Q&A WITH NICOLE QUASTÉ, ASSISTANT EDITOR
On a recent trip to Prague, I fell in love with the city’s bold Gothic architecture, cozy taverns and rich history. Highlights of the trip included seeing the John Lennon Wall and St. Vitus Cathedral and strolling down the historic Golden Lane at Prague Castle.

Have you traveled to Prague? What were some of the highlights of your trip?
Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

THE BIG PEACH
I really enjoyed your After 5 feature on Atlanta in the November issue. I often travel to Atlanta for work, and I always look forward to my visits. You did a great roundup of food and entertainment, but I have to add The St. Regis’ Atlas Restaurant to the list. Chef Christopher Grossman changes the menu daily, and it’s always an unforgettable meal. It also features lovely live music on Friday nights.
REBECCA GOSHEN, San Antonio, Texas

SCREEN TIME
Mary B. Gallagher wrote a really interesting article in the November issue about the harmfulness of excess screen time. I actually shared it with my kids. I completely agree with her opinion that while social media provides valuable tools and resources, it can also be harmful to our mental and physical health if it is overused. I always try to avoid starting and ending my day with screen time. Thanks for sharing!
JOAN ELLENBERG, Minneapolis, Minn.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: THE COSTS AND BENEFITS
In the Nov. 30 issue of eFlyer USA we weighed the costs and benefits of travel insurance. We asked: Is travel insurance worth the cost? Do you purchase travel insurance for all trips or only on certain occasions?
I live in the Houston, Texas, area, and I do purchase travel insurance at times. When we were younger we felt we never needed it; but as we age, things crop up we can’t avoid, like an unexpected illness. If we are just traveling in the United States, we don’t purchase insurance; but if we have a big, expensive overseas trip planned, then we do. And it’s usually booked through the cruise line we are on. We have used it a time or two when one of us had to go to the doctor on the ship. Medicare does not pay for overseas medical expenses. One time I fell and broke my arm. It was covered by travel insurance. It is really a safety blanket for us when out of country and reduces the stress of knowing we are covered.
CARYN ERDBERG, League City, Texas

My husband does not want to insure for anything we can afford. However, I take a more cautious approach of insuring for international travel and also for expensive, non-cancelable itineraries.
Usually, we can cancel most of the cost if we know a week ahead of that need to cancel. We never insure in the United States for flights under $1,000 for two passengers.
MARY BETH, via email

Frankly, travel insurance is a waste of money. Airline tickets, even non-refundable, can be reapplied. One should only book hotel rooms that can be canceled in a reasonable window. Car rentals can always be canceled. If you are older or involved in a more active vacation such as hiking, you might get evacuation insurance available at reasonable prices. Health coverage is a consideration if your health plan does not cover health needs while abroad. Otherwise, save your money and have a nice dinner somewhere.
BARBARA ELSER, via email

PERSONALIZATION COMES AT A COST
In the Nov. 16 issue of eFlyer USA we talked about the recent trend of spending extra on airline ancillaries for a more personalized travel experience. A study showed many are willing to spend up to $100 for extra legroom, food and beverage services and in-flight WiFi. We asked: Are there certain ancillaries you are willing to spend a little extra on to make your flight more enjoyable?
I do find myself spending extra money on food during long and short flights. When I’m bored, watching a movie or flipping through a magazine, I like to have snacks on hand; so I always find myself going for that menu.
LEONARD MILLS, via email

I’m always willing to pay for comfort in the form of extra legroom or lie-flat seats. Even $100 seems like a small price to pay for quality sleep on a long international flight, especially when you’re making these trips once a month.
BEN RIEHMS, Chicago, Ill.

HOTELS INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE GUESTS HAPPY
In the Nov. 11 issue of eFlyer USA we shared the results of a study that found hotels are willing to invest in technologies to improve guest satisfaction. Have you used a mobile check-in/check-out service or any other digital hotel service platform? Do you find these technological developments an improvement or a hindrance to the traditional guest experience?
While fast WiFi and good TVs are a must, I’m not comfortable with this new idea of automated receptionists. I like being greeted at a hotel by a friendly receptionist who can tell me about the hotel’s amenities and offerings. It would feel strange to forego that step and check myself in without any human interaction.
DAN GRADY, Newport, R.I.

They are absolutely improvements. When I’m traveling for business, I want things to be quick and easy. I’d much rather push a button on my phone than stand in line at a check-in counter. Also at this point, reliable high-speed WiFi should be a given at any hotel. The only things I don’t like are mobile room keys. I’ve experienced difficulties with them on numerous occasions.
KEITH REES, Boston, Mass.

TRAVEL GOES TO THE DOGS
My business trips often take up to a week, and I prefer not to kennel my dog, Lucy, often. She’s a Papillon and well-behaved. I have noticed it’s been easier in recent years to bring her on airlines and to hotels. I often fly United Airlines, and as long as you reserve a spot in advance, they allow in-cabin travel for pets. I didn’t know about American Airlines’ new first-class pet cabin you talk about in your November article. I often fly SFO to JFK, so I’ll have to try it out!
DIANE SLATER, San Francisco, Calif.

TURKISH AIRLINES
Editor’s Note: In our Class Act Guide, it was noted Turkish Airlines offers 28 business-class seats; the correct number is 49 since Turkish Airlines returned to a two-cabin configuration and stopped offering its premium-economy service.