Since I last wrote to you in our May issue, it was a big month of “firsts” in my house. As I mentioned, we welcomed our daughter in September 2023, so my travel schedule hasn’t yet returned to its pre-baby levels. However, I did embark on my first business trip — and out of the country — to spend an overnight on Cunard’s Queen Mary before it set sail with its first passengers.

Docked in Southampton, England, my two nights in the country afforded me both some time doing my favorite activities in London — having afternoon tea and perusing Borough Market — and time exploring Cunard’s fourth ship. The cruise line’s partner hotel is The Londoner, a relatively new property located directly in Leicester Square. Check out more from my trip in our September Cruising Issue.

Then, in mid-May, Global Traveler celebrated our Leisure Lifestyle Awards during an evening event at The Union League of Philadelphia. Though we’re located just outside of Philadelphia in Bucks County, my husband and I took the opportunity to overnight at W Philadelphia, opened in 2021 in a new-build skyscraper and boasting incredible views from our 45th-floor room. Our daughter enjoyed her first sleepover at Mom Mom and Pop Pop’s house. The next day we picked up Harper and headed to my husband’s family’s cabin in the Pocono Mountains for our first weekend getaway as a family. We enjoyed some time with friends; hiked to waterfalls and took long walks; and visited one of our favorite local spots, Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. I’m happy to say Harper is already a pro at traveling. I can’t wait to explore more with her in the future.

As we kick off summer with this issue, where will your summer travels take you? In this issue we visit Amsterdam, West Hollywood, Saudi Arabia, Seoul, Morocco, Cabo Verde, Savannah, Krakow, San Francisco and Jerusalem. We also take a look at what’s new with your favorite loyalty programs and window shop along the world’s best shopping streets. With the Summer Olympics in Paris fast approaching, our Sports column delves deeper into what it takes to become an Olympic host city.

Join us next month for our annual Global City Guidebook, offering one-page reports on cities around the globe. Until then, safe travels!

Kimberly Inlander, Editor in chief