Q&A with Hannah Gruen, Administrative Assistant
I love to use events as an excuse to travel. This summer I got to explore Denver while visiting for a concert. Tell us about a time you discovered a new favorite destination because you were there for an event.
Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com
Which European Countries Plan to Impose Tourism and Flight Taxes?
In the Sept. 26 issue of eFlyer, we covered the recent implementation of a travel tax to Iceland, as well as a new airport tax at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands. We asked: Do you think countries should be allowed to implement these taxes? One reader wrote in:
Countries are free to charge whatever they wish. My opinion is to pay it or avoid the location. As tourists, we use their resources and tax their infrastructures beyond the benefits they reap from tourism, hotel taxes, tourism jobs, etc.
Duane Weaver, via email
Amsterdam Bans Cruise Liners in City Center; Will Other Cities Soon Follow?
In our Aug. 6 issue of eFlyer, we wrote about Amsterdam’s recent ban on cruise ships docking in the city center. We asked: Do you agree with this ban in Amsterdam and in other cities? One reader wrote in:
I have been to Amsterdam numerous times, as well as Venice and other wonderful and beautiful cities and towns being crushed by hordes of quick stop-in tourists. They disembark, look around, buy a tee or two and get back on the boat. What the tourists don’t overwhelm, the mass of ships and buildings and structures and the environment.
With minimal effort, one can easily enjoy these jewel cities and towns. Reduce the ships and, while we’re at it, the cheap planeloads of “seen it, check it off” folks. Otherwise, what makes these places so sought-after and special will be lost.
By the way, the train from Trieste (current access point near Venice) is a little over an hour away from city center and may cost €15–20, and you get to experience the magic of crossing the causeway and stepping out of the station onto the Grand Canal in Venice.
Jim Heskett, via email
Bedbug Epidemic: Is It Safe to Travel to Paris Right Now?
In our Oct. 25 issue of eFlyer, we covered the recent bedbug invasion in Paris. We talked about other bedbug infestations across the world and provided tips on how to safely travel and check for the insects. We asked readers if they have an upcoming trip planned for Paris. One reader wrote in:
I don’t have an upcoming trip planned but I was recently in Paris for the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup. I’ve been to Paris before and have never seen the city so crowded. Of course, the bedbug situation sat in the back of my head, and during the course of my time there talking with other match goers, I heard some incidents of cheap hotels suffering from bedbugs.
Fortunately, my hotel and the other hotels nearby didn’t have any incidents. That said, I did check my clothes and other items when I got home and washed them all thoroughly to be safe.
Marian Thompson, via email
Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives and travels of the GT staff. We featured blogs on sports matches, from a Phillies game to a hockey match in Chicago and a college football game in North Carolina. Other staff members detailed time in Miami, a trip to the pumpkin patch and countless culinary delights. One staff member enjoyed a trip to Mexico City.
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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Insta FeedeFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
Set on more than 1,200 acres in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running for more than a mile along the property.
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Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Amex to Open First Centurion Lounge in Continental Europe at Amsterdam Schiphol
American Express officially became the first global credit card company to operate a lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The brand’s Centurion Lounge opened at AMS Sept. 17, spanning nearly 6,000 square feet and offering a plethora of amenities.
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Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Panamá Introduces No-Cost Tourist Insurance for International Travelers
Strengthening its appeal as more than a connection or stopover point, Panamá recently announced a series of new initiatives to encourage international travelers to stay longer and experience the destination in a more immersive way. Part of these initiatives includes no-cost tourist insurance for eligible international tourists, with coverage automatically available during the first 10 days of their stay. No additional payment or registration is required.
September 2026
Sep 20, 2026Celebrity Reflection Launches 13 New Spaces
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection transforms Caribbean cruising with 13 new spaces, launching in March 2027. From a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experience concepts, these new spaces raise the bar for premium Caribbean cruising.
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IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.
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