It was a great time to escape snowy Chicago in early March and enjoy the sunny west coast of Florida. I enjoyed staying at Renaissance Hotel in Tampa, a terrific hotel adjacent to International Plaza and Bay Street dining. I was delighted to see the indoor mall was thriving and the upscale restaurants were in full festive mode with outdoor dining, music and lights. I took full advantage of the diverse cuisine and libations each evening after swimming in the lovely hotel pool during the day.
Renaissance Hotel
The purpose of the trip (other than to soak up the atmosphere, of course) was to work with the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Park, the spring training facility in Clearwater. The players were actively engaged, and we had fun practicing interviews in both English and Spanish. The park suffered some minor damage during Hurricane Ian last fall but is now fully operational. On my final day I visited Clearwater Beach and wistfully walked in the sand before departing for Chicago.
Phillies executive Paola Mora.
Player Development Director Preston Mattingly. (I interviewed father Don back in the day—fun to connect)
Fun fact: On the tram at Tampa International Airport, Mayor Jane Castor via audio reminded us that TPA is always a fan favorite in the Global Traveler survey!
Getting ready for Game Day
— Sue Castorino, member of GT’s Globility Board
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 27, 2026Expert-Led Immersive Marine Conservation Residency Begins at Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
Lovely Ambergris Caye in Belize is always a destination worth considering, and now travelers have additional incentive to book a trip. Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection on Ambergris Caye forged a new partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, building on the resort’s commitment toward sustainable travel with a new experiential component. Educators from Mote are hosting a week-long Marine Conservation Residency from Nov. 23 to 29 that features interactive programming devised to facilitate a deep connection to the nearby Great Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Oct 27, 2026Historic Midtown Manhattan Hotel Marks Centennial with Holiday Traditions
InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel continues its year-long celebrations honoring its 100th anniversary with holiday magic and jolly experiences. Included in this year’s festive lineup are seasonal dining offerings, exclusive accommodations and timeless NYC hospitality.
Daily
Oct 27, 2026Beyond the Safari: 5 Other Ways to Appreciate a Zambia Vacation
The traditional game drive will never disappoint, but Zambia is rich in so many other experiences and sites, you won’t want to limit your trip to just a safari. With 73 ethnic groups and an abundance of cultural traditions, Zambia beckons visitors to unearth a side of the country rarely seen. From canoeing along the Zambezi to searching for rare birds, consider these five other ways to experience Zambia.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Daily
Oct 26, 2026The Shepherd Mayfair Opens in London
The Shepherd Mayfair recently opened its doors in Shepherd Market as an 82-room boutique hotel shaped by the history and social character of London’s Mayfair neighborhood. The Shepherd Mayfair is a joint venture between Bain Capital and Orka Investments, spanning 33,600 square feet across six floors, at 2 Stanhope Row. Dining destinations Fayre and The Lounge are open, while Teddy’s, the late-night cocktail bar, will open in November.
Cruising Alaska This Fall? Here’s What to Pack
Daily
Oct 26, 2026October 2026
Oct 23, 2026The Flight Less Taken: Unsung Carriers Whisk You Away to Far-Flung Destinations
The miracle of flight feels slightly less miraculous these days. Endless delays, cramped seating and shortchanged amenities feel par for the course, and one can easily forget the wondrous fact that you’re hurtling above planet Earth, soaring above the clouds and across the skies to your destination of choice. In the olden days, you were limited to the fallibility of your outrigger canoe or horse-drawn carriage. It’s not hyperbolic to invoke the invention of the wheel when reminding oneself to stay calm and carry on in coach.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Oct 23, 2026Aurora Expeditions Launches 2026/2027 Antarctic Season with 27 Voyages, Science at Sea
Aurora Expeditions prepares to embark on its 2026/2027 Antarctic season, featuring 27 voyages across its three purpose-built small ships. Each trip takes travelers and scientists to some of the most remote and extraordinary regions of the Southern Ocean.
ShareThis