIDESHOWS
I enjoy the “slideshows” you send out from time to time. However, it always seems that the first slide has introductory commentary about the content of the slideshow but never identifies the location of the first picture. Look again at the beaches slideshow just sent out. Where are those rocks, boats and green water located? I hope you can fix that in the future.
MARVIN SINGER, GT GLOBILITY BOARD, via email

Thank you so much for bringing this to our team’s attention. The first slide of the slideshow you referred to is of Maya Bay, Thailand. Going forward, the GT slideshows will include photo details on every slide. We appreciate your feedback.

ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
I saw you included Sedona in your romantic destinations slideshow a few weeks ago. Sedona is my and my wife’s favorite place to visit for a vacation. We know we need to mix it up, but it just keeps pulling us back. Nothing beats looking out on the red rocks over morning coffee. Great slideshow!
CURT WATTS, via email

ON THE RUN
I always appreciate a great gym in my hotel, but I’m not sure how I feel about an airport workout. I understand there’s a shower and changing area, which is convenient, but I can’t wrap my head around getting sweaty before a work flight. Any extra time I do have in an airport is for working and coffee. It is great, though, seeing all of these companies incorporating more fitness and healthy lifestyle services.
EDWARD SUSSMAN, via email

ABOVE AND BEYOND
I loved this month’s chef feature. I actually just returned not long ago from Japan, and I had the pleasure of flying All Nippon Airways. My meal was outstanding. I had the Awaodori, which I was told is a local breed of chicken in Japan. It had a ton of flavor and a little kick of spice — not something you usually get with an airline meal. The service was great, too. ANA never disappoints.
MARK BYRON, New York, N.Y.

Q&A WITH ANDREW RISCH
Outside of the United States, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Europe, Canada, Mexico and China, and I have to say China was probably my favorite. I went when I was a freshman in high school, and our choir was chosen to sing at one of the preliminary ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. We visited Beijing, Hong Kong and the Forbidden City, among many other places. It was truly an eye-opening experience and one of the most exciting trips I’ve taken.

What is your all-time favorite destination? If you’ve visited China, what was the highlight of your trip? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com