JANUARY Q&A: NICOLE QUASTÉ, ASSISTANT EDITOR
In the January issue our assistant editor, Nicole Quasté, talked about her memorable visit to Prague and asked readers: Have you traveled to Prague? What were some of the highlights of your trip?

I’ve traveled to Prague four times now and discover new things each time. On my most recent trip, I ventured to Český Krumlov, a small Gothic city with some of the most beautiful buildings and cathedrals I’ve ever seen. There are also some great historic breweries outside of Prague’s city limits definitely worth a daytrip.
ALLEN ADRIAN, Atlanta, Ga.

I’m interested in military history, so I thought Golden Lane in Prague Castle was pretty incredible. They did such a great job preserving the original weaponry and architecture of the fortresses and lookouts. There’s so much history in Prague.
TOM CONNELL, New York, N.Y.

CURRENT STATE OF HOTEL IN-ROOM TECHNOLOGY
In the Jan. 11 issue of eFlyer USA we talked about the current state of hotel technology. We asked: What technologies would you like to see more hotels incorporate? Do you think these technology upgrades are necessary? How does technology play into your guest experience at a hotel?

Technology upgrades are absolutely necessary. I don’t believe the upgrades should be at the expense of person-to-person communication and service, but for frequent travelers these technology offerings aren’t a luxury but a necessity. If I’m traveling for work, as I am most of the year, I wouldn’t consider staying at a hotel that does not offer free WiFi, though this isn’t something I’ve experienced in quite some time. Do I need blinds that go up and down at the touch of an iPhone button? No, but I certainly appreciate the streaming capability many hotels now offer, and the digital keycard is always a nice touch.
DANIEL SEFTON, via email

RETHINKING THE AIRLINE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE
In the Jan. 18 issue of eFlyer USA we talked about the concept of customizable cabin configurations. We asked: What are your thoughts on modular aircraft cabins? Do you think this is a practical program that would improve overall airline experience?

I do not like customized configuration based on financial status. Although there is tiered seating, the plane amenities should be shared by all passengers. If they want, airlines can have a plane with first and business class only so the coach passengers do not have to subsidize the premium customers.
JOHN V. MATHEW, via email

FLIGHT CANCELATIONS, MISHANDLED BAGGAGE AT ALL-TIME LOW
In the Jan. 24 issue of eFlyer USA we talked about how baggage mishandling and delayed or canceled flights are at an all-time low, according to the Department of Transportation. We asked: Have you noticed any significant improvements in airline cancelations, timeliness or baggage handling in recent months?

While I still often experience some sort of delay on domestic and international flights, I noticed flight cancelations seem to be low. It’s been more than a year since I’ve had a flight canceled, and I’m a frequent flyer, so it’s a welcome improvement.
KENNETH KEES, via email

Unfortunately, my bag was recently lost on a flight to Newark, but the airline was helpful. I had it back the same day I landed, and my checked-bag fee was returned. These things do happen, but I agree they seem to happen less often than they used to.
ELLA MORGAN, via email

Q&A WITH KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF
This issue kicks off our annual charity travel auction to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As voluntourism initiatives remain popular worldwide and auctions tout enticing travel offers, travelers often find a way to merge vacations with charitable efforts.

How do you combine the two? What types of voluntourism and charity travel have you participated in?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

MOBILE OPPORTUNITY

Holly Riddle wrote an interesting article on the opportunities smartphones present for airports. At first, I wasn’t the biggest advocate for airports’ push for all things digital. I thought it was unnecessary, and I clung to my printed boarding pass until I took a new job that required far more travel than my previous one. I’ve come to rely on my phone at the airport. I love the real-time updates airlines and airports provide, and I can’t see a reason to ever print a boarding pass again. Perhaps these airport and airline apps are intended to increase revenue, but the conveniences they offer are well worth it.
GARETTE KOWALSKI, Charlotte, N.C.

STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS

It’s great to see destinations such as Puerto Rico pushing through the negative effects from things they can’t control. Susan Finch’s article did a great job of showcasing the exciting new things the country [sic] is offering, despite the recent Zika threat. Puerto Rico is beautiful, and I’ve always enjoyed my visits there.
NATHALIE RUTHI, Toledo, Ohio

A PERSONAL PATH
Betsa Marsh’s Bucket List story was incredible. What a journey! Pilgrimages are things you hear about and rarely think to do, but this trip along the Camino de Santiago sounds life-changing. I’ll certainly be reevaluating my travel bucket list. I knew someone who did a pilgrimage to Lourdes, in France. That might make for an interesting bucket list addition!
ROSALYNN LERSH, Denver, Colo.

PAST & PRESENT: LUFTHANSA

I love the new Past & Present section. It’s great being able to see these hotels and airlines in their earlier days. The 1926 photo of Lufthansa’s onboard service is amazing. I never would have envisioned an aircraft to look like that. I’d love to see before and after shots of some popular tourist destinations as well: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Eiffel Tower and the like.
LINDA BIRGIT, Seattle, Wash.

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

Editor’s Note: We regret an error in the GT Tested review of Jumeirah Emirates Towers in the January issue. The photos included in this article were from Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. Please enjoy these photos of Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.