Q&A with Carrie Cox, Account Executive
As a former resident of Colorado for 22 years, I love a great hiking trail. In correlation with this month’s feature on best walks around the globe, tell us (and I’m curious), where is your favorite spot to walk/hike?
Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com.
DEVASTATING TÜRKIYE, SYRIAN EARTHQUAKE: HOW TO HELP AS DEATH TOLL RISES
In the Feb. 8 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about the recent deadly earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria. We urged readers to do anything they could to help those in need as recovery efforts continue, including sending money directly to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. One reader wrote in:
Thanks for this story about the tragedy in Türkiye. In December I was lucky to spend two weeks [there], mostly in İstanbul but also in Cappadocia. This first experience excited my interest to return and travel to the countryside. During my 10 days in İstanbul, I met the most wonderful people: moms who make stuffed pancakes on the street; fashion designers in their ateliers; shopkeepers in the Spice Bazaar; taxi drivers I chatted with; and hosts in hotels, shops and restaurants.
I’ve made my usual donations to UNICEF and World Central Kitchen but will also send money to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey because it is so needed. José Andrés, who was there, claimed this earthquake is 10 times the earthquake in Haiti because of the 10 huge city centers destroyed.
I wrote to all my new friends in Türkiye, and each responded with thanks and expressions of loss and heartache.
IRVINA LEW, VIA EMAIL
AIRLINES ADD, REINSTATE NEW ROUTES ACROSS THE WORLD
In our Feb. 15 issue of eFlyer, we covered many airlines both domestically and internationally adding new routes and connecting to new airports in 2023. We asked: What new route would you like to see added? One reader wrote in:
In response to your article about airlines reinstating and/or adding routes, I have several comments. During COVID-19, regional airports dropped services (i.e., airlines withdrew services). United Airlines withdrew service from Central Wisconsin (CWA), and this left us with only two carriers, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, with only limited service.
There was a news report of low-cost carrier Sun Country beginning service at Central Wisconsin. I have not seen nor heard if/when this service will indeed begin. Regional airports such as CWA are a lifeline to travelers in areas such as us in North Central Wisconsin. Without additional airlines, flight prices to travel are limited, excessive and a real burden to the ability to travel beyond our local area.
The nearest hub areas are Milwaukee (approximately 170 miles away) and Minneapolis (approximately 200 miles away). To give context to our region, areas such as ours are required to use “dial up” internet service, while other citizens have the advantage of 5G high-speed internet to conduct their personal and business lives. As such, we are at an extreme disadvantage.
MARSHA YOUNG, VIA EMAIL
SACRED RELICS: TAKE A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AMONG BAGAN’S ABUNDANT ANCIENT TEMPLES
A reader responded to our article last month covering the temples of Bagan:
I picked up Global Traveler (March 2023) in the Delta Sky Club at JFK and loved the pretty cover and the fact I was on my way to Turks and Caicos, mentioned on the cover.
But I was shocked by your article on Bagan. I have been to Burma and, of course, the amazing Bagan, which makes your article even more troubling. I am surprised you would suggest people travel to a country actively engaged in a military genocide and the detainment and killing of ordinary citizens. That the country is dangerous to go to is beside the point (yes, you do reference the warnings at travel.state.gov); the point is it should be morally unacceptable to travel to such places.
There is a whole world out there: I have been to much of it, more than 100 countries. There are many mystical places to feature whose governments are not engaged in actively silencing their populations. I mourn places I have been that I can no longer go to (Ukraine). I mourn places I have not been that I may never get to because of civil war and strife (Ethiopia). But to imply to travelers just passing through airport clubs that Bagan is a fine place for their next vacation is simply immoral.
LYNN HAMLIN, VIA EMAIL
In response:
Dear Ms. Hamlin,
Thank you for your concerns about the ever- changing geopolitical climate. There are many places in the world where one needs to make one’s own decision to travel. I have been to many countries and cities others would never consider visiting. I think your points are valid, but there are many other, more popular destinations that have various levels of political concerns and are still frequently visited. Thank you for your insight.
FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER AND CEO
SARASOTA COUNTY RECEIVES 2022 TRAZEES AWARD, EXPRESSES THANKS
© Carrie Cox
Earlier this year, Carrie Cox, account executive, made a trip to Visit Sarasota County’s office. Visit Sarasota won Favorite Beach Town, Florida West; and Virginia Haley, president, and Erin Duggan, vice president, accepted the award. They also took a photo to commemorate the moment.
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON GT BLOGS?
Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives and travels of the GT staff. Last month we featured blogs about a stay at citizenM Miami Brickell; sitting at the edge of our seats watching the Super Bowl and the narrow win by the Kansas City Chiefs; visiting the Chicago Auto Show 2023; taking a trip to Sonoma County, California; and indulging in a five-course dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Many of our staff celebrated Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day at lovely restaurants like Louie Louie in Philadelphia.
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Sep 16, 2026New Capital One Venture Card Offer
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