At the end of May, the team set up shop at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills for Global Traveler’s fourth Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Each year we invite our readers to vote on their favorite leisure travel products and luxury items. Brands like Cadillac, TAG Heuer, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Cunard Line star among the favorites. Please pick up a copy of the May Leisure Lifestyle Edition to read about all the winners. The September issue of GT will feature a recap of the event with photographs of the winners proudly holding their trophies. Thank you for being a part of this special experience!

A high point of the event was awarding United Airlines PetSafe Best Pet-Friendly Airline with the help of Seven, an Australian shepherd who prepared for the presentation by making friends at the cocktail reception beforehand. Pet owners tell amazing stories about transporting their pets across the country or across the world. If you have any questions, check out the United Airlines PetSafe website. Trazeetravel.com, our sister publication, also offers a wealth of information about PetSafe and traveling with your best friend.

Our annual Global City Guidebook will arrive in your mailbox soon. The GCGB offers one-page reports on cities all over the world and provides a keepsake for future reference. Busy travelers find the recommendations indispensable.

Watch for more rising stars as we announce the winners of our annual Wines on the Wing airline wine competition in the August 2016 issue. We received a record number of entries from airlines this year and held the survey in May at the INNSIDE New York Nomad, the flagship lifestyle business hotel of Meliá Hotels International. The hotel features 313 modern rooms and suites with the latest technology and WiFi connectivity, offering a highly functional space for business and leisure travelers alike. The on-site restaurant, Impero Caffè by Scott Conant, makes a great place for dinner, and the hardworking GT team sampled the menu after the event — most impressive!

With all the trips we take, it is important for frequent travelers to sign up for TSA PreCheck, also known as IdentoGO. It does not take much time to be approved as a secured passenger. While you are at it, I suggest you also apply for Global Entry — unless you are a fan of long lines and removing your shoes and laptops.

Enjoy your travels the rest of the summer, and find time to add an exciting destination or two!