In my role as distribution specialist for Global Traveler, I am always happy when the new magazine shipment arrives for us to deliver. In my 30 years of distributing publications, I have never seen a magazine more well-received right from the debut issue than GT.

Normally, when delivering GT to hotels and airports, we are greeted warmly by the concierge or other staffers, who take the GT copies and put them in rooms, on a club-floor lounge, concierge station or other such prominent place. Normally, delivering GT is the most pleasant delivery we have ever done.

This is not a normal time, though. As we headed to hotels with the April issue of GT, we did not know what to expect. We wore face masks and gloves but did not know if hotel policies changed.

Loews Chicago O’Hare

As we entered the first hotel armed with a supply of GT, any trepidation we had quickly dissipated when we were happily greeted as usual. Because of their masks, we could not see their smiles, but we felt them as we placed GT on the front desk. The manager thanked us for our service.

United Lounge – Dulles International Airport

This scene was repeated at every hotel. Some concierges thanked GT for publishing and delivering when other publications had not. Others thanked us for giving their patrons good reading material. It was the same at open airport lounges. We did not receive any negativity throughout the entire day of distributing GT.

On my way home, I felt so positive. The day’s delivery reinforced the popularity of GT with the hotel industry. I also felt pride we had continued our business when others had not.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I felt a renewed hope things are getting back to normal. People are ready to travel and to read about travel.

For the hotel, it might just be the latest copy of GT, the much-loved magazine. For me, it was a major step back to normalcy.

— John Wroblewski, online writer