The Irish Open takes place at Royal Portrush Golf Club this month, the first time Northern Ireland has hosted the event in more than 60 years. It was my honor to play the course and write about it for this issue. The Open should be an exciting outing for both golf and Ireland.

I fulfilled some of the travel plans I indicated in my last letter, and I am penning this from the Lotte Hotel in Seoul. The Lotte has always been a home away from home when I come to Korea, and it provides some of the best products and services for travelers. The weather here is unseasonably warm, going from winter right into summer, but the city looks fantastic from my guestroom.

From Korea, I will travel on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and spend some time in the Middle East. I have not been to Dubai since the launch of Global Traveler in 2004 and can’t wait to see the exciting changes. Of course, an upcoming column will feature golf in the Middle East, as I will be playing The Montgomerie Dubai. I’m hoping it will not be too hot; the forecast already predicts temperatures in the mid-90s.

Enjoy this issue of Global Traveler, and make sure you vote for your favorite airlines, hotels and travel-related services in our Reader Survey — this is your time to get in the game and make your voice heard!