SEPTEMBER Q&A: WITH ALLIE MENZIONE
In the September issue, Menzione shared her recent experiences in Greece, including her visit to Athens, Mykonos and Santoríni. Highlights of her trip included the views over the caldera, a sunset catamaran tour and swimming in the Aegean Sea. She asked: Have you traveled to Greece? If so, what was your favorite city or island?

Allie’s trip sounded amazing. My husband and I went to Greece a couple of years ago. The highlight for us was Corfu Island. Gorgeous rocky coastlines, beautiful water. It’s a little quieter than some of the other Greek destinations, but you still get the history, architecture, beaches, food — everything! There are some fun bars with good live music, too. We stayed at the Corfu Holiday Palace, which was beautiful, and we strongly recommend it. It has a beautiful pool and views. We’re aching to go back. A catamaran tour would have been really nice — adding to our list for next time. When my husband and I got married, we went to Hawai’i for our honeymoon, but Greece would be perfect. It’s one of the most romantic places we’ve been.
KERRIE MERLETTA, New York, N.Y.

Athens is a bit crowded, as Ms. Menzione probably experienced, but it’s a great city. The food and wine in Athens is some of the best in the world.
TIM MORALES, via email

Say what you want about the crowds, Santoríni is a magical place I could visit every year. It’s one of the few places in the world that looks as beautiful in person as it does in the photos. Blue and white for days.
RILEY MOORE, via email

SPUR OF THE MOMENT
Travel is one of those weird things where you can both plan everything in advance, in detail, but then everything could change in a second, and your planning is useless. I love the idea of going somewhere on a whim, choosing a hotel based on what looks the most appealing and so on, but I don’t think I could do it. I’m an in-advance planner. Plus, I like to have something to look forward to, so I always plan my vacations a few months out. I do love the Hopper app though, even though it’s probably best for last-minute trips. Its airfare trend predictions always seem to be accurate.
DEBORAH CAPRICE, via email

ECLECTIC LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg is one of my favorite cities to travel to for work, but I always extend the stay if I can. It’s the ideal combination of modern and historic. I was excited to learn it’s reopening its tram lines. It’s not a hard city to get around, but the tram will be a great option. I usually stay at the Meliá Luxembourg or the Sofitel Luxembourg, both great hotels. I also always have a smooth experience at Luxembourg Airport.
LARRY METZLER, Los Angeles, Calif.

LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS 2017
I love the Sofitel in L.A. It’s a beautiful hotel. Looks like you guys had a great time! I love seeing your winners, and this year I couldn’t agree more with the awards for Silversea, Azamara and Meliá Hotels. For the Best Premium-Economy Class award, I’d have to go with British Airways — spacious, delicious food, quiet. I haven’t had the opportunity to fly Lufthansa’s premium economy, but I’d love to. Congratulations to all winners!
EVELYN RONA, via email

Yes, yes, yes to Paul Gauguin. Favorite cruise line for many reasons. Spotless ships, spacious rooms, outstanding food. You guys have good taste. Congrats on your well-deserved win, PG!
PAUL BENSON, via email

PAST & PRESENT
This is my new favorite column in GT. The Hawaiian Airlines photos are great! I love that it’s always been fun and colorful. I flew with the carrier last year, and it was wonderful. Attendants were beyond friendly and made us even more excited for our trip to Hawai’i. I’d love to see more historic hotels in the Past & Present column. There are some beautiful properties in the Northeast I know have been around for centuries and still function as hotels. It would be fun to see what they used to look like before additions and restorations.
CHRISTINA LIU, via email

FUTURE OF TSA
In the Sept. 13 issue of eFlyer USA, we talked about the future of TSA screenings, which may require passengers to remove food from their luggage.

I never carry food in my luggage anyway. I actually didn’t realize you were allowed to. The TSA has a hard job. We want more security and quicker, more efficient security lines, and those things don’t usually go hand in hand. Bravo to them for looking ahead and constantly trying to improve airport safety. I’ll gladly take out my pretzels.
ERIC GAVIN, via email

BEER GARDENS
I saw the Top 5 article on globaltravelerusa.com about beer gardens in the United States, and I can personally attest to Estabrook in Milwaukee. I took a couple of clients there earlier in the summer, and it was a great time. Apparently, it’s the first public beer garden in the United States, and it brings its beer right from Hofbräuhaus in Munich.
HECTOR DAVIS, via email

ALEXA’S UNITED SKILL
I gave this a try, and it does work! You have to ask Alexa specific questions in a specific way, but it is easier than checking your phone when you’re on your way out the door with luggage in hand. Can’t wait to see what else she can do in the future in terms of travel. I’d love for her to tell me when flight fares come down or my rewards points are about to expire. If this already exists, let me know!
XAVIER RHODES, via email

THIS MONTH IN AVIATION
This Month in Aviation is a monthly e-newsletter written by Harriet Baskas, available to those registered in the GT Members section of globaltravelerusa.com. It offers the latest updates on airlines, routes and airports.

Just wanted to let you all know I love this newsletter; it’s a great roundup of updates, especially airports. It’s great to know where new lounges open up and where there might be construction slowing things down.
JIM TIERNEY, via email

Q&A WITH CARLY ALLEN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
I recently took a solo weekend vacation to Maui, Hawai’i, and it was a wonderful experience. I snorkeled in the Molokini Crater, learned to paddle board and had excellent culinary experiences all on my own. It was an interesting challenge that took me out of my comfort zone, but I believe learning to travel and gain experiences on your own is a must for frequent travelers.

Have you taken a solo vacation? If so, where did you go? How did it feel?

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