TOP HONORS
In our December 2016 issue we announced the winners of the annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards. We were thrilled to announce China Airlines’ Airline of the Year and Meliá Hotels International’s Hotel of the Year awards.
My wife and I love reading about the winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. It helps us decide where to stay on our next vacation. After reading your article, we’ve added Gran Meliá in Madrid to our list of must-stay hotels.
ELLEN MORRISON, Phoenix, Ariz.

PERPETUAL MOTION
I had the pleasure of visiting Durban last year, and I completely agree with Richard Newton about the city’s dynamic, rhythmic and infectious nature. I fell in love with the city’s energy, diversity and culture — especially the food! I didn’t try the recommended restaurants listed in the December article, but I would add 9th Avenue Bistro to the list. The bistro’s menu is exceptionally creative, so I personally suggest the six-course tasting menu. Thanks for bringing back great memories of my trip!
JOEL CHRISTY, Washington, D.C.

FARE THEE WELL
I love the idea of a luxury train ride through the Irish countryside. There’s so much to see and so much natural beauty. Belmond Grand Hibernian sounds so much more exciting than a traditional hotel experience, and I’m dying to try some of Chef Alan Woods’ onboard creations, as featured in your December 2016 issue.
LARISA TOS, San José, Calif.

GOODBYE 2016, HELLO 2017
To wrap up 2016 and welcome the New Year, we asked the members of Global Traveler’s Globility Board to tell us about their travel experiences in 2016 and their travel plans for 2017.
In April, I attended my friend Valerie’s wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I spent August at Martha’s Vineyard in 2016. It was a nice change from my usual city escapes. In 2017 I want to attend the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Every year I purchase a ticket and end up giving it to a friend due to schedule conflicts. New Year’s resolution: Make it a triple-header to attend the Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and the Henley Royal Regatta.
IRIS CHILDRESS

We took our 13-year-old grandson on a Backroads bicycle trip in the Loire Valley in France and ended the trip by spending a few days in Paris. We had wonderful weather and stayed in several châteaux in the Loire Valley, especially enjoying the French haute cuisine. Some nights, dinner lasted three hours. This was our fifth bicycle trip vacation … and the best. For 2017 we are planning to visit Cuba in January, Ecuador and Peru (the Galápagos and Machu Picchu) in March and China in October.
MARVIN SINGER

We had a great travel year! Began with the Winter Carnival in Québec City; followed with skiing in Keystone; and took a 10-day trip to Madrid, Seville, Majorca and Barcelona. In July we spent a month in Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Singapore. We visited friends in Buffalo over Labor Day; spent Thanksgiving in Buenos Aires, Salta and Cafayate, Argentina; then closed out the travel year at Christmas markets in Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Can’t wait to get 2017 started. Looking forward to a month in Croatia, Slovenia and Northern Germany, with the end of the year in New Zealand.
DOUGLAS GUTHRIE

HOW DO TRAVEL MERGERS IMPACT YOU?
In the Dec. 14 issue of eFlyer USA, we looked at some of the possible effects of large travel industry mergers on travelers. We asked: Have you experienced any changes in accommodation or transportation options or prices that impacted your travels in 2016?
Prices fluctuate regardless of who owns what company. The biggest things I notice after these mergers as a frequent traveler are inconveniences during the transition periods. There is always a period of time during these mergers and acquisitions when everyone seems confused about what’s going on and how to handle everyday operations, especially in hotels. Mistakes have been made in my rewards membership accounts several times over the past year that were likely due to some of these big changes. Everything gets back on track eventually, but the transition period poses challenges and inconveniences for travelers.
HARRIS DEVDAS, via email

WHAT DOES 2017 HAVE IN STORE FOR TRAVEL?
In the Dec. 27 issue of eFlyer USA, we looked back on a year marked by uncertainty in travel, followed by a look ahead with some travel predictions for 2017. From bleisure and eco-travel to the pursuit of new experiences, 2017 will see some exciting new trends. We asked: Do you plan to travel more in 2017? What travel industry trends are you most looking forward to in the New Year?
I’m particularly interested in the wellness travel trend. I think it’s wonderful people are being more conscious of their health while traveling. Vacations should involve relaxation and some indulgence, but for those who travel often, it’s equally important to find some balance and stay healthy. I’d love to go on a hiking retreat somewhere in the Alps this year.
CAROLINE ODETA, Burlington, Vt.

While I think the tech improvements we’re seeing are beneficial, especially when it comes to internet connection and service, I do think it’s important to maintain the human-to-human interaction mentioned in the article. Hotels should certainly stay competitive when it comes to technology, but ideally this wouldn’t be at the expense of traditional customer service and human interaction.
JON LEARY, Indianapolis, Ind.

PERSONAL SPACE
I bought my daughter the Phillips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit for Christmas, and she loves it. The bulbs work with a smartphone app that allows you to adjust color and tone of lighting to create different moods in your house and match décor. Thank you for suggesting these!
ETHAN MADDOX, Boston, Mass.

Q&A WITH FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER AND CEO
I recently had a major issue when traveling and was stuck, due to weather, with thousands of people who missed connecting flights in Atlanta. When I called Delta Air Lines, I was told the wait time was two to six hours; the customer service line was long but moved swiftly. I was directed to a “black phone” to call customer service, and they eventually resolved my issue.

In an emergency like this, where everyone is trying to reboot, what is the best solution?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

UP AND UP
Editor’s Note: We regret a mistake in the Class Act edition article “Up and Up” that features new hotels opening in 2017. The 5-star Westin Riyadh in Saudi Arabia will open in 2022. We apologize for this mistake.