FEBRUARY Q&A: FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER AND CEO
In the February 2017 issue, our publisher and CEO, Francis X. Gallagher, talked about travel issues he encountered due to weather and his experience with customer service. He asked: In a weather emergency, where everyone is trying to reboot, what is the best solution?

The only thing I ever ask for from customer service in these instances is to be understanding. I understand there’s nothing airlines can do about weather, and I expect them to understand I simply want answers, solutions and back-up plans. The one thing that does not work is ignoring people who ask for help, because the only thing more stressful than inconvenienced customers are angry, inconvenienced customers.
LISA COLTON, via email

THE AIRBNB STORY BOOK GIVEAWAY
From its beginning with three ordinary guys renting air mattresses to its rise as one of the world’s most popular and innovative accommodation companies, the story of Airbnb is truly unique. Global Traveler is giving away four signed copies of The Airbnb Story by author Leigh Gallagher. Visit www.globaltravelerusa.com/bookgiveaway to enter for your chance to win a copy.

2017 TRAVEL PLANS
In the Feb. 1 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about 2017 travel trends and asked readers about their travel plans for the year and if their plans include any new destinations.

I am a solo traveler and have booked a safari in Tanzania this November, my first big trip solo, and I am excited. I booked it with Oversees Adventure Travel, which does not charge extra for singles!
DORIS HILL, via email

GLOBAL ENTRY
The “Free Global Entry for Cardmembers” News item in the January 2017 issue was an interesting angle on Americans’ re-entry into the United States. However, it isn’t just the Customs process that’s sped up by the program. Using the automated kiosks, members completely skip the Immigration line. The printed receipt from the machines allows those using Global Entry to jump to the front of the Customs line — or use a speed lane available at certain airports. Flying back home every six months, I’ve gotten quite used to Global Entry — not sure what I’d do without it!
ROB SKULLY, via email

ON THE WATERFRONT
We found February’s Global Traveler so interesting as it featured Bergen, Norway. We were there last summer visiting our granddaughter who lives there and went to that lovely restaurant on the waterfront and stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
I used to go a lot when she was little, taking her back after being in England, so I know it pretty well. Zoe just bought a lovely apartment with her husband behind Bergen center in the hills, and the views are spectacular. It was nice to read all the history.
We love your magazine — thank you.
PAULINE AND DENNIS BANKS, via email

HEART’S DESIRE
I can’t thank Global Traveler enough for the great Valentine’s Day gift guide. I ended up actually taking two suggestions! I bought my wife a necklace from Kataoka Jewelry, and we enjoyed a bottle of Becker Vineyard Rosé with dinner. She loved the necklace, and we both really enjoyed the rosé. Thanks again!
JIM KREBEL, Houston, Texas

EVERY STEP YOU TAKE
I loved this article. It’s so interesting watching the world of corporate travel change. I’ve been traveling regularly for business for about 10 years now, and only recently has it become more of a priority to really enjoy my destinations. I always look for opportunities to bring my family, and I agree with Ms. Riddle, the freedom of booking your own travel is well worth the challenges and hassles of managing the trip.
JOHN KEELER, via email

DINING DIFFERENTLY
In the Feb. 22 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about how the world of dining is changing. Food is becoming one of the most important aspects of traveling, and the culinary scene is getting increasingly creative. We asked: Have you personally noticed changes in how you dine? Are there any particular trends in dining you like or dislike?

The way I see it, if the food is good, there’s no problem. I love the idea of mixing things up at restaurants with exciting new food pairings and creative dishes. Restaurants are one of the first things I look up when I travel anywhere. I don’t want to just grab a quick sandwich on the go, I want to sit down and enjoy something different, something representative of where I am. The local sourcing trend is also great. Customers get fresher food, and local communities are supported.
JUDI SMITS, via email

TOP U.S. HOTELS
In the Feb. 8 issue of eFlyer USA we covered the results of a survey by U.S. News & World Report announcing the top hotels in the United States for 2017. We asked: Have you stayed at one of these highly ranked hotels? What do you look for in a great hotel? Are you willing to pay more for quality services and amenities?

I’ve stayed at The Langham, Chicago and absolutely loved it. I think this is a well-deserved ranking. It’s a business-friendly hotel but it also offers great views, and the hotel itself is beautiful. My husband and I loved the Mediterranean restaurant, Travelle. We strongly recommend a stay there!
CAROL SONG, via email

For me, a great hotel is one that really goes out of its way to accommodate guests personally. If I’m traveling for business, and I make that known, I love having a spacious desk and plenty of coffee — and little touches like notepads and pens are always welcomed. I know it’s cliché at this point, but good WiFi is also essential. If I can’t get work done in the hotel, it’s not a hotel I’d return to.
ED MALLON, via email

Q&A WITH RICHARD T. EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
My most memorable trips have been with groups of friends and centered on an activity. Three of these trips were on horseback, the most memorable of which was a mounted safari in Kenya. You can get close to the animals while on a horse. The most relaxing was a barge trip on the Canal du Midi floating through one of the most interesting parts of France. I wonder, how many of our readers have spent most of their time touring on horseback or through a country on a canal?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com