Extraordinary Concierge
I was recently reminded of your article on extraordinary concierges (“Beyond the Call of Duty,” Global Traveler, March 2008) while on a trip to Cannes, France. I spent a lot of time at the concierge desk of the Martinez Hotel. I had dislocated my arm in London, had many business appointments, needed arrangements for dinners and needed a pair of pants lengthened quickly. I have traveled for many years, and my experiences with this concierge desk were outstanding. They had an answer to every inquiry. No job was too big or too small. They were knowledgeable about restaurants in and out of Cannes. They sent me to La Cave, a restaurant I had never visited before. It was the perfect suggestion. And, with all this, they were kind, friendly and welcoming. They even helped me with tasks I couldn’t do because of my shoulder. Being out of town with an injury is difficult, but I really felt secure with the help of this concierge desk.
Angela Rose White, via email

My Idea of Luxury
When I travel to great resorts, I often think about what luxury means to me. In my daily life, I regularly encounter insane deadlines, work-related stress, the effects of the dwindling economy and the pressures of home. All these create a constant, thrumming beat of worry and tension. What is the perfect antidote for all our 24-7 realities? Well, for me, it’s a chance to disconnect from it all — the sheer pleasure of falling asleep to the sound of waves, waking up to the song of a tropical bird and not the alarm clock, beautiful surroundings. Ah, yes, now that is my idea of luxury.
Terese Moorhead, Lathrup Village, Ill.

My Votes
As I was flipping through the awards article (“GT Tested Awards 2008,” Global Traveler, December 2008), I was surprised Four Seasons hotels are only on the list in Canada. Four Seasons hotels, both domestically and internationally, are always the best. The hotels have fine rooms and the staff always answers any requests with one of two replies: “certainly” and “my pleasure.” I can’t wait to return to a Four Seasons property. As for cruise lines, Crystal is the best. The details and the food are fantastic. When it comes to smaller ships, Silversea cannot be beat. With no tipping and all drinks and wine included, it streamlines the cruise experience. I am currently booked on both Crystal and Silversea, again. As for airplanes, the Boeing 747 is great for many reasons. The Airbus A340 is also excellent, roomy and comfortable. For an excellent travel experience, fly Iberia’s A340. The tail camera, which is directed forward above the airliner, displays a view on the cabin monitor of the top of the airplane fuselage to the cockpit and ahead, with a 180-degree vantage as you approach landing.
Greg Sullivan, via email

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Be sure to make your preferences known by voting in the GT Tested Awards 2009 survey. You’ll find the ballot on page 73 in this issue, or vote online at newgtsite.wpengine.com/survey. – Editor

Auction Action
Is there a plan to have another auction this year? Last year was exciting!
Brad Thompson, via email

Yes, there is an auction this year. In fact, it starts this month. Get ready to bid online at newgtsite.wpengine.com/auction. All proceeds benefit Pencils for Kids, Inc. Check out the auction article in this issue for more information. – Editor

Be Yourself
Hotels offer various luxuries to potential guests. But I don’t go on vacation for the heated pool, the minibar or HBO. I go to have fun and, more importantly, to be myself. Hotels offer much more than a free continental breakfast. They offer a chance to meet new people. I can have fun and let my true personality show. Vacation is a time for relaxing and being carefree — the only luxury needed is the freedom to be you. All the other amenities and extras are just bonuses.
Katherine Midgett, Orange Park, Fla.

A Terrific Night
My wife (a former Pan Am and United Airlines flight attendant) and I wanted to thank you for your kindness in inviting us to the GT Awards at the Hotel Bel-Air. The program was terrific.
Robert Letteau, via email

We enjoyed having you both at the event. Check out our awards recap in this issue. – Editor

One Special Summer
After serving two summers in the USAID Teacher Corps in Nepal, the direction of both my personal and professional life changed dramatically. I became involved in international art education and cross-cultural research. I have traveled the world over. Since retirement, I have continued to travel and meet people from different parts of the globe. All it took was one summer abroad to change my life forever.
Larry Kantner, Columbia, Mo.

Life Lessons
There was a time in my life when I barely traveled — I had no desire. Growing up in Singapore, a multicultural melting pot, I was lulled into believing I could experience the world from my doorstep. Eight years, six continents and several hundred thousand miles later, I find myself marveling at all I would have missed had I stayed put. In Tokyo, I learned that actions speak louder than words and the devil is in the details — a firm handshake, a gracious bow and a well-chosen gift. In Dubai, I saw that hard work and big dreams really can do wonders, architectural and otherwise. A wonderful Mongolian family renewed my faith in the resilience of marriage and the nuclear family unit. And a long hike in Peru showed me how, after an entire day of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen, nothing beats returning to your tent for a warm dinner with friends, old or new, chatting in English or in broken Spanish. Strangely enough, as I venture further away from home I gain a deeper understanding of what I hold closest to my heart. I wonder what fresh insights the next eight years will bring.
Leon Tan, Foster City, Calif.

Counting My Blessings
While visiting Costa Rica, I saw many people who had little or nothing. Despite everything, they were happy, healthy and friendly. They laughed, sang and danced. When I returned home, I decided to be happier in all that I do, instead of unhappy for what I don’t have.
It has changed my daily perspective, and I feel it’s a healthier way to live.
Tanya Alsip, Richfield, Minn.

Transportation, Part 1
In our January issue, we asked if you use public transportation when traveling. What are your experiences? Do you find public transportation convetnient, or are there pifalls? What cities or regions do you think offer the best mass transit systems?

I try to use a city’s public transportation system as much as possible, although I must admit it is much easier to hop in a cab. I have found that most major cities have adequate public transportation systems. With a little help from hotel concierges, most of them become relatively easy to navigate. If I am in a rush or if it’s late and I am tired, I always rely on cabs or hotel cars — it’s just simpler to trust someone who knows the way.
Tina Miller, via email

Transportation, Part 2
One city that stands out in my mind is London. The Tube is simply fantastic. It is easy to navigate, clean, convenient and efficient. I refuse to travel any other way when visiting the city. Above everything else, the London Underground is affordable. It is refreshing to see a city whose public transportation system got everything right.
Richard Robbins, via email

Transportation, Part 3
I used to try to use public transportation every time I visited a new city, but I was always disappointed. I found the systems difficult, full of questionable characters and, above all else, dirty. I never even wanted to sit down on those seats, and I couldn’t wait to get off. Maybe I’ve got it all wrong, but from my experiences, I’d rather skip the public transportation.
Molly Lewis, via email

Transportation, Part 4
There is no better way to learn about a city than to jump on the public transportation system. Hop on a line, pick a random stop, get off, explore the area, hop back on and try again. I have encountered wonderful people and places in cities all over the world this way. I always advise learning what stops to avoid ahead of time.
Ryan Spiegel, via email

Transportation, Part 5
As a college student studying abroad on a budget, I had no choice but to learn the public transportation system of the European cities I visited. I was based in London, so I was fond of public transportation — until I was robbed on the Prague subway. I guess I stuck out like a sore thumb, but it was still an eye-opening and unfortunate experience. It taught me a lot about being aware of my surroundings, especially when packed into crowded subways. I now live in New York and use the subway all the time.
Beth Vessicchio, via email

Question of the Month
It is no secret the current economic situation is affecting the travel industry. Last fall, we asked our readers how their travel habits have changed as a result of the economy. The overwhelming response: it didn’t change your travel habits much at all. Now that a few months have passed, we want to know what changes, if any, you have made in your travel in response to the continuing economic downturn. How about any lifestyle changes? As expert travelers, can you offer any money-saving tips to travelers who suddenly find themselves on a budget? Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

with the subject line: Economy. All letters submitted must include name, address and contact information. Letters become the property of Global Traveler. We cannot respond to every letter. Global Traveler reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Global Traveler and Global Traveler cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.