Today’s lesson? How to excel in all things travel. And our guest lecturers? The 2016 winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. All kidding aside, each year in December we announce our annual award winners and try to keep the announcements fresh and not mundane by giving the article a kitschy theme. This year we’re taking it back to school — both in the article and in our editor and publisher letter photos. Enjoy a few laughs while admiring the school-age photos of Francis X. Gallagher and me. Big hair and even bigger glasses are about all I can say about the 1990s Kimberly Krol.
It’s been a whirlwind year of travel, traversing the globe from Italy and Brazil to Belgium, Dubai and Morocco with a number of other stops in between — luckily on board and in the guestrooms of many of the stellar winners detailed on the following pages. From our 2016 Airline and Hotel of the Year winners and the numerous honorees our readers selected in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards to the newly minted Hall of Fame and Quint Status titleholders, all of us here at Global Traveler congratulate you! And we celebrate you in this issue; we hope you enjoy learning more about the best of the best of 2016, all scoring straight A’s for service, style and so much more.
That’s only the beginning of what’s on offer in this extra-large issue as we journey around the globe to Moscow, Guadalajara, Durban, New York City, Tel Aviv, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Lausanne, Lima, the Galápagos and the Maldives.
Check back next month as we unveil a fresh new look for the pages of Global Traveler, as well as a new article and other fun changes to some of your favorite columns. See you in the New Year!
Read This Next
Global Winners
December 2016
Dec 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 12, 2025Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains
New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 11, 2025Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking
Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Airlines
Jul 11, 2025Cathay Pacific Launches World’s Best Economy Class Sale
Cathay Pacific celebrates its recent recognition as a Top 3 World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Economy Class in 2025’s Skytrax World Airline Awards with a one-of-a-kind deal.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg Opens
Daily
Jul 11, 2025How to Spend a Summer in Cyprus
Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Celebrates 50 Years
Daily
Jul 10, 2025Global City Guidebook: British Virgin Islands
July 2025
Jul 10, 2025Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Oberoi Group Introduces Elements by Oberoi
The Oberoi Group recently reaffirmed its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability by introducing Elements by Oberoi, a holistic environmental and social responsibility framework.
Sponsored Content
Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years
TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal: from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
Daily
Jul 9, 20255 Fabulous Hotel Breakfasts Around the World
These fabulous hotels around the world prove breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
ShareThis