As many of us return from our early summer vacations and business trips, it is time to consider the balance of the season before it quickly escapes our grasp. I was fortunate to jet off to Ireland for a quick trip on Aer Lingus, trying out its new fully flat business-class seats.

The Aer Lingus flight attendants were friendly and excited about the airline’s future. On the flight over I enjoyed the fine service while reading an article in the local newspaper, The Independent, covering the airline’s new association with British Airways and the International Consolidated Airlines Group — welcome to oneworld, Aer Lingus! Aer Lingus also launched direct service between Dublin and Washington, D.C., in May 2015.

The onboard team is very proud of the new business class, including larger TV screens and enhanced amenities. I will write a complete review for an upcoming issue of GT, but as I told the flight attendants upon my departure, a new seat cannot compare with the stellar in-flight service they supplied. True, traditional, friendly Irish culture is important to the brand, and it is crucial they do not lose it with all the changes.

Your team at Global Traveler is attending the Global Business Travel Association Convention this month in Orlando, Fla., to check out recent developments and report back to you. We will cement ties with the airlines and hotels that so desperately want to retain your trust and loyalty. And we have just returned from Atlantic City — yes, Atlantic City — and our annual three-day internal company conference during which we reviewed strategies and goals for 2016, including our editorial calendar of destinations and features. Atlantic City is rebooting with a new focus, not all on gaming, to re-attract travelers on many new levels.

Many of us (and you) will take on new travel adventures around the world, trying to catch one or two more trips this summer. I plan to kick back as usual in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for some non-stressful beach time. I will also research my fall trip. I have lots of options — Malta, Spain, Thailand — but I am open to your suggestions.

Have a wonderful July, and make sure you get the best out of your travel, whether it’s an adventure or a truly relaxing retreat.