WHAT AN HONOR TO HAVE Terry Waite as our guest of honor at the 15th GT Tested Reader Survey awards! This was the third time Terry joined us: initially, when we launched Global Traveler at the first GT Tested Reader Survey awards at the Hudson Theater in Manhattan, again at the 10th anniversary at The Peninsula Beverly Hills ballroom and this past Dec. 12 at The Peninsula’s rooftop venue. A great humanitarian, Terry helps us all reflect on what is important in the world: diplomacy and peace.

Is there any better way to be part of peace and diplomacy than to travel and meet people of other countries? It’s astonishing when individuals are quick to judge other countries and their peoples without ever traveling there. A friend recently referred to “the people of the world” — even if we have differences or disagreements with governments, people everywhere usually share the same desires and hopes as we do: simply the opportunity to be happy, safe and to raise families with respect.

Terry reminded us war is never the answer, a profound statement we need to contemplate. We must deal with the differences and evils of the world, but the results of war are often far more consequential and devastating. Think of the young people affected by the actions of war, the displacement and misery it causes.

As travelers we often live in a bubble of opulence, but by going to other countries — sometimes those our neighbors deem dangerous or far away — we invite a better understanding of who we really are. In a way, we all contribute to making the world a better place through travel.

This issue salutes those who help us get there and do it in a way that helps us continue our diplomatic travel efforts. Now is the time to step up your travels and to vote for the best in business and luxury travel. The 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey voting ballot appears in this issue and at www.globaltravelerusa.com.

The silent auction is also live for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Red & White Ball. Please log on to redwhiteballphilly.org to link to the auction site. Kimberly Krol, editor in chief, is the auction chair; she and many at GT worked tirelessly to collect travel-related donations from our clients.

When you donate to the auction, keep in mind this disease can hit anyone: you, a family member or an associate. The recent death of Constance Lacroes, a dear client and friend from Meliá Hotels & Resorts, reminded me of the devastation this disease causes. Connie lost her battle with leukemia Jan. 10 and will be greatly missed. She was a loving person and always helpful; losing her reminded me we still have a long way to go in curing all forms of blood cancers.

Please travel, contribute, be a diplomat of the world and remember those who need your assistance.