August Cover Battle
Cairo or Australia? Which to choose for our August cover image? We went with a striking figure from Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, though Australia’s gorgeous Sydney Harbour was equally tempting. What did you think?

It was a tough choice, but I agree Cairo was the right decision. I also found it refreshing you featured something less mainstream than the pyramids for the cover.
Glen Johnston, Boston, Mass.

I like the photo you picked, but I wish you went with the Australia cover. The Harbour Bridge in Sydney is iconic, and the sunset in this photo is absolutely breathtaking. I want to go there on my next trip!
Carol Sullivan, Woodbridge, N.J.

I enjoyed the Cairo cover. The colors contrast beautifully, and I like that you can really see all the different textures and details of the statue. It is definitely not something you see often.
Marsha Fields, Boulder, Colo.

Dwelling in the Past
I thought the article on historic hotels was excellent. When I travel, I prefer to stay in places that showcase the charm and history of my location without having to forego modern comforts. I will be looking into some of these options on my next trip. Thanks for sharing, and I hope more people will choose to stay in places with a story to tell.
Adam Kramer, Annapolis, Md.

Sense of Wonder
I most enjoyed the article about Cappadocia, Turkey. I have a colleague who works in Turkey and have always wanted to go myself. This article gave me a good feel for the neighborhood and a few great spots to check out when I get there.
Melissa Alvarez, New York, N.Y.

Travelers Split on Hotel Etiquette
In the Aug. 17 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported the hotel guest behaviors travelers hate the most, as well as travelers’ views on tipping and complimentary amenities. We asked: Do you agree misbehaving children and noisy adults are the worst hotel guests? What’s your personal policy on tipping hotel staff? Do you believe all hotels should provide complimentary WiFi?

I agree bothersome children are annoying.

I also dislike hotels asking guests to use their towels and sheets another day or two, saying they’re saving water. Who are they kidding? It saves the housekeeper time making up the room and he or she can get more done. The savings is only for the hotel.

I dislike being expected to tip anyone. I believe the company should pay its staff a living wage. If the staff are being paid to do what they do, why am I expected to tip?

Loud guests in the halls at any time of day equal no consideration for anyone.
Renni O’Brien, New Jersey

Free WiFi is one of the most important amenities I look for in a hotel, and it seems like the more expensive the hotel the less likely they are to have free WiFi. I do see that changing as they are offering free service to their loyalty customers or at least have it available in the lobby for all.
Shelley Page, White Bear Lake, Minn.

I’m surprised there was no mention of hotel guests coming into the concierge lounge for breakfast in their workout clothes, sometimes in just gym shorts and a sweaty T-shirt. That’s a big-time turnoff.
Emanuel Baker, Los Angeles, Calif.

The worst hotel behavior I know is from two people who would stay in fancy hotels. On the last day, they would clog the toilet so it overflowed. They then would demand a refund or reduced rate for the inconvenience. Totally dishonest and unethical.
Sharon King Hoge, New York, N.Y.

Travelers Demand Smart Home Features
In the Aug. 9 issue of eFlyer USA, we discovered more travelers are looking for smart tech features when staying in private vacation rentals, like those offered by Airbnb and HomeAway. We asked: Do you find tech options are lacking when you stay with popular vacation rental services?

I read this article with great interest, as I’ve faced several technology challenges while traveling for the last year or so.

After selling my home in 2015, I’ve been traveling nearly all the time, staying mostly in Airbnb apartments and an occasional hotel. I would not even consider staying in a place without fast, reliable WiFi. Before I make a reservation, I’ve learned to ask hosts to run an internet speed test and report the results. I also purchased my own MiFi device as a backup. I can do without television, a landline phone, alarm clock or radio. I simply travel with my Toshiba laptop, iPad 2 and Android GSM unlocked phone.

I’m less concerned with and impressed by hightech features such as smart security systems, touchscreen appliances and mobile app controls for thermostats and lighting, though I recently stayed at the mCitizen Hotel at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and similar features were pretty nice.
Linda Dorman, Chicago, Ill.

Osaka Oversight
Your article on Osaka was excellent and included many of my favorites, as well as some new things to check out.

But poor Osaka — so nondescript is its skyline, excepting Shin Umeda City, Global Traveler attributed a picture of the Kowloon side of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to Osaka on the Contents page.
Eric Janson, Munich, Germany

Editor’s Note: Thanks for bringing the misattribution to our attention, Eric. We originally intended to feature Osaka’s skyline on July’s Contents page, but then opted for Hong Kong when we picked Osaka for the cover. You can find the photo properly labeled later on in the issue, in the “9–5: Hong Kong” article.