I have been all over the place the last two weeks – first in LA with the rest of the GT team and then in the British Virgin Islands on a media tour with the Zimmerman Agency. While I was away I had the pleasure of seeing how the other half fly and I must admit, it makes commercial planes and other modes of transportation look a bit unappealing. While in Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of visiting the first Aloft Hotel. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Starwood chartered us to the hotel via helicopter. The view of Los Angeles from the helicopter was fantastic and the trip was quick, convenient and fun! Why fly any other way? The newest Starwood brand, Aloft, has a lot to offer travelers. The funky decor is minimal, yet comfortable and each hotel will offer a fitness area, a community area with fireplace, a bar, meeting space and a Grab and Go food area. I think the Grab and Go area will be especially popular among hotel guests as it allows them to grab delicious salads, sandwiches and drinks and enjoy them at their leisure, wherever they want and when they want. While providing great accommodations for the guests, Aloft will also serve the community, welcoming residents to hang out and play pool, board games and enjoy great cocktails. The chain, springing up all over the world in 2009, will truly offer a hip and affordable alternative to travelers on the go. My second experience at high class travel was aboard a private plane in the BVI. We flew from Anegada, a remote, peaceful island, to Virgin Gorda and got a great aerial tour of the British Virgin Islands. Once again I found myself thinking “Why travel any other way?” The helicopter and private plane were fast, comfortable and personal. I should travel everywhere that way – oh wait, the expense! That was a quick snap back to reality! I also thought about how lucky I am to have the job I have, which allows me to experience trips and other things (like helicopter and private plane trips) that I wouldn’t otherwise experience. Trust me, my eyes were wide with awe the whole time I was up in the air. The private plane tour of the islands was a true delight. As we flew over Necker Island, Richard Branson‘s personal island, it felt oddly appropriate to be in a personal charter. While in the BVI, I was treated to a lot of great experiences and really shown what the islands have to offer. Stay tuned for more on my trip in the magazine and future blogs! -Kimberly Krol, circulation and PR executive