It is a pleasure to present our December issue and the results of the 2016 GT Tested Reader Survey. I cannot believe this marks the 13th annual awards, and we are excited to hold the event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills for the sixth consecutive year.
You have selected so many great award winners based on your travel all around the world. I cannot agree with your selections more, in view of my globetrotting this year while working and relaxing.
On a recent trip I once again packed my Briggs & Riley rollaboard; I have had it for years, but it still looks like new. When I depart for a multi-event trip, it is a challenge to get in my suit, casual clothing, shoes, golf balls, golf apparel and golf shoes. All the added “stuff” makes my bag heavy — much to the chagrin of anyone who attempts to move it — but it still easily fits in the overhead. I see why the Briggs & Riley brand outperforms for our readership.
I hope you enjoy my review of the Santo da Serra Golf Club in Madeira, Portugal. I spent my birthday in Madeira, flying the award-winning service of TAP Portugal via Lisbon. Driving was a hoot, scaling narrow mountain roads in the smallest car I could find. I tested my prowess with a manual transmission, downshifting through S-turns on this beautiful island off the coast of Morocco. TAP expanded its footprint in the United States, adding key gateways like Boston to its mix this summer.
Two months ago, Global Traveler’s Globility Board met in Los Angeles to review new products, concepts and ideas on the travel subjects we are passionate about. United Airlines introduced its new Polaris business class. Named for the North Star which has guided travelers for centuries, Polaris is United’s new flagship service for international flights. Maria Walter, managing director, product and brand strategy, United, flew in for a comprehensive presentation of the new product, services and logistics.
Saudia led the second presentation to showcase its new Boeing 787 global service, its new business class and particularly its new first-class suite. The team from Saudia presented several videos of the 787 Dreamliner and its premium classes to the oohs and aahs of the Globility Board. As many board members frequently travel to the Middle East, they were intently interested in this new product.
Enjoy reading our December issue, which showcases the best in travel. I look forward to a fruitful 2017!
Read This Next
Best in Class: Letter from the Editor
December 2016
Dec 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 12, 2026Hotel Cala to Debut on Tampa’s Riverwalk in 2027
In 2027, Tampa’s iconic river walk unveils a new 281-room urban resort overlooking Hillsborough River. The property underwent an extensive transformation, with the contemporary-led design showcasing custom furnishings, tropical character, and details drawn from Italian and Cuban roots.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
October 2026
Oct 12, 2026The Quest for Quiet: Choose the Best Noise-Canceling Headsets to Suit Your Travel Style
Back in the 1990s, when I was traveling on my airline pilot father’s standby passes, there weren’t many ways for passengers to cancel ambient noise while in flight. I remember squishing and twisting little yellow pairs of foam earplugs with my fingers and letting them rise in my ears while I swirled ice around in my Pawberry Punch and ripped open a cold pouch of Delta-branded Biscoff cookies. Much has changed in travel technology since those days; and although I’ll forever miss Dusty the Delta Air Lion, I’m happy to report no more need for plastic ear foam.
Daily
Oct 12, 2026Louisville, Kentucky, Prepares for Exciting New Project Along Ohio River
For more than 50 years, Louisville, Kentucky’s, Belvedere has been a gathering place for concerts, festivals and community events. Located on the riverfront between 4th and 6th streets in the heart of downtown Louisville, the 5.5-acre elevated civic space connects the city to the riverfront with sweeping views of the Ohio River.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Asia
Oct 12, 20267 Reasons to Put Shanghai, China, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Shanghai, China, with us.
A Golfer’s Guide to Florida Emerald Coast Courses
Daily
Oct 12, 2026
October 2026
Oct 8, 2026Global Collaboration and Precision Design Transform Aerodynamic Ideas into Aircrafts
Diploma in hand, Brian Foley left Syracuse University in 1980 and headed west to Renton, Washington, for his dream job as a flight test engineer for the first Boeing 757 commercial airliner.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Oct 8, 2026Mongolia’s Offseason is Booming: Here’s How to Experience It
Colder destinations and off-season escapes are beginning to see more action, but travelers are slowly turning away from the often-visited destinations and instead seeking lesser-known spots. Mongolia is one of those off-season destinations travelers flock to in order to escape crowds. Here’s why:
ShareThis