I spoke too soon. Two months ago as we were finalizing the March issue, I observed in my letter from the editor, “Spring is in the air.” It was early February, and I felt confident we had weathered the worst of winter and emerged relatively unscathed. Punxsutawney Phil and I were on the same page: An early spring was on its way. Wrong! Within days, the first of several major snowstorms descended on the northeastern United States, leaving more than two feet of snow in its wake. Roads closed. Flights were cancelled. Airports closed. Travel to and from the region came to a standstill.

Expect the unexpected. It’s a lesson those of us who travel frequently have learned through personal experience. We can’t control the weather any more than we can control many facets of travel. But we can be prepared. This issue features two articles that can help you do just that. Diana Rowe offers advice on avoiding unanticipated travel fees, and Ted Alan Stedman takes a look at common travel scams that may surprise even the most seasoned traveler.

Also in this issue, we continue our Countdown to 10 series, this month highlighting the best of our Cuisine columns. Plus, be sure to cast your votes for our annual GT Tested awards. A vote or two either way can make or break the chances of perennial winners earning a place in our 10-year Hall of Fame. Then it’s around the world we go with destination articles about Delhi, China’s Silk Road, Barcelona, Ghent, Perth, Helsinki, German wine country and San Francisco.

We’re cleared for takeoff. Enjoy the ride!