NOVEMBER Q&A WITH CARLY ALLEN
In the November issue our executive vice president and associate publisher, Carly Allen, talked about her solo weekend vacation to Maui, Hawai’i. Carly snorkeled in the Molokini Crater, learned to paddle board and enjoyed memorable culinary experiences. While solo travel was admittedly out of her comfort zone, it was something she thoroughly enjoyed. She asked: “Have you taken a solo vacation? If so, where did you go? How did it feel?”
Good for you, Carly! It certainly sounds like an exciting trip. Travel is one of those things I think is best shared with someone else, though, be it a friend, sibling or loved one. I would love to go to Maui. Hawai’i is one of those places always on my bucket list that just keeps getting pushed down for one reason or another. I’d love to look into a Hawai’ian vacation for my husband’s and my 50th anniversary. I saw your GT Tested review of the Andaz, which may be a bit modern for our taste, though it does look great. The Montage Kapalua Bay also looks good.
RHONDA SHEFFIELD, Syracuse, N.Y.

I love traveling solo. I did a Viking Rhine River cruise last year by myself, and it was wonderful. I think cruises lend themselves perfectly to solo travel. They’re safe, and there are always people around if you’re feeling social, and on a smaller cruise ship you see the same people over and over, so you feel more comfortable introducing yourself. I actually got breakfast one morning with another couple I met the day before. Overall, the trip was quiet and relaxing, and I think everyone should take a solo trip at least once a year. You make your own schedule and choose your own activities. Trust me, it’s the way to go.
DONNA ROBERTS, via email

CORRECTION: OCTOBER ISSUE
We regret an error in our October issue’s One on One article with Qantas Airways’ Stephen Thompson. The article says the airline is capable of flying London–Perth in seven to eight hours. This has been corrected to read “Our new Boeing 787-9 is a game changer, allowing us to fly London to Perth in 17 hours.” Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

THANKSGIVING TO SEE HIGHEST TRAVEL NUMBERS SINCE 2005
In the Nov. 20 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about AAA’s prediction that Thanksgiving 2017 would be busiest for travel since 2005. Did you travel?
It’s funny; I read your article on Thanksgiving travel before heading to New York to visit family. They just recently moved there, and it was my first time flying into JFK on a holiday, and I assumed it would be busier but not too much worse than usual. To keep it short and spare you the details, I think I’ll Skype in to family dinner next year.
RON ADLER, via email

Do yourself a favor and stay home. I swear, sometimes Thanksgiving traffic is worse than Christmas, especially if you’re anywhere near L.A. I don’t know what it is, but everyone in the world seems to be on the roads at Thanksgiving, which makes business trips around that time excruciating and expensive.
JIM PERRIN, via email

I drive I-95 in Connecticut, so I know traffic. What most people experience Thanksgiving is what we experience on a regular basis. My advice is always take the train if it’s an option. Even if that’s delayed, it’ll likely get resolved quicker than Connecticut road traffic.
JAYSON VOGEL, via email

SOUTHERN IRELAND
I enjoyed your article on Southern Ireland. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. Last time I was there, I stayed at Mount Juliet, and it was lovely. It’s a gorgeous Georgian-era property, [has] beautiful antique furniture, ivy-covered walls, gardens — the whole nine yards. The Lady Helen Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant. I had venison that was to die for, and my husband had cod, equally amazing. Great wine list as well. You can’t go wrong with places like this in Ireland. The hospitality and service are out of this world, far better than a chain hotel property. Rosleague Manor House Hotel in Galway is also charming and not far from Connemara National Park. I’ve never stayed at Hayfield Manor, which Ms. Long mentions in her article, but I’ll add it to the list!
ANITE LEMELLE, via email

THE CHANGING FACE OF LUXURY TRAVEL
In the Oct. 31 issue of eFlyer USA, we highlighted the ways in which luxury travel is changing. Today’s luxury traveler spends more on experiences than anything else. Do you agree?
These findings don’t surprise me. There’s nice, and then there’s unnecessary. I want good service, good food, good WiFi and a comfortable bed when I travel, but nothing over the top. I’d rather shell out more for a great show or tour if I’m somewhere new than extravagant things I don’t need. It’s been said a million times, but memories last, things don’t.
CHRIS AULT, via email

KOREAN AIR LOUNGE
I just came across your magazine for the first time in the Korean Air lounge at JFK on a recent trip. I wanted to write in to tell you how much I enjoyed flipping through — beautiful images and a great mix of articles. Really loved the Technology column, and the interviews with staff added a great personal touch, considering it was the first time I’ve read the magazine. I feel I got to know the faces behind the words! It also inspired me to plan a trip to Southern Ireland — my thanks to Donna Long.
ANDREAS TRAN, via email

STOPOVER PROGRAMS
I’ve seen several articles lately about stopover programs, most recently TAP Air Portugal’s. I also know Iceland offers one, which would make for an interesting stop. I love this concept, and I feel like it’s relatively new. I know at some airports you’re able to leave, but the option of staying somewhere for a couple of nights (by choice) is excellent. My husband and I are considering a trip to Croatia in June, and it’s a long flight, so this might be the perfect opportunity to see a new city and break our journey up a bit.
SUSAN LAFARGE, via email

Q&A WITH JANICE HECHT, SENIOR EDITOR
I fell in love with train travel at age 19 when I toured Europe on a Eurail Pass. More recently, my husband and I rode the rails from Connecticut to Atlanta on Amtrak, booking a cozy sleeping compartment. When time allows, nothing compares to watching the passing landscape slowly change and being lulled to sleep by the rhythm of a train trundling through a quiet night. On my bucket list: an extended excursion on a luxury train such as the Belmond Royal Scotsman or the Royal Canadian Pacific.

Do you enjoy traveling by train? Have you had a rail experience you would recommend to other travelers? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com