I HAD TO CHUCKLE to myself as I read a section of Kelly Magyarics’s article on best U.S. beach towns. Turn to page 36. Spoiler alert: The article includes Wildwood, situated in the same area of New Jersey as the beaches I grew up visiting in the summertime. And her “Goin’ down the shore” and “Watch the tram car, please” observations are spot on. That’s what we said — and still say — in our region of the country, especially when someone asks what you’re doing for a summer holiday. I’m going down the shore. And when you spend the evenings “walking the boards,” you will find the “Watch the tram car” phrase repeating itself in your head.

The beach and summer are synonymous and, for many, nostalgic. That’s why our July issue seemed like the perfect time to remind people of the many amazing beaches right here in the United States. I could taste the funnel cake and salt air as I remembered cool summer nights in a sweatshirt strolling the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, with my parents and, later, friends. I’ve hit beaches up and down the coast and around the globe, including one in Anguilla in March with my mom, but the beaches of Southern Jersey will always feel like home to me, and summer never feels complete without a trip “down the shore.”

In this issue, we also announce the winners of the 2019 The Trazees, the awards voted on by the readers of our sister web publication, trazeetravel.com. Trazee Travel is dedicated to the 25- to 40-yearold traveler, and its readers deemed several travel company favorites tops for this demographic. Learn more on page 40. We’re excited to celebrate the winners next month at Chicago’s newest hot spot on the Gold Coast, Claridge House. In addition to its enviable location, Claridge House boasts a homeaway- from-home vibe that is so important to any type of traveler. Please join us Aug. 6 for a night of celebration in a chic atmosphere in one of my favorite cities.

Of course, we’re not just feeling the sand between our toes in this issue — we’re taking you around the globe. For more on Chicago, check out Holly Riddle’s report on the city’s recent developments on page 52. Then join us in Anchorage, Toronto, Singapore, Berlin, Nairobi, Wadi Rum and Jeju Island. Next month, we’ll whet your appetite with our Food & Wine issue. Til then, we’ll see you down the shore!