Q&A WITH YASSER OGANDO, SALES PLANNER
For Global Traveler, August is all about vino! This past May, I attended my first Wines on the Wing survey and had the chance to help monitor a panel of judges. It was interesting to see how much thought goes into judging these wines. After the judging, we were able to enjoy the wine at a lovely reception; the humidity and heat of that day called for something sparkling and refreshing. A couple of my colleagues and I went for a Raventos i Blanc de Nit (a rosé) for our first try, and I fell in love with it. I could taste hints of citrus but also an almost nutty flavor, like almonds. I stuck to sparkling for the night, but none compared to that Raventos. A week later I went out for dinner and requested this wine and paired it with steak — I know typically red meats are paired with red wine, but this was just amazing. This got me thinking: Do you choose your wine based on your mood or on your entrée choice?

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JUNE Q&A WITH KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF
In the June 2018 issue, editor in chief Kimberly Krol discussed GT’s Wellness Issue and how wellness travel is becoming an increasingly popular trend in the industry. This inspired the questions: How do you incorporate wellness into your travels, and what wellness initiatives have you encountered while traveling recently?

A few readers wrote in with a response:
I recently stayed in New York for a week, training for a new program for work. My hotel room had a Peloton bike, and it was much easier to use than I expected. I actually used it every day of my trip, whereas if I only had the hotel gym available, I may have only worked out once or twice that week.
ALLIE MATHEWS, via email

I like to get out and about while traveling and explore, not stay in the hotel room, so it is nice when my accommodations offer active excursions. If I want to get out and bike ride, hike or paddle board, I check with the concierge to see if the hotel offers anything like that, and I’ll usually take them up on it or their advice for local places to go.
ALEX HUTTON, via email

I’ve noticed a lot of improvements in dining options from the airplane to the hotel. Menus seem to be getting cleaner, greener and more often locally sourced.
GREG ROBERTS, via email

BIG TROUBLE ON THE BIG ISLAND
In the May 16 eFlyer USA, we discussed the possible impact of Kilauea volcano in Hawai’i on travel plans. The eruption began May 3, causing lava to flow to residential areas of the Big Island, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. This caused a reader to write in:

I’m going to Kailua soon. Should I be concerned?
AMALIA ALTVARG, via email

The distance from Kailua Kona to the active volcano is a few hundred miles, often with massive mountains in between, but check with your resort before your trip. In our last report on the subject in the May 30 eFlyer USA, Dr. Virginia Pressler, director, Hawai’i State Department of Health, asserted travelers should not worry about booking vacations:

“The air quality for the vast majority of the Hawai’ian Islands is clean and healthy. The emissions from Kilauea volcano are a non-factor for Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai. The weather is beautiful and warm, with cooling trade winds everywhere in Hawai’i, and is exactly what travelers expect when coming here for a relaxing and fun vacation experience.”

THIS MONTH IN AVIATION
In the June 22 This Month in Aviation with Harriet Baskas e-newsletter, Baskas discussed the high-profile airline snafus, from service animal regulations to aircraft malfunctions themselves, and how despite the headlines, customer satisfaction is actually on the rise. Join the Members section on globaltravelerusa.com to receive the monthly This Month in Aviation e-newsletter.

While I am surprised customer satisfaction is on the rise, I do see airlines attempting to make up for recent bad press in their service and public apologies.
JONATHAN REISS, via email

I travel quite often and have mixed opinions about how airlines have treated negative press. While the corporations seem apologetic to recent issues, it’s difficult to believe the actual staff on board the aircraft will change. I guess only time will tell, but I believe pets should never be treated as cargo, and individuals need to be compensated for their time and distress when issues arise, including delays on the tarmac leaving passengers delayed for hours with little to no attention from the aircraft attendants.
ROBERT DAVIS, Chicago, Ill.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
In the May 2018 issue of Global Traveler, Kimberly Krol, editor in chief, discussed GT’s 200th issue and the questions answered by our staff, specifically the category of the 20 underrated cities you need to visit now. A few avid readers wrote in with some suggestions of their own:

Underrated cities are becoming my go-to for family vacations, especially within the United States. Typically they’re a fun road trip or short flight away and more affordable once you get there. My top recommendation right now is Kansas City, Mo. My family and I went last summer, and the food was amazing every place we went. There was actually quite a bit to do in the city, much more than I expected.
BRIAN JACKSON, Atlanta, via email

CELEBRATING WELLNESS DAY
In our June 9 eFlyer USA newsletter, we discussed fun ways to celebrate Global Wellness Day (June 9) and the importance of self-care on both small and large scales. A few ideas listed included not using plastic bottles, walking more, eating healthier and doing good deeds. A couple of readers wrote in with a comment:

I would also recommend adding meditation to the list of ways to celebrate Global Wellness Day, every day. It’s an easy way to start the day thinking clearly or end the day on a calm note.
JESSICA RAMSEN, via email

Plastic bottles are such a problem, so thank you for mentioning them in your newsletter. I carry a reusable bottle everywhere I go. It’s so easy to travel with now that there are refill stations everywhere, and I feel better about minimizing my own footprint. It would be nice if this trend caught on with everyone.
CARRIE FELDMAN, New York, via email

PUBLISHER’S CHOICE
In the May 22 Publisher’s Picks newsletter, publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher listed Aeromexico, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Posadas and TAP Air Portugal as his monthly recommendations while providing updates, inspiring one reader to write in:

I recently sailed with Paul Gauguin Cruises for the first time and have to say I was impressed. I cruised before with Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, but Paul Gauguin’s itinerary was great. The service, food and excursions were unbelievable, and we are actually looking into another one for next year.
BARRY WILLIAMS, Los Angeles, via email