As we close this issue, we are experiencing the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. Many of us at World Headquarters were without power; as of press time, my home is operating with a generator. Thankfully, the office is up and running without any significant loss of power and connectivity. I wish I could say the same of our New York staff, who are struggling with the rest of the city to get back to full operation. We wish them well and hope for a speedy return to normalcy.

It will take a long time to rebuild the Eastern seaboard — from Maine to North Carolina. I have found donating to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army the best way to make an immediate impact on a tragic situation. Their operations run like a tight ship, so most of the dollars you donate reach those in need.

Global Traveler is in full gear to celebrate the best in business and luxury travel as we announce the winners of the 2012 GT Tested Awards, chosen by you, and the Airline and Hotel of the Year awards. We will present these awards, along with the Wines on the Wing awards announced in August, at a gala event this month at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, with guests of honor Layla Kayleigh and Nikki Boyer.

The Peninsula’s team, led by Offer Nissenbaum, general manager, always does a wonderful job, with no request too small or too large. In fact, last year when I checked into the hotel I asked where I could repair a shoe. In seconds one of the famous Peninsula pageboys took my shoe and told me it would be repaired that afternoon. Another time, one of my employees was admiring the floral display at the front desk and I told her, “This is The Peninsula. If you like it, you can have it.” The woman at the desk offered to have the florist deliver it to her home — that’s service! And that’s what we expect from all the winners of the GT Tested Awards.

Enjoy reading about the winners of Global Traveler’s awards, and note those who are missing and those who have excelled!