I JUST RETURNED from a whirlwind trip to Miami, Atlanta and Florida’s Gulf Coast, flying American Airlines from Philadelphia to Miami, where GT’s Ashley Richards met me. It was wonderful to see friends at Avianca, Silversea Cruises and LATAM, not to mention the sushi we enjoyed with Meridiana Airlines.

American’s spectacular regional flight got me from MIA to ATL. With the recently added jetway, passengers no longer have to lug a rollaboard up stairs to the small jets, and overhead space on board is more than sufficient. I was honored to see Celebrated Living, AA’s first-class in-flight magazine, devoted a full page to our Wines on the Wing wine competition. GT staff and airlines work hard to make sure these impeccable wines are judged by the best sommeliers, wine shop owners and wine journalists in New York. This May, The Pierre hosts the event, and we’re adding Wines on the Water, the best in cruising.

GT’s Julie Haupin and Will Papa flew from Philly and joined me for a lovely meal at Canoe on the Chattahoochee River. Not long ago the river flooded the restaurant with five feet of water. But canoes like water, and the refurbished restaurant now offers a slightly Southern Australian menu. Another night we headed to the Cherokee Club in Buckhead, where the staff treats everyone like lifelong members. (See Will’s blog about our super experience.)

Seeing our good friends at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the highlight. Charles Ewing, director of concessions, and Jai Ferrell, marketing director, are on point to improve the passenger experience, turning ATL into a destination. It offers the greatest restaurant options (One Flew South is my favorite) and the friendliest staff, including those at concessions.

Last stop in ATL was the Porsche Experience. I was there for business but emailed a friend to accompany me. Porsche has so many vehicles! Step into the Macan and then step up to a 911 630bhp Turbo S (2019). For a small fee, take one of the skillfully made autos on the Experience Track. If you order a car, Porsche delivers it to ATL or LAX with white-glove treatment.

I drove through Alabama, passing Montgomery and Tuskegee, wishing I had time to tour the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum. I passed the Kia (Georgia) and Hyundai factories, and as I cut through rural Alabama, time seemed to turn back. Finally arriving in Florida’s panhandle, I got to the beach in time for sunset and savored the moment — the right choice, as not a single sunset over the next three days was as perfect.

So, travelers, savor the moment and celebrate the best, whether it’s thousands of miles from home or a drive on a business trip or anyplace in between. Between just might surprise you!