OCTOBER Q&A WITH FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER & CEO
In our October 2018 issue, Francis X. Gallagher discussed business and leisure trips, including whether travelers take them on a solo basis or include family and friends. He posed this question: Are you more likely to combine trips when traveling domestically or internationally?

My darling husband, aka Captain America, and I just arrived at the Chicago airport en route to Rome. He is a pilot for American Airlines, and the company gifted a pair of return tickets to all employees to travel anywhere in the world as a bonus for a profitable 2016. We decided to use them as part of our seventh-year wedding anniversary gift/trip. This trip includes a cruise with Regent Seven Seas’ Voyager from Rome to Monte Carlo with stops in Florence, Cinque Terre, Corsica, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille! Then we will take the train to Nice, pick up a rental car at the airport and drive through the south of France, back to Barcelona and home to Palm Beach.

I am taking the time to write you as we wait in the Admirals Club for our 5 p.m. flight to Rome because I am a fine art photographer who specializes in the conceptual photograph … massive, large-scale, 66-inch by 96-inch works. This trip and previous trips included my camera equipment to shoot specific locations for new pieces of art. So, yes! We do combine business with leisure trips, mostly for my advantage.
KASHA MCKEE, via email

I did want to respond to the query about mixing leisure and business travel. I always try to build in an extra day when traveling on business, as there is something inspiring nearly everywhere, or at least within a couple of hours’ drive: museum, beach, historic site or even just a really great walk downtown or run along a scenic river. It’s all “me time” and really refreshes the brain and the soul. Many surprises are out there if you look — it’s worth it.
SUE CASTORINO, via email

We managed to blend business and leisure trips, both international and domestic. When you are self-employed and your partner works remotely and is constantly on the road, you have to make time for fun along the way, or you will forget to take a vacation!
RUSSELL ANDREWS, via email

My wife and I have mixed business with leisure trips for some time now. It seems easier than it used to be to extend a business trip by a few days, making it a long weekend to relax or discover things to do while on business. It can be as easy as finding a nice place to go to dinner and see a show on a night off, or making time in the morning to get out and enjoy the beach before meetings that night. Even on vacations I’m checking emails and making calls.
ALEX WHITMER, via email

CORRECTION CORNER
In our October 2018 issue’s Stateside article, we mentioned Bouchon’s Beverly Hills outpost; since the issue went to press, the eatery closed. Other great dining options in the area include Nerano, Prospect Gourmand, Granville and CITIZEN.

SQUIRRELING AROUND
In our Oct. 16 eFlyer USA newsletter, we covered the emotional support squirrel and the two-hour flight delay in Florida. According to reports, the passenger cleared her pet ahead of time with Frontier Airlines but neglected to disclose the fact her support animal was actually a squirrel, causing the woman and support animal to be escorted from the plane. This got a lot of readers talking.

Not only should the woman have been kicked off the flight, she should be charged for the cost of the delay.
MICHAEL GREEN, via email

I don’t think any animals should be allowed in the cabin unless they’re sedated for the trip. They should, instead, be kept in the baggage compartment. If necessary, a small area of same should be blocked off, pressurized and heated, with the additional cost borne by the pet’s owner. Air travel is already annoying enough without having to hear and smell animals.
MARK GELLER, via email

Yes, she should have been removed! I, for one, would not enjoy sitting beside a rodent, no matter how clean. There is no “right” to travel. It is a luxury for those who can afford it and are physically and mentally able.
ROBERT HOENES, via email

Yes, absolutely — I don’t want to fly with an animal that has not been certified rabies-free, even if it is an “emotional support animal.”

This passenger had to know the rules about support animals have been tightening and she might face just this situation. Not telling Frontier the support animal was a squirrel suggests to me she knew there could be a problem.
BRUCE H. FRANK, Indianapolis, Indiana

I think the idea of support animals has gotten absolutely ridiculous, and people are using those excuses for bringing along their pets. I must say, a squirrel takes the prize. I would refuse to sit next to a squirrel on a plane.
IGNA SMITH, via email

THAT’S OUR MOTTO …
In our Oct. 30 eFlyer USA newsletter, we discussed the new Hilton brand hotel with affordability in mind, Motto. The new hotel will focus on bringing micro-hotels to prime urban destinations in cities and neighborhoods. The properties will feature large areas of flexible space and efficient rooms. The properties will make split payments easier than ever for guests. Readers seem on board.

I look forward to staying at one.
BILL WAHLER, via email

It’s nice to know there are more affordable options coming up in popular cities. The cost of travel seems to be going up and up, between airlines tacking on fees for bags and rising drink prices, so it’s a little encouraging to know more affordable stays are available.
SIMON BELL, via email

SECURITY BREACH
In our Oct. 30 issue of eFlyer Asia, we discussed the recent security breach of Cathay Pacific, leaving 9.4 million passengers’ personal information compromised. As one of the largest airline hacks in history, many travelers are concerned about giving away personal information so readily.

You know this kind of thing can happen traveling both internationally and even domestically, but it’s incredibly disheartening to hear on such a large scale. Even if only bits and pieces of travelers’ information were stolen and compromised, it’s still difficult to hear when you know you have to give up that kind of information in order to travel.
MARK ROBBINS, via email

These airlines need to be more careful. We take so much care in protecting ourselves and our property and put our trust in them to see us through, and then things like this happen.
JESSICA LEWIS, via email

It’s no wonder these airlines go out of business or have to raise prices to cover costs … they are so careless, why would anyone fly them?
REBECCA LAWSON, via email

Q&A WITH ERICH MARTIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR
When I recall my fondest travel memories, I invariably think back to times I traveled as a young child. Trips for vacation, to visit family and for recreation made up summers and long weekends. Even though I traveled to other countries and continents, these memories are the ones I cherish the most.

Which travel memories do you cherish the most? Do you hold on to sentimental family trips more than extravagant travel?

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