Lots of exciting news for those who travel a great deal — Brussels Airlines announced their newest flight, from Belgium to Washington, D.C., launches June 17, the first-ever direct service between the U.S. capital and the capital of the E.U. They will operate a night flight which will arrive at Dulles after 10 p.m. daily.

China Airlines purchased six new Boeing 777-300ER passenger planes to expand its fleet, leasing four of the aircraft in December for the North American and European routes. The 777 is the most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. It is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less CO2 per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. Kudos to China Airlines for raising the bar for passenger comfort!

Last month, we conducted our first Globility Board meeting at The Benjamin Hotel in Manhattan. Ten of the 20 members joined the sessions, which included presentations from and feedback to Lufthansa, South African Airways, Denihan Hospitality and Global Traveler. Lisa Matte led the session on GT. We all learned invaluable information from this well-traveled group of subscribers. The next issue of GT will highlight key findings and images from the day’s activities. The next Globility Board meeting is in the works.

One item discussed was overseas delivery. Several board members had flown to Europe to pick up their brand-new Mercedes, Volvo or Audi. Driving the car through Europe, however, is only half the fun. Board member Steve White says the best experience is picking the vehicle up at the overseas delivery location and being pampered by the auto manufacturer. There really is nothing like it in the world.

I recently returned from trips to Chicago, Los Angeles and Montréal, followed by a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas to the Western Caribbean out of Port New Orleans. We were fortunate to secure a suite, which got us on the ship swiftly and afforded us other onboard perks. The service and food were wonderful! New Orleans was also fantastic — we caught the beginning of Mardi Gras and had great meals at Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street and Restaurant Revolution in the French Quarter.

Get out there, buy a car in Europe, take a cruise, fly to wherever, eat at great restaurants. There is a lot to do, and it is ever-changing, y’all!