Q&A WITH ERICH MARTIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR
In our December 2018 issue, Erich Martin, assistant editor, discussed his fondest travel memories from his childhood. Thinking about his family trips as a kid brought up the questions: Which travel memories do you cherish the most? Do you hold on to sentimental family trips more than extravagant travel?

Every summer my family would rent a big beach house in the Outer Banks and camp out on the beach. We had so much fun grilling and playing on the beach as kids, so we kept the tradition going into adulthood. We still take a few weeks out of the year to rent a house at the end of summer and invite any and all family who can attend. Everyone comes when they can, brings food, and we have a mix of family and friends so each year is different. It’s a fun tradition and one I hope instills some of the same memories I had as a kid in our kids and their kids.
ROBERT FELDMAN, via email

We didn’t travel a ton when I was a kid, so pretty much every vacation memory is a standout, but definitely our big trip to Europe when I was 10 is a memory I will never forget.
SUZANNE WESTON, via email

LETTER TO THE PUBLISHER
After Global Traveler’s first-ever Cruising Issue launched in November 2018, a reader wrote in to publisher Francis X. Gallagher with a few thoughts along the same cruising theme:

Congrats on your initial Cruising Issue endeavor providing an “across the bow” smorgasbord of various cruise lines.

Any cruise works for me, with special enjoyment for significant time-at-sea voyages. The secret to a great-fit cruise is matching the personality/DNA of the travelers with the unique DNA of the ship: In other words, it’s like fitting someone with the right shoes. One size doesn’t fit all. Less can be more!

Today’s seasoned cruiser will stay away from the mega ships (up to 6,000 passengers) and any ship with more than 1,500 passengers (the exception being Cunard’s legendary Queen Mary 2 for [a] classic trans-Atlantic crossing).

Alaska cruising is not necessarily a cold-weather destination but more of a mild-weather, May–September cruise destination and is particularly attractive for multigenerational family travel. It’s America’s last frontier.

Expedition cruising has also come into vogue with the Galápagos and Antarctica receiving much attention.

River cruising has taken on a whole new life and niche of its own, especially in Europe, with competitive product offerings [and] uniquely providing upfront berthing in quaint village towns. Like ocean cruises, the focus is on cultural immersion and themed sailing, such as wine/epicurean engagement.
JAMES FERGUSON, via email

CRUISING COVER
Our November 2018 issue and first-ever Cruising edition featured an image of a Viking River Cruises vessel floating by the Hungarian Parliament building along the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. We detailed the main image, the Viking River Cruises vessel, and where the photograph was taken. A few readers wrote in with different views:

I was given your November issue by a relative who knew I was an experienced cruiser and thought I would enjoy seeing it. By the time I plowed through the front matter and found your address on page 10, I was disappointed and annoyed.

The gorgeous architectural creation on the cover attracted my attention. Immediately, I asked myself, “What is it?” and “Where is it?” It was not identified on the cover. There was no mention of the cover at all on the first five pages of front matter I searched. But I was relieved to find the small page six note “ON THE COVER.” Alas, that note totally ignored the magnificent gigantic structure that aroused my curiosity and was the central feature of the cover photograph. I still don’t know what it is.

So much for encouraging your readers’ interest in traveling to new and awesome places!
JOHN TASKER, via email

I absolutely loved the November issue! I’m an avid cruiser, and the image grabbed me immediately. I have been lucky enough to cruise along the Danube River many times, and the Parliament building is an absolutely stunning sight. I enjoyed the mix of stories and different cruise options. I typically stick to what I know and destinations that most interest me, but the blend of options opened my eyes to a few new ideas for my husband and me next year!
AMELIA TRAINER, via email

I first saw the November Cruising Issue of your magazine in an airport lounge during a work trip and was immediately drawn to the image on the cover. My wife and I take a cruise once a year, at least, so I think of myself as a pretty avid cruiser. Beautiful magazine — I will keep an eye out for the next one on my trip next month.
TRUMAN LORIA, via email

’TIS THE SEASON
In our Dec. 10, 2018, WhereverFamily News newsletter, we featured an article on the best experiences to gift this holiday season, inspiring a reader to write in:

This year for my boyfriend’s birthday, I surprised him with a TopGolf experience, and I highly recommend giving experiences as gifts, no matter what the celebration. It was a milestone birthday, and he was so surprised. The surprise activity would have been enough, but having two private rooms and all of our friends join turned the activity into a party. We had such a great time, and it was easily one of the better gifts I’ve given.
RACHEL MASON, via email

Q&A WITH PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR/COPY EDITOR
My husband and I and another couple, good friends of ours, are planning a trip this fall to Spain and Portugal. In order to visit several regions, cities and towns both large and small, we’d like to rent a vehicle and make it an extended road trip. Having never driven internationally before, I’d like to know: What tips do you have for undertaking such a journey? If you’ve made such a trip, what would you consider essential take-alongs and key elements to consider? Any pitfalls we should try to avoid?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com