JUST COMING FROM Global Traveler’s annual Advisory Board meeting, we have a fresh look at 2018 and the excitement in store for our many brands. The magazine continues to expand, joined by our established digital platforms, www.globaltravelerusa.com, trazeetravel.com and — launched two months ago — the newest member, whereverfamily.com. FXExpress Publications, Inc. now offers one-stop shopping to reach frequent, luxury business and leisure travelers, millennials focused on travel and traveling families.

Next month we celebrate the 14th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards while also awarding the Wines on the Wing (business- and first-class wine awards) at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Besides many new winners, there are those who dropped from top rankings due to mergers that realigned their focus to brands that strengthened their position. Many winners earned their awards for more than eight years, a true testament to their brand loyalty.

At the same time, we are all at the beck and call of geopolitical influences, natural disasters and poorly run brands, some of which vanished in recent months. The effects of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused a significant blip in travel, and many areas continue to struggle.

Over the Christmas holidays, my family is scheduled for a cruise that was to port in many of the areas hit by recent storms. We have been notified new ports will be selected and the changes are out of the cruise line’s control. Maintaining flexibility in the wake of unforeseen issues is about all we can do as travelers. I was reminded 95 percent of passengers on any flight only fly that airline one time a year. As savvy travelers, we have to be the ones to remain calm and cool and weather the storms.

I recommend you continue full steam ahead with your travels and figure out the next best place to add to your life itinerary — travel is good for business, improves international relations and helps global economies. If there is any doubt, you need only look at destinations like Egypt that suffered through significant drops in tourism. More than five years after the revolt, it still struggles to get a fraction of its tourism back, and for the sake of its economy, one hopes it happens soon.

Looking forward to next month to announce the 2017 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners!