I just returned from a trans-Atlantic journey, Southampton to New York, on the Queen Mary 2 — an iconic trip one has to take at least once in a lifetime. We took a test drive on the QM2 last October in Northern Europe and decided to step up to the next level this year — spectacular!

I flew to the United Kingdom via Brussels on award-winning Brussels Airlines’ business class. As you know from Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing first- and business-class wine competition, Brussels Airlines took top honors for its onboard selections. In Brussels, I spent a few days at the Steigenberger Grandhotel (formerly The Conrad), ranked one of the best hotels in Europe. The location on Avenue Louise is perfect, just a good stretch of the legs to anywhere you’d like to go.

We took a day in London at our new favorite property, the Corinthia Hotel. We enjoyed our stay there so much last year, we decided to return. This time, we explored ESPA Life, which has received many accolades. I will report about this lovely spa experience in an upcoming Global Traveler.

When this issue hits your doorstep, I will be in Abu Dhabi and Dubai making the rounds and ending the trip at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, hosted by Etihad Airways. It should be a spectacular event, and I plan to get in some golf and quality time with Jay-Z, who is performing that evening.

The next issue of Global Traveler marks the 10th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards and the kick-off of our annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society charity auction. You have been so supportive over the years, and great progress has been made to cure blood cancers. But there is much more work to be done, and we will be looking to you for the greatest level of support ever. In addition to the annual auction, LLS will host a signature Red and White Ball at the Loews in Philadelphia Feb. 22, 2014. A Mercedes-Benz has been generously donated for the raffle drawing, and there are many other sponsorship levels. Please join us at the gala and meet some of your beloved GT staff — email me at fran@globaltravelerusa.com for details about buying a raffle ticket, securing a sponsorship and joining the party! Our friends at Mercedes-Benz would be pleased to have you stop by for a test drive at one of their showrooms in the greater Philadelphia area; I can assist with this as well.

Thank you for your continued support on so many levels, whether it’s at 30,000 feet or planted firmly at your favorite resort!