JULY Q&A: JENNA PAYESKO, ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
In the July issue, Jenna shared a few highlights from her recent trip to Los Angeles, including The Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She asked: When traveling to a new destination, do you visit the tourist hot spots, or do you create your own?

I think a healthy combination of both makes for the best trip. Attractions are often famous for a reason; and if you only get to go somewhere once in a lifetime, it’s worth seeking out some of the hot spots. You’re not going to go to Paris for the first time and not see the Eiffel Tower. That being said, to really experience a destination, you have to venture off the beaten path. Stumble into a tiny café or restaurant you’d never find on TripAdvisor, and check out a quirky museum or art gallery. My husband and I love renting a car when we can because we always seem to find the best, random places that way. I remember the first time I went to L.A. in my early twenties, and I hit all of the top spots — Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Beach, the Hollywood sign. I don’t seek these places out anymore, but you can’t visit L.A. without experiencing them at least once.
GLORIA HARLAN, via email

I’m glad you had a great time, Jenna. I’m in LA for work so often I forget about some of its more charming attributes. I always dread the flight and especially the traffic, but when I first started traveling there for business, I used to love seeking out live music at night after work. There’s a place called The Mint that’s been around forever, and they have great new music in every genre. I was also impressed by The Getty Center when I visited a few years back.
MARK PARADA, via email

ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
Loved the romantic destinations slideshow! My husband and I went to Hawai’i on our honeymoon and loved it, but we went to Martinique for our 25-year anniversary, and it was even better. We went hiking a couple times, explored Fort-de-France and, of course, lounged on the beach. I had never seen a more beautiful beach than Les Salines. We strongly recommend Martinique for a romantic getaway. We’d love to visit Santoríni and Prague — maybe for our 30th and 35th anniversaries!
HELEN CARDONA, via email

TRAVEL INSURANCE
I never got travel insurance when I was younger. It wasn’t until I started caring for my elderly parents that I realized how often things come up out of the blue. My husband and I had a trip to Nice planned when my mom got sick, and I didn’t want to leave her alone. We did have insurance, and we were fortunate enough to get most of our money back. If for no other reason than preparing for life’s curve balls, I always recommend travel insurance. You really never know.
CAROL MORGAN, via email

TRAVEL SHOES
Thanks for the great gift ideas! I have to add Rockport ballet flats for ladies on the go. They’re adorable and incredibly comfortable. I wear them to work sometimes, but they’re a musthave at the airport. They have a tiny bit of a heel, so you don’t get that pain you sometimes get with completely flat shoes.
ANN RINER, via email

CEO SERIES
Great new CEO Series. I love the little-known fact section. I thought Mr. Bastian’s tip about bringing chargers was a little obvious, but I appreciated his tip about developing a relationship with your favorite airline. While every airline offers a rewards program, I love that I’ve started to see the same people over and over again. Having the staff of a large airline recognize you is a great way to start a trip. When you travel a lot without your family, it’s always nice feeling a bit of camaraderie on the road.
DAVID HALVORSON, via email

ON THE SAFE SIDE
I thought Ms. Leperi’s article was thorough and insightful about a subject that makes a lot of businesses nervous right now. The most important takeaway for me, as a frequent business traveler, is to gain strategic perspective. Be prepared. Whether I’m booking a trip myself or my company books for me, I always try to take some time to make sure I know what/ where I’m getting into. Something as seemingly small as knowing if/how much to tip or what vaccines are recommended can make a difference on your trip. Don’t hop on a plane assuming you’ll “figure it out.” There’s a time and place to be spontaneous, but a business trip is not one of those times, in my opinion. We’re lucky to have programs like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program — take advantage of it!
ERIK PETERSEN, via email

MUSEUM VISITS
The Getty Center is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. The Getty actually has two campuses. The Getty Center is the newer one. The original — the Getty Villa in Malibu — is also beautiful.

I enjoyed the brief article on Spain’s Basque country in the July issue of GT. Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum is on our bucket list!

My wife and I have visited the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseum in Panama City. I believe Frank Gehry’s wife is from Panama and was helpful in inspiring him to design the museum. In contrast to other Gehry-designed buildings, which are bare metal, the museum in Panama City is a riot of colors. Gerry’s inspiration for the colors was the native birds and plants. It is a spectacular building and the exhibits are absorbing and informative. If you haven’t visited Panama City, I would recommend it for two–three days. The Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks is also an interesting attraction, as well as the old colonial section of the city. Additionally, Panama is centrally located between North and South America with good non-stop connections from many cities both north and south. With many large hotels, it is a good location for multinational companies and international organizations to hold meetings.
MARVIN SINGER, via email

TEE TO SHINING TEE
I have to say, after all my years golfing, I’ve never been on a golf cruise. Thanks to J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer for reminding me this is something I need to try. My wife and I love Azamara cruises, and my son also golfs, so we might have to check out the cruise line’s U.K. itinerary. Thanks again!
JASON BROGAN, via email

Q&A WITH ALLIE MENZIONE, ASSISTANT DIGITAL COORDINATOR
I recently traveled to Greece, where I visited Athens and the islands of Mykonos and Santoríni. During my stay I had the opportunity to see the jaw-dropping views over the Caldera, take a sunset catamaran tour and swim in the Aegean Sea. It was a stunning destination, and each stop was beautiful in its own way. I think it’s the ideal destination for a wedding or honeymoon and hope to go back some day.

Have you traveled to Greece? If so, what was your favorite city or island?

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