DECEMBER Q&A WITH TRACEY CULLEN
In the December 2017 issue, Tracey Cullen, art director, talked about all-inclusive resorts and cruises. While these are usually something Cullen avoided, she recently enjoyed a stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico, which she loved for its amazing dining venue variety. She asked: “How do you feel about all-inclusives? Have you been to one you would recommend to others?”
Like Ms. Cullen, we usually steer clear of all-inclusives for hotels. Some have better food than others, but sometimes it’s like going to a chain restaurant, where they’re serving quantity over quality. That being said, on cruises we usually opt for an all-inclusive package of some kind. I think you get a better value on cruises as opposed to hotels. The prices on most cruise lines are astronomical, and when you’re on the ocean, the only thing to do is eat and drink.
TIM LARANGE, via email

I think every property is different. I’ve stayed at some great all-inclusives where I still enjoyed great food and entertainment, and I’ve stayed at some where I’ve had watered-down drinks and food no better than I would eat at home. I think it depends on the size of the resort or hotel in which you’re staying — a massive all-inclusive resort is bound to offer some sub-par food and drinks, considering the quantity they’re serving. A boutique resort, though, may be well worth paying for all-inclusive. I love Riviera Maya and may just have to check out Grand Velas.
RHONDA CURRAN, via email

ABOVE AND BEYOND
I love the December issue. My husband and I both voted in the GT Tested Reader Survey. I actually voted for American Airlines for quite a few things, and I see it won for Airline of the Year — that’s great! I wrote it in for Best Airline for Domestic First Class. I love the layout and seats. I also voted it Best Airline for Business Class, but I’m sure Turkish is great; I hope to fly it at some point. I personally prefer the AAdvantage program to MileagePlus for the Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program, but my husband voted for MileagePlus for its upgrade program.
DEBORAH RANDOLPH, via email

I look forward to these awards every year. I like comparing year over year and seeing the consecutive winners and upsets. Congratulations to IHG for knocking out Sheraton Hotels & Resorts after 13 years!
EVELYN HART, via email

I love Aeromexico and completely agree with its win for Best Airline in Mexico. It has great food in first class and extremely friendly attendants. I’ve also flown LATAM with good experiences, and I’ve heard good things about Avianca.
KATIE WILLIS, via email

Nothing beats Lotte. Beautiful hotels, exceptional service and some of the best food anywhere. Well-deserved wins.
SCOTT PHILLIPS, via email

I’d be interested to learn what qualifies airports as “best” in these awards. I only say that because airports like Chicago O’Hare, Singapore Changi and Hartsfield-Jackson are always insanely busy, yet they ranked highly. Is it location, convenience, number of flights?
JENSON HARRIS, via email

POISED FOR POSSIBILITY
Portland’s one of my favorite places in the world — great small hotels, art scene, restaurants and people. The airport could use a facelift, so I was glad to read that’s in the works, and I loved the scenic drives tips. I’ll keep them in mind for my next visit, usually once or twice a year to visit friends.
LYDIA LEWIS, via email

A LOOK BACK AT 2017
In our Dec. 27, 2017, issue of eFlyer USA, we reflected on a year of headlines and events in travel — the good, the bad and the ugly. One reader responds to the events of 2017.
Wow. Looking back on everything, it’s hard to believe that all happened in one year. The great thing, though, is that everything moves forward, including travel. Politics, weather, business problems aside, people will always want to see the world. Unfortunately, there are still many coping with the aftermath of the storms and fires, but tourism will only help most of these places as they recover.
LOUIS SCOTT, via email

HOLI-DELAYS
In our Dec. 20, 2017, issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on an AirHelp study. The air passenger rights organization and flight compensation company reviewed data from hundreds of thousands of flights from the 2016 holiday season to help travelers plan ahead for the 2017 season.
I wish I could say AirHelp was helpful, but it’s the same every year — airports are nightmares, and the traffic getting to them is even worse. I usually find myself in or around LAX in December, and the whole month is more congested than usual, whether it’s holiday travel or people seeking an escape from the cold. All I recommend is give yourself more time than you think is necessary — worst-case scenario is you’re early and you can get some work done and enjoy a good meal and a cocktail.
OWEN COLLINS, via email

People think delays only happen in the winter in colder states because of snow, but the weather impacts travel everywhere in the country. We waited for a flight in San Francisco an extra three hours because of delays in Detroit caused by snow a couple of weeks back. Never assume smooth sailing for travel in the winter, and always give yourself enough time.
MARY LOU REAMES, via email

MARRIOTT 2018
The new Marriott hotels opening in 2018 sound great. I’m a big Marriott fan, and they seem to be popping up everywhere. I’m actually heading to Nashville in May, so I’m hoping the new JW will be open by then. I know Rosewood is also opening a new hotel in Santa Barbara that’s supposed to be beautiful. Looking forward to updates!
LIAM FULLER, via email

LIGHTS OUT IN ATLANTA
As one of the lucky ones who can say they experienced the Great Power Outage of 2017 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, I had to write in. I was flying Delta ATL–LGA to visit a friend, and I was in Terminal S when the power went out. It was chaos. No one knew where to go or what to do — no screens were operating, and you couldn’t get anywhere near airline or airport personnel. Everyone was pretty much getting news by word of mouth. When it became clear flights were not getting out, we were basically instructed to leave. Fortunately I didn’t check luggage as so many did, and I was traveling for pleasure, not business, so I was able to head back to my car and eventually get home to reschedule. Traffic was comical — it was a mass exodus. It’s unbelievable something like this could happen at the country’s busiest airport. I was able to reschedule my flight at no additional cost, aside from the inconvenience, so I think Delta handled it well, but I’m sure others weren’t as lucky and may wait months for a voucher or account credit. At the very least, I got a good story out of the situation!
ANDREW BARNES, via email

Q&A WITH PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
As I write this, my husband and I wrap up a New Year’s holiday tradition established over the past several years. We convene with two other couples, longtime friends, to enjoy three or four days on the Oregon coast. We indulge in plenty of good food and wine, football, laughter, reminiscing and making new memories as we start the New Year. While we enjoy the chance to visit galleries and boutiques and stroll the beach (weather permitting), the location really is secondary to the opportunity to kick back with good friends.

Do you find yourself returning over and over to a favorite destination, perhaps a family vacation spot or personal retreat? What was the original draw to the place, and what continues to call you back there?

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