As I write this letter, I am flying back from Los Angeles on US Airways, soon to be the new American Airlines. Like all flying residents of Philadelphia, we are waiting with anticipation to see what the new company will bring. I predict better service and more options for us globetrotters in the City of Brotherly Love.

I am returning from a successful and entertaining event to celebrate the winners of Global Traveler’s Leisure Travel Awards and Special Achievement Awards. These were recently announced in our Leisure Lifestyle Book, which you received at the beginning of May. It was exciting to see the best options for your next getaway, and it all took place in the penthouse and on the rooftop of the Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica.

The team at the property, led by Henri Birmele, managing director, and Michael Abraham, director of sales and marketing, put out a spread featuring the cuisine from some of the winning destinations, including Italy, Greece, Hawai’i and Mexico. Guests did not want the evening to end — they felt as though they were sailing away into the Pacific Ocean, thanks to the Streamline Moderne design of the Shangri-La. As the sun set over the ocean, guests applauded the winners.

The June issue takes us smack into the summer travel months, with lots of trips planned for both business and leisure. Like our readers, we, too, will be taking off for Korea, China and the Middle East, wrapping up the month while we plan for July — which includes the annual Global Business Travel Association convention in Los Angeles. Let’s not forget to get in a little beach time in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and trips to Maine and Vermont!

I also encourage you to reach out if you would like to apply for Global Traveler’s Globility Board, which comprises a representative sample of our subscribers. To be accepted, you must complete an application, submit to a personal interview and participate in several annual meetings. If you are a traveler who can never get enough of the subject and want to have your opinions heard, this is a great opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Global Traveler — watch us continue to grow in 2014!