Winners of our annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards can’t have a bad day. In order to earn the votes that put them at the top of the list, they have to be on their game 24/7. That’s because the coveted trophies are awarded based on the results of a comprehensive reader survey — and Global Traveler readers are like secret shoppers. They’re expert travelers who expect a quality experience from start to finish. Whether they’re seated in the first-class cabin of a superjumbo jet, discussing plans with the concierge at a 5-star hotel or computing the benefits of myriad loyalty programs, they are always watching, ready to recognize stellar products and services or, when things go awry, call out the providers who fall short of their expectations.

That’s why the GT Tested Reader Survey awards are among the most respected in the travel industry. And it’s why we pull out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the winners. Turn to page 44 to find out who earned our readers’ respect this year. We’ll fête the winners this month during a gala reception at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and we’ll share photos showcasing the event in the March 2015 issue of Global Traveler. Voting for the 2015 GT Tested awards kicks off in January, so look for the ballot in the magazine and online.

In the meantime, all aboard for an around-the-world junket as our always-insightful contributors report from Bangalore, Geneva, London, Sri Lanka, Atlanta, Kyoto, Dar es Salaam, the Seychelles, Dublin and Alaska.