As the travel industry continues its strong, post-pandemic re-emergence, we took the opportunity to celebrate the winners of FXExpress Publications Inc.’s ninth Leisure Lifestyle Awards from Global Traveler, the fourth Wherever Awards from whereverfamily.com and the seventh The Trazees from trazeetravel.com at an event on Aug. 26 at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC.
A number of sponsors joined in the festivities, including United Club Infinite Card from Chase, United Explorer Card from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa from Chase, Grupo Posadas, GOWAY, Tahiti Tourisme and United Airlines. The United Airlines co-branded cards from Chase also sponsored a Dom Perignon raffle; congratulations to the Champagne winners: Fern Ottavio, TAP Air Portugal; Maria Pizzo, Celebrity Cruises; Jim Bolger, UE Medical Devices, Inc.; Bill Hanley, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Giancarlo Mulinelli, Aeromexico.
© Christopher P. Ottaunick
We enjoyed a beautiful night in our nation’s capital, hosted in conjunction with our good friends at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. Guests mixed, mingled and celebrated to the sounds of steel drums, bringing a bit of the beach to Washington, D.C.
It was also a true pleasure to honor Mike Donahue, chairman of our Advisory Board, for his contributions, advice and work in the past. Join us as we recap the winners of all of our awards across our three platforms. Congratulations to all the honorees!
LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Historical Attractions, International
Turkey
Best Historical Attractions, Domestic
Charleston, South Carolina
Best Beaches
Costa Rica
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Adventure Destination, International
India
Best Adventure Destination, Domestic
Alaska
Best Leisure Destination in the United States
Charleston, South Carolina
Second Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Destination in Africa
Seychelles
Best Leisure Destination in Europe
Florence, Italy
Best Leisure Destination in Asia
Taipei
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America
Santiago, Chile
Best Leisure Destination in Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Best Leisure Destination for Groups
Italy
Best Weekend Destination in North America
Savannah, Georgia
Second Consecutive Year
Best Weekend Destination in the World
Bermuda
Second Consecutive Year
Best North American Ski Destination
Telluride, Colorado
Third Consecutive Year
Best International Ski Destination
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Best Golf Destination
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Best Caribbean Island
Dominican Republic
Best Island in Europe
Santoríni
Eighth Consecutive Year
Best Island Pacific Rim
Cook Islands
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Island in the United States
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Best Family Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Best Luxury Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Best Value Cruise Line
Emerald Cruise Line
Best Cruise Line Suites
Owner’s Suites, Silversea Cruises
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Adventure Cruise Line
Ponant
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line
Cunard
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best River Cruise Line
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
Princess Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Dining
Azamara Club Cruises
Second Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Spas
Seabourn Cruise Line
Third Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Ship Excursions
Princess Cruises
Sixth Consecutive Year
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program
Captains Club, Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Port
Port Everglades
Second Consecutive Year
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World
Meliá Hotels International
Seventh Consecutive Year
Best Hotel Chain Resorts
The Ritz-Carlton
Third Consecutive Year
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Best Family Resort Chain in the World
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Fifth Consecutive Year
Best All-Inclusive Resorts
Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Best Tour Operator
Perillo Tours
Best Airport for Layovers
Miami International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Best Airport for Recreation
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Best Stopover Program
TAP Air Portugal
Third Consecutive Year
Best Leisure Airline
Air Tahiti Nui
Third Consecutive Year
Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment
Air Canada
Third Consecutive Year
Best Airline Onboard Menu
Air Canada Business Class
Second Consecutive Year
Best Premium Economy Class
Air Canada
Third Consecutive Year
Best Pet-Friendly Airline
United Airlines
Best Luxury Vehicle
Volvo
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Luxury Watch Brand
Tag Heuer
Best Leisure Car Rental
Hertz
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Destination Jewelry Brand
Na Hoku
Second Consecutive Year
Best Liquor Brand
Woodford Reserve
LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Outstanding Social Responsibility
United Airlines
Outstanding Customized Services
AlUla
Outstanding Environmental Achievements
Red Sea Development Company
Outstanding Innovations
Pittsburgh International Airport
THE TRAZEES
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Favorite International Airline
United Airlines
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline Alliance
Star Alliance
Favorite Aircraft Type
Airbus A350
Favorite Airline Website
AA.com
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program
United MileagePlus
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Low-Cost Airline
Allegiant Airlines
Favorite Airline in North America
Air Canada
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Central/South America
Copa Airlines
Favorite Airline in Europe
TAP Air Portugal
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in the Middle East
Etihad Airways
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Asia
Cathay Pacific Airways
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Mexico
Aeromexico
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Green Airline
United Airlines
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline App
American Airlines
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Overall Airport in the World
Incheon International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Favorite Airport in North America
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in Asia
Incheon International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in Europe
Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in the Middle East
Bahrain International Airport
Favorite Airport in Central/ South America
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport Dining
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport Shopping
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping
Incheon International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East
Bahrain Duty Free
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Asia
Tokyo Narita International Airport
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Europe
Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Central/ South America
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
Favorite Hotel Chain
Canopy by Hilton
Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain
Andaz
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Website
hilton.com
Favorite Hotel Rewards Program in the World
Marriott Bonvoy
Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/South America
Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico
Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
Seventh Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Favorite Green Hotel
Aloft
Favorite Hotel App
Marriott
Favorite Country
Greece
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Honeymoon Destination
Tahiti
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Adventure Destination
Taiwan
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Foodie City
Asheville, North Carolina
Fourth Consecutive Year
Friendliest City
Charleston, South Carolina
Favorite Beach Town, Northeastern United States
Kennebunkport, Maine
Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Atlantic United States
Cape May, New Jersey
Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Southern United States
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Beach Town, Southeast United States
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Favorite Beach Town, Florida East
St. Augustine, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Florida West
Marco Island, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Florida Panhandle
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Gulf United States
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Favorite Beach Town, Texas
Port Aransas & Mustang Beach, Texas
Favorite Beach Town, Southern California
Dana Point, California
Favorite Beach Town, Northern California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest
Long Beach, Washington
Favorite Car Rental Company
Hertz
Favorite Tour Operator
GOWAY
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Luggage Brand
Travelpro
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Credit Card
United Explorer Card from Chase
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Cruise Line
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Second Consecutive Year
WHEREVER AWARDS
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline
United Airlines
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America
Air Canada
Third Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly International Airline
Air Canada
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Flyer Program
United MileagePlus
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain
Hilton Hotels
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain
Westin Hotels and Resorts
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas
Third Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program
Hilton Honors
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club
Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company
Lindblad Expeditions
Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Cruise Line
Azamara
Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club
MCS Cruises Junior Club
Best Family-Friendly Credit Card
Chase United Explorer Card
Third Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Rewards Program
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase
Fourth Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly International Destination
Tahiti
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination
Charleston, South Carolina
Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island
Dominican Republic
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic United States
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Southeast United States
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida East
St. Augustine, Florida
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida West
Sarasota, Florida
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida Panhandle
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Gulf Coast, United States
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, West United States
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Destination of the Year
Ireland
Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Best Family-Friendly Waterpark
LEGOLAND Florida
Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company
Hertz
Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport
Chicago Midway Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly International Airport
Incheon International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Best Family-Friendly Airport Dining
Miami International Airport
Best Family-Friendly Airport Shopping
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Read This Next
Jeffrey Goh | CEO, Star Alliance
November 2021
Dec 11, 2021
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 21, 2025Passalacqua on Lake Como, Italy, Hosts Themed Evenings, Spa Treatments
The Italian sun is shining on Passalacqua on the shores of Lake Como in Italy’s Lake Region, and this winter is the perfect time to escape to the 18th-century villa-turned-boutique hotel. Set within the picturesque village of Moltrasio, the property’s sizable wellness complex is home to treatments featuring natural and organic products from Seed to Skin Tuscany. The spa itself evokes a sense of timelessness, occupying a space in the ground-floor hall, where towering stone columns and deep vaults have been transformed to accommodate a wide range of holistic experiences.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Daily
Jan 21, 20253 New Worldwide Wellness Retreats in 2025
Evolve Retreats, the company pairing retreat leaders with bespoke resorts, launches three new wellness experiences around the world in 2025. Book one if you’re looking to rest and rejuvenate this year.
Airlines
Jan 21, 2025Condor Airlines to Move to New York JFK’s New Terminal 6
Next year, Condor Airlines will move its operations from John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7 to the brand-new Terminal 6. The airline provides year-round service from JFK to Frankfurt (FRA) and will continue this route when the new terminal opens.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
Daily
Jan 20, 2025Accor Debuts in Australia with Mondrian Gold Coast
Since the opening of the first Mondrian property in Los Angeles in 1996, Accor’s Mondrian brand has continued to break the mold of lifestyle hospitality venues in every new destination Mondrian appears in. Each new hotel seems to emerges as an ultra-creative property, where the fantastical meets the future, and dream-like spaces envelop guests in the culture of the place it inhabits.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Opens in Dubai This March
Daily
Jan 20, 2025Daily
Jan 16, 2025Get a Glimpse Into One of the Busiest Transportation Stations in Europe: Roma Termini
Rome's Termini Station is a true icon of modern Roman architecture, serving as the city's largest rail station and one of Europe's major transit centers. One of the key aspects of the structure’s recent transformation was opening up the view toward the sixth century B.C. Servian Walls from the main hall, restoring visitors' visual connection to this historical legacy.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Jan 16, 20254 Hyatt Resorts with New Wellness Experiences for 2025
Hyatt resorts around the country offer travelers new wellness experiences to kick off 2025 health and wellbeing goals.
ShareThis