While visiting with a friend last week, we started talking about recent and future travel. Randy works for a large international corporation which manufactures agricultural products (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides). His job takes him occasionally overseas, but primarily he travels throughout the Western United States, as far east as the Great Lakes. He expressed gratitude for the mild weather we’ve had so far this year, making work a little easier for him.

Like so many of Global Traveler‘s readers, he must travel not when the mood strikes and weather cooperates but when business calls. He’s had his share of travel delays, cancelled flights and missed connections. Nevertheless, also like our readers, he says his business trips are essential to serving his clients well and generating new ones. No hassle with luggage, security or travel schedules looms large enough for him to consider cutting back on those face-to-face meetings.

He told me plainly, “Patty, no way will a phone call or even a teleconference give me all the information I need. Too much is missed when you’re not face to face with someone: the body language, the facial expressions, the interactions with others in the room. And I want to be able to look my client clearly in the eye and firmly shake his or her hand — those convey a lot that can’t be sent or interpreted in a phone call or email.” 

Here’s to all of you who keep our world humming with that essential travel, and here’s hoping for smooth travels in the year to come. As always, Global Traveler is committed to providing you with information to help you on your way!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor