Q&A WITH CHRIS SAGER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
In our May issue, Chris Sager discussed the challenges of international travel, including dealing with conversion fees, rates and doing a bit of homework on the currency before traveling. This raised a few questions: How do you typically handle the cash process of international travel? Do you withdraw your money beforehand, use only a credit/ debit card or rely on ATMs upon arrival? A few readers wrote in to answer:

I tend to go to my bank and take out cash before I travel, just to have some on me, but I usually rely on my credit cards throughout the trip.
BETHANY WILSON, via email

I always use my credit cards while traveling internationally. There’s no exchange fee, and I usually get points.
BILL LAWSON, via email

I’ve tried it all, really. I’ve taken out cash at the ATM in an international destination, I’ve brought cash along [and] used credit cards I knew were accepted and without international fees. It’s generally the easiest to use my credit card, but it’s good to have cash as backup.
ROBERT FLACK, via email

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
In our May issue, we discussed the comfort and convenience of flying by private jet and which companies to consider in our “Fly Like a VIP” Tours column, written by Kristy Alpert. One reader wrote in with thoughts:

Each month I look forward to reading Global Traveler while I am in an airport lounge. It highlights many of the places I have traveled and brings to light experiences I might like to add to my must-do list.

As I read “Fly Like a VIP” by Kristy Alpert, I was surprised to note Seattle-based TCS World Travel missing from your list of companies offering private jet travel. As a past traveler of TCS, I feel it is, and has been, the gold standard in the private jet industry for the past 25 years. It offers both all-inclusive jet excursions with set itineraries around the globe and personalized, custom trips for individuals, families or friends. Whether traveling solo or with 50 travelers, my experience is TCS is on top of its game. Just when you think TCS cannot do it better, it manages to pull out all the stops.

Please add TCS World Travel to your VIP private jet travel list.
LAINE SILVERFIELD, via email

BOEING 737 MAX
In our May 29 eFlyer USA newsletter, we covered Boeing’s completion of a 737 software fix. After two deadly crashes over several months, 737 MAX aircraft were grounded for software investigation. Boeing claims the software problems that apparently caused the crashes have been fixed. We asked our readers: Will you fly on the 737 MAX planes once the grounding order is lifted? A few readers wrote in with responses:

Regarding your question as to whether I will fly on the 737 Max: I average four flights per week and hundreds of thousands of miles annually on American Airlines. I am going to give it a good six months before I decide to book a flight on the 737 Max. I have also spoken with several senior-level flight attendants who tell me they are going to refuse to fly on the MAX until they are confident it is safe.
PHIL LEAMON, via email

Regarding if we will fly the 737 MAX once the grounding order is lifted, the question is, really, do we trust Boeing if it says it is fixed?

My answer is no, based on its behavior during the launch of the 737 MAX and after the two accidents.
HENRIK ÅSLAND, New York

WHO WORE IT BEST?
In our April 30 eFlyer USA newsletter, we reported on United’s new fleet livery and recent marketing moves. The airline unveiled the new look with three shades of blue and a new take on the brand’s logo. A couple of readers wrote in with thoughts on the airline:

UAL’s looking and operating more like Continental every day. Many of its management people have a CAL background. I checked United’s schedule, and neither the 300ER nor the 787 has a scheduled flight out of Chicago O’Hare. American Airlines is using newer 787s on the majority of its European and Asian flights from ORD. United used to be known as Chicago’s hometown airline, but, sadly, that may be no more.
MICHAEL GREEN, via email

GET BLOGGING
In our daily blog section on globaltraveler usa.com, our staff share stories from their personal travels, business trips, work functions, fun events and more. An avid reader wrote in with a comment after reading a few posts.

Keep up the awesome work on your blog. Keep on inspiring. RYAN K. BIDDULPH, via email

THE AWARD GOES TO …
In a special-edition Leisure Lifestyle Awards e-blast released May 17, we showcased Cunard’s win for Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. An avid reader wrote in to the publisher with compliments:

Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2019. Wow, the awards look really good! And interesting new stuff.
S.T.S., via email

Q&A WITH CARLY ALLEN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
My mind is swimming with ideas for a fun weekend solo trip before summer is out, one where I don’t have to rely on someone else’s schedule but just pack up and go while using my miles! A weekend in Maui to explore the Road to Hana? Or try a wellness retreat in Sedona inspired by last month’s issue?

Have you traveled solo? What are your favorite solo trip destinations?

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