Q&A WITH RICHARD EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
In our June issue, Richard Evans discussed his interests in active, outdoor pursuits like horseback riding, biking and sailing. He mentioned a horseback riding trek through Sienna, Italy, stopping from farmhouse to farmhouse. This inspired the question: What similar trips have our readers experienced?

My sister is an avid runner, and I was slowly getting into it myself when she asked me to run a race with her through Redwood National Forest. I jumped at the chance, and it’s become a new tradition of ours — finding a long-distance race to run, somewhere we want to visit and making a mini trip out of it.
REBECCA STALL, via email

Finding something active and outdoorsy to do while on vacation isn’t the challenge, it’s finding someone to do it with. I usually stick to running in the morning when on vacation; that way I can explore a new area for a bit on my own, before the family wakes up.
STEWART WALSH, via email

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
An avid reader recently wrote in with thoughts on a recent experience traveling through the new Istanbul Airport and Turkish Airlines’ club lounge: I flew Turkish Airlines heading to İstanbul from Chicago. Dur – ing my travels, I go to a lot of lounges and always read your magazine — it’s everywhere! My wife and I went through İstanbul to Israel. The new airport is amazing, and the Turkish Airlines club lounge at that airport — have you been? — oh my! That airport is at the top of my list. The lounge is quite amazing: massages, food cooked to order, every drink you could think of, and it’s the size of about three Costcos.
JEFF SUSICH, via email

BACK ON THE BOEING 737 MAX
In our May 29 and July 19 eFlyer USA newsletters and several other articles on our website, we covered Boeing’s completion of a 737 software fix, Boeing 737 MAX Summit and American Airlines’ canceled Boeing 737 MAX flights, respectively. A few readers wrote in with comments and responses:

You asked if I will fly on this aircraft. No, nope, no way, nuh huh, never. I think Boeing is being really naive here. It really, really lost travelers’ trust. I’ll be checking what aircraft I’m booking on and will not fly on this plane.

FRANCESCA KELLY, Highland Park, Illinois

Will I fly on the 737 Max? Not for a long while. Boeing was dishonest in how it addressed the original problem. After about a year or so of proven reliability, I will probably fly on the aircraft again. But I want a proven track record, and I’ll check the FAA website to track incident reports.
EMANUEL R. BAKER, PH.D., via email

MY KIND OF TOWN, CHICAGO IS
In our June 4 issue of eFlyer USA, we listed the recent ranking, from WalletHub, of Best and Worst Cities for Staycations. Along with Honolulu and Orlando, Chicago tops the list as one of the best staycation destinations, inspiring a reader and Chitown resident to write in:

I am thoroughly delighted (but not surprised) my hometown of Chicago is at the top of the list. Every season is a delight — endless festivals, neighborhoods, architecture, attractions, hotels, great food and, of course, beautiful Lake Michigan. Sometimes we just take a weekend and become “tourists.” Yes, even in winter. We always look at things with a fresh perspective, always enlightening and just plain enjoyable year-round.
SUE CASTORINO, via email

THE STATE OF FUN IN THE STATES
In our June 25 eFlyer USA issue, we listed the newly announced ranking of the most and least fun states in the country, according to WalletHub. A few readers wrote in with thoughts:

I’m a little surprised Delaware was among the lowest-ranking states. With Delaware’s great beaches, shopping and FireFly music festival in Dover, I would think the state would rank higher on the fun list.
CORI FIELDSMAN, via email

I’m not surprised at all California and New York top the list as fun states. There’s so much to do, even beyond the world-famous cities. It’s difficult to argue, no matter your idea of fun.
ADAM HOAGLAND, via email

I had to live in Mississippi for a little more than a year for work, and I can confirm it belongs in the low-ranking list of fun states.
ROBIN WELTS, via email

Q&A WITH TRACEY CULLEN, ART DIRECTOR
August is our annual Food & Wine Issue — my favorite themed issue! I love tasting new wines, and I always seek out wineries wherever we travel. My bucket list is filled with places famous for their wine: France, Portugal, Argentina, and even stateside, including Oregon and N apa Valley.

What is your favorite wine destination? Did this issue give you any ideas for where you’d like to go wine tasting?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com