MAY Q&A WITH ANGELIQUE PLATAS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
In the May 2018 issue, associate editor Angelique Platas’ mention of her celebratory trip to Boston for a bachelorette party and the recent celebration of GT’s 200th issue inspired the question: What occasion calls for a commemorative trip? Where would you like to travel for your next big life milestone?

A few readers wrote in with a response.

Any excuse to travel is fine, but definitely for a wedding anniversary. Either revisiting the honeymoon location or choosing a new spot each year is a great way to celebrate.
REBECCA DAVIS, via email

I enjoy rewarding myself with a trip either to a spa or bucket-list destination. A vacation seems like reason enough to celebrate, and in my own way, I’m commemorating something.
ALLISON VASKINS, via email

APRIL Q&A CONTINUED…
In the April 2018 issue we asked: Have you taken a pet on an airplane? If so, do you have any tips on how to make it a smooth ride? A reader answered with preliminary steps taken but has since followed up with the outcome.

As promised, this is my followup letter to my first flight with a 10-week-old Havanese puppy from Fort Lauderdale to LaGuardia.

After mentally crossing many horrible and messy scenarios, I can only say I found Delta Air Lines at FLL, on both journeys, and at LGA a total delight to work with.

I arrived at FLL with luggage, PC work bag, plus a puppy in a back pack. A Delta staff member rushed forward to help me and took me to the counter where check-in was swift and handled with just the right amount of friendliness — lots of puppy cuddles!

At the gate I boarded first, and on both journeys the team could not have been nicer. At takeoff, Chip (my puppy) made his presence very known, so at this time I brought him out of his bag to sit on my lap (he is actually registered as a support animal). Again, everyone, including my fellow passengers, was patient with the situation. All in all, the journey[s] passed quickly and without any problems.

I can only say, “top marks” to Delta for not allowing my nightmares to become reality!
ADRIENNE SIMNOCK, Boca Raton, Fla.

CORRECTION
In the MICE Taipei article featured in the April 2018 issue, the following line should be quoted to Paul Ou: “ ‘One of the biggest things Taipei has going for it is that it has a bit of everything in terms of Asian culture and business amenities,’ notes Paul Ou, … .”

PUBLISHER’S LETTER
In a recent letter from the publisher, Francis X. Gallagher mentioned safety while traveling and remaining aware while traveling. This sparked a response from a few subscribers.

And people are interested in unusual events — especially when they’re eyewitnesses to them. Of course, bad things can happen when folks are snapping pix instead of donning oxygen masks. But that’s just the way we’re built, so the wisdom expressed in this article is guaranteed to be ignored.
BERNIE WEISS, via email

When tragedy hits, you are 100 percent correct! I hope all share your letter and insight.
KAREN JOHNSON, via email

UNITED IN GOING GREEN
In our May 23 eFlyer USA newsletter, we discussed United Airlines and its recent investment in biofuel research toward developing and using environmentally friendly biofuels, as well as other airlines including Cathay Pacific. One reader wrote in.

I’m glad to see the growing interest in “green” fuels and working to protect our environment, especially in the travel industry that can do so much to harm it. Hope they can keep it up and change travel for the better.
JACK RITTER, via email

CRACKDOWN IN THAILAND
In our May 12 eFlyer Asia, one article broke down the recent crackdown on illegal hotels in Thailand and non-registered hotels that undercut rates.

I wasn’t aware this could happen and hotels could be operating unlicensed. Definitely good to know. I was recently considering planning a trip to Thailand and will keep that in mind while booking and choosing from hotel options.
RICHARD WILLIAMSON, via email

HIGH TIMES ABROAD
In our April 25 eFlyer USA, we discussed the recent trend in cannabis tourism and whether or not it would be a fruitful industry for businesses to tap into.

I think this is just another trend inspired by social media, fueling travelers to seek out the “next big thing.” With cannabis becoming legal and more accessible both domestically and abroad, I can’t imagine this will be a lasting form of travel tourism.
JENNIFER MCDONOUGH, via email

LETTER TO THE PUBLISHER
In the Leisure Lifestyle Edition of Global Traveler, we announced the 2018 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners and discussed the top leisure travel industry trends and features. An avid reader wrote in with a few words.

Always look forward to the annual Leisure Lifestyle Edition and list of award winners … most of which I concur with, keeping in mind one size doesn’t fit all. However, being Scottish-born, I need to question England as a nominee in the Best Island in Europe category. Last I checked, England was still connected to Bonnie Scotland, resulting in Britain in reality being the actual island … or as British poet John Donne might have paraphrased:

“No (England) man is (not) an island.” – John Donne
JAMES MACPHERSON FERGUSON Dana Point, Calif.

Q&A WITH KAITLIND EYDELLOTH, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
With July here, I am in full summer mode, which takes me back to summer break from school and traveling with my family. Vacation is on my brain, and it’s a time I reflect on past trips and nostalgic moments. Some of my fondest memories are road trips down the West Coast, beach vacations in the South and cruising around the Caribbean.

Daydreaming of long summers, warm nights and endless fun with friends and family always brings a huge smile to my face. When you think back to your childhood and your favorite trips, what destinations were most memorable to you, and why?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com