December 2019 Global Traveler by Global Traveler

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December 2019

CELEBRATING

SWEET

DALLAS p. 78 FLORIDA p. 90 GUJARAT p. 88 KARPENISI p. 83 KRAKÃ&#x201C;W p. 72 SHANGHAI p. 82 TAIPEI p. 80 TURIN p. 84

Announcing the winners of the 16th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards. p. 40

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letter from the editor ®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

SEASON OF CELEBRATION IT’S BEEN A WHIRLWIND AUTUMN season which included visits to Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Read more about my time at the Jersey Shore in this month’s Spas article on page 26. My trip to our nation’s capital was in conjunction with Marriott International to attend the semi-finals and finals of the second annual Masters of the Craft competition. The Chopped-style competition started with more than 3,000 chefs and mixologists from Marriott brands in the Americas, whittled to 12 in the semi-finals and to three in the finals. Finally, one Master of the Craft chef and one Master of the Craft mixologist were named. It was a blast watching the secret ingredients being revealed and seeing what these masters developed. And speaking of masters, it’s time to announce the winners of our 16th GT Tested Reader Survey awards! Find out all the honorees on the following pages, RECIPES FOR SUCCESS: and thank you for joining us for Kimberly Krol at Marriott's Masters of the Craft competition our sweet 16th soiree. In addition, PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL we crown the Airline of the Year and the Hotel of the Year on page 34 and celebrate those GT Tested Reader Survey award winners earning consecutive milestone wins on page 62. This is always one of my favorite issues of the year because I, like you, eagerly anticipate the results, seeing which providers won. Do I agree based on my own experience? Which of the winners should I make a priority to try in the new year? The list of winners is a great place to start when planning 2020 travel. As I write this, I’m fresh off a day spent at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum with my friend’s soon-to-be 4-year-old twins, Declan and Delaney. We started the tradition three years ago for their second birthday. Instead of another toy or outfit, I decided to gift them an experience; each year, I take a day off of work and we spend the day playing in the museum’s many exhibits, from a grocery store and a restaurant to a space-themed gallery, a version of Wonderland with Alice as the guide and an art room. It’s always a fun day with lots of giggles and a great bonding experience. In this holiday season and as we award the best in travel, I urge everyone to consider gifting experiences. There is no measurable value to time spent together or to a trip with a loved one. Of course, the awards aren’t all we have in this issue. We also head to Jeddah, Kraków, Dallas, Taipei, Shanghai, Karpenisi, Turin, Gujarat, Florida’s best beaches and Iceland. Kick off the year with us next month as we debut some changes for 2020. Until then, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and happy travels!

kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director KATIE SKRZEK katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor JANICE HECHT jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ERICH J. MARTIN erich.martin@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator MARY MELNICK mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Editor at Large HOLLY RIDDLE holly.riddle@globaltravelerusa.com ART Art Director TRACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN

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WRITERS

KRISTY ALPERT MARGARET BACKENHEIMER J.D. BROWN MARK CHESNUT EUNICE FRIED MARY B. GALLAGHER JACK GUY ALLIE MOORE

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CIRCULATION Specialists JOHN WROBLEWSKI, LOUIE ATSAVES Managers JAYHAWK EVANS, MARK P. FORD, TERESA JACKSON, ANTHONY “SCRAPS” DIMERA Circulation Director MICHELE SHANNON Circulation Manager ANNA PUDZIANOWSKI Research Consultant SHARON STERNE

r to Some refe growing Krakow’s ctor as startup se alley, a Dragon V l e mythica nod to th id to have sa on ag dr r Wawel lived unde da an e tl as C the city. symbol of e about or m n ar Le page 72. Krakow on

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman MICHAEL DONAHUE, COO MICHAEL KIELY, President CARLOS CAPPUCCIO, Executive Vice President GARY OSWALD, Deputy Vice President Aviation EDWARD JEFFERSON, Deputy Vice President Accommodations STEPHEN DOHERTY, Deputy Director Destinations WAYNE TALLMAN, Vice President Special Events/Photography CHRISTOPHER OTTAUNICK, Secretary MARK LANE, Research Director FRANK LOVERME, Treasurer KEVIN RYAN, Director of Technology BOB HANCOCK, Director of Digital Advancement JARED TORGAN GENERAL COUNSEL THOMAS F. GOLDMAN

KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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DECEMBER 2019

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letter from the publisher ® ®

LOOKING FORWARD AS WE APPROACH the end of the year, I want to extend a personal thank you for helping Global Traveler exceed its aggressive goals for fiscal 2019. Dec. 11 we celebrate our 16th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. We have a history of hosting events at The Peninsula, and it was only fitting to continue this tradition at the property you voted Best Hotel in the United States for nine consecutive years. In this issue we reveal the GT Tested LEISURE TIME: Francis near the ninth green at the Kilmarlic Golf Club Reader Survey awards results and our PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER selections for Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year, as well as those achieving consecutive wins. Consistency is a hallmark of Global Traveler and what we expect from airlines, hotels and related services. That said, this year you will notice a few upsets due to changes in travelers’ tastes. Our speaker for the awards gala, Jacob Adoram Hendrickson, will address a timely topic. As a fundraising effort for Water Mission, Hendrickson was the first person to row 7,145 miles across the Pacific without stopping or receiving any support. WM creates safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions so everyone has access to clean, safe water. Currently, 2.1 billion people lack access. This holiday season I will spend time with family and friends in Pennsylvania and begin planning 2020 travels. Two months ago I returned from the Hawai’ian island of Lanai, where I stayed at the lovely Four Seasons Resort Lanai and played at the Manele Golf Course (see my review on page 28). I am already thinking about where to celebrate my birthday in 2020. I welcome your suggestions! GT is gearing up for a busy 2020 with the Wines on the Wing competition in the spring, followed by the Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Then it’s The Trazees, as voted by the readers of trazeetravel.com, and the Wherever Awards as voted by the readers of whereverfamily.com. We’ll be at the Global Business Travel Association conference next summer in Denver, where airlines and hotels will unveil new developments. I ended the fall in Doha, flying non-stop from Philadelphia in Qatar Airways’ lovely QSuite. Qatar Airways offers excellent connectivity to global gateways through Doha, and Hamad International Airport’s expansion will make it even better. I have to praise the Qataris for their dune-bashing skills. We had a fantastic time riding full throttle over the dunes where the sand meets the sea in southwest Doha. I also spent a few days at the Union League Club in New York and took an educational art tour of its outstanding paintings of prominent New Yorkers, many key players in the abolitionist movement. To top off the trip, I enjoyed lunch at one of my favorite places in the Murray Hill section, Toledo — a relaxing Spanish seafood restaurant. Start planning now for 2020!

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contents

December 2019

68 72

FEATURES

BUSINESS DESTINATIONS

34 Above and Beyond Global Traveler announces the 2019 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year.

72 Destination One: Kraków Kraków gears up for an influx of tech startups.

40 Sweet 16 Global Traveler sings the praises of the 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners.

78 Stateside: Dallas Attracting new business, Dallas grows ever bigger and better.

62 Traditions of Excellence GT honors the 2019 Quint, Hall of Fame and Crystal inductees. 68 On the Rise Jeddah’s changing economic landscape boosts corporate meetings and events.

52 6

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DECEMBER 2019

ON THE COVER

80 9–5: Taipei Taiwan’s edgy capital city buzzes with business.

82 After 5: Shanghai Shanghai pulses with high energy after hours.

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December 2019

CELEBRATING

SWEET

DALLAS p. 78 FLORIDA p. 90 GUJARAT p. 88 KARPENISI p. 83 KRAKÓW p. 72 SHANGHAI p. 82 TAIPEI p. 80 TURIN p. 84

Announcing the winners of the 16th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards. p. 40

December 2019.indd 1

COVER PHOTO: © PHOTONSK DREAMSTIME.COM

11/14/19 2:56 PM

PHOTOS: © TURKISH AIRLINES, © CHRIS MOUYIARIS - DREAMSTIME.COM, © SEAN PAVONE - DREAMSTIME.COM, © JEDDAH ECONOMIC COMPANY

contents

December 2019 22

LIFESTYLE

CONNECTIONS

LEISURE DESTINATIONS

22 Chefs 23 Wealth 24 Technology 25 Wine & Spirits 26 Spas 28 Golf 30 Cruising 32 Tours 94 LGBTQ+ 97 Health

9 Mail Call 11 News 14 Reviews 18 One on One Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 20 One on One City Vineyard 96 Airport Update 98 Preview

83 Neighborhoods: Karpenisi Karpenisi mesmerizes with Mediterranean charm and natural beauty. 84 Friends & Family: Turin Live la dolce vita in Turin with the family in tow. 88 Bucket List: Gujarat Weave your way through Gujarat’s colorful cultural celebrations. 90 Kicking Back: Florida Seek your personal seaside bliss among Florida’s diverse beaches.

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DECEMBER 2019

FX E X P R E S S

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material. AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 © 2019 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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mail call Q&A WITH BILL LODZINSKI, DIRECTOR OF SALES In our October issue, director of sales Bill Lodzinski discussed some of the challenges of international travel, like language barriers. He mentioned his own way of maneuvering through collecting different phrase books to help with minor exchanges. This idea brought up the question: How have you overcome language barriers in your world travels? A few readers wrote in with responses: I have a few international language apps downloaded on my phone for my various business trips. Some are for quick words and phrases, like Duolingo, which is free, and others are more in-depth, like Rosetta Stone, which I don’t use nearly as often as I should.

Q&A WITH KATIE SKRZEK, VICE PRESIDENT/DIGITAL DIRECTOR As the year comes to an end, I like to look back on travel highlights from the past year (Chile, Sonoma County and Charleston were standouts) and think ahead to places I’d like to visit in the coming year. While I don’t have any solid 2020 travel plans yet, a few destinations have been on my wish list for some time, including Japan, Italy, Western Canada, Seattle and Sedona. What were some of your favorite 2019 travel memories? Do you have any exciting trips planned for 2020? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

JENNIFER ALDON, via email I, too, collect words and phrases books on my travels and try to keep one English, one international with me at all times. I like to think they help me learn on the go but are also a great tool to have when conversing with a local and neither of you know a word of the other’s language. ALEX KLEINMAN, via email I am bilingual, Spanish and English, so I find I can pick up on similar languages a little easier than most. Italian is similar, so I can finagle my way through if I listen closely, but traveling where you know the language is immensely more enjoyable. I would recommend studying up before traveling.

PHOTOS: © KATIE SKRZEK, © JAPAN AIRLINES

RITA DRACO, via email

JAPAN AIRLINES OFFERS BABY SEAT MAP In our Oct. 9 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed Japan Airlines’ new baby seat map, detailing where small children and infants may be seated on the plane. The map gives travelers a heads up when choosing their seat with an icon. A few readers wrote in with opinions:

Rather than focusing on a rather insignificant problem, perhaps this airline and all others should consider producing a seat map of obnoxious, loud adults with inflated egos enabling their belief in their own self-importance.

the parents. Why single them out as undesirable seats when, in all honesty, you can hear crying of any kind from any seat on the plane?

DONNA MANZ, via email

I could go for a similar map of where service animals may be located on the airplane.

I’m sure this map was meant to be helpful, but it puts unnecessary and advanced blame on

JESSICA REMSEN, via email

WILLIAM RENNINGER, via email

CONTACT GT Do you have a story to share? Thoughts on a recent GT article? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com or write to Letters to the Editor, 310 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067 Letters must be written exclusively to Global Traveler and must include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number. 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.

DECEMBER 2019

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progress. They should cut their losses and move on to more fuel-efficient aircraft. Move forward, not back to fix these debunked planes.

JERRY CLARK, via email

DREW B. QUINN, via email Cancel the flights; figure it out. No one needs these planes back so badly they are willing to risk flying before they are cleared beyond a shadow of a doubt. I travel every week and haven’t missed a beat without the 737 MAX. ALDEAN MATHEWS, via email

LATAM LEAVES ONEWORLD FOR DELTA In our Oct. 2 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on LATAM’s decision to leave the oneworld airline alliance to pursue a new partnership with Delta Air Lines. A few readers and avid travelers wrote in with thoughts:

AIRLINES MAINTAIN BOEING 737 MAX CANCELLATIONS THROUGH FEBRUARY In our Oct. 22 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed the ongoing story of Boeing 737 MAX cancellations and several airlines’ recent decision to remain grounded through February 2020. The extended grounding gives authorities more time to determine and resolve aircraft issues while simultaneously resulting in major losses for Boeing. A few readers wrote in with concerns: I know American Airlines is bound and determined to bring the 737 MAX back in February. Is AA taking any public resistance into account? RICARDO SCHACK, via email I’m sure there is much more to this story than we are hearing. Why not cancel Boeing 737 MAX flights until further notice? Why the “news” about extended cancellations? Those planes aren’t going anywhere; seems like they just want the public to think they are on to something. MARK ATKINSON, via email Enough with the 737 MAX. It’s the same thing every story. No new news, no updates, no

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LATAM will lose passengers from Chicago O’Hare, as Delta’s service there is next to nonexistent. MICHAEL GREEN, via email LATAM made a big mistake. Delta is not a worthwhile partner in the Americas. SHEILA WHELKS, via email I am a Diamond SkyMiles traveler and love a new route option. I’d be interested to see what LATAM has to offer, as they’ve never really been on my radar before. REBECCA MONSON, via email Good luck with Delta. LATAM is going to lose a lot of business on this one. JONATHAN WHEELER, via email Delta’s service is limited; I don’t see the appeal of this alliance. LATAM might have just screwed up a lot of frequent flyers’ travel plans. MATHEW GHOSH, via email

A HALF-CENTURY OF BUILDING CASTLES IN THE SAND

HANGZHOU

IMMORTALIZED BY PAINTERS AND POETS ALIKE kicking back | COOK

ISLANDS

fine vines

TEL AVIV

Torrontés Tango

FAMILY BUSINESS MEETS ROMANCE IN THE WHITE CITY

Argentina’s signature white will have all your senses dancing.

n an attempt to describe Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white wine, some have compared it to Pinot Grigio, Viognier, even Riesling. But none come close. Made from the grape of the same name, Torrontés is like no other. It begins with an aroma that conjures up a bouquet of flowers (the honeyed, perfumed Muscat of Alexandria is one of its ancestors), hinting that a sweet wine will follow. But no, Torrontés goes toward dry and fruity with a tangy and spicy edge. It is the perfect aperitif and equally right with shellfish, Niçoise salad, chicken, other whitemeat dishes, lightly flavored cheese and many Asian foods. As Americans discover this intriguing wine, they will also discover that, with a myriad of choices, even the most attractive Torrontés usually costs under $20. And what are the most attractive Torrontés? Among two dozen that I’ve recently tasted, these are my favorites. Xavier Flouret Flaca 2008 ($18) is one of the most elegant Torrontés, with a delicate floral nose that hints of apricot and peach; a dry, Powered by round, well-structured body; a fruit-filled taste and vibrant acidity; and a long, delicious finish. Its Muscat ancestor comes to the fore in Lo Tengo 2009’s ($11.50) vivid, flowery aroma. It goes on to be a clearly focused, intensely flavored, bright and satisfying wine. IN THE COOK ISLANDS, on Rarotonga, I’m walking along a dusty path, edged There is a suggestion of by a plethora of plants and trees. Fat papayas hang from their umbrella-like sweet mint and an evocation trees; bananas, still green on the stem, invite; and mangos, ripe and ready, have of orange and peach in Finca fallen from their roost. Blossoming bushes waft a perfume, butterflies circle halos La Linda 2009’s ($11) aroma, around my head, and a stream gurgles nearby. A mother sow and her family of followed by a relatively full body cartoonish piglets join me on the road. Not one but 10 roosters crow in competing symphonies — though early morning is long past. The sea lies nearby, but and excellent balance. Altogether a here, hiking inland, surrounded by steep hills and much vegetation, I feel like the pleasing, inviting wine. only person left on Earth. Finca El Origen Reserva 2009 ($12) Luckily, I’m not. I share this walk with one of the Cook Islands’ most Ease body, mind andoffering soul ain is clean, crisp and refreshing, famous residents, a larger-than-life figure known as Uncle Pa, once a world typical Torrontés floral flavor with pear the natural goodness of the surfing champion. Though an octogenarian, he wears long dreadlocks, treks and peach overtones and a gentle reminder shirtless and sports a colorful sarong. With rippling muscles and the physique of citrus fruits in the A particularly of a 30-year-old man, he belies aging and serves as the metaphorical poster BY mouth. BECCA HENSLEY Cook Islands. harmonious wine. child for his role as this island nation’s most famous healer. An herbalist or The delightful Pascual Toso 2009 ($15) kahuna, he learned from his grandmother about the power of the plants that BEACHSIDE BLISS:herbal notes grow on these less-traveled islands. Intuitive, fearless, with a foot in both the combines keen fruit flavors, Spa treatment on the beach at and a fresh lemony acidity with a trace of past and the modern world, Uncle Pa has helped thousands of people regain Aitutaki Lagoon their health over the years. As we walk, he picks leaves, flowers, berries and honey and floral tones. PHOTO: © STEVE ALLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM Following its aroma of fresh flowers and ripefruit. He tells me how he makes elixirs or poultices from them; he lets me taste fruit, Colomé 2009 ($15) is a graceful wine with notes reminiscent of grapefruit. 72citric globaltravelerusa.com JUNE 2017 The pale-shaded Dominio del Plata’s Crios 2009 ($13.50) has a lilac-scented aroma with peach overtones followed by a dry, tangy taste. 

Art of Healing

INFO TO GO

A variety of international airlines fly to Rarotonga International Airport on the Cook Islands’ main island. In December 2016 Air New Zealand began weekly non-stop flights on its comfortable Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which offers a new premium-economy option, from Los Angeles (LAX), making the trek from the United States easier than ever.

ICELAND

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

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A detailed map on all flights would be nice, especially long-haul international trips. I would like to know what I’m getting into before sitting on an airplane for 10-plus hours.

news Hyatt Partners with Lindblad

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NEW AIRPORT RANKINGS BASED ON TRAVELER SATISFACTION

A recent report from J.D. Power reveals the company’s annual ranking of the nation’s best airports in terms of traveler satisfaction. The company compiled traveler feedback based on various factors such as facilities, accessibility, baggage services, security experiences, and food and retail options. The report divides airports into three size-specific categories: mega airports (33 million passengers per year or more), large airports (10–32.9 million passengers per year) and medium airports (4.5–9.9 million passengers per year). Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport came out on top for the mega airports with a score of 786 on a 1,000-point scale. In the large airport category, Portland International Airport ranked the highest with a score of 833; and also with a score of 833, Indianapolis International Airport came in first place for mediumsized airports. The lowest-ranking airports for the three categories were Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Hawai’i’s Kahului Airport, respectively. jdpower.com

As of Sept. 26, members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can earn and redeem points with Lindblad Expeditions, a company specializing in expedition travel, thus allowing them to fulfill their dream of visiting remote locations, some only accessible via one of Lindblad’s National Geographic ships. Destinations include Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, the Mekong River and Papua New Guinea. This new partnership adds to World of Hyatt’s other new partnerships announced in 2019 such as Small Luxury Hotels, American Airlines and Two Roads Hospitality. World of Hyatt members can earn five points per dollar spent and can use their points to cash in for a free expedition with Lindblad. Other benefits include an onboard credit of $250 and elite-tier qualifying nights during a Lindblad Expedition, while World of Hyatt credit cardholders can earn an extra four points per dollar spent on a Lindblad Expedition, and AAdvantage elite members can earn one bonus mile per dollar spent. world.hyatt.com

Beijing’s New Airport in Business

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In late September a China Southern Airlines flight took off from Beijing’s Daxing International Airport to fly to Guangzhou (CAN), the first flight to depart from what may eventually become the world’s busiest airport. As Beijing’s second international airport, Daxing may have just begun operations, but it has big plans for expansion in the years to come, with a goal of serving 100 million passengers per year. At its completion, the airport also will be the world’s most expensive (with a price tag of $25 billion) and the world’s largest single terminal (measuring more than 10 million square feet). Beyond its record-setting size, cost and capacity, the airport was initially conceptualized to take the pressure off Beijing Capital Airport by moving China Southern and China Eastern airlines to Daxing, which will operate both domestic and international flights. daxing-pkx-airport.com DECEMBER 2019

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Disney Introduces Skyliner Air Gondolas

As San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 1 undergoes a major makeover, the result will benefit millions of passengers who pass through SFO each year. After announcing the first phase of development in the Harvey Milk Terminal in late July, the entire project will take three more years to complete. Currently the terminal features nine boarding gates for domestic flights to and from Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank (BUR) and Ontario (ONT), all on Southwest Airlines. There are also six restaurants and three shops. During the next three years, SFO will open three new restaurants (Goldilocks Filipino Cuisine, The Bistrot Bay Area and Flyaway) and four new shops (Departures, GR Chocolate Collection, NYS Eyewear and L’Occitane). The cherry on top of the sundae will be the Grand Hyatt at SFO, now accepting reservations for its 351 guestrooms.

disneyworld.disney.go.com

flysfo.com

Hidden Southwest Perks Accor Pays Homage to Orient Express

AccorHotels plans to revamp the mystery and intrigue of the Orient Express luxury train through a suite of new properties. By next summer, the hotel group will open its first Orient Express hotel in Bangkok, with a goal to add nine other properties to the brand by 2030. The first property in Bangkok will open in the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, sharing space with The Ritz-Carlton Residences. Interior designers are already at work transforming the space to evoke the spirit of the train that operated across Europe and Asia more than 130 years ago. The hotel will feature 154 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, two restaurants and a spa. accorhotels.com

Loyal Southwest travelers know they get a great deal on domestic flights with the affordable airline, but there are a few perks of flying with Southwest some travelers may not know about. Travelers can change their ticket with no extra fees; and if the new flight costs less than the first flight, passengers receive a credit or refund for the price difference. Members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program don’t have to worry about points expiring, and members who reach 100 qualifying one-way flights in a year are rewarded with a companion pass that lets the member fly with a guest for an entire year — for free. Additional perks of flying with Southwest include the airline’s policy against overbooking flights, free in-flight drinks on select days of the year (including Southwest’s birthday) and free in-flight entertainment when you connect your own device. southwest.com

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PHOTOS: © JACK YACO - DREAMSTIME.COM, © DISNEY, © ANDREI GABRIEL STANESCU - DREAMSTIME.COM, © DAVID BOKUCHAVA - DREAMSTIME.COM

Changes at SFO Terminal 1

Walt Disney World encompasses a vast expanse of walking paths, rides, shops and, inevitably, crowds. But now visitors have a new option to get around the park without having to barrel through families and strollers. The Disney Skyliner introduces a new method of transportation employing 300 individual gondolas that travel high above the park. While not the most efficient transportation option, moving at only 11 mph, the gondolas will provide yet another attraction, offering bird’s-eye views of the park that weren’t possible before.

deals & rewards

PHOTOS: © WORLD OF HYATT, © MARRIOTT, © HILTON, © BOARDING1NOW - DREAMSTIME.COM, © WOOLWORTHS REWARDS

Fast-Track to Elite Status

Achieving elite status with a hotel credit card comes with heaps of perks like early check-in, late check-out and possible room upgrades, but reaching this status with your credit card can be a lengthy and expensive process. However, a few hotel rewards credit cards fast-track members to elite status from day one. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card welcomes new cardholders to the Gold level of membership right away. Perks include the ability to earn 12.5 points per dollar spent at hotels (rather than 10), possible for room upgrades, free premium internet and between 250 and 500 bonus points upon check-in. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card comes with an annual fee of $450, but members receive Diamond status automatically, opening the door to a 100-percent point bonus for each stay, 20 points

Marriott Bonvoy Redemption Changes

per dollar spent on hotels, club lounge access at select hotels, and free snacks and drinks. Finally, World of Hyatt credit card members are automatically granted Discoverist elite status, which allows them to earn 5.5 points per dollar spent at hotels, room upgrades and late check-out priority. marriott.com hilton.com world.hyatt.com

The Marriott Bonvoy rewards program changed its redemption structure. As of Sept. 14 cardmembers now have the option of booking rooms that fall under three different rate categories: Peak, Off-Peak and Standard. Standard rooms require a minimum of 7,500 points to book, which hasn’t changed from the previous redemption amount. To book an Off-Peak room, cardmembers now need a minimum of 5,000 points for a free night, and Peak rooms require a minimum of 10,000 points per night. marriott.com

Qantas Miles and Woolworths Rewards

Qantas enjoys a long relationship with Woolworths Rewards, a company that rewards travelers for shopping at select Australian retailers. Now the partnership soars to new heights with a 15 percent higher conversion rate from points to miles. As of early October, 2,000 Woolworths points translate to 1,000 Qantas points, an increase from the previous converted amount of 870 points. Members of Woolworths Rewards also will receive points more quickly, as points will be processed automatically once the member reaches 2,000 Woolworths points — a change from the previous model that made points available once every three months. qantas.com woolworthsrewards.com.au

Global Entry Extends Expiration Date

Until now, travelers with Global Entry membership could enjoy the benefits for six months before having to renew, but now the program extends its membership privileges for one year beyond the expiration date. The only caveat to this new measure is members must apply for renewal before the expiration date, but they can continue to use the benefits of Global Entry while they wait for their renewal to be processed. cbp.gov/travel/trusted-travelerprograms/global-entry

DECEMBER 2019

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GT tested

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Every time I entered the lobby, the gorgeous floral displays caught my attention. We only stayed two nights, but at each time of day and on each return to the lobby, I caught a new and equally beautiful perspective.

Guest Quarters: My Villa room was in a separate building from the main lobby and hotel tower; a short walk around the pool area from the main building, my guestroom felt exclusive and private. In the common area, views of the golf course abound, but from my guestroom’s ground-level terrace, I had a view of the pool. At 550 square feet, the room was spacious, and the lighter earth tones of the décor made the room feel even bigger. The marble bathroom, equipped with L’Occitane bath amenities, was to the right upon entering, with a closet directly across from it. A wet bar area ushered in the bedroom, where two nightstands flanked a comfortable king-sized bed, which sat across from a

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dresser and TV. A desk was situated so the user could face the doors or have their back to the patio, outfitted with teak furniture. A couch and coffee table completed the set-up. Services/Amenities: You won’t want for anything during a stay here; hotel amenities include four restaurants and bars, a pro shop, indoor and outdoor jogging tracks, sports courts, two golf courses and an authentic sand beach. And that’s just a few of the amenities! I’ve written this many times before in hotel reviews, but it remains true at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas as well: This is a property where I need more time — time to explore, time to unwind, time to appreciate, time to experience all the amenities. Hopefully, next time. It wasn’t all work and no play for Carly and me, though. We did squeeze in some time before departure to visit the spa. We highly recommend this, as both treatments were wonderful; I enjoyed a facial, while Carly opted for a massage. Each was equally delightful. Carly and I enjoyed breakfast each morning of our stay at Law, the resort’s signature restaurant. The menu boasted a blend of morning favorites with regional and seasonal touches.

◆ Even though we were in town on business, I appreciated the location of Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. It was convenient to the airport and easy to commute to downtown, plus the resort feel helped us unwind after a long day of meetings. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving, TX 75038 tel 972 717 0700 fourseasons.com

PHOTOS: © FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS

Arrival/Check-In: Fresh from an evening flight from El Paso, Texas, my colleague Carly Allen and I arrived at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas after a comical Uber ride from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Happily, it’s an easy commute to the resort from the airport, and we were soon in the spacious, airy, bright lobby. Due to our later arrival time, check-in was a breeze, with no one else in line. The buzz inside the lobby’s Outlaw Taproom intrigued us, but the long day we’d just had sent us instead directly to our guestrooms.

◆ Don’t make the same mistake Carly and I made; allow yourself ample time to enjoy the property. We longingly looked to the beautiful pool area, with a lazy river, on our way to our guestrooms.

GT tested

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

PHOTOS: © WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD, BILL LODZINSKI

Reviewed by Bill Lodzinski

Arrival/Check-In: Arriving late in the afternoon, we drove into the courtyard-style front entrance of the Waldorf Astoria in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. Unforgettable luxury and irresistible charm meet at this property in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Georgia’s capital, all in a setting near the best shops, dining and entertainment in the city. Tucked away on a side street, the property enjoys a nice sense of privacy and intimacy yet sits just a few steps from one of the main thoroughfares in Buckhead. As the valet and doorman greeted us, we knew instantly this would be a special stay. Friendly faces, warm smiles and attention to detail met us at every step. The lobby exuded the same sense of privacy and intimacy as the entrance. The elegant yet subtle décor lent a true sense of feeling at home. Our experience with the front desk personnel proved an extension of the warm welcome we received as we drove in: Southern charm at its best. Guest Quarters: Walking into my room, I entered a nicely appointed foyer which opened to the right to the guest suite with its welcoming sitting area and spacious work desk. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a wonder-

ful view of the Buckhead skyline. To the left of the foyer a hallway led to the massive and spectacular bathroom. The hallway separating the guest suite and the bathroom featured a large closet on one end and a fully stocked minibar on the other. The minibar offered a wide variety of top-shelf spirits and snacks as well as a coffee station any barista would be proud of. The master bathroom was almost as large as the guest suite, with a double vanity, a large soaking tub next to a large window (also with great views of the skyline) and an expansive separate shower stall. A private water closet completed the elegance of the bathroom. A flat-screen TV above the sink area added a nice touch, as did the automatic retracting shades by the tub. Services/Amenities: Make a point to have breakfast at the on-site restaurant, The Café & Bar. The cheese grits is worth every penny and starts your day with a satisfying fullness in your belly and a smile. The indoor lap pool offered a relaxing respite from a busy day of sales calls, and the fitness room was well-equipped and roomy. I didn’t have the time to enjoy the yoga studio or the sauna and steam room but will on my next visit.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ You cannot beat the location of this hotel, in the heart of Buckhead within walking distance of the finest restaurants, shops and entertainment in Atlanta. ◆ Take advantage of the house car, which chauffeurs guests in a luxurious Mercedes sedan to any point within three miles of the hotel (everything in Buckhead). Easy pick-up and dropoff was just a phone call away. ◆ The separation between the guest suite and large bathroom gave the feel of a spacious luxury apartment, providing a sense of privacy while maintaining connection to all rooms. WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD 3376 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 tel 404 995 7500 waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

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GT tested

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL Reviewed by Chris Sager Arrival/Check In: After a nice long drive from Miami across the Everglades, Bill Lodzinski, director of sales, and I arrived in Naples for our one-night stay at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. As the only all-suite hotel on the beach in Naples, the Edgewater Beach Hotel sits on the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico just a short distance from the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment options. A bit weary from our travels, we headed over to the check-in desk where attendants greeted us with smiles and, more importantly, a glass of Champagne. As I walked in, I noticed the layout of the property naturally guides you through the lobby toward the picturesque outdoor pool located directly on the beachfront. The coziness of the lobby fits well with its ornate design that gives guests a sense of classic Floridian luxury. Needless to say, we got a great first impression and ventured to our rooms to see our quarters for the night.

Services/Amenities: Our visit at the Edgewater Beach Hotel was short, but I tried to capitalize on everything I could during the limited stay. Contributing to the hotel’s theme of inescapable wellness, all rooms include custom lighting with all switches dimmerequipped, in-suite aromatherapy and a PranaSleep mattress with luxury organic bedding. Outside, guests can choose between two heated swimming pools on the beachfront that include complimentary towel and water service on the pool deck. The hotel had the makings of a great family resort with its concierge options for guided kayak tours, fishing, sailing and windsurfing trips along with scuba and snorkel outings. The stay exceeded all expectations, and I would absolutely go back if I had some extra time to spend in Naples.

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DECEMBER 2019

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Spend time at the outdoor pools and take advantage of the beach just a short walk away. ◆ The view from the private balcony on the Gulf is even better than advertised. ◆ Relax! The Edgewater Beach Hotel offers so much for you to maximize your well-being and put your mind at ease while traveling.

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL 1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. Naples, FL 34102 tel 239 403 2000 edgewaternaples.com

PHOTOS: © EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL

Guest Quarters: The Edgewater Beach Hotel features 125 one- and two-bedroom suites that are all extremely spacious and accommodating to guests. My suite, along with all others, boasted a sectional couch in the living room, a king-sized bed, full refrigerator, microwave and granite breakfast bar. After I unpacked, I spent some time on the private balcony taking in the amazing view of the Gulf during sunset. Most things in my suite impressed me, but the view was truly the best part of the stay. The hotel’s amenities make it easy to decompress during a business trip, and I regrettably did not get the chance to take advantage of the full menu of massage therapies available in suite upon request. The complimentary WiFi and iPod docking stations added a nice touch. After a great night’s sleep in my comfortable bed, I woke up a little earlier than usual to take a stroll on the beach, just a short walk away.

Global Airport Industry Leading Value Creator

Incheon International Airport is taking a great leap forward as a Global Leading Value Creator with its new value proposition.

one on one

YIL SUREHAN Vice President, Airline Business Development, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority starting out in the field? Give yourself a sound educational foundation and continue to learn every single day. AS A TRAVELER Favorite travel memory or story: I’ve traveled a lot, and no matter what, nothing beats the feeling of coming home, opening the door and being tackled by your kids and dog. It’s the best feeling ever. One travel tip you cannot live without: Remember, something may go wrong, so always keep an extra day’s worth of clothes with you. Best advice for business travelers: Try our two airports — you’ll be surprised by all the new amenities. Also, become a frequent user of two airlines and two hotels and enjoy the perks of their loyalty programs. ABOUT YOUR BRAND United Airlines and TAP Air Portugal launched new service from Washington Dulles. What other routes recently launched, and what is upcoming? Alitalia began service to Rome in May, and EgyptAir followed in June with service to Cairo. TAP Air Portugal’s Lisbon route also launched in June. United launched 10 routes this year, including service to Tel Aviv, and already announced four new routes for spring 2020. Cabo Verde will launch service to Cape Verde Island in December, and SWISS is launching service to Zürich in March 2020.

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movie, I am a teenager trapped in his father’s body! YOUR BUSINESS What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? We need to look at travelers as customers as opposed to passengers and review how we can further eliminate inefficiencies from the process. The use of technology to provide a seamless flow to the experience will continue at the forefront. Best career advice you’ve received: If you do what you like, it won’t feel like work. Money will come later. What advice would you give someone

Construction on the Silver Line, connecting Dulles and the D.C. Metro, has an expected completion date of 2020. Tell us about the project and its progress. Every major international airport has rail options to city center, and finally we will have it in summer 2020. The single-seat ride will connect travelers from Dulles International to Metro Center in 56 minutes, making the airport commute incredibly easy for customers and employees.

PHOTO: © YIL SUREHAN

Name: Yil Surehan Title: Vice president, airline business development Company, city: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Washington, D.C. Number of employees: 1,700 Recent project: I lead a team of seven people dedicated to attracting new and expanded business to our two airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International, and we’ve been focused on growing air service out of Dulles. First job: I worked in a pet store at age 13 and worked my way through high school, college and grad school. Little-known fact about you: Just like the

Tell us about the biometric testing and other new technology in use at the airport. Airlines were given a Customs and Border Patrol mandate to develop biometric screening for people leaving the country, which is an expensive proposition. Our CEO tasked us with finding a cheaper way to do this than what was currently available, and thus our VeriScan system was developed. Using commercially available hardware and proprietary software, it takes two seconds or less to compare a passenger’s information to the CBP database and process the passenger. This is offered to all international airlines serving Dulles International, and we work with other airports via purchasing agreements. Biometrics are here: We’ve boarded an Airbus A380 in 20 minutes. There has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction because it speeds up the process and makes it easier. It’s a seamless customer experience.

Best Airline in Mexico

aeromexico.com

Aeromexico 10th Consecutive Year

2019

one on one

EVAN FAZIO General Manager, City Winery and City Vineyard recovery efforts. Nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. How you recover from mistakes sets you apart from the rest. Never take half measures when addressing something that’s gone wrong. Those are the moments you can shine the brightest and be most creative, making lasting impressions on your guests, your staff, your peers and your superiors. AS A TRAVELER Favorite travel memory or story: In Florence, Italy, my wife and I participated in a cooking class, making pasta from scratch, learning about fresh, local ingredients and working closely with a talented chef. A lot of love went into this beautiful eggplant ravioli dish. We sat to eat in a gorgeous old wine cellar, and the first bites were incredible; we were so happy with how delicious everything turned out. Just then, my wife felt our baby girl kick for the first time! Turns out the little one really liked Italian food. One travel tip you cannot live without: Be flexible and patient. There’s bound to be unpredictable challenges out of your control. Keep calm and know eventually you’ll get to your destination. Best advice for business travelers: Always carve out time to stay connected with family.

YOUR BUSINESS What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? The service industry constantly evolves, and the marketplace bustles with innovative ideas. Unfortunately, many recent innovations have been more transactional than relational, usually some kind of technological advantage in order to

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maximize cover counts and squeeze more dollars out of diners. People appreciate expediency, but they don’t want to feel like just another data point. The best initiatives revolve around getting to know your guests and making them feel special. That’s hardly a new concept, but it will always be the most important one when it comes to any service-driven business. Best career advice you’ve received: Approach the hospitality business like a swinging pendulum. Sometimes it swings toward the hospitality side, sometimes it swings back to the business side. Both elements deserve equal time and constant attention, though you always have to know which side is the most important focus at any given stage in the life of the business. What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? It’s all about great

What can we expect from City Vineyard in 2020? Our goal at City Vineyard is to continue to be the best destination for every occasion … whether it’s an elegant meal in our Wine Garden patio or a marriage proposal on our Rooftop at sunset, from corporate meetings to romantic dream weddings. Visitors can cool off in summer with a glass of frosé or warm up in winter with a mug of mulled wine. And while City Vineyard is a great place to bring your kids, in 2020 it’ll be even better with the finishing of Pier 26 Park outside our back patio. From November to March we host an intimate concert series called “Voices on the Hudson.” The thing that won’t ever change, however, is our guests can expect the most from us: sincere service and hospitality from the heart, and wine … lots and lots of wine.

PHOTO: © CITY WINERY AND CITY VINEYARD

Name: Evan Fazio Title: General manager Company, city: City Winery and City Vineyard; New York, New York Number of employees: 250 Recent project: City Winery at Rockefeller Center, City Winery at Pier 57 First job: Steakhouse busboy at age 14 Little-known fact about you: I play bass in a Beatles tribute jam band.

ABOUT YOUR BRAND Tell our readers about the inspiration and concept behind City Vineyard. City Vineyard is the first spinoff concept by City Winery. Our founder, Michael Dorf, wanted to create a destination different from the music venue and urban winery model of other City Winery locations. With an elevated seafood-centric menu, fresh wine on tap, outdoor riverfront Wine Garden and Rooftop Lounge, and one-of-akind views of lower Manhattan, City Vineyard has become a drinking and dining staple for NYC locals and out-of-town travelers alike.

MDW | Hubbard Inn

MDW | Tabo Sushi

Connecting you to the flavors of the world – not only at the airport, but beyond. Raising the bar for airport dining by diversifying offerings and introducing fresh, healthy options, unique Chicago flavors and more sit down restaurants. The airports have over 100 retailers and 150 food and beverage locations, plus many more amenities!

Airlines at Chicago’s airports offer more than 275 nonstop destinations worldwide. Providing the best connections to life’s most important events with over 195 domestic destinations, over 80 international destinations and a wide array of choices with nearly 55 airlines serving Chicago airports.

ORD | Tocco

ORD | Publican Tavern

CONNECTING YOU TO THE WORLD AND CHICAGO TO THE WORLD VISIT

www.flychicago.com

@fly2ohare @fly2midway

@flyohare @flymidway

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DECEMBER 2019

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chefs

SIMPLY SOPHISTICATED Junior Therriault brings a world of experience to Juniper at Claridge House Hotel. BY KIMBERLY KROL

WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR CULINARY CONCEPTS? Having lived and worked in Canada, France, China, Turks & Caicos and the United States, I was lucky to discover and taste different culinary cultures. These experiences expanded my horizon and allowed me to create my own culinary identity. When I cook, the chefs who mentored me guide me; they taught me great food is not always about fancy ingredients but that there needs to be a balance between what looks good and what tastes good. This philosophy of simplicity, balance, good and pretty follows me and translates in my cooking style, the menu and the beverage program I create at Claridge House Hotel. WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO? Jean-Luc and Frederic Boulay from the Saint-Amour Restaurant; this is where I discovered the meaning of excellence, gastronomy, consistency and foie gras. Jean-Luc Boulay is considered the master of foie gras and has run this establishment

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DECEMBER 2019

for the past 40 years as one of the best in Canada. He still does the lunch service and makes a point to be a leader and teacher for the new generation. He keeps himself up to date by traveling the world and learning from everyone he connects with. WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE? Michel and Sebastian Bras, because when I first began working in this 3-starred Michelin restaurant in France, I was overwhelmed by all the different kinds of vegetables I was expected to prepare, cook and present. I cooked with 50 vegetables every day — 25 of which I had never seen before. We were five cooks just working on vegetables. My time there was one of the best and hardest experiences in my life and where I discovered vegetables were among my favorite things to cook. I had the chance to work between Michel and Sebastien Bras during the service and learn to prepare and plate the famous gargouillou that includes a mix of more than 75 vegetables, herbs, flowers, purée and seeds. They taught me plating techniques, design and respect

of the product. We would go to the family garden to pick fresh flowers and herbs in the morning before the service. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD CITY? Shanghai; living in China was a fantastic experience but also a real culture shock. This country opened my eyes on a culinary and cultural level. I would go to the market and discover new ingredients, vegetables and spices I didn’t know even existed. The street food was interesting and surprising. I ate scorpion, starfish, insect, guts and other ingredients I didn’t even know. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE? The next big trend will be to focus on healthy options based on the keto and paleo diets that provide a lot of health benefits and energy. Oat milk is also getting traction, as it’s a nondairy option that is naturally sweet, has a nutty flavor and foams just as well as regular milk for fancy barista beverages. At the hotel, we increased our Grab and Go offering and expanded our breakfast and brunch offerings to respond to our international clientele. We are seeing a trend with the business traveler, family groups and tourists visiting Chicago requesting healthier options like fresh juices, smoothies, oat milk and snacks. CLARIDGE HOUSE CHICAGO claridgehousechicago.com

PHOTOS: © CLARIDGE HOUSE CHICAGO

TODAY, JUNIOR THERRIAULT calls Chicago home, where he serves as general manager of Juniper at Claridge House Hotel, but before arriving in the Windy City, he worked around the world, learning from the best professionals in the industry. In addition to hotels and Michelin-starred dining experience, Therriault also owned a successful catering business and boasts numerous wins from food competitions around the globe. Now he creates menus and cocktail lists that help Juniper achieve its goal of being a haven of conversation, cocktails and conviviality. The drinks and small plates are guaranteed to be sophisticated but not stuffy, much like the atmosphere.

wealth

UPS AND DOWNS

PHOTO: © NUTHAWUT SOMSUK - DREAMSTIME.COM

Interest rate adjustments reflect the economic outlook. BY KEVIN RYAN

THE FEDERAL FUNDS RATE is the interest rate targeted by the Federal Reserve. It is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. After the recent cut on Oct. 30, 2019, the third cut this year, the rate will hover between 1.5 percent and 1.75 percent. The federal funds rate is not the rate used by banks for lending to individuals and businesses; that is the prime interest rate, currently at 4.75 percent. Since 1994 banks commonly calculate the prime interest rate as the federal funds rate plus 3 percent (in this case 1.75 percent plus 3 percent). Every U.S. bank sets its own prime rate; however, most utilize the same one. The Federal Reserve changes the interest rate based on its feeling about the direction in which the economy is moving. The Federal Open Market Committee

convenes about every six weeks and may also hold emergency meetings if monetary policy merits discussion between scheduled meetings. When economic data show the economy doing well, the Federal Reserve looks to keep the interest rate the same or perhaps raise it; the opposite occurs when the economy shows signs of weakness. While lenders usually use the prime rate to calculate many loan interest rates, it is not mandatory for them to use this rate, nor is it a law. For instance, a mortgage interest rate is frequently lower than the prime rate because the mortgage is secured with real estate as collateral, which limits the bank’s downside if the loan goes bad. The customer’s credit history also plays a role in the bank’s interest rate decision. The all-time high for the prime interest rate was 21.5 percent in 1980. Since 2017

the prime interest rate has hovered between 4 percent and 5.5 percent. The recent rate cuts signify the FOMC has concerns about the economy, as it has reduced the prime interest rate by 0.75 percent this year. Not every existing loan is affected by rate cuts, however. For example, for a loan with a balance of $500,000 with a variable interest rate based on the prime rate, it would cost $3,750 less per annum in interest charges due to the 0.75 percent lower interest rate. If someone has a fixed interest rate loan, the amount of interest would not change because the interest rate does not vary and would not be impacted by any rate cuts. While it may seem like a good thing to have lower interest rates, it may signal a slowing economy and may negatively impact the value of investments, such as retirement plans or stock holdings.

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technology

PEAK PERFORMANCE BY JACK GUY

KEYSMART URBAN21 COMMUTER BACKPACK A stellar performer during testing by Global Traveler, the Urban21 is a tough, welldesigned bag perfect for commuting and business trips. A padded laptop pocket handles 13- to 15-inch devices, but its thoughtful features, like the waterproof, easy-access pocket and the protective hard-shell compartment, make the bag stand out. Made to fit under airline seats as a personal item, the bag is perfect for carrying your tech gear and other small items you might want to access in transit. Thanks to a HexBreathe back pad, it’s comfortable even in warmer conditions, and high-quality construction makes the Urban21 feel like it should last for years. $239.99. getkeysmart.com BOSE SOUNDBAR 700 The march of the smart speaker continues unabated, but most popular models offer middling sound quality at best. Renowned audio company Bose set out to fix that, adding smart capabilities to its well-reviewed soundbar. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, it also offers Apple AirPlay 2 playback, and a sleek design means the Soundbar 700 looks great in any room. If you’re looking for a complete audio system, make the device the centerpiece of a surround sound setup by adding a bass module and separate speakers. $799.95. bose.com

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HP SPROCKET SELECT PHOTO PRINTER Mobile photography developed by leaps and bounds in recent years, but for too many people their snaps remain imprisoned on devices. The Sprocket Select promises to change that, offering easy photo printing from your mobile. It’s perfect for holiday time, letting you share 2.3-inch by 3.4inch photos with your loved ones instantly. Take photos, edit them on your phone, then print to give your family and friends a physical souvenir from this festive season and other events. $149.99. hp.com

PARROT ANAFI FPV DRONE First-person view is the latest frontier in drone technology, using goggles to put you in your drone’s perspective as it flies. French manufacturer Parrot waded in with this package, which combines the Anafi drone with FPV goggles powered by a smartphone. It makes for a hugely immersive experience at a lower price point than rival companies, which charge around $700 for the goggles alone. The Anafi proves a great drone for portability and boasts a 180-degree tilting camera. The FPV pack ships with the drone, glasses, a backpack and other accessories. $799. parrot.com

PHOTOS: © KET SMART, © HP, © BOSE, © PARROT

Design features enhance both form and function.

wine & spirits

POP THE CORK! Add sparkle to the dinner menu when you pair Champagne with food.

PHOTO: © ARTIGIANO - DREAMSTIME.COM

BY EUNICE FRIED

WE DRINK CHAMPAGNE as an aperitif. We raise flutes of Champagne to toast people, memories and victories. And yet, when our meal begins, we usually put the Champagne flute aside and reach for a glass of still wine. But have you ever considered sharing the bubbly ones with food? If not, there are pleasant surprises ahead. Champagne, with its effervescence, its acidity and its clarity, often highlights food flavors we might otherwise miss. Take Ruinart Blanc de Blancs nonvintage, for example. A fresh, supple sparkler, it is a graceful wine. Made totally of Chardonnay, it has a fine, persistent mousse, some spice and goes well with such dishes as fried chicken and other lightly fried foods and with seafood, especially oysters. Think of it, too, with pasta in clam sauce. The grapes from Clos w du Mesnil, a 2.5-acre g ne n i n Chardonnay vineyard, id iste iqu produce Krug’s lovely l Chr h it Champagne, named sw p i ries h s after the vineyard. Its ntu e c a. n 2004 version, an elegant, oni l ega y b e ab vibrant sparkler, offers nB hoic i c o whiffs of brioche and f ag do e baked apple as well qui i agn l p e m h as delicate scents of T ha ry. eC almonds, lemon and m ntu a e c c e b h grapefruit. Pair it with 19t e h shellfish, flounder and in t light meats. The year 2008 proved a particularly fine vintage in Champagne, and Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame Rosé 2008 provides an excellent example of the year. Consisting of 92 percent Pinot Noir, which offers power and structure, it boasts a pink color flecked with golden highlights. This majestic wine presents a satiny body and hints of ripe pear. It matches especially well with such dishes as ham and blanquette de veau. A truly exceptional vintage in Champagne was the year 2002, and Dom Pérignon 2002 provides a stunning example of the year. It opens slowly and then bursts into a glorious combination of light smokiness, a tender sensation of fruit peel, a hint of nuttiness and a bit of vanilla. Its richness pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, lobster and risotto in a mushroom sauce. Champagne also often offers a perfect match to many Thai, Chinese and Japanese dishes. For perhaps the most glorious and luxurious combination of all, consider Champagne and fresh caviar. It does not get more satisfying than that. DECEMBER2019 2019 globaltravelerusa.com globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER

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spas

OCEANSIDE OASIS Indulge in pure pampering at The Salt Spa at The Reeds. BY KIMBERLY KROL

JERSEY SHORE GEM: The Salt Spa entrance

PHOTO: © THE REEDS AT SHELTER HAVEN

WHILE IT’S CERTAINLY not the most popular time of year to venture to the Jersey Shore, autumn is, in my opinion, one of the best times to visit the area. Sun-seekers won’t enjoy the beach as much from late September through November, but there’s something about the way the air feels in fall at the beach — it’s cleaner, clearer, crisper somehow, and the ocean breeze offers just the right chill. A mid-October weekend proved the perfect time for my fiancé and me to escape some of the busyness at home with a relaxing weekend in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. And relax I did, as part of my weekend itinerary included a visit to The Salt Spa at The Reeds, the recently opened spa at the well-known luxury Reeds at Shelter Haven hotel, which enjoys an enviable location right in the heart of Stone Harbor’s shops and restaurants and within walking distance of the beach. Opened this spring, The Salt Spa at The Reeds debuted alongside 21 new guestrooms in a separate building across the street from

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DECEMBER 2019

the bay-front The Reeds main building. Our guestroom was located in the new building, and immediately upon entering both the spa and the guestroom, we could sense the freshness of the space. There’s not a scuff mark in sight, no tiny hints of disrepair or age. At the same time, it’s not sterile or uninviting. I found the spaces welcoming and exclusive, secluded some from the hubbub of the main, larger building, away from the buzz of the on-site restaurant and bar, but the pair of buildings complement each other in look and feel, both from the exterior and interior. For those of you familiar with Stone Harbor, the new tower stands where Henny’s Restaurant formerly sat. The full-service spa is certainly a draw; I was stopped on the sidewalk just outside the entrance to take a picture of a couple who selected the spa to celebrate their milestone anniversary. It features a full menu of treatments alongside a Turkish bath, a brine room, a fitness center, a blow-out bar and a nail salon.

After a scrumptious breakfast at the quaint Fishin’ Pier Grille, located across the street from the property, I made my way to The Salt Spa solo to indulge in an 80-minute hot salt stone massage. Given the spa’s moniker and its highly touted brine lounge, it seemed only fitting to select a treatment that incorporated the signature salt. However, deciding on a treatment is difficult, given the spa’s tempting menu of decadent offerings. While I didn’t see the Turkish bath, the photos are truly stunning, and I’m sure the treatments match. Other massages, facials and flotation therapies are also available. I awaited my therapist in the Brine Light Inhalation Lounge, complimentary with multiple treatments or available for 45 minutes for $50. I relaxed on a cushioned lounger while taking in the benefits of the Himalayan salt cascading over a waterfall. The light therapy and tranquil music also at play in the lounge add to the serenity. It was my second time in as many weeks in a salt cave, and now, looking back and fighting off congested sinuses as colder temperatures creep in, I realize the true benefits of Himalayan salt therapy. For the first time, it felt like my therapist came to call me back for my massage all too quickly. However, the serenity continued in my treatment room as the masseuse gently kneaded the perfectly warmed hot salt stones into my muscles. Just as she rhythmically worked the stones across my back, I was lulled into a blissful state of semiconsciousness. As she replaced cooling stones with warmer ones, the temperature shock was, in its own way, therapeutic. I emerged 80 minutes later ready for a perfect autumn afternoon exploring Stone Harbor and nearby Cape May. Other amenities at The Reeds at Shelter Haven include event spaces, five dining outlets and a boutique. Our fall adventures that weekend took us all over, from a long walk on the Stone Harbor beach and Cape May County Zoo to Quahog’s Seafood Shack and a screening of Joker at a local theater. We sipped wine and watched the sun dip below the horizon from our guestroom deck and stopped at a nearby New Jersey farm stand boasting a bounty of beautiful, colorful autumnal produce that rivaled

HEAVENLY HAVEN:

Spa treatment room (above), and The Salt Spa reception (left) PHOTOS: © THE REEDS AT SHELTER HAVEN

the colors of the sunset. The Reeds at Shelter Haven proved the perfect base for all of this exploration, relaxation and more. I can’t wait to return, as even in the busier summer months full of the frenzy of beach-going families, The Salt Spa is sure to be an oasis of calm.

DECEMBER 2019

The Reeds at Shelter Haven 9601 Third Ave. Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 tel 609 368 0100 reedsatshelterhaven.com

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golf

THE VIEW FROM HERE Play atop stunning Pacific cliffs at Lanai’s Manele Golf Course. BY FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

LOOK OUT BELOW: Hole 17 PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

DESIGNED BY JACK NICKLAUS, the Manele Golf Course sits on top of an ancient lava outcropping high above Hulope’e Bay. Considered one of the must-play courses in Hawai’i, it includes three holes on breathtaking cliffs where the Pacific Ocean serves as a backdrop … and often as a water hazard. Every hole offers spectacular views, most overlooking Maui and Kaho’olawe. If you are lucky enough to play during winter months, you can see whales from the fairways and greens. Opened in December 1993, the course offers 18 holes on a 7,039-yard, par-72 layout. The signature hole, No. 12, features a tee box on a cliff 150 feet above the ocean facing the green on the adjacent cliff 202 yards away. The views are so stunning, Bill and Melinda Gates selected this spot for their wedding on Jan. 1, 1994. Manele Golf Course goes hand in hand with the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which offers convenient transportation between the hotel and the clubhouse.

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Besides great golf amenities, including rental clubs and a staff ready to set you up on the driving range, the facility includes a pleasant restaurant called Views — a perfect spot overlooking the fairway of the 18th hole where you can relax and reminisce about your game. Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, enjoyed the island of Lanai so much he purchased nearly 98 percent of the island in 2012 for $300 million. As one of his first projects, he invested $75 million in Manele Bay Hotel and turned it into the Four Seasons Lanai, with new restaurants such as Malibu Farms, Nobu Lanai and One Forty. Ellison will spend another $340 million on needed infrastructure on the island. I spent my birthday this year in Lanai and started the day with a round at Four Seasons Lanai Manele Golf Course. After warming up at the driving range, I hit the links solo, affording me a great opportunity to take in the views and enjoy the warm October day by the Pacific Ocean.

HOLE 5 | 462 yards, par 4

Located at the highest level on the course, Hole 5 offers spectacular views of Maui and Kaho’olawe, and on a clear day like the day I played, you can see the Big Island from the tee box. Pay close attention and read the GPS on the cart that clearly suggests you drive your ball carefully to the left side. The shot from the tee is nearly blind, and unfortunately my drive took a more precariously right path, almost rolling and lost in the brush. In addition, strong drives can easily blow through the fairway, as the second shot drops to the green 60 feet below. I had a tree branch slightly blocking my shot, so I had to take a low shot that careened to the right, rolling on some hardpan by the green. A chip recovery had me up and down for a bogey.

But don’t let the view distract you from focusing on the hole, which does require accuracy from the tee box; aim for the directional bunker through the fairway. A long shot left might find big hitters edging the green. Mere mortals like me will need to play safely in the center of the fairway, and make sure you check out the GPS in the cart for the best proven strategy. My approach was perfect, staying away from the green-side bunker that seems to be a collection point for resort golfers. I two-putted for par — quite an achievement, considering the potential hazards.

HOLE 6 | 544 yards, par 5

This long, downhill par 5 features a landing zone open enough to let it rip and let it roll. Some big hitters might reach the green in two, as this hole turns as a dogleg right to the green. Those two bunkers on the right can punish those trying to make the green in two and straying off track. This happened to me, costing me a shot in the bunker.

HOLE 12 | 202 yards, par 3

I can only imagine what this hole is like in the howling wind, but the day I teed up the wind was calm and the sun was hot. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year, and it felt a lot like playing golf in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the middle of summer. As a single golfer, I often caught up with the group in front, and rather than waiting, I turned back and replayed the hole. Doing this on 12 allowed me to use the two-ball birdie play. Players should take a little more club, as coming up short means a lost ball. I teed up two, the first landing in the bunker right center in front of the green and the other squarely on the green, below the hole and about 12 feet from the pin. A one-putt secured my two-ball birdie; after all, it was my birthday!

HOLE 13 | 345 yards, par 4

HOLE 17 | 444 yards, par 4

UP AND DOWN:

I had some fans watching me when I teed off on Hole 17. The greenskeepers were conducting some repairs and backed off as I shot my drive as hard as I could to position “A” on the left side of the fairway on this dogleg right. The carry from the tee box over the cliffs is long, and as there are no bunkers to interfere, you need only concentrate on driving a strong ball to clear and position your drive for your next shot to the green, which sits on the edge of Kaluakoi Point. Your approach is downhill onto a kidney-shaped green. My approach was short, and I then had to make an easy chip to the green, carding a bogey. Not bad for the No. 2-ranked handicapped hole on the course.

Hole 5

PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Four Seasons Resort Lanai Manele Golf Course 1 Challenge Drive Lanai City, HI 96763 tel 808 565 4000 fourseasons.com/lanai

This hole offers a fantastic vantage point for watching humpback whales during the winter and spinner dolphins year-round.

DECEMBER 2019

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cruising

DISCOVERY AT SEA Indulge in luxurious expedition cruising with Silversea Cruises. BY J.D. BROWN AND MARGARET BACKENHEIMER

WHEN SILVERSEA CRUISES began operations in 1994, it became the world’s first all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise line. For sheer elegance in small-ship cruising, Silversea continues to top the charts. Its fleet expanded to nine ships, with five more on order, and its itineraries now cover the globe. In this, its silver jubilee year, Silversea was elected GT’s Cruise Line of the Year, a position it achieved by continuing to enhance its offerings. For the near future, Silversea will place more emphasis on its longer voyages and expedition cruising. Much of this manifests in the inauguration of a new expedition ship, Silver Origin, to launch in July 2020. Especially designed for the Galápagos Islands, Silver Origin is the latest addition to Silversea’s line of expedition ships, which originated 10 years ago. Carrying just 100 guests, this all-suite vessel will sail alternate seven-night itineraries between Baltra and San Cristóbal, visiting multiple isles of the Galápagos Archipelago, with a stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Passengers will enjoy free WiFi, complimentary expedition gear, the services of eight Zodiac craft and one local naturalist guide for every 10 guests. During the holiday season, starting Dec. 19, 2020, Silversea will conduct 11-day and 12-day extended cruises, too. Silversea promises to deliver the most elegant Galápagos cruising available, along with the best Zodiac-to-passenger (1:12.5) and crew-to-passenger (1:1.16) ratios in the region. In addition, Silversea announced the world’s first expedition world cruise, departing Jan. 30, 2021, on the 254-passenger ice-class Silver Cloud, equipped with 18 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks for shore excursions. This 167-day voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, near Antarctica, to Tromsø, Norway, near the Arctic Circle, includes 107 destinations in 30 countries — an exhaustive oceanic trek enhanced by a range of lecturers and speakers from world explorer Tim Severin to Felicity Aston, the only woman ELEGANT to cross Antarctica alone. Such a cruise doesn’t come cheap, of course, with EXPEDITIONS: fares ranging $99,000–400,000 per person, but the price includes shore Silversea's Silver Origin excursions and business-class airfare from select gateways. Superior Veranda Suite For those wanting more abbreviated but still in-depth luxury expedition (top), ship exterior (middle) and Deluxe cruises, Silversea is expanding its Grand Voyages program. These Grand Veranda Suite bathroom Voyages provide all passengers with suites, butler services and a long list of (bottom) complimentary perks from wines to WiFi … more than enough for a month PHOTOS: © SILVERSEA or two of pleasure and discovery at sea. A 51-day Grand Voyage circumnavigation of Australia, for example, departing from Sydney Oct. 31, 2020, on the 596-passenger Silver Muse, includes additional stops in New Zealand, Bali and Komodo Island. A 70-day Grand Voyage of South America, roundtrip xury from Fort Lauderdale, departs Jan. 7, 2021, on the brand-new, 595-passenger a-lu r t l u Silver Moon and includes a Panama Canal transit and stops at Rio de Janeiro, ing ive, nclus -flow . free all-i the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords. year f n o a as each tles n r t o o a i i b t v Set to reach more than 900 destinations on all seven continents in 2020, 0 ca osi 0,00 and its p ng 18 nces -dem i Silversea continues to sail at the head of its class among ultra-luxury, smalln a v h o r n e f o ae ys erse unds ine b ship cruise lines. Silv 0 po ise l 0 cru d 5,0 ne an g a p Cham

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t or p ir U.S. A

2 YEARS IN A ROW!

With 22 nonstop flights, new restaurants, premium lounges, easy parking, and fast curb to gate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love about an airport that defines what airport travel should be?

tours

WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

ies famil o t n Choose your own touring style with Tauck. BY KRISTY ALPERT e ope ended rs ar u o t comm e ’s r k c m u f Ta nimu old. any o y’s mi n m a h ears p g y u m o o 8 h c s t Al n, the lers i trave hildre c r ONE BEAUTIFUL DAY in Massachusetts during the fall of 1924, e h g t i n w r you Arthur Tauck, Sr. had the idea to offer his first guided tour. Both an age fo entrepreneur and a well-traveled salesman, Tauck was enjoying his lunch at a restaurant overlooking the treetops and was overtaken not only by the beauty of the fall foliage but by the fact the other patrons in the restaurant were all traveling salesmen. In an effort to show the beauty of the area to leisure travelers less familiar with how to navigate the region, Tauck gathered a group of six paying passengers and, on his next sales trip, rented a Studebaker to carry his eager guests along for a six-day, 1,100-mile, all-inclusive journey through the East Coast’s most stunning scenic spots. Word spread quickly about Tauck’s tours, and soon his new business was born. Entering its 95th year in business in 2020, the company has been family-owned since its inception. Tours today take place in more than 70 countries on all seven continents, ranging from small-group tours on land to customized cruises for families or solo travelers. Whether offshore or on land, the company’s motto remains the same: “How you see the world matters” — and Tauck guests see the world in truly spectacular ways. The company specializes in offering guests enriching travel experiences that enhance their lives while also creating lasting memories. Its 150-plus trips include travel by small ship, riverboat, rail and motor coach, with each trip led by a dedicated Tauck Director whose special knowledge of the area provides insider insights on the local culture, history, flora, fauna and more. One of the most popular Tauck trips takes guests on an eight-day journey through America’s Canyonlands, offering exclusive treats like a Champagne welcome before touring Lake Powell on a dinner cruise, hearing insider stories about the national parks during filmed narratives by filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, and getting a bird’s-eye look at Rainbow Bridge on a flightseeing tour over Glen Canyon. Along with celebrating its 95th anniversary, the company will add a few more tours to its already extensive list. A new 13-day cruise itinerary will transport passengers through cultural destinations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal, with a new London, Bordeaux & Iberian Charms journey launching with three dates in

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DECEMBER 2019

NATURAL KNOWLEDGE: Up close with a Galápagos blue-footed booby (above),0 and penguins in Antarctica (left) PHOTOS: © TAUCK

September and October 2020. Tauck also ventures for the first time onto the Douro River to offer three cruises, including a family river cruise and two adults-only cruises on the river.

feature

Above and Beyond Global Traveler announces the 2019 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year. BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS TOP HONORS: Air Canada Boeing 787-9 (above), and Hotel Kabuki lobby (below) PHOTOS: © AIR CANADA, © HYATT

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FOR THE NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, Global Traveler honors the best of the best in the industry, naming 2019’s Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year. What travelers once deemed impossibly vast distances between oceans now seem closer and more accessible than ever. We enjoy much more of the world thanks to ever-improving and developing travel capabilities, but with all this power comes great responsibility … and the responsibility to satisfy customers as well as our planet is just the beginning. Every provider in the travel industry not only must keep up but also consistently impress, perform and even go above and beyond just to pull ahead of the pack — and that pack presents quite a lot of competition. Air Canada and Hyatt each climbed a long ladder to success based primarily on high standards, dedication and customer service. The two titans of travel again took this year as an opportunity to carve their way well beyond industry standards and stand out among the rest. As a result, they’ve each earned top honors as GT’s 2019 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year, respectively. Presenting the esteemed honor each year, a select group of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members choose the winners based on a series of considerations. They weigh a wide range of factors including each nominee’s financial information, performance records, loading and boarding time, safety procedures and current standing, onboard menus and overall brand identity. Earning this award represents a perfect storm of professional achievement. When considering a favorite travel brand that stands the test of time, constantly strives for perfection, adapts to a changing landscape, gives more back to communities than it takes away and continues to shine with impressive initiatives and practices, does any one brand come to mind?

Air Canada ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Air Canada service (top) and Boeing 787 pod (bottom)

PHOTOS: © AIR CANADA

AIR CANADA

AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2019 The year was 1937. Eccentric millionaire and aviator Howard Hughes broke his own transcontinental flight-speed record by flying a monoplane from Los Angeles to Newark in seven hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. Amelia Earhart disappeared during her nearly completed circumnavigation of the globe. And Trans-Canada Air Lines launched its first flight. Not a bad group among whom to make history. Trans-Canada Air Lines’ inaugural commercial flight headed for Seattle from Vancouver via a Lockheed 10A Electra — the same aircraft flown by Earhart, the military and other airlines in the 1930s. The first round-trip flights transported mail as well as a couple of passengers for a whopping $14.20 each. Founded as a Canadian National Railway subsidiary, TCA paved the way for Canada’s national airline Air Canada (officially renamed in 1965), to enjoy a strong start in the industry. With $5 million in seed money; a small fleet of aircraft purchased from Canadian Airways Limited, a regional air carrier based in Winnipeg, Manitoba; World War I fighter pilot Donald MacLaren’s development of TCA’s rigorous pilot program; and airline experts joining the team, TCA opened up the world for Canadian travelers, making Canada’s vast landscape seem a little smaller. While TCA quickly grew a strong and successful business on the ground, natural elements taught valuable lessons in the air. In 1938 TCA became the first airline to equip its fleet with de-icing nozzles to remove ice accumulation on aircraft windshields and again led the way with Canada’s first electric de-icing devices in 1961. In 1938 TCA developed oxygen systems and also hired its first flight attendant, Lucile Garner Grant. A trained nurse, Grant was responsible for much of the heavy lifting on board, including following weather reports, handling radio communications, creating food service and even designing uniforms for herself and an eventual crew. With World War I-trained pilots in the cockpit, nurses on board, a growing crew of experts, eager passengers, Air Express Services commissioned for mail delivery, and innovative thinkers back at headquarters, TCA meant business.

Transcontinental routes began transporting domestic travelers to destinations they never thought possible to visit. When World War II broke out, many TCA crew members joined the fighting forces while others stayed home to continue developing the brand. Over the years TCA maintained the course and continued to impress. With a landmark route to New York City in 1941 and extended services throughout Canada, the airline saw a 60 percent passenger increase. With so many new travelers, flight attendant service stepped up its game with chewing gum, smelling salts, cigarettes, matches and other essentials travelers might need. Over the next decades, TCA’s fleet continued to grow with expanded routes and services. Groundbreaking flights crossed the Atlantic, and early on the airline boasted 20 pilots flying more than 1 million miles. It debuted in-flight hot meals, redesigned uniforms many times and introduced incentives and perks to improve employee quality of life. TCA served 10 million passengers, including countless celebrities and notable names; and following milestone after milestone, Air Canada became the new official French name in 1954. Many innovations followed. As the airline introduced low-cost fares to accommodate more travelers, airport building boomed all over Canada. It introduced the first computerized reservations system and helped develop the multichannel flight recorder, the world’s first black box — all before the airline officially became Air Canada in 1965. Over the next decades Air Canada saw immense success, becoming faster and more reliable with newer, larger jets and an attention to service and safety

DECEMBER 2019

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standards. The airline hired its first female pilot in 1978, banned smoking and experienced a steady rise to the top of its industry. Catering to airline partners (a founding member of Star Alliance), crew and guests, Air Canada earned its reputation as a traveler favorite. Merging with Canadian Airlines International Ltd., in 2001, Air Canada became a force in the industry. In the last 18 years Air Canada revolutionized in-flight seating and focused on providing impeccable in-flight service and entertainment, all while remaining dedicated to safety and comfort, sustainability and community — and the world took notice. At the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Air Canada received Best Airline in North America (third consecutive win), World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class in North America and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in North America. It also won Best in North America at the World Airline Awards eight times in the last 10 years, as voted by more than 21 million global travelers. Air Canada is no novice in reaping what it sows through innovation, commitment and prioritizing goals with four main pillars: safety, environment, employees and communities. Actions speak louder than words, and Air Canada demonstrates it many times over, easily earning another accolade to add to its growing list: Airline of the Year 2019. Not a jack of all trades, definitely a master of one, Air Canada proves performance is everything.

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DECEMBER 2019

HYATT

HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2019

Hyatt Hotels STEADY RISE:

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere lobby (top), Grand Hyatt at SFO Grand Suite parlor (bottom left), and Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit exterior (bottom right) PHOTOS: © HYATT

It may be a cliché, but it rings true: Timing and location are everything … and Jay Pritzker had both in spades when he purchased his first motel for $2.2 million from Hyatt Robert von Dehn and Jack Dyer Crouch more than 60 years ago. The founder of Hyatt hotels may not have known he was building a vast hospitality empire and network of worldwide accommodations in 1957 when he purchased the Hyatt House, a motel next to Los Angeles International Airport, but that’s absolutely what he did. At the time, LAX handled more than 200 weekly flights, five of which operated the only direct flights from California to Europe — meaning big business-travel business at the motel. In the next 10 years Pritzker brought on his brother Donald, and the pair set off to grow the family business into something much larger: a North American management and hotel ownership company. In 1967 Hyatt Regency Atlanta became the first Hyatt Regency

Expanding the Gateway of the Americas

• 45 million passengers in 2018 – a new record • 104 airlines - more than any U.S. airport •

164 cities worldwide

miami-airport.com

• New routes in 2019: Casablanca, Cordoba, London Gatwick, Paris Orly, Warsaw • Cargo-only service to 112 cities worldwide • MIA wins approval for up to $5 billion in modernization

WORLD OF LUXURY:

Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin (top), and Park Hyatt Kyoto King Deluxe guestroom (bottom) PHOTOS: © HYATT

property and dressed to impress. The 22-story atrium lobby featured a groundbreaking design, the first of its kind and a big statement for the global hospitality brand — a remember-the-name moment in the travel world. The successful step into the big time set Hyatt up for big things — so big, in fact, it formed another public company. In 1968 Hyatt International stepped onto the scene, and eventually both Hyatt Corp. and Hyatt International Corp. went private (in 1979 and 1982, respectively). In 1969 Hyatt Regency Hong Kong paved Hyatt’s way into the world of international hospitality, and in 1972, back at home, Hyatt opened a central reservations office in Omaha, Nebraska. The company established a dedicated toll-free number to connect Hyatt

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DECEMBER 2019

and customers almost directly, setting a new industry standard for customer service — something to which Hyatt has become accustomed. A few years later, in 1980, Grand Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Chicago opened for business and became two iconic landmarks for Hyatt, helping the brand’s portfolio achieve incredible results with its quality-over-quantity approach. The slow-build, one-at-a-time hotel openings suited Hyatt’s brand and clientele nicely, and a following began to form. After seven years of steady business both at home and abroad, the brand launched Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program to reward and incentivize travelers. Hyatt ventured into the vacation market in 1995 with the Hyatt Sunset Harbor in Key West, Florida. In the 2000s Hyatt really started to pick up the pace, gain momentum and take the hotel industry by storm. In 2006 Hyatt made cleverly strategic moves for the growing brand, resulting in two firsts: The Hyatt Place brand opened in Lombard, Illinois, and Hyatt purchased Summerfield Suites to step into the extended-stay market, well before the trend. The following year, and in a stylish turn of events, the Andaz brand debuted on Liverpool Street, London, and two years later Hyatt went public again. In 2011 in rapid-fire branding, Hyatt Thrive launched as the company’s global corporate responsibility platform, and 2012 welcomed a rebranding of Hyatt Summerfield Suites to Hyatt House (a nod to the original motel). The Hyatt Centric brand launched in 2015 in Chicago boasting chic, accessible accommodations in desirable locations around the city; and 2016 welcomed The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the 12th brand in the portfolio and the most unique thus far. The Unbound Collection keeps the identity and originality of a boutique, small-business hotel while adding Hyatt’s well-established professionalism, service and network of loyalty travelers. This represented a significant step for Hyatt. By maintaining the original character of an existing business while building a mutual partnership, beneficial to all involved and attracting travelers seeking the security of a well-known name brand, Hyatt introduced guests to new immersive experiences — another trend Hyatt initiated early on. The following year, the company launched World of Hyatt as a revamped loyalty program devised to further connect with and engage Hyatt’s loyal customers. This program resulted in Hyatt’s entrance into the health and wellness space, acquiring Miraval and Exhale. The brand introduced the World of Hyatt Credit Card in 2018, to further reward and connect with customers based on their interests, and also finalized the purchase of Two Roads Hospitality, opening up Hyatt’s hospitality sector. While the slow and steady pace may have changed a bit in the 2000s, it definitely assisted Hyatt in winning the race. By seeing an opportunity and taking it, building a foundation of success through tried-and-true techniques, connecting with customers and listening to and meeting their needs, and repeating the cycle, Hyatt built an empire from a single motel in the desert. Hyatt remains a brand of determination and innovation, to say the least. Offering more than 700 hotels in 56 countries and another 960 accommodation options in the pipeline, it’s safe to say Hyatt has a handle on the global travel economy. The Hyatt name and brand have a reputation to uphold; and if history is any indication, Hyatt proves up to the task, which is why there’s a fitting ring to the honor of Hotel of the Year.

feature

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Best Overall Airline in the World PHOTO: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Sweet 16 Global Traveler sings the praises of the 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners. BY KIMBERLY KROL WELCOME TO OUR SUPER SWEET 16! Much like the iconic MTV show of the same name, we’re throwing an over-the-top, grand celebration in honor of this year’s GT Tested Reader Survey award winners! This year, 2019, marks the 16th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and what better way to commemorate the milestone than with an epic Sweet 16 shindig. Raymond Duncan, an American dancer, artist

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DECEMBER 2019

and poet, said, “The best substitute for experience is being sixteen.” As we turn 16, we know where to look for experience, and that’s to you, our readers. Intrepid, frequent, luxury travelers yourselves, you know the standouts, and you voted for them, from airlines and airports to hotels and credit cards. Join us on the following pages as we throw confetti on the sparklers of the travel industry and unveil the winners in our 16th annual survey. On this year’s guest list is a who’s who of the travel industry’s best and brightest, and we begin with the airlines. Paint a party hat and a birthday cake on these liveries, because they’re joining the Sweet 16 party. For the fifth consecutive year, Singapore Airlines is flying away with the Best Overall Airline in the World accolade. Another milestone birthday, oneworld celebrates its 10th consecutive win as Best Airline Alliance. For Best Aircraft Type, Airbus A350 takes home this year’s nod. American Airlines wins a bevy of awards this year including Best Airline Website for AA.com, for the third consecutive year; Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific, also for the third year in a row; a fourth win as Best Airline for Domestic First Class; a two-time nod as Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service for the AAdvantage program; and Best Airline App for the second

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Best Airline Website; Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific; Best Airline for Domestic First Class; Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service; and Best Airline App

DELTA AIR LINES

Best Airline Lounges, Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

TURKISH AIRLINES

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

Best Airline for Business Class, Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents

Best Airline in Africa

PHOTO: © SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

PHOTO: © TURKISH AIRLINES

ASIANA AIRLINES

Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants PHOTO: © ASIANA AIRLINES

consecutive year. New to the party this year is the category of Best Airline Lounges, and Delta Air Lines snagged the invitation for its Delta Sky Clubs. But that’s not all for Delta, as the airline also claims Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program for its SkyMiles Diamond Medallion. Lufthansa earns a spot on this year’s list with its win for Best Airline for International First Class. For business class it’s Turkish Airlines, taking its third win for Best Airline for Business Class. Turkish Airlines also wins Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers for the second year in a row for its Turkish Airlines Corporate Club, and a third win as Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents. Sixteen is also sweet for three airline winners: Asiana Airlines, earning its 16th consecutive win for both Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants; South African Airways, with 16 wins as Best Airline in Africa; and United Airlines’ United MileagePlus program’s 16th win for Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program. MileagePlus is also the Best FrequentFlyer Bonus Program winner for the seventh consecutive year. Rounding out our frequent-flyer program categories is LifeMiles from Avianca, winning Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption.

Both Alitalia and Air France are twice as nice, appearing two times on this year’s lineup of all stars. Alitalia takes Best Airline Cuisine for the 10th year in a row and Best Business-Class Seat Design for the second time, while Air France gets its second nod as Best First-Class Seat Design and its first win for Best Airline for New Service Launch for its Paris (CDG) to Dallas (DFW) route. Put 13 candles on the cake for EL AL Israel Airlines, Best Airline for Security 13 years running, before we take a birthday tour around the globe with these winners: Air Canada, Best Airline in North America; LATAM Airlines Group, six-time Best Airline to South America; Aeromexico, securing a 10th win for Best Airline in Mexico; TAP Air Portugal, not far behind with its ninth win for Best Airline in Europe; Virgin Australia, Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand; Air Tahiti Nui, Best Airline in the South Pacific for the second consecutive year; LOT Polish Airlines, three-time Best Airline in Eastern Europe; Emirates, Best Airline in the Middle East two years running; China Airlines and Hainan Airlines, both seven-time winners for Best Airline in North Asia and Best Airline in China, respectively; Air India, Best Airline in Central/ South Asia & India for the sixth consecutive year; and Japan Airlines, threetime Best Airline to Japan winner. Japan Airlines also wins Best Trans-Pacific

DECEMBER 2019

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AWARD WINNERS 2019

HAINAN AIRLINES Best Airline in China

PHOTO: © HAINAN AIRLINES

Best Overall Airline in the World 1. Singapore Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. Swiss International Air Lines 5. Asiana Airlines 6. Qatar Airways 7. British Airways 8. Emirates 9. Korean Air 10. Lufthansa Best Airline Alliance 1. 2. 3.

oneworld Star Alliance SkyTeam

Best Aircraft Type 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Airbus A350 Boeing 787 Boeing 777 Airbus A330 Boeing 747 Airbus A380 Airbus A340 Boeing 767 Boeing 737

Best Airline Website

AA.com delta.com 3. united.com 4. alaskaair.com 5. southwest.com 6. britishairways.com 7. jetblue.com 8. china-airlines.com 9. qatarairways.com 10. hongkongairlines.com 1. 2.

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific

American Airlines United Airlines 3. Japan Airlines 4. China Southern Airlines 5. Hainan Airlines 6. All Nippon Airways 7. China Eastern Airlines 8. China Airlines 9. Xiamen Airlines 10. Hong Kong Airlines 1. 2.

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MUNICH AIRPORT SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe

PHOTO: © SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT

PHOTO: © TUPUNGATO DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Overall Airport in the World

Airline for the third time, and Brussels Airlines is named Best Trans-Atlantic Airline for the second time. Travel is a gift, so we can consider these gateways presents. Let’s get to unwrapping the ones with the biggest bows, our 2019 airport winners. Of this bunch, who is the sweet 16? That would be Chicago O’Hare International Airport, bringing its 16th win as Best Airport in North America to the Windy City. This year’s Best Overall Airport in the World is pulling double duty. Singapore Changi Airport takes its fourth nod for best overall as well as its third win for Best DutyFree Shopping in Asia. Another Asian airport receiving accolades is Incheon International Airport, Best Airport in Asia for the third consecutive year. Where else in the world are the best airports located? Let’s start in Africa, where Addis Ababa Bole International Airport earns its second Best Airport in Africa honor.

DECEMBER 2019

Seychelles International Airport is this year’s Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa winner. In Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Munich Airport are winners as Best Airport in Europe, for the second consecutive year, and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe, respectively. Dubai Duty Free takes two honors this year: Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World, for 13 years running, and Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East for the third consecutive year. Also a three-time winner is Hamad International Airport in Doha, Best Airport in the Middle East. It’s time for the last present on the pile — the rest of our airport winners! Rounding out the winners are El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá, Best Airport in South America, two consecutive years; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, six-time Best Airport Dining winner;

THE RITZ-CARLTON

Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain PHOTO: © THE RITZ-CARLTON

Best Airline for Business Class

Turkish Airlines Singapore Airlines 3. United Airlines 4. Alitalia 5. Qatar Airways 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Asiana Airlines 8. China Airlines 9. Lufthansa 10. Hong Kong Airlines 1. 2.

Best Airline for International First Class

Lufthansa Emirates 3. Etihad Airways 4. Cathay Pacific Airways 5. Qatar Airways 6. Singapore Airlines 7. Swiss International Air Lines 8. Korean Air 9. Japan Airlines 10. Air France 1. 2.

Best Airline for Domestic First Class 1. 2. 3. 4.

American Airlines United Airlines Delta Air Lines Alaska Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Service

ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS

PHOTO: © ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS

Best European Hotel Chain

Miami International Airport, Best Airport Shopping; and Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California, Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport, two years running. American educator Luther Duncan is noted as saying, “Sixteen candles make a lovely light, but not as bright as your eyes tonight.” However, we know the true candles burning bright, like beacons in the night, are this year’s hotel winners. Providing a very lovely light is The Ritz-Carlton, winning both Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain for the fifth year in a row. Also taking home its fifth win is Lotte Hotel Seoul for Best MICE Hotel. The South Korean property also earns its eighth win as Best Hotel in South Korea. On the cusp of sweet 16 is IHG Rewards Club; in 2019 the hotel loyalty program takes its 15th win as Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World. IHG Rewards Club also wins Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program, while IHG.com is Best Hotel Website. While we’re on the subject of hotel loyalty programs,

Best Hotel in the United States

let’s also applaud Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program; World of Hyatt, Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption; and Marriott Bonvoy, Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service for the second consecutive year. Moxy Hotels stole the spotlight from long-time winner Andaz and debuts this year as Best Lifestyle Hotel. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is true to its consistent and impeccable service with its ninth consecutive win as Best Hotel in the United States. Elsewhere around the globe, we jump out of a cake for Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Best Hotel in Asia, three years in a row; Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, Munich, Best Hotel in Europe; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, four-time Best European Hotel Chain; Oberoi Hotels, Best Hotel Chain in Asia; Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in Latin America; Fiesta Americana, taking home its ninth Best Hotel Chain in Mexico; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East, two years running. Also in the

Asiana Airlines Singapore Airlines 3. Turkish Airlines 4. Emirates 5. LATAM Airlines Group 6. Korean Air 7. Qatar Airways 8. South African Airways 9. Swiss International Air Lines 10. Hong Kong Airlines 1. 2.

Best Airline Lounges 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Delta Sky Club American Airlines Admirals Club United Polaris Club Alaska Airlines Alaska Board Room Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Star Alliance Lounges British Airways Lounges American Express Centurion Lounges

DECEMBER 2019

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Best Airline for Flight Attendants

Asiana Airlines Singapore Airlines 3. Lufthansa 4. Etihad Airways 5. Emirates 6. Hong Kong Airlines 7. LATAM Airlines Group 8. Qatar Airways 9. Korean Air 10. South African Airways 1. 2.

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms

Delta Air Lines Air France 3. Singapore Airlines 4. Emirates 5. Asiana Airlines 6. Turkish Airlines 7. Korean Air 8. Etihad Airways 9. China Airlines 10. Qatar Airways 1. 2.

AIR FRANCE

Best First-Class Seat Design

THE PARKING SPOT

PHOTO: © AIR FRANCE

Best Airport Parking

PHOTO: © THE PARKING SPOT

Best Airline Cuisine

Alitalia Swiss International Air Lines 3. Brussels Airlines 4. Air France 5. Singapore Airlines 6. Lufthansa 7. Turkish Airlines 8. Etihad Airways 9. Qatar Airways 10. Asiana Airlines 1. 2.

Best Airline for Security 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

EL AL Israel Airlines Swiss International Air Lines British Airways Lufthansa United Airlines Austrian Airlines

Best First-Class Seat Design

Air France All Nippon Airways 3. Singapore Airlines 4. Qantas 5. Qatar Airways 6. American Airlines 7. British Airways 8. Emirates 9. Japan Airlines 10. Etihad Airways 1. 2.

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DECEMBER 2019

Middle East, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah earns its second nod as Best Hotel in the Middle East, and The Address Hotel Downtown Dubai is Best Individual Hotel in the World. Best Hotel App goes to Hilton Hotels. Surprise! We’re throwing a party for these travel provider winners, some of whom may or may not be a surprise to those of you who voted. One winner that’s deservedly not surprising is Briggs & Riley; the luggage company wins its 10th consecutive Best Luggage Brand trophy. Approaching that same milestone is Boingo Wireless, nine-time Best WiFi Service winner. As we turn 16, it’s apt we award Volvo and Hertz, driving away with Best Overseas Delivery Program for the fourth year and Best Rental Car Company for the sixth year, respectively. A newbie to the list this year is Best Airport Parking, which goes to The Parking Spot. Also debuting on the list in 2019 is Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program, and the winner is IHG Business Edge. Seoul claims its fifth consecutive nod as Best MICE City, while India makes its mark as Best Tourism Destination for the first time. Break out the party dresses because we are still in celebration mode! Our last category of winners comprises the best of the best when it comes to credit cards. We begin with the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase, winning Best Overall Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program, both for eight consecutive years. The United Explorer Card from Chase celebrates its seventh Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions win. Another frequent-flyer affinity card boasting double

wins is Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, with its eighth win for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card and its first for Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Rounding out the airline co-branded cards is Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard, earning Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions for the sixth year. For the first time, Citi Entertainment receives Best Credit Card Special Events accolades, and Capital One Spark Miles for Business achieves the Best Small Business Credit Card nod. And for the second consecutive year, Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays receives Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card. As the largest hotel company in the world, it’s no surprise co-branded Marriott Bonvoy cards dominated the co-branded hotel credit card categories. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase takes its eighth award as Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card and its first win as Best Frequent-Stay Credit Card Redemptions. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express celebrates two wins: Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions and Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits. Attributed to anonymous, another saying about turning the sweet age of 16 goes, “At 16, the world is yours to have. You can do, you can be, anything you put your mind to.” With these award-winning travel providers, the world is yours to have and the future is bright. Congratulations to these winners, and here’s to another sweet 16 years.

Best Business-Class Seat Design

Alitalia Asiana Airlines 3. Singapore Airlines 4. LATAM Airlines Group 5. Turkish Airlines 6. Swiss International Air Lines 7. Hong Kong Airlines 8. Qantas 9. China Airlines 10. Cathay Pacific Airways 1. 2.

Best Airline for New Service Launch

Air France (CDG to DFW) American Airlines (CLT to MUC) 3. British Airways (PIT to LHR) 4. KLM (BOS to AMS) 5. Singapore Airlines (SIN to EWR) 6. Air New Zealand (AKL to ORD) 7. United Airlines (SFO to AMS) 8. Air India (BOM to JFK) 9. American Airlines (CLT to NRT) 10. TAP Air Portugal (LIS to SFO) 1. 2.

ALITALIA

Best Business-Class Seat Design

HAINAN AIRLINES and Best Airline Cuisine Best Airline in China

PHOTO: © ALITALIA PHOTO: © HAINAN AIRLINES

THE VOTING PROCESS Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa .com/survey from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2019. Ballots were distributed via direct mail and email during the same period. Ballots returned with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were disqualified. More than 20,000 qualified ballots were returned during the voting period. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

Best Corporate Program for Business

AIR FRANCE

Best Airline for New Service Launch and Best First-Class Seat Design PHOTO: © AIR FRANCE

TURKISH AIRLINES CORPORATE CLUB

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers PHOTO: © TURKISH AIRLINES

Travelers

Turkish Airlines Corporate Club American Airlines Business Extra 3. United PerksPlus 4. American Express Platinum Card 5. Delta SkyBonus 6. Air Canada Corporate Rewards 7. Lufthansa PartnerPlus 8. Air France SkyBlue 9. Korean Air KAL BIZ 10. British Airways One Business 1. 2.

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program 1. 2. 3.

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United MileagePlus American Airlines AAdvantage Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Lufthansa Miles & More Air Canada Aeroplan JetBlue TrueBlue Southwest Rapid Rewards British Airways Executive Club Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

DECEMBER 2019

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion United MileagePlus Premier Executive 1K American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand

PHOTO: © VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

Air New Zealand Air Tahiti Nui Fiji Airways

Best Airline in the South Pacific 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Air Tahiti Nui Fiji Airways Virgin Australia Qantas Air New Zealand

Best Airline in Europe

TAP Air Portugal Brussels Airlines 3. Austrian Airlines 4. Swiss International Air Lines 5. Lufthansa 6. Virgin Atlantic Airways 7. British Airways 8. Iberia 9. Aer Lingus 10. Alitalia 1. 2.

Best Airline in Eastern Europe 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Best Airline in Africa Membership PHOTO: © SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns Summit Level JetBlue TrueBlue

Best Frequent-Flyer Award

Best Airline in North America

Redemption

Air Canada American Airlines Delta Air Lines United Airlines JetBlue Alaska Airlines Frontier Airlines Porter Airlines Southwest Airlines

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program

United MileagePlus 2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles 4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan 5. LATAM Fidelidade 6. Air Canada Aeroplan 7. LifeMiles (Avianca) 8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards 9. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles 10. Frontier Early Returns 1.

LifeMiles (Avianca) Air Canada Aeroplan American Airlines AAdvantage United MileagePlus Delta SkyMiles Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards LATAM Fidelidade Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Frontier Early Returns

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

American Airlines AAdvantage United MileagePlus Air Canada Aeroplan Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan LATAM Pass LifeMiles (Avianca) Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Best Airline to South America 1. 2. 3.

LATAM Airlines Group Avianca Aerolineas Argentinas

Best Airline in Mexico 1. 2. 3. 4.

Aeromexico Interjet VivaAerobus Volaris

Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand 1. 2.

Virgin Australia Qantas

LOT Polish Airlines Aeroflot S7 Airlines Transaero Wizzair Adria Airways Croatia Airlines Tarom Romanian Airlines

Best Airline in Africa

South African Airways Kenya Airways 3. Air Namibia 4. Air Seychelles 5. Royal Air Maroc 6. Air Mauritius 7. Ethiopian Airlines 8. TAAG Angola Airlines 9. Mango 10. Kulula 1. 2.

Best Airline in the Middle East

Emirates Qatar Airways 3. Etihad Airways 4. Saudi Arabian Airlines 5. EL AL Israel Airlines 6. Royal Jordanian 7. Middle East Airlines 8. Gulf Air 9. Royal Air Maroc 10. EgyptAir 1. 2.

DECEMBER 2019

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JAPAN AIRLINES

Best Airline in North Asia

Best Airline to Japan and Best Trans-Pacific Airline

(excluding China) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

China Airlines EVA Air Asiana Airlines Korean Air Japan Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways Dragonair All Nippon Airways Hong Kong Airlines

PHOTO: © JAPAN AIRLINES

Best Airline in China

Hainan Airlines Air China 3. China Southern Airlines 4. Shenzhen Airlines 5. China Eastern Airlines 6. Juneyao Airlines 7. Shandong Airlines 8. Spring Airlines 9. Sichuan Airlines 10. Tianjin Airlines 1. 2.

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Air India Indigo SpiceJet SriLankan Airlines Mihin Lanka Air Astana Biman Bangladesh Airlines PIA

Best Airline to Japan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Japan Airlines All Nippon Airways American Airlines United Airlines Delta Air Lines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline

Brussels Airlines 2. TAP Air Portugal 3. American Airlines 4. United Airlines 5. Swiss International Air Lines 6. Air France 7. Lufthansa 8. Delta Air Lines 9. British Airways 10. Austrian Airlines 1.

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Best Trans-Pacific Airline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Japan Airlines Asiana Airlines Singapore Airlines China Southern Airlines Korean Air Hong Kong Airlines United Airlines China Eastern Airlines Delta Air Lines

Best Overall Airport in the World

Singapore Changi Airport Incheon International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha 4. Munich Airport 5. Shanghai International Airport 6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 7. Frankfurt am Main Airport 8. Beijing Capital International Airport 9. Hong Kong International Airport 10. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 1. 2.

Portland International Airport Pittsburgh International Airport 9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 10. Newark Liberty International Airport 7.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

DECEMBER 2019

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Denver International Airport Miami International Airport San Francisco International Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston

8. 9.

Best Airport in Asia

Incheon International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport 4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 5. Osaka Kansai International Airport 6. Hong Kong International Airport 7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport 8. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport 9. Tokyo Narita International Airport 10. Beijing Capital International Airport 1.

Best Airport in North America 1.

Best Airport in Africa 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport King Shaka International Airport Durban Cape Town International Airport Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Port Elizabeth International Airport

O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Mauritius International Airport Cairo International Airport Seychelles International Airport

Best Airport in Europe

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 3. Zürich Kloten International Airport 4. Frankfurt am Main Airport 5. Munich Airport 6. Brussels Zaventem Airport 7. Vienna International Airport 8. London Heathrow Airport 9. Copenhagen Airport 10. Hamburg Airport 1. 2.

Best Airport in the Middle East 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9.

Hamad International Airport, Doha Dubai International Airport Bahrain International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport Medina Muscat International Airport King Khalid International Airport Riyadh King Fahd International Airport Damman Al Maktoum Dubai World Central

THE ONLY BUT DOUBLE EXPERIENCES

Seoul-Gangwon MICE Co-Marketing

Seoul

Gangwon

Eligibility • International conferences, corporate meetings, incentive tours or pre/post tours with overseas participants • Conjunction tour programs with Seoul and Gangwon

Financial Support • 20,000KRW for international MICE participants ex) Transportation, Food, Souvenir Production, Admission Fees for Tourist Dstinations, Rental for event Space

Requirement • Over one night stay in Seoul & Gangwon

Hospitality Support • Airport Greeting Message • Seoul Welcome Kit • Seoul MICE Supporters

Get in touch with the Seoul Convention Bureau & Gangwon Economic Promotion Agency E-mail : micesg2019@gmail.com Tel : +82-2-3788-8159 / +82-33-749-3340 www.miceseoul.com

Vancouver International Airport 10. London Heathrow Airport 9.

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia

Singapore Changi Airport Incheon International Airport 3. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport 4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 5. Osaka Kansai International Airport 6. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport 7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport 8. Tokyo Narita International Airport 9. Hong Kong International Airport 10. Beijing Capital International Airport 1. 2.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Best Airport Shopping

PHOTO: © FABIO LAMANNA - DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Africa Best Airport in South America 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá Jorge Chávez International Airport Quito International Airport José Joaquín de Olmedo Guayaquil International Airport São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport Ministro Pistarini Buenos Aires International Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Santiago International Airport Rio de Janeiro International Airport Simón Bolívar Caracas International Airport

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents

Turkish Airlines 2. Singapore Airlines 3. United Airlines 4. EVA Air 5. Lufthansa 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Asiana Airlines 8. Qatar Airways 9. Emirates 10. Etihad Airways 1.

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Best Airport Dining

Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Hamad International Airport 4. Brussels Zaventem Airport 5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 6. London Heathrow Airport 7. Vienna International Airport 8. Los Angeles International Airport 9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 10. Frankfurt am Main Airport

Best Airport Shopping

Miami International Airport 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 4. Incheon International Airport 5. Hamad International Airport, Doha 6. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 7. London Heathrow Airport 8. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 9. Hong Kong International Airport 10. Zürich Kloten International Airport 1.

DECEMBER 2019

Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California 2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 4. Los Angeles International Airport 5. Dallas Love Field Airport 6. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 7. Nashville International Airport 8. Portland International Airport 9. William P. Hobby Airport, Houston 10. Oakland International Airport Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Dubai Duty Free Incheon International Airport Hamad International Airport, Doha Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Frankfurt am Main Airport Singapore Changi Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport Hong Kong International Airport

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Seychelles International Airport Addis Ababa Bole International Airport King Shaka International Airport Durban Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Port Elizabeth International Airport O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Mauritius International Airport Cairo International Airport Cape Town International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Europe

Munich Airport Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 3. London Heathrow Airport 4. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumincino Rome 5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 6. Frankfurt am Main Airport 7. Zürich Kloten International Airport 8. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 9. Brussels Zaventem Airport 10. Vienna International Airport 1. 2.

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

DUBAI DUTY FREE

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World and Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East

Dubai Duty Free Hamad International Airport, Doha Bahrain Duty Free Muscat International Airport Amman Queen Alia International Airport Jordan Abu Dhabi International Airport King Khalid International Airport Riyadh Al Maktoum Dubai World Central

PHOTO: © JJSPRING - DREAMSTIME.COM

Best International Hotel Chain

The Ritz-Carlton InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Westin Hotels & Resorts 4. Conrad Hotels 5. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 6. The Peninsula Hotels 7. Marriott Hotels 8. Four Seasons 9. Park Hyatt 10. Waldorf Astoria 1. 2.

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

The Ritz-Carlton Waldorf Astoria 3. JW Marriott 4. Park Hyatt 5. Hilton Hotels Corp. 6. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 7. Westin Hotels & Resorts 8. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 9. W Hotels 10. Four Seasons 1. 2.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Moxy Andaz Aloft Hotels Vida Hotels + Resorts Element Hotels W Hotels Affinia Hotels Hotel Indigo Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants

Lotte Hotel Seoul Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9.

IHG.com peninsula.com ritzcarlton.com marriott.com hilton.com loews.com shangri-la.com mandarinoriental.com hyatt.com

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Best MICE Hotel 1.

Best Hotel Website

Best Lifestyle Hotel 1.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles 4. Aspen Meadows Resort 5. Hilton London Metropole 6. Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center 7. Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin 8. Kempinski Hotel Wuxi 9. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong 10. The Gleneagles 3.

DECEMBER 2019

IHG Rewards Club Marriott Bonvoy Hilton Honors Wyndham Rewards World of Hyatt Le Club AccorHotels Loews YouFirst Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club

Radisson Rewards

10. I Prefer Hotel Club Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite World of Hyatt Platinum Hilton Honors Diamond Le Club AccorHotels Platinum IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite Wyndham Rewards ByRequest The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Sol Meliá MAS Rewards Choice Privileges Platinum

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program

IHG Rewards Club 2. Marriott Bonvoy 3. Hilton Honors 4. World of Hyatt 5. Le Club AccorHotels 6. Choice Privileges 7. Wyndham Rewards 8. Omni Select Guest 9. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards 10. Radisson Rewards 1.

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

World of Hyatt Marriott Bonvoy IHG Rewards Club Hilton Honors Leaders Club, Leading Hotels

of the World Sol Meliá MAS Rewards 7. Radisson Rewards 8. Wyndham Rewards 9. Omni Select Guest 10. Best Western Rewards 6.

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Marriott Bonvoy Le Club AccorHotels IHG Rewards Club Sol Meliá MAS Rewards World of Hyatt Hilton Honors Radisson Rewards Leaders Club, Leading Hotels of the World Sonesta Travel Pass

Best Hotel in the United States

The Peninsula Beverly Hills The Peninsula Chicago 3. The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills 4. Montage Beverly Hills 5. Terranea Resort 6. Mandarin Oriental, New York 7. Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas 8. Four Seasons, Washington, D.C. 9. Wentworth Mansion 10. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown 1. 2.

Westin Hotels & Resorts W Hotels 7. Marriott Hotels 8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 9. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 10. Conrad Hotels 5.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TAIPEI

Best Hotel in Asia

PHOTO: © MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TAIPEI

Best Hotel Chain in Asia

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Grand Hyatt 3. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts 4. Mandarin Oriental 5. Park Hyatt 6. The Peninsula Hotels 7. Four Seasons 8. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces 9. Conrad Hotels 10. Langham Hotels 1. 2.

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Westin Hotels & Resorts 4. Sol Meliá Hotels 5. Barceló Hotels & Resorts 6. Fiesta Americana 7. Accor Hospitality 8. The Ritz-Carlton 9. Riu Hotels & Resorts 10. Caesar Park Hotels 1. 2.

Best Hotel in Asia

BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei 2. SIGNIEL Seoul, Lotte Tower 3. The Peninsula Bangkok 4. Four Seasons Seoul 5. The Peninsula Hong Kong 6. The Peninsula Shanghai 7. The Mulia, Bali 8. Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, Indonesia 9. The Upper House, Hong Kong 10. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 1.

Best Hotel in the Middle East PHOTO: © JUMEIRAH

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Best Hotel in South Korea 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Lotte Hotel Seoul Grand Hyatt Seoul SIGNIEL Seoul, Lotte Tower The Plaza Seoul The Shilla, Seoul Four Seasons Seoul InterContinental Seoul The Ritz-Carlton Seoul The Westin Chosun

Best Hotel in the Middle East 1. 2. 3. 4.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah One&Only Royal Mirage Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

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The St. Regis Dubai 6. Four Seasons Bahrain Bay 7. Al Maha Resort & Spa 8. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 9. Emirates Palace Hotel 10. The Palace Downtown Dubai 5.

Best Hotel in Europe 1. 2. 3. 4.

DECEMBER 2019

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, Munich Le Meurice Paris Hotel de Russie Rome Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Place, Budapest 6. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon 7. Merrion Hotel Dublin 8. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus 9. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome 10. Le Bristol Paris 5.

Best European Hotel Chain 1. 2. 3. 4.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Kempinski Hotels The Ritz-Carlton The Luxury Collection

Fiesta Americana Sheraton Hotels W Hotels Westin Hotels InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Barceló Hotels & Resorts Riu Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts The Ritz-Carlton 3. The Address Hotels + Resorts 4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 5. Marriott International 6. Four Seasons 7. Kempinski Hotels 8. W Hotels 9. Raffles Hotels 10. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts 1. 2.

Thank you for helping us soar even higher. With your support, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been named Best Overall Airport in the World. You motivate us to deliver the best. Thank you for believing in us. changiairport.com

Sky Nets Jewel Changi Airport Singapore

@ChangiAirport

London Abu Dhabi 6. Doha 7. Paris 8. San Francisco 9. Sydney 10. Hong Kong

BRIGGS & RILEY

Best Luggage Brand PHOTO: ÂŠ BRIGGS & RILEY

Best WiFi Service 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Boingo Wireless AT&T Wireless Verizon Wireless iPass U.S. Mobile GoGo Inflight

Best Luggage Brand

Briggs & Riley Tumi 3. Travelpro 4. Hartman 5. Samsonite 6. Delsey 7. Swiss Army 8. Rimowa 9. Victorinox 10. Louis Vuitton 1. 2.

Thrifty

Best Individual Hotel in the World

The Address Hotel Downtown Dubai 2. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong 3. St. Regis Bora Bora 4. Hotel de Crillon, Paris 5. Wentworth Mansion 6. The Langham, Chicago 7. Corinthia Hotel London 8. The Peninsula Beverly Hills 9. Montage Laguna Beach 10. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

10. Payless

Best Overseas Delivery Program

Best Tourism Destination

1. 2. 3. 4.

Volvo BMW Porsche Mercedes-Benz

Best Car Rental Company 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Hertz National Car Rental Avis Budget Sixt Alamo Enterprise Dollar

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Best Airport Parking 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

The Parking Spot Wally Park ParkRideFly AirportParking ParkingConnection AirportParkingNet APCParking Chauntry PreFlight

India Ireland 3. Australia 4. South Africa 5. Spain 6. Kenya 7. Israel 8. Italy 9. Brazil 10. Mexico 1. 2.

Best MICE City 1. 2. 3.

DECEMBER 2019

Seoul Dubai Singapore

Best Hotel App 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Hilton Hotels Hyatt Hotels Hotel Tonight Marriott Hotels Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Four Seasons InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts The Ritz-Carlton

Best Airline App

American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. Asiana Airlines 5. Singapore Airlines 6. Emirates 7. Lufthansa 8. Swiss International Air Lines 9. Alaska Airlines 10. Qatar Airways

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Best Overall Credit Card

United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase 2. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express 3. United Explorer Card from Chase 4. American Express Blue Card 5. Chase Ink Card 6. American Express Platinum Card 7. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard 8. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 9. Escape Card from Discover 10. Plum Card from American Express Open 1.

Best Small-Business Credit Card 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

8. 9.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Program

IHG Business Edge Delta Edge

Capital One Spark Miles for Business United Explorer Card from Chase American Express Business Platinum Chase Ink Cash Business Preferred Credit Card American Express Business Platinum Card from Open Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Credit Card from American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Credit Card from American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard

Best Credit Card Special Events

Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business 1.

American Airlines BusinessExtra Marriott Bonvoy Hilton Hotels Corp. Alaska Airlines United PerksPlus American Express Platinum Hyatt Hotels

Citi Entertainment Inside Access from Chase Chase Sapphire MasterCard Priceless Cities Chase Experiences American Express

Change scenery. Not standards. Thank you for voting Hertz the Best Rental Car Company in the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards for six straight years.

Best Credit Cards Rewards Program 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase Membership Rewards Program from American Express Capital One Venture Rewards Delta SkyMiles by American Express United Explorer Card from Chase Barclays Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard Wells Fargo Propel American Express Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase Hilton Honors Card from American Express World of Hyatt Credit Card IHG Rewards Club Select Visa Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express IHG Rewards Club Select Visa World of Hyatt Card Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express Hilton Honors Card American Express Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard 3. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express 4. United Explorer Card from Chase 5. Aeromexico Club Premier La Tarjeta from American Express 6. British Airways Visa Signature Card 7. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase 8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card 9. JetBlue American Express Card 10. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card 1.

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express IHG Rewards Club Select Visa World of Hyatt Card from Chase Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express Choice Privileges Visa Signature IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase British Airways Visa Signature Card United Explorer Card from Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card JetBlue American Express Card Lufthansa Miles & More Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express Hilton Honors Card from American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Choice Privileges Visa Signature IHG Rewards Club Select Visa

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DECEMBER 2019

Promotions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America United Explorer Card from Chase JetBlue American Express Card British Airways Visa Signature Card United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase Delta SkyMiles by American Express Lufthansa Miles & More Card Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card

6. 7. 8.

United Explorer Card from Chase Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express British Airways Visa Signature Card JetBlue American Express Card Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card

Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays Royal Caribbean Visa Credit Card from Bank of America Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card Norwegian Cruise Line MasterCard from Bank of America The Carnival MasterCard from Barclaycard Disney Premier Visa

PHOTOS: ÂŠ MARRIOTT , ÂŠ UNITED

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America

ÂŽ

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 2019

ÂŽ

Eighth Consecutive Year

2019

Wines on the Wing 2019

PHOTO: © THE ADRIANNE PHOTO

What better way to commemorate a celebration than with a toast? The results of Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition were first released in our August 2019 issue. A number of airlines submitted samples of their in-flight wine and sparkling selections. Professional wine experts presided as judges over the annual competition. Bust out the balloons and banners, here are this year’s airlines serving the best wines in the sky. Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing award winner is American Airlines. The carrier also won Best North American Wines on the Wing and Best North American White Wine. Etihad Airways earned accolades for Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing, as well as Best International Business-Class Red Wine and Best International Business-Class Champagne. In the First-Class category, the winners were Air France, Best International First-Class Champagne; Singapore Airlines, Best International First-Class White Wine; and All Nippon Airways, Best International First-Class Red Wine. ANA also won Best International Business-Class White Wine. Aeromexico won Best International Business-Class Champagne and Best North American Sparkling Wine. Alaska Airlines earned raves as Best North American Red Wine. Best Alliance Wines on the Wing once again went to oneworld. Cheers!

WINES ON THE WING WINNERS

Best International Business-Class

Best Airline Alliance Wines on the Wing

Wines on the Wing

Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: American Airlines SILVER: All Nippon Airways BRONZE: Air France Singapore Airlines Etihad Airways

Best International First-Class Champagne 1. 2. 3. 4.

GOLD: Air France SILVER: American Airlines BRONZE: All Nippon Airways/Singapore Airlines (TIE) Delta Air Lines/Etihad Airways (TIE)

Best International First-Class White Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: Singapore Airlines SILVER: American Airlines BRONZE: American Airlines All Nippon Airways All Nippon Airways

Best International First-Class Red Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: All Nippon Airways SILVER: American Airlines BRONZE: All Nippon Airways Air France American Airlines

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DECEMBER 2019

2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: Etihad Airways SILVER: United Airlines BRONZE: Aeromexico All Nippon Airways Air Tahiti Nui/Singapore Airlines (TIE)

Best International Business-Class Champagne 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: Aeromexico/Etihad Airways (TIE) SILVER: Air Tahiti Nui/Singapore Airlines (TIE) BRONZE: Aeroflot/Air New Zealand (TIE) United Airlines Delta Air Lines

2. 3.

oneworld Star Alliance SkyTeam

Best North American Wines on the Wing 1. 2. 3. 4.

GOLD: American Airlines SILVER: United Airlines BRONZE: Aeromexico Delta Air Lines

Best North American Sparkling Wine 1. 2. 3. 4.

GOLD: Aeromexico SILVER: United Airlines BRONZE: Delta Air Lines American Airlines

Best International Business-Class White Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: All Nippon Airways SILVER: Etihad Airways BRONZE: Air Tahiti Nui United Airlines TAP Air Portugal

Best North American White Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: American Airlines SILVER: Aeromexico BRONZE: United Airlines American Airlines Alaska Airlines

Best International Business-Class Red Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: Etihad Airways SILVER: Etihad Airways/Singapore Airlines (TIE) BRONZE: Singapore Airlines EL AL Israel Airlines Aeromexico

Best North American Red Wine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

GOLD: Alaska Airlines SILVER: United Airlines BRONZE: Delta Air Lines Aeromexico/American Airlines (TIE) American Airlines

Achieving greatness one flight at a time. We’re proud to receive the 2019 GT Tested Awards. We couldn’t do it without our loyal travelers.

feature

THE RITZ-CARLTON

Best International Hotel Chain PHOTO: © THE RITZ-CARLTON

Traditions of Excellence GT honors the 2019 Quint, Hall of Fame and Crystal inductees. BY ERICH MARTIN NOW ENTERING ITS 16TH YEAR, the GT Tested Reader Survey has become a tradition. Year after year, we honor the best in the business after a rigorous vote by our readers. This year nine brands reached consecutive-win milestones, from Quint Status at five years to Hall of Fame inductees at 10 and Crystal Status winners at 15. No matter the award, winning consecutively is not easy. This year’s Quint Status winners showcase excellence in the travel industry by staying relevant to their passengers and guests. Hotel brands dominate this year’s winners. First

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DECEMBER 2019

up: The Ritz-Carlton, reaching five consecutive wins in two categories. This brand, known internationally as the gold standard of luxury accommodations, enters Quint Status in the Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain categories. The brand was established in 1983 with a single hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. Since then the brand gained what feels like ubiquitous fame, with presence in 30 countries and more than 95 hotels in Chile, China, Turkey, Singapore and beyond. The Ritz-Carlton’s parent company, Marriott

THE RITZ-CARLTON

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

Best Overall Airline in the World

PHOTO: © THE RITZ-CARLTON

PHOTO: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL Best MICE Hotel

PHOTO: © LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

SEOUL

Best MICE CIty PHOTO: © TAWATCHAI PRAKOBKIT - DREAMSTIME .COM

printer, laptop rental and more. Two larger conference rooms, the main tower and executive tower, provide serious guests a distinctive place to meet and get things done. Almost hand in hand, the city of Seoul itself enters Quint Status as Best MICE City. As one of the world’s leading cities for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, it lends itself well to events of any type or size. Alongside its world-class facilities, Seoul boasts one of the world’s top airports, quality infrastructure, warm hospitality, a safe environment and much more. The final brand to gain recognition for five consecutive wins is the Best Overall Airline in the World. In the Asia Pacific region, Singapore Airlines proves a major power player, always looking for ways to expand its offerings and make travel within Asia Pacific and beyond convenient for passengers. And the airline isn’t afraid of engaging in cooperation to do it. Earlier this year, Singapore signed a partnership agreement with Malaysia Airlines and added more flights to North America. Achieving Quint Status is no simple achievement.

V QUIN TATUS TS

International, is no stranger to success at the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. In 2014 Marriott Hotels took home Hotel of the Year, and the brand’s rewards program has been recognized consistently over the years. A simple look at The Ritz-Carlton’s standards of operation, including warm welcomes and good-byes and the goal of providing the finest personal service available, makes it clear. The Ritz-Carlton’s arrival at Quint Status was always more a question of when rather than if. For Best MICE Hotel we travel to Seoul. Lotte Hotel Seoul takes the prize for the fifth year in a row, cementing its place among our readers as one of the best hotels in the world for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. Lotte operates properties all over the world, but the Seoul hotel stands out to readers as the pinnacle of business travel. In addition to the 5-star accommodations guests can expect at any Lotte property, the lobby boasts a business center. The center offers everything guests need to get down to business, including conference rooms accommodating up to four people and office equipment like a laser

Best Airline in North Asia THE RITZ-CARLTON

China Airlines

Best International Hotel Chain Best Domestic Hotel Chain

Fifth Consecutive Year LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

2017

Best MICE Hotel

SEOUL Best MICE City

SINGAPORE AIRLINES Best Overall Airline in the World

DECEMBER 2019

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ALITALIA

BRIGGS & RILEY

ONEWORLD

Best Luggage Brand

Best Airline Alliance

AEROMEXICO

Best Luggage Brand ONEWORLD

Best Airline Briggs &Alliance Riley

10th Consecutive ALITALIA Year Best Airline Cuisine

2019

AEROMEXICO Best Airline in Mexico BRIGGS & RILEY Best Luggage Brand

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DECEMBER 2019

These brands and organizations have stayed relevant with their most loyal customers for years, but the next group of winners have reached 10 years of sustained excellence. This year we welcome oneworld (Best Airline Alliance), Alitalia (Best Airline Cuisine), Aeromexico (Best Airline in Mexico) and Briggs & Riley (Best Luggage Brand) to the Hall of Fame. Many would argue the more airline partners an alliance has, the better. Oneworld would disagree. Despite having the fewest partner airlines of the major alliances, the group claimed victory 10 times in a row. As passengers fly oneworld more often, they receive more benefits, including extra baggage allowance, wait list priority and much more at the highest levels. The alliance also grants access to more than 650 exclusive lounges around the globe for qualifying passengers. The biggest oneworld partners include American Airlines, British Airways and Qatar Airways. Continuing the airline trend, Alitalia enters the Hall of Fame for airline cuisine. Alitalia offers a unique program where guests can book specific meals in

advance of their flight. This alone is not unique, but the types of meals the carrier offers contribute to the impressive reputation the airline cultivated. Alitalia lets guests order special diet-restricted meals, be it for medical or personal reasons; religion-based meals; and a whole selection of options for children. Outside the special meals, Alitalia serves delicious standard meals in flight as well for passengers flying in cabins where it is offered. Aeromexico, part of the SkyTeam alliance, has been in operation for nearly 100 years. According to schedule analysis, Aeromexico operates the most routes in Latin America and has been recognized for social responsibility, greenhouse emission management and more in recent years. The airline has flown to New York and Los Angeles with regularity since 1957. In 2019 Aeromexico proves it isn’t happy to rest on its laurels, launching a Barcelona–Mexico City route, changing flight attendant uniforms and adding new destinations throughout South America. For all the good airlines accomplish in their culinary

Wherever you go, miles follow. Miles earned on any of the 13 oneworldÂŽ member airlines can be used across the entire alliance network of more than 1,100 destinations around the world. Learn how you can travel bright at oneworld.com.

oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flight number on your ticket). For information on oneworld, visit www.oneworld.com. American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companies. LATAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworld.

CRYSTAL STATUS IHG REWARDS CLUB Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World

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sectors and the destinations they serve, these things don’t matter if travelers cannot easily take advantage of the new offerings. Briggs & Riley has kept travelers equipped since it introduced wheeled luggage to the market in 1970. Since then, Briggs & Riley has become one of the biggest names in specialty luggage. This year, its name enters the Hall of Fame for 10 consecutive years as Best Luggage Brand. Briggs & Riley stays in good graces thanks to a few of its offerings. An unconditional lifetime guarantee means every time a bag gets damaged or broken, the company will repair it, no questions asked. Real travelers and readers voted Briggs & Riley to victory for the 10th consecutive year because of its high-quality luggage and ironclad guarantees. Finally, we acknowledge this year’s Crystal Status winner. This brand has won its category every year since the GT Tested Reader Survey began, except for the very first year. Winning any award 15 years in a row proves a monumental feat, and in this case InterContinental Hotels Group experiences its first taste of crystal with IHG Rewards Club (Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World). Loyalty programs are common in the travel industry. Every airline, hotel, car service and luggage company seems

DECEMBER 2019

to have its own. The result is a fiercely competitive space where every airline and hotel tries to outdo the others. For this reason, InterContinental Hotels Group’s top position for 15 consecutive years reflects a true sign of quality. With IHG Rewards Club, rewards points stay active as long as guests remain active in any 12-month period. The lowest tier membership lets guests build bonus points and receive exclusive rates. In addition, a partnership with Hertz helps guests rack up extra points. The club’s highest tier, InterContinental Ambassador, carries a $200 membership fee but comes with upgraded stays including complimentary weekend nights, discounts at on-site restaurants and bars, complimentary mineral water and internet and much more. The in-between tiers offer different perks that grow in value as your tier escalates. Every year we are excited to see which brands muscle their way to the forefront of our readers’ favor. It is even more exciting when companies achieve multiple milestones in a given year. As InterContinental Hotels Group celebrates its placement as our sixth Crystal Status winner, all we can do is look to the future and guess which brand might next gaze into the crystal ball.

DECEMBER 2019

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mice | JEDDAH

On the Rise Jeddah’s changing economic landscape boosts corporate meetings and events. BY PATRICK ADAMS WHEN COMPLETED IN 2021, the Jeddah Tower will be far and away the tallest structure on the planet — approximately one kilometer from sidewalk to spire (the 168th floor). It will house luxury condos, Class A office space and a 5-star Four Seasons hotel. Part of a 10-year, $20 billion project, the tower forms the centerpiece of what will be Jeddah Economic City, a sprawling new waterfront development by the Red Sea. Altogether, it symbolizes Jeddah’s growing global stature and Saudi Arabia’s outsized ambitions. As set forth in Saudi Vision 2030, the government’s strategic plan for the next decade, the kingdom aims to diversify the economy and create new jobs, in part by positioning itself as an international hub for health care, tourism and business meetings and events. Indeed, identifying the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibi-

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DECEMBER 2019

tions segment as a key pillar of the new economy, the country’s leaders invested some $1.6 billion in five major convention districts, including two in Jeddah: the Jeddah Economic City and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport. An expansion of the latter, officially opened this year, increases the airport’s annual capacity from 13 million passengers to more than 80 million. Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest sites in Islam. Every year, the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, brings hundreds of thousands of Muslims to Jeddah from all over the world. With the opening last year of the Haramain High Speed Rail, those pilgrims can now travel by bullet train to Mecca from the new airport in Jeddah, cutting the last leg of the journey from 10 hours (by car) to just more than two. The largest port on the Red Sea, Jeddah has a proud history as a center of trade and commerce. Over the centuries, Jeddah’s many visitors left their mark on the city, influencing everything from the architecture to the cuisine. Known as Saudi Arabia’s most open city, Jeddah welcomes tourists who flock to its many popular seaside resorts — spots like the Jeddah Hilton on the recently revamped Jeddah Corniche, with its panoramic sea views and private beach club and diving center. The Hilton also houses Jeddah’s largest hall for conferences and corporate events, with capacity for up to 3,500 guests, as well as outdoor

GOING UP:

MEET AND GREET:

event space for 1,000. Just next door, the palatial Waldorf Astoria Jeddah features seven soundproofed boardrooms, each with its own theme (such as British Windsor and Japanese Kyoto), opulent interiors and superb spa facilities. Farther down the Corniche you’ll find the Rosewood Jeddah featuring among its eight flexible meeting venues the Al Hijaz Hall and the plush Al Malaki Lounge, both accommodating up to 100 guests. For trade shows, look to Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center, a sprawling, multipurpose venue with a business center, several restaurants and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor event space. Also known as the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events, the venue is easily accessed from the airport. In addition to its many infrastructural upgrades, the kingdom aims to nurture the growth of its MICE industry by making things easier for event planners. For its part, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage is developing a regulatory framework that facilitates the procurement of visas and licenses. And with the advent of the Envoy Program, the Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau set about recruiting representatives from across the public and private sectors to liaise with international organizations, forge partnerships with would-be clients and attract new business. There’s also the new Saudi Event Management Academy. Launched in 2017, the academy, the first of its kind in the region, seeks to prepare future leaders in the MICE sector by offering high-level courses for students, managers and industry professionals. That year, Saudi Arabia’s MICE industry grew by 16 percent, bringing in some 4.5 million attendees to more than 10,000 events. And it’s soon to grow much faster. Last month, in perhaps the most significant development to date, the government of Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas to non-Muslim leisure travelers. It also began implementing an e-visa system, allowing tourists to gain entry within 24 hours. First announced last year by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the move is seen as a major step toward the coun-

UNIQUE VENUES

try’s goal of economic diversification, and it’s sure to provide a major boost to the MICE industry. The government expects to welcome as many as 30 million tourists by 2030, and to prepare for that influx, the Saudi Kingdom Public Investment Fund launched yet another ambitious initiative to turn 50 Red Sea islands into luxury eco-friendly resorts. The so-called Red Sea Project officially kicked off in April, but in the wake of the murder last year of Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, the project’s fate is uncertain. At least one foreign investor, Richard Branson, pulled out after news reports linked the crown prince and his associates to Khashoggi’s killing at the Saudi Consulate in İstanbul.

When the Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club & Spa opened its doors on the Southern Corniche in 2009, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality offerings were far fewer. In the decade since, Jeddah alone added dozens of new properties. But the Park Hyatt only improved with age, and its Lazurde Meetings and Events Center remains a favorite of event planners the world over. Situated adjacent to the hotel, the center offers 27,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities; a ballroom of 8,100 square feet dividable into three separate spaces; and a courtyard with capacity for 900. With its own private parking lot, the center affords meetings attendees a discreet entrance, and the hotel’s highly experienced staff is known for its exacting attention to detail. Hyatt’s first leisure project in Saudi Arabia, the billion-dollar complex boasts stunning views of the sea and the worldfamous King Fahd Fountain. But the hotel’s sleek aesthetic — by renowned interior designer Gilles Quiffet — may just prove to be the Hyatt’s best selling point. parkhyatt.com

DECEMBER 2019

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BUSINESS destinations

KRAKÓW

DALLAS

80 TAIPEI

SHANGHAI

LEISURE destinations

KARPENISI

84 jestic a m e h dt ma an a stle d a llo, Ca zo M e z t a l s a a C en P Piazza s Betwe e . i l eale Turin R f o o z r z e a ent Pal true c e h t , e Squar

TURIN

GUJARAT

FLORIDA

destination one | KRAKÓW

The Dragon Roars Kraków gears up for an influx of tech startups. BY ALLIE MOORE MAJESTIC: Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral along the Vistula River, with a view of Old Town and the Jewish Quarter PHOTO: © KRZYSZTOF NAHLIK - DREAMSTIME .COM

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A HILLTOP CASTLE SITUATED at a bend in the Vistula River, a medieval Old Town accented by a quirky clock tower from which a trumpet player toots his horn every hour, and a reputation for hearty beer and pierogies comprise the heart of Kraków. This city in southern Poland was mostly spared from destruction during World War II and therefore retains a healthy amount of its medieval charm. But despite the city’s rich and sometimes painful history, Kraków embraced the

DECEMBER 2019

vicissitudes of each era and quietly moved to the forefront of major industries. Poland welcomed a large talent pool of tech entrepreneurs in recent years, with new startups popping up throughout the country and a designation by the World Bank as the third-best place to launch and grow a startup company. A young, skilled workforce — most of whom can speak English fluently — and low rents enticed major companies to move parts of their operations to

COMING AND GOING

U.S. citizens with a passport valid for at least six months do not need a visa to enter Poland for stays of less than 90 days.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Polish

LODGING

BETMANOWSKA MAIN SQUARE RESIDENCE It doesn’t get more central than these luxurious apartments and suites which overlook Kraków’s storied Market Square in the center of Old Town. Rynek Główny 44, Old Town $$ METROPOLITAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL Nearly equidistant between the Jewish Quarter and Old Town, Metropolitan is housed in a renovated 19th-century building and comprises 51 guestrooms and eight suites. Joselewicza 19 $$ PURO HOTEL Designed, built and operated by Polish teams, this Polish brand of hotels has two outposts in Kraków and boasts a bohemianmodern aesthetic. Think spacious, open, green and artsy.

Poland. Kraków draws employees with its small-town feel and slower pace of life, a stark contrast to busier cities like Warsaw. Among the startups, CallPage, a website widget that promises companies a 75 percent increase in sales call conversions from website visitors, boasts a client list that includes giants like BMW, Virgin and UPC. Its next goal is to expand to the United States, a feat fueled by recent investments from Innovation Nest and Market One Capital. FaceMetrics, another Kraków-based tech startup, created a handful of mobile applications to help users meditate, sleep more soundly and manage stress. The company is currently working on a new app called Nicola that will alert parents if their children are spending too much time on their iPads and will encourage them to shut off the technology and read instead. By using a tablet’s camera feature to monitor the child’s gaze, emotions and

facial expressions, Nicola will determine whether the child is actively using the technology or becoming fatigued. California-based SignalFx opened a new research, development and support office in Kraków, citing the city’s pool of qualified engineers and proximity to multiple universities as reasons to set up in the region. The cloudmonitoring company seeks to offer better global support to its customers from its new center in Kraków. Elsewhere in technology, the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Center opened in fall 2018 as one of the world’s most advanced particle accelerator research centers. With a campus located about five miles outside of Kraków’s Old Town, the center welcomes scientists to conduct synchrotron radiation research in various disciplines such as nanotechnology, crystallography and pharmacology. To prepare Kraków and the province of Małopolska

Ogrodowa 10, Old Town; and Halicka 14A, Jewish Quarter $$

JUST THE FACTS Time zone: GMT +2 Phone code: Country code: 48 City code: 12 Currency: Polish złoty Key industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism

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DINING

ART RESTAURANT “Polish cuisine reinvented” is the slogan at Art, a contemporary eatery just down the hill from Wawel Castle. The winner of the 2019 World Luxury Restaurant Award also hosts nightly live music.

OLD AND NEW: Kraków Square (above), and Ryszard Kukliński monument at Galeria Krakowska, the largest shopping mall in Kraków (right)

Kanonicza 15, Old Town $$$$

OLD TOWN RESTAURANT WINE & BAR Dive into traditional Polish dishes like goulash, dumplings and pork knuckle, washed down with a hearty serving of Polish vodka.

NAGY - DREAMSTIME.COM

(of which Kraków is the capital) for the influx of new companies and employees, Kraków Airport developed a detailed 20-year plan to create up to 10,000 new jobs, expand the airport’s main terminal and construct a new 9,000-foot runway. Based on the plan, airport officials anticipate a capacity of up to 12 million travelers each year by 2036. As of May, Kraków Airport became a new base airport for Hungarian airline Wizz Air, offering access to 12 new routes to locations like London, Nice and Oslo. During the summer, LOT Polish Airlines will increase its service to Chicago O’Hare, while American Airlines will debut an identical route five times per week starting May 7, 2020, making it the only U.S. airline to fly to Kraków.

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DECEMBER 2019

Świętego Sebastiana 25, Jewish Quarter $$ ZIELONA KUCHNIA A half-mile from Old Town discover this clandestine garden restaurant where dishes represent the culture in a lighter sense, like homemade herb gnocchi with goat cheese and Polish beef steaks. Ambrożego Grabowskiego 8, Piasek $$$

CHECKING IN WITH SUPRATIM DAM

International Marketing Manager, CallPage Please describe CallPage for those who aren’t familiar with the company. CallPage is a tool to help businesses grow through call tracking, analytics and generating inside sales calls from a website. We leverage web visitors and turn them into happy customers. Founded in 2015, CallPage is trusted by more than 3,000 companies across the globe. Our team consists of 30 experts in technology, sales, marketing and customer success. Our widget offers the website visitor a real-time callback in 28 seconds while analyzing their behavioral data to optimize the potential to make a sale. Additionally, CallPage presents sociological insights and analytics about the user, thus unifying creative marketing, inside sales and rigorous statistics for the best chance of success.

How has the tech/startup industry changed in Kraków in the past five to 10 years? What has been the catalyst for change? Tech and innovation have always been at the heart of Kraków. It is home to some of the leading universities in science and innovation. A decade ago the startup scene was still nascent, but with the success of homegrown startups, Kraków now has a developing ecosystem of supporting local entrepreneurs in building world-class products and fueling innovation. Access to talent, relatively lower costs, access to European and global markets, a charming city vibe and a vibrant tech infrastructure are some of the catalysts for this huge boost in the last few years. Investments are on the rise, both from private and public sources; and although these are still early days, Kraków as a city for startups is at the cusp of something big, and we at CallPage are incredibly proud to play a role in this unfolding saga.

How does CallPage fit into Kraków’s tech scene? How does the tech environment contribute to CallPage’s success? Having built a successful company from the ground up, we at CallPage contribute both as mentors and partners to other startups. While raising funding is not a sign of success per se, it is a testament to our belief of what we have set out to achieve: Help businesses close more deals and facilitate their sales processes. The talent here is motivated and raring to go, and success stories of other startups only help us to set the bar higher and push further. Also, the kind of innovation taking place here is impressive and at par with other top tech cities around the globe. What do you see for the future of tech and startups in Kraków? At CallPage, we are confident the startup scene here will flourish and continue to see stupendous growth. We believe great ideas and implementation of those ideas inspire and motivate others to work smarter and deploy solutions that have a direct impact on our lives.

Share THE WORLD In 2020, Goway Travel will turn 50. Since its humble origins taking bookings by telegram in Toronto, Goway has grown to over 350 employees, forming teams specializing worldwide.

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DOWNUNDER

TRADITIONS: The trumpet call from St. Mary's Basilica tower in the medieval Old Town (top), and cozy café with national decorations in a courtyard of the Jewish Quarter (bottom) PHOTOS: © PHOTOPASSJONATA - DREAMSTIME.COM, © CHRIS MOUYIARIS - DREAMSTIME .COM, © ANDREI BORTNIKAU DREAMSTIME.COM

INFO TO GO

DIVERSIONS

From majestic, medieval edifices to ancient legends of dragons, Kraków is a city built on history. Start in the fanciful Old Town where the main square is made for people-watching. Stick around for the hourly trumpet call from the top of St. Mary’s Basilica, a tune that cuts off mid-melody to commemorate the death of a trumpeter reportedly killed during a 13th-century Mongol attack on the city. Atop the unmissable Wawel Hill stands Wawel Castle, one of Poland’s largest, where a confluence of architectural styles appropriately represents the castle’s current purpose as an art museum. Outside Old Town lies one of Kraków’s most visited districts: Kazimierz, or the Jewish Quarter. The area, formerly its own town in the Middle Ages, became a Jewish community in the 15th century. During World War II, Nazi soldiers forcibly removed Jewish residents from the neighborhood, with only 10 percent of the Jewish population surviving the raids. Now the area preserves this important history while also celebrating its evolving alternative vibe with funky cafés, cool bars and thought-provoking street art, all among centuries-old synagogues. Rent a bike to experience one of the best ways to explore the areas surrounding Kraków. Follow the bike path along the banks of the Vistula River, eventually reaching the nearby countryside, where you can peacefully cycle for miles.

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John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport lies approximately seven miles from the center of Kraków. Public transit makes it easy to access the city, as a train travels directly from the airport to Kraków’s central train station in 20–30 minutes for about $2.33. Purchase tickets from automatic machines on the train platform (via card) or from the conductor on board (in cash only). Three bus lines (208, 252 and 308) also connect the airport with the city in 50 minutes. Departure times are listed in the arrivals terminal. Purchase tickets at ticket machines at the bus stop or in the arrivals terminal (both by card) or from the bus driver (by cash only); a one-way ticket costs about $1.19. Travelers also can hire a rental car or book a private bus or taxi in advance via the airport’s website.

PHOTOS: © CARLY ALLEN, © JAN HECHT, © TASFOTO - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ROMAN TIRASPOLSKY - DREAMSTIME.COM, © MICHAEL ROSEBROCK - DREAMSTIME.COM, © LUCIAN MILASAN - DREAMSTIME.COM, © SHIVA KESCH - DREAMSTIME.COM, © TKTKTK - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ANTONELLA865 - DREAMSTIME.COM

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stateside | DALLAS

Leaps and Bounds Attracting new business, Dallas grows ever bigger and better. BY TERESA BITLER BIG D DOWNTOWN: Dallas skyline

THE DALLAS-FORT WORTH METROPLEX, an area spanning roughly 9,200 square miles, draws corporations like a magnet. Twenty-four Fortune 500 companies, including ExxonMobil and AT&T, have corporate headquarters in the region, along with powerhouses like 7-Eleven, Frito-Lay, Topgolf, Pizza Hut, Six Flags and Match.com, to name a few. Even more are on the way. As senior vice president of economic development and international engagement for the Dallas Regional Chamber, Sarah Carabias-Rush understands the draw. She believes that while there are many factors, the No. 1 reason remains talent. “We have one of the highest concentrations of hightech workers,” she says, noting the region’s three Carnegie Research-1 institutions: the University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas. “Companies are looking for talent.” Location doesn’t hurt, either. In fact, Carabias-Rush traces

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the influx of corporate headquarters to 1974, when Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport opened for commercial service. Business travelers could fly anywhere in the country from Dallas in just a few hours at that point as well as direct to major cities around the world. Perhaps the biggest draw in recent years, though, is the state’s businessfriendly environment. Texas boasts fewer business regulations than most states, lower labor costs and no state income tax — considerations that prompted more than 150 corporations to move their headquarters to the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2010, according to Carabias-Rush. With the corporations come jobs. In 2017, when Toyota Motor North America relocated from Torrance, California, to the Dallas area, it brought with it 4,000 jobs. Some employees transferred from California to Texas, but many were new hires already living in the area. Similarly, when McKesson Corp., the nation’s largest pharmaceutical distributor, and Core-Mark, the nation’s largest distributor of fresh foods to convenience stores, moved this year from San Francisco to Irving and Westlake, respectively, they created a combined total of approximately 1,000 new jobs. The trend doesn’t show signs of ending anytime soon. In 2022 PGA of America will leave Palm Beach for Frisco, bringing with it a new hotel, convention center, two PGA Championships, two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships and even more jobs. And believe it or not, finding workers to fill these jobs proves one of the biggest challenges the Dallas-Fort Worth area faces.

Despite the fact that 82 percent of those born in the Lone Star State never permanently leave, existing residents alone can’t fill the steady influx of jobs. As a result, Texas depends on domestic migration, people moving into the state from one of the other 49 (or the District of Columbia), to populate its workforce. Until recently, domestic migration steadily tracked up, especially during the Great Recession. However, as the U.S. economy improved, so have state economies. By the mid-2010s, workers could find employment in their home states and no longer needed to relocate to Texas for jobs. The state saw its annual domestic migration drop from an average of 123,000 immediately following the Great Recession to 82,500 in 2018 and an estimated 90,500 this year, according to a 2018 report issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Fewer domestic migrants entering the labor market isn’t the only issue Texas — and by extension Dallas-Fort Worth — must tackle. As the state’s workforce ages, the Federal Reserve report estimates 20 percent of Texas’ population will be at least 65 by 2050. As older workers retire, the state will need younger ones to replace them. Carabias-Rush says educating today’s students to step into professional and high-tech jobs vacated by retirees provides one of the keys to addressing the problem, but the Dallas-Fort Worth area isn’t waiting for them to graduate. The area launched “Say Yes to Dallas” in 2017 to attract millennials, a successful campaign so far.

Assuming corporations continue to relocate their headquarters to the area and domestic migration holds steady, the region’s population will continue to grow. Forecasters estimate by 2030 the Dallas-Fort Worth area will become the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States, with more than 10.5 million residents. That will usher in its own set of challenges. Already a concern: transportation infrastructure. In addition to improving its freeway system and adding to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the area looks at other options such as Uber Elevate, which will begin operating electric “flying taxis” in Dallas in 2023. A high-speed rail connecting Dallas to Houston and a hyperloop connecting Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Laredo are in the works, too. Growth could also jeopardize the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s affordability. Historically one of the most affordable metropolitan areas in the country, with housing costs 70 percent lower than San Francisco, demand for housing, goods and services could force prices for all to increase. While this concerns some people, the quality of life residents enjoy — including a restaurant scene that prompted Bon Appétit to name Dallas its Restaurant City of the Year — should, at least partially, balance it out. “I tell people Dallas is a great place to visit,” says Zane Harrington, communications specialist, Visit Dallas. “But it’s an even better place to live.”

SCENIC DRIVES

Escape the corporate world of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by heading southwest on U.S. Highway 67 toward Glen Rose, an hour and a half from downtown Dallas. Along the way you’ll see wide, grassy landscapes and pass Lake Cleburne. If you have the time, take a safari tour through the 1,700-acre Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, an animal conservation center with lions, rhinos and other African animals. Or walk in the tracks left behind by dinosaurs in the bed of the Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park before returning to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. During the month of April, take Interstate 45 south from Dallas to Ennis and pick up a map of the official Texas Bluebonnet Trail. The trail itself changes every year based on where the bluebonnets bloom, but whatever the route, you’ll be wowed by green fields bursting with pops of blue, red and lavender. Bluebonnets typically peak around the third week of April, according to the Ennis Garden Club, so if seeing the wildflowers is a priority, go then. Any other time of the year, make the 35-mile drive from Dallas to see the horses, rolling hills and lakes on the country roads surrounding Ennis. COMING AND GOING:

DECEMBER 2019

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9–5 | TAIPEI

Type-A Taipei Taiwan’s edgy capital city buzzes with business. BY BOB COOPER CANTONESE CUISINE:

W Taipei Yen restaurant (left) serves dishes like Iberico pork and matsutake mushroom dumplings (top right) and roasted duck (bottom right). PHOTOS: © THE W YEN

TAIPEI IS A BEEHIVE OF ACTIVITY, as you would expect of a city as populous as Chicago, but those are not bumblebees you hear at every intersection. They’re motorized scooters, the vehicles of choice for most young Taipei residents. These noisy two-wheelers, compact, agile and just a little edgy, fit Taipei’s mood to a T. Led by big-city Taipei, Taiwan economic heft is plenty real, with a higher per capita gross domestic product than Saudi Arabia or Portugal. Luxury cars weave through Taipei’s scooter swarms, and business booms. Numerous carriers offer flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport — 12–14 hours non-stop from Los Angeles or 15–16 hours from New York City. Upon landing, take one of the frequent MRT express trains from the airport to downtown Taipei, which covers 31 miles in 38 minutes. You can then grab a cab to your hotel; taxis also prove the best way to get around the city. Downtown boasts several business-friendly hotels. The elegant Palais

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de Chine, next to Taipei’s main train station, offers free airport shuttle service and hotel-wide WiFi. The more contemporary W Taipei applies the design chic of the W brand to more than 30,000 square feet of event and meeting space in the upscale Xinyi district. The Regent, a third luxury hotel, sits next to an underground shopping street, letting you escape from the noise and usually polluted air at street level. Other leading hotels include Grand Hyatt, Sheraton Grand, Mandarin Oriental, Le Méridien and Kimpton. The first thing your Taipei client is likely to ask is, “Have you eaten?” Reflecting the importance of food in Taiwanese culture, it’s as common a greeting in Taipei as “How are you?” in Tulsa. It’s meant to be rhetorical — just say, “Yes” (or “shi”) — but not always. Expect to be invited to a meal or a drink soon after meeting clients, unless you beat them to it. But where do you dine? Hotel restaurants prove a good — and easy — choice, especially when they come with a view. The W offers two of the best: Yen, serving New Cantonese cuisine on the 31st floor, and The Kitchen Table, with diverse international fare, three meals a day, on the 10th floor. Not to be eclipsed, Palais de Chine’s 17th-floor Le Palais earned three Michelin

stars for its Chinese cuisine. But you’ll find most of central Taipei’s best restaurants at street level. Tim Ho Wan (two locations) is a surprisingly affordable Michelinstarred lunch/dinner spot known for steamed dim sum and baked pork buns. J.W. Teres serves authentic Bulgarian entrées and wines — not as unexpected as it sounds, as Taipei brims with European-cuisine restaurants. Another surprise: Mume, where three chefs create Nordic dishes with Taiwanese ingredients. Chun Shui Tang (multiple locations), the birthplace of boba (milk) tea, also makes a good dim sum lunch/dinner spot. Mikkeller Taipei and all of Taipei’s five Taihu Brewing taprooms pour tasty craft brews. Fourplay Cuisine, SoShow Bar & Restaurant and Hanko 60 serve some of Taipei’s most uniquely creative, Taiwan-inspired cocktails. And central Taipei’s Wine Café and Whinos Bar & Kitchen may be the city’s best wine bars. Have a day off? Take the elevator to the 91st-floor observation deck of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building when it opened in 2004. You can shop across the street at Breeze Nan Shan, a futuristic new mall. For a look back in time, choose among visits to the National Palace Museum (8,000 years of Chinese art), palatial Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Longhsan and Xiangtian temples. Stop by the outdoor Jingmei or indoor Shilin night markets, too, for a taste of street food and Taiwanese culture. If you can add a few days to see more of Taiwan, consider taking a bus or van tour. Visit nearby Fulong or Dawan Kenting beach if you’re a beach lover, Yangmingshan National Park if you have the hots for hot springs, Taroko National Park if you enjoy mountain hiking (the narrow gorge road switchbacks to a 10,744-foot peak), Sun Moon Lake if you like to bike (rent one to trace the 18-mile perimeter trail) or take the 215-mile high-speed train ride to the coastal city of Kaohsiung to traverse most of this island nation in less than two hours.

ue to few gn trade d ei r fo n o dent ’s avily depen orld Bank Taiwan, he th in the W 3 1 ed k n a vey. ources, r siness sur natural res Doing Bu f o e s a E 2018

NATIONAL MONUMENT:

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Honor Guard (above) and exterior (left) PHOTOS: © XIN HUA DREAMSTIME.COM, © FENLIO KAO DREAMSTIME.COM

DECEMBER 2019

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after 5 | SHANGHAI

Night Vibes Shanghai pulses with high energy after hours. BY IRENE RAWLINGS

DURING THE 1920S AND ’30S, Shanghai was known as the Paris of the Orient — glamorous and decadent with a vibrant nightlife. A century later, Shanghai still parties hard. Most bars and clubs stay open until 3 a.m.; some don’t close their doors until 5 a.m. The Long Bar, opened in 1910 as a British gentlemen’s club, remains retro but is now part of the elegantly restored Waldorf Astoria on the Bund. Find wildly expensive drinks and Hollywood A-listers at the packed-every-day-of-the-week Bar Rouge, with a bonus: amazing views across the Huangpu River toward futuristic Pudong. Speak Low boasts four boozy floors, each with a different vibe. Devotees of rare pours head directly to the top floor. Among other favorites, Monkey Champagne hosts a young, fun, cash-rich crowd and DJs spinning a top-40 hip-hop mix. Shanghai’s oldest gay bar, 390, hosts a mix of gay and straight, resident and foreign patrons who come here for great music and affordable drinks. Shanghai was a top destination for touring jazz musicians in the 1920s and ’30s … and still is today. Locals headline at small and glam Heyday; big names from New York (two shows a week) appear at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai. With wooden tables,

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DECEMBER 2019

wooden chairs and black-and-white photographs of jazz greats on the walls, the House of Blues & Jazz attracts younger jazz aficionados. Step back into a 1920s speakeasy at The Jazz Bar at Fairmont Peace Hotel, catering to an older crowd — even the musicians are octogenarians. The after-hours literary crowd heads to Madame Mao’s Dowry for poetry readings and the occasional open mic. During the day, it is a quirky shop stocked with Communist-era items like vintage Maostyle jackets and old propaganda posters. Feeling peckish? Super-fancy Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers creative takes on classic Cantonese dishes. For jawdropping views, reserve a table at Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant. The buffet may not be 5-star, but the nighttime Shanghai skyline is. Grab a cab to Xintiandi, boasting old Shikumen-style townhouses converted to a trendy shopping and dining bazaar. Sample cheap, authentic street food at the night markets, including grilled seafood kabobs; rice and crayfish snacks; steamed buns (bao); and steamed, boiled and pan-fried dumplings. Changli Road Night Market remains hugely popular with dumpling-obsessed locals.

neighborhoods | KARPENISI

VILLAGE LIFE:

The mountain town of Karpenisi (left), and galaktoboureko (above) PHOTOS: © GEORGIOS ALEXANDRIS - DREAMSTIME .COM, © GEORGE MASTORIDIS - DREAMSTIME .COM

Mountain Magic Karpenisi mesmerizes with Mediterranean charm and natural beauty. BY EUGENIA LAZARIS

GREECE Karpenisi Athens

TURKEY

THEY SAY KARPENISI ATTRACTS two types of visitors: those who come for the winter sports and those who come to escape the summer heat of Athens. Whatever the case may be, visitors to this mountain haven are instantly captivated by its fairy-tale charm and enthralled with the multitude of outdoor experiences in the rugged wilderness. Nestled along the slopes of Mount Tymfristos, the city and its surrounding villages offer a mixture of Mediterranean architecture and mountain beauty. The mountains boast incredible skiing, rock climbing and hiking trails, while the two major rivers running through the region prove perfect for swimming, rafting and fishing. Korischades, mere minutes from the center of Karpenisi and one of the most popular destinations in the area, is famous for its locally produced goods like honey, tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit) and xilopites (a small, square pasta). Locals and tourists alike flock to the Korischades

favorite, Villaggio Café Mezé, a traditional Greek coffee house, or kafeneion. Winner of the 2019 Best Greek Food Awards for the category of coffee and drinks, this neighborhood eatery serves up great coffee, drinks, pizzas and pastries. It provides the ideal place to enjoy a summer breeze with a glass of tsipouro, best served alongside a plate of mezedes, or appetizers. In the wintertime, warm your soul after a day on the slopes with a glass of rakomelo — tsipouro heated with honey and spices. In the nearby village of Megalo Chorio, or Big Village, explore the beautiful nature trail winding along the Karpenisiotis River. Visit local shops and eateries to try traditional delicacies like galaktoboureko (a milk custard baked inside crispy layers of filo dough) while relaxing on a balcony enjoying the view of the mountains. Despite its remote location in the mountains of central Greece, Karpenisi is not difficult to reach. Get there in less than four hours by car from Athens or in five hours by bus, with stops in many picturesque locales along the way. DECEMBER 2019

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friends & family | TURIN

Piedmont Paradise Live la dolce vita in Turin with the family in tow. BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

DON’T EXPECT TURIN TO FIT your image of Italy. It’s Italian, all right — the evening passeggiata and a love of good food and wine are alive and well. But you’ll look in vain for medieval cobbled streets, crumbling castles and works by Michelangelo (who never set foot here). Instead, although you’ll find some Roman ruins, you’ll also find a faux medieval village, a world-class film museum and a café life that rivals Vienna’s. You and your family will have fun here. The family will be spoiled for choices. For glimpses of royal glitter, they can tour the palace of the Savoy princes who ruled the region for nine centuries and are responsible for much of the city’s appearance today. Turin’s broad avenues and graceful squares bordered by elegant porticos were designed to make their capital the “Paris of the South.”

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Kids will especially like the palace’s Armeria Reale, with one of Europe’s finest collections of armor — including full armor for the prince’s horse (be sure they look for the same armor on the statue of Emanuele Filberto on horseback in Piazza San Carlo). Behind the palace lie the Giardini Reali, royal gardens designed by the same landscape artist as those at Versailles (the Savoys were influenced in their choices by the French court) — a good place for kids to run off steam and for parents to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The large Piazza Castello in front of the palace proves a good starting place for exploring the city, with all its main attractions within an easy walk. Step inside the free Palazzo Madama for a quick history lesson; part of it includes a tower of the Roman Porta Pretoria and another part encompasses a 15th-century castle. Inside discover more Roman structures and, not far away, next to the cathedral, a portion of a Roman arena (the palace was built over the rest of it). Just past the arena stands the Romans’ imposing brick Porta Palatina. Built in the first century, it represents one of the best-preserved Roman gates in the world.

GRAND DESIGNS:

(Left to right) Palazzo Madama (left), the Museum of Cinema, Caffe Baratti & Milano in the Galleria, and Palazzo Reale PHOTOS: © STILLMAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

LODGING HOTEL VICTORIA TORINO This boutique hotel combines the elegance of a grand hotel with the intimate feel of a country house. Each room is unique, and guests have access to the luxurious spa and complimentary bicycles. Via Nino Costa 4 $$$–$$$$

The cathedral houses the famous Shroud of Turin, but it’s not on display. Movie lovers of all ages should spend time in the Museum of Cinema, celebrating the city’s role as the birthplace of the Italian film industry. Even those who don’t care about movies should go for the building itself, called the Mole (pronounced “mōl-ay”) Antonelliana. You’ll probably have already seen the distinctive pointed dome towering above the city, but that’s only a teaser for its visually stunning interior. Layer upon layer of galleries all open onto its vast atrium, and at its center a glass elevator takes you on a heart-stopping ride to the top. On a clear day the view of the Alps and of the city is as breathtaking as the elevator. The ride up and down gives fleeting — but intriguing — glimpses of neon-accented exhibits that line the galleries. Beginning with the earliest work of the Lumière brothers, this museum offers a dazzling spectacle of themed state-of-the-art exhibits on the technical process, sets, personalities, movie stars and every other facet of the film industry, complete with props, sets, stage models and film classics shown in different theater settings. As a bonus, it stays open until

8 p.m., and 11 p.m. on Saturday. This industrial city’s post-Savoy prosperity is based on automobiles. Prominent in that story is Fiat, which built a state-ofthe-art assembly plant here in 1923. By the 1980s the outmoded Lingotto building was closed, adding to the city’s general industrial decline. Faced with what to do with this huge plant, Turin commissioned the preeminent Italian architect Renzo Piano to repurpose the building. The result is a stunning complex that makes Turin a center for international trade shows and expositions. If business takes you to the Lingotto building’s convention center, your family will find plenty to do right there: a multilevel shopping mall, cafés, performance spaces, a fine art museum and even a rooftop test track. Stroll alongside the Po River and through the reproduction of a medieval village. The Borgo Medievale, built as part of the 1884 Exposition, was carefully constructed using old techniques and replicating local architecture and decoration of that period. You can wander among the buildings which house workshops of craftspeople practicing period skills. Kids will want to see the

DECEMBER 2019

LE MÉRIDIEN LINGOTTO ART+TECH Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the striking hotel in the repurposed Lingotto complex. As its name suggests, the hotel combines the best of contemporary art styles and the latest technology. Via Nizza 230 $$–$$$ NH TORINO SANTO STEFANO In the Quadrilatero neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants and shopping and near the main attractions, this modern hotel’s convivial public spaces include a courtyard and a balcony with views across the city. Via Porta Palatina 19 $$$

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TURIN TREASURES:

DINING LA GAIA SCIENZA Close to the Museum of Cinema, this cozy osteria mixes local specialties with a few inventive dishes in an informal, family-friendly setting. Candle-lit corners make a good choice for a romantic dinner for two. Via Guastalla 22 $$–$$$ LA PERGOLA ROSA In the Quadrilatero, sample Piedmont specialties such as risotto in this casual trattoria. For a real local treat, order from the reasonably priced White Truffle Menu; kids will love the desserts here. Via XX Settembre 18A $$ SPAZIO7 Recent renovations and a new cocktail bar bring a smart contemporary flair to match the updated takes on traditional cuisine that earned Spazio7 its Michelin star. The groundfloor bistro makes a good lunch spot. Via Modane 20 $$$

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armor repair shop and visit the Rocca Medievale, a replica of the castles that protected the nearby Val d’Aosta in the Middle Ages; it’s realistic down to the faithfully reproduced frescoes and period sound effects. The “village” sits in the Parco Valentino, a green band stretching along the river. The vehicle-free Viale Virgilio runs the entire length of the park, leading past several waterside restaurants and an excursion boat landing. A cruise on board the glass-enclosed Valentina or Valentino offers a lovely way to see another side of the city in the evening. With the kids in tow you’ll probably not sample much of Turin’s famed edgy nightlife. Considering restaurants don’t even begin serving until 7:30 or 8 p.m., you may have trouble keeping younger ones awake through dinner. If children simply can’t keep their eyes open that late, pizzerias offer a good option for all-hours service. Turin is known for its beautiful cafés, and one of the most famous is Caffe San Carlo, under the arcades of Piazza San Carlo and replete with ornate décor. You may have trouble getting past the chocolate shop at Caffe Baratti & Milano on Piazza Castello. These cafés serve lunch and offer café treats and drinks at other hours, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join the Torinese in their local version of la dolce vita.

DECEMBER 2019

INFO TO GO

The small, modern Sandro Pertini Airport (known locally as Caselle) lies 10 miles north of Turin, with a single terminal for both arrivals and departures. You can travel between the airport and city center via train (19 minutes) or by Dora Express bus (15 minutes). Taxis to the center take about 30–40 minutes. The airport railway station lies in front of the terminal.

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bucket list | GUJARAT

Vibrant India Weave your way through Gujarat’s colorful cultural celebrations. BY SHARON MCDONNELL

CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE: (Left to right) Garba dance during Hindu Navratri festival, dandiya raas dancers, rogan printing, International Kite Festival, and Modhera Dance Festival PHOTOS: © DAVIDE BONALDO DREAMSTIME.COM, © RAVINDRAN JOHN SMITH - DREAMSTIME .COM, © FAIZAN KHAN - DREAMSTIME.COM, © PRASHANT VAIDYA - DREAMSTIME.COM, © PRASHANT VAIDYA DREAMSTIME.COM

WHIRLING WOMEN IN LONG, FLARED skirts in an absolute riot of colors, patterns and jewelry, and men clad in pajama-style pants and short tunics dance ever faster, whipped into an ecstatic frenzy by rhythmic drums and songs: The Navratri dance festival in Gujarat presents a flamboyant spectacle you’ll never forget. Sandwiched between Rajasthan and Maharashtra states, India’s westernmost state, though exceedingly rich in cultural heritage, ancient crafts and Indian independence movement history, is often omitted from tourist itineraries. One of the country’s most ethnically diverse states, populated by Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Parsis, it includes the Kutch, an off-the-beaten-track region of craft villages renowned for high-quality handicrafts made by ethnic minorities and a surreal-looking white desert (actually, salt plain) that transforms into marshland during the rainy season. Kutch also encompasses the birthplace of Mohandas Gandhi (and his headquarters when he led India’s struggle for freedom from Britain) and India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad. Its old town’s 15th- to 17th-century buildings blend Hindu and Muslim architecture. Also here: two colonies of Portugal that joined India in 1961 and Asia’s last surviving lions. Gujarat is the only state in India where Navratri, a popular Hindu festival honoring the goddess Shakti in September or October, is celebrated for nine solid nights in cities and villages by people of all faiths. Each night marks a different manifestation of the goddess, such as Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and the arts; and Durga, who killed an evil demon. The garba dance, performed with circular arm and foot movements, spins around a shrine to Shakti or a

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DECEMBER 2019

lamp. Another dance, dandiya raas, features women and men brandishing painted bamboo sticks. The Rann Utsav festival presents another wonderful opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Kutch (Kachchh) and admire its crafts — especially textiles in a dazzling variety of patterns, styles and techniques. Held from late October through late February, it starts and ends in Bhuj, the capital of Kutch, and features music, dance and tours by car of highlights of this region in northwest Gujarat, organized by Gujarat Tourism. Lodging includes charmingly decorated tents in colorful textiles boasting attached bathrooms and porches, heating and air conditioning, and mud huts set up near the White Rann desert. “Tourists can join the festival at any time, but the best time is during the full-moon phase, when the moon shines as bright as the sun and the white plains appear to shimmer,” says Sanjay Choudhary of Services International Ltd. in New Delhi, a tour operator that offers multiday cultural and festival tours to Gujarat. “The tents and huts offer a local-type experience,” and range from luxury two-bedrooms (1,600 square feet) to premium or more modest one-bedrooms (about 400 square feet). Guests can enjoy lovely Kutch-style, thatch-roofed mud hut lodgings called bhungas, crammed with local crafts and furniture, at Rann Riders resort in Dasada. “India is rich in textiles, and Kutch has historically been the richest region for handmade textiles in India. Its artisans practice individual styles as unique as fingerprints within their beloved ancient traditions,” says Judy Frater, founding director, Somaiya Kala Vidya, a school that preserves traditional crafts and conducts one-day open studio tours to meet some of its 200 artisan graduates in Bhujodi and Ajrakhpur villages.

An American who has lived in Kutch for the past 29 years, Frater authored Threads of Identity, a book about local textile styles. In ajrakh block printing, artisans use wooden blocks to stamp ornate geometric and floral patterns on paste-covered fabric, dipped in repeated baths of vivid natural dyes made from indigo, pomegranate rinds and madder. Its name derives from the Arabic word for “blue,” a major color used in the technique. Bandhani, used for saris and turbans, employs tie-dye techniques in which women pinch fine fabric into thousands of tiny dots and tie them tightly before dyeing. Nirona village is famous for rogan printing. Artisans use a pen dipped in natural dyes and oil to paint exquisitely ornate, shiny designs resembling embroidery on silk or cotton, often in tree of life, floral or peacock motifs. They then stamp the fabric with metal blocks. “Rogan is a rare craft that is not well-known even in India, practiced by only one family,” says Choudhary of this strongly Persian-influenced handicraft created by men in one Muslim family for centuries. They have more recently trained local young women in the art. It’s such a national treasure, President Obama received one as a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Other crafts include embroidery, often with bead work, tiny mirrors and appliques, some with Persian- and Mughal-style influences; weaving of wool, silk and cotton; and lacquer applied to wooden jewelry boxes and household utensils. A marriage mart for ethnic minorities clad in a kaleidoscope

of costumes — plus crafts, folk dances, music and magic shows — the Tarnetar Fair features men hoisting umbrellas embroidered, beaded and patchworked to the hilt (sometimes topped with ornamental peacocks) to lure prospective brides. Women wear red skirts to signal their eligibility. (This fair boasts a high success rate.) The multiday festival in August or September takes place on the grounds of Triniteshwar Temple, about 35 miles from Rajkot, where Gandhi grew up. During the International Kite Festival, or Uttarayn, in January, participants fly kites in many designs, shapes and sizes from before dawn until after dark, statewide. The goal of the festive event: bring down rival kites (string coated with glass and glue does the trick). Families and friends gather on rooftops to enjoy the show. In Ahmedabad you start to see kite makers and supplies in November, particularly in the kite bazaar that pops up in the old walled city and operates 24/7. Gujarat’s biggest city has hosted an international kite competition since 1989, featuring entries from Japan, Malaysia, Europe and the United States. The three-day Modhera Dance Festival in January showcases classical dance forms at the Sun Temple, a partly ruined 11th-century Hindu temple adorned with intricate carvings of scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana. This masterpiece of Gujarati religious architecture, designed so dawn sunlight illuminates the image of Surya during the equinoxes, stands in Modhera, about 60 miles northwest of Ahmedabad. Gujarat with gusto — attend a festival and see for yourself.

INFO TO GO

The Ahmedabad airport, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, lies five miles north in Hansol. Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways operate one-stop flights from New York (JFK); Chicago (ORD); and Washington, D.C. (IAD), via Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL). Ahmedabad is about a 1.5-hour flight from either city. You can also travel from Ahmedabad to Bhuj via a seven-hour overnight train ride or a short flight from Mumbai or Delhi. A luxury tourist train connecting Gujarat and Rajasthan, The Royal Orient, starts and ends in Delhi.

DECEMBER 2019

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kicking back | FLORIDA

Paradise Found Seek your personal seaside bliss among Florida’s diverse beaches. BY SUSAN B. BARNES

SEASIDE SPLENDOR:

(Left to right) Fort Walton Beach, Amelia Island, Delray Beach, and a roseate spoonbill at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach

PHOTOS: © GIOVANNI GAGLIARDI - DREAMSTIME .COM, © PETER LAKOMY - DREAMSTIME.COM, © LUNAMARINA DREAMSTIME.COM, © BEN GRAHAM DREAMSTIME.COM

WITH 1,200 MILES OF SANDY BEACHES throughout the Sunshine State, plenty could qualify as the best in Florida. Of course, the best beaches can be as different as the beach goers choosing their next destinations. On the Gulf Coast, travelers enjoy calm waters and sugar-white, powder-soft sand, while across the state rollicking waves and gold-flecked beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean. Rather than choosing just one beach to represent the entire state, we divide Florida geographically and offer these suggestions for your next seaside getaway. FLORIDA’S PANHANDLE with its Gulf of Mexico coastline runs from Alabama until the

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DECEMBER 2019

state’s peninsula juts south, just to the east of Apalachicola and Carabelle. One stretch of coastline on the Panhandle beloved by Floridians and visitors alike is the Emerald Coast, encompassing Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Destin, known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Not only are the fish biting in this part of the state, but vibrant species also put on an underwater show for snorkelers and divers. The soft, whitesand beaches remain a main attraction on the Emerald Coast; in fact, nearly 60 percent of the area’s beaches are preserved in perpetuity. These pristine beach conditions attract beach goers of the human kind and wildlife as well. Ornithologists will want to keep their eyes open and

INFO TO GO

Travelers can easily access each of the beaches mentioned through airports served by major airlines. Fly into the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to start a vacation along the Emerald Coast or Jacksonville International Airport to visit Amelia Island. Palm Beach International Airport or Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport lie within close proximity to both Jensen Beach and Delray Beach. To visit Marco Island, fly into Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and to get to Longboat Key, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Tampa International Airport are your best bets.

binoculars at the ready to spot shorebirds, seabirds, songbirds, raptors and other winged species which either make their homes in or migrate through the region’s 12 birding hot spots. Back on the beach, sea turtles nest on these same beaches in the summertime, continuing their generations-long tradition of nesting near the same spot where they hatched. IN THE NORTHEAST, just below the Florida-Georgia border and about 45 minutes northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island’s 13 miles of beaches have long attracted visitors. First settled around A.D. 1000 by Native Americans associated with the Timucuan culture, who called the island Napoyca, the barrier island has seen eight flags fly overhead, including those of France, Spain and Britain. Pirates had their fun here, too. During its Golden Age, from 1870 to 1910, wealthy Americans built Victorian-style homes in what became known as the Silk Stocking District in the present-day Fernan-

dina Beach Historic District. Popular beachside activities include beachcombing, fishing, jogging and flying kites on a breezy day. Dive into the Atlantic waves and enjoy swimming, surfing and boogie boarding, or take your four-legged friend on a walk (remember, stay on leash) and discover the shoreline together. Keep an eye out for fossilized sharks’ teeth that wash ashore, a fun, prehistoric find. ON THE EASTERN SHORE, north of West Palm Beach, discover Florida’s Treasure Coast, boasting 20 miles of unspoiled beaches and offering a welcome respite from the electric buzz of Miami Beach, about 115 miles to the south. Instead of high-rise hotels and throngs of people, visitors to Jensen Beach (officially known as Jensen Sea Turtle Beach) on Hutchinson Island find arches of native mangroves giving way to wide beaches where one can easily find quiet spots to lay down a towel or blanket and soak in the day. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week to

LODGING THE HENDERSON RESORT & SPA This dog-friendly beachfront resort overlooks not only Emerald Coast’s beaches but its sunrises and sunsets, too. Luxurious accommodations, an exquisite spa and plenty of dining options ensure you’ll never want to leave. 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin $$$$–$$$$$ HUTCHINSON SHORES RESORT & SPA The first resort built here in nearly two decades opened two years ago and features 178 oceanfront accom-

modations with private balconies. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean at Drift Kitchen + Bar. 3793 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach $$–$$$$ JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORT When the exclusive adultsonly Paradise by Sirene escape debuted last year, it revealed an all-new level of luxury on the southwest coast, offering curated luxury experiences to its guests. Savor a memorable dinner at Ario. 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island $$$$$

DECEMBER 2019

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watch over the frolicking in the waves. If the Atlantic Ocean seems a bit too brisk for a dip, walk or jog along the water’s edge. Four-legged travelers are welcome at Jensen Beach, too; just be sure to stay within the permitted boundaries and keep Fido on a leash. ABOUT AN HOUR and a half south of Jensen Beach lies Delray Beach, between West Palm and Fort Lauderdale. Three separate media outlets named this southeast Florida destination the Most Fun Small Town, and it offers plenty to keep busy — or not, if you prefer — during a visit. On the beach, in addition to lazing the days away under the sun or under an umbrella, beach goers can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or catamarans to

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Our Overseas Delivery Experience provides the following: � Two (2) complimentary round-trip premium economy fares via our preferred airline, Scandinavian Airlines-SAS � One (1) complimentary hotel night at the Hotel Post located in the central square in Gothenburg � Complimentary Breakfast and Dinner included � Private transfers from airport, hotel and to the Factory Delivery Experience � VIP Volvo Delivery, Factory Tour and Lunch � Fifteen (15) days complimentary European Insurance and Registration to travel with your new Volvo � Bring your car to a Volvo Drop-Off facility – and we will home ship to your local Volvo Retailer

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explore atop the Atlantic Ocean or grab a snorkel and dive in to take a look below the water’s surface. When the sun goes down, the evenings heat up on Atlantic Avenue, stretching a mile or so from the beach and lined with boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafés, restaurants and bars. Delray Beach sports a European feel, and one can easily blend right in. ACROSS THE STATE FROM Delray Beach, in southwest Florida, the Paradise Coast boasts 30 miles of wide, white-sand beaches and comprises the communities of Naples and Marco Island as well as the wilderness of the Everglades. At the southernmost tip of the coast, Marco Island proves a sheller’s paradise, where all types of naturally made treasures wait to be found. Let the warm Gulf of Mexico waters wash over your toes as your eyes sweep across the soft sand in search of that special shell or maybe even a sunbleached sand dollar to remind you of your visit. Take a break from seashell seeking to simply relax under the warm Florida sun, and then watch it set over the Gulf. If you are lucky, you may just spot the elusive green flash just as the sun dips below the horizon. BETWEEN SARASOTA AND TAMPA on Florida’s west coast, Longboat Key offers a tranquil beach retreat with not much more to do than sit back, relax and experience the Gulf of Mexico. Sure, you’ll find more activity in Lido Key and shopping in St. Armand’s Circle, but Longboat Key is where travelers go when they really want to unwind and get away from the everyday world. If a rainy day does come along during a visit, pop down to Mote Marine Aquarium for an up-close look at the marine life that lives under the sea. The aquarium, also a research and rehabilitation center, offers plenty to learn while there.

DINING

sea scallops with a tropical fruit compote.

BOSTON’S ON THE BEACH Diners have enjoyed a taste of New England in Delray Beach for 35 years. The Beach, as it’s known by locals, serves one of the best lobster rolls outside of Maine. There’s a pooch menu, too, for the pups. 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach $$$ HARRY’S CONTINENTAL KITCHENS For 40 years Harry’s has served locals and visitors, and they keep coming back for more. Guests’ dinner favorites include the seared

525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key $$$$ SALT Savor the flavor of just-caught seafood and the finest steaks, simply yet elegantly prepared and served in a contemporary coastal setting. 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island $$$$$

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Custom order your Volvo through the Overseas Delivery Program and receive round-trip airfiare for you and a guest and hotel accomadations. Your experience begins in Sweden with a personalized VIP delivery at the Volvo Factory Delivery Experience in Gothenburg. You can then explore Scandinavia and Europe with your new Volvo and create an adventure of a lifetime with the program named “Best Overseas Delivery” four years running. For more information go to VolvoCars.com/US/MyBagsArePacked or visit your local Volvo retailer.

lgbtq+

Iceland’s Allure The land of fire and ice extends a warm welcome to all.

WITH ITS STUNNING SCENERY and increasingly hip reputation, Iceland takes a prominent place on the world stage, and LGBTQ+ travelers are among those taking note of its allure. A dramatically beautiful island in the North Atlantic, Iceland is graced with glaciers and volcanoes, making its nickname — “the land of fire and ice” — especially appropriate. But part of the destination’s appeal also lies in its friendliness. This year, in fact, marked the 20th anniversary of Reykjavík Pride, the nation’s annual LGBTQ+ pride event, usually taking place in August. And in February, visitors can join additional festivities during Rainbow Reykjavik, a winter pride festival featuring everything from a masquerade ball to a “bingo extravaganza.” First-time visitors wanting to make the most of their time on the island might want to consider the services of a company like Pink Iceland, an LGBTQ+-owned tour operator and wedding company specializing in creating an array of unique, only-in-Iceland experiences, including queer city tours of Reykjavík, the capital and largest city. Pink Iceland’s LGBTQ+ guides fill visitors in on everything from history to nightlife. And consider another LGBTQ+friendly tour operator, Hidden Iceland, also well-versed in serving the community. LGBTQ+ travelers find plenty of welcoming places to enjoy a toast, even though there’s only one full-time gay bar, Kikí Queer Bar, a compact but festive venue in Reykjavík. Websites like Gay Ice maintain extensive listings of nightlife and events; and Visit Reykjavík, the city’s tourism office, and Inspired by Iceland, the national tourism office, connect visitors with the information they need. Iceland’s hotel scene includes an interesting array of unique upscale properties such as the 252-room Hilton Reykjavik Nordica and two members of the Design Hotels consortium: 101 Hotel, a property devoted to eco-conscious luxury, and ION City Hotel, located in a bustling shopping district. New hotels in the works include the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, due to open this month. An especially interesting hotel choice, the 52-room Hotel Rangá, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, aims to provide a luxury countryside experience in

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DECEMBER 2019

BY MARK CHESNUT

UNIQUE ICELAND: Pink Iceland tours

south Iceland. It offers an especially good location to enjoy the northern lights, and the property also customizes its wedding packages for LGBTQ+ couples on request.

airport update

Global Gateway Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson leads the way to a sustainable future. BY ERICH MARTIN

SINCE ABOUT 2000, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the busiest airport not only in the United States but also in the world. Each year more than 100 million passengers pass through the gateway, so it only makes sense the airport continues to evolve. ATL serves 150 domestic and 75-plus international destinations throughout 50 countries. The city lies within two hours of 80 percent of the United States population by flight, making it one of the most useful gateways in the world for travelers coming into or going out of the country. Because of ATL’s position as a major gateway for U.S. arrivals and departures, there are plenty of layovers in Atlanta. As a result, much of the airport focuses on creating a desirable spot for a stop, be it for a few minutes or a few hours. Airport Art develops art from local artists by way of commissions before integrating the artwork and performances into the DNA of the airport. The program maintains 10 permanent exhibits throughout the airport in highly visible locations. Travelers from around the world can also appreciate three rotating exhibits, including galleries of works by children in Georgia’s school systems. ATL strives to become the world’s greenest airport as well. GreeningATL — the airport’s commitment to supporting people, the planet and its profit — pursues a common-sense strategy to

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DECEMBER 2019

allow sustainable operations into the future. In an effort to reach this goal, the Georgia Department of Aviation put a few policies into place for the airport to follow, ensuring maximum sustainability. ATL employs a zero-waste policy to reduce the amount of trash it contributes to landfills, aiming to divert 90 percent of the airport’s total waste production from local landfills. The gateway’s efforts continue with its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Challenge. The challenge works to reduce the environmental impact of materials. Right now, the airport participates by recovering 30,000 pounds of edible food daily and delivering it to local needy communities. The list of ways the airport works to keep travel sustainable goes on and on. A sustainable food court initiative requires all concessions to use compostable materials, and all new buildings are at least LEED Silver certified. When buildings are taken down, pieces are used in other construction projects around the airport. Every year ATL participates in the Airports Going Green Conference and hosted it in 2018. The conference allows airports to showcase successful initiatives and come together to create sustainability solutions that can work on a large scale. It’s certainly a positive sign for environmentalism and sustainability moving forward as the world’s busiest airport takes the initiative as a leader in this realm.

AIRPORT ART:

Flight Paths art project by artist Steve Waldeck along a 450-footlong underground walkway between concourses A and B at ATL PHOTO: © REDWOOD8 DREAMSTIME.COM

HARTSFIELD– JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT atl.com

health

Know Before You Go Be prepared to travel with prescription medications. FORGETTING MEDICATION WHILE traveling is an inconvenience in the best of circumstances. If you use a retail chain pharmacy like CVS or Walmart in the United States and are traveling domestically, the same chain pharmacy can internally transfer your prescription to get it filled in the state you are visiting, or the pharmacist may be able to give you a few pills to hold you over during your stay. Those who purchase travel insurance can contact the customer service department provided in the insurance policy and request help to receive medication out of the country. The travel concierge will call physicians and pharmacies at home and abroad and then guide you on the next steps. To find a doctor or clinic abroad where you can get a new prescription, contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. (Before your trip, get the contact information through the U.S. State Department.) You can also contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers online. Some prescriptions may be difficult to refill in foreign countries or may have different doses, and newer medications may not be available. In some countries, a narcotic pain medication may be illegal. In these cases, you may need to get in touch with your health care provider at home to find out whether you can change your dose or use a substitute medication until you get home. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns filling a prescription abroad could lead to adverse health consequences. The name of the medication abroad may look the same as the one you take at home but may have a different active ingredient. This could cause serious or irreversible harm. Buy medications from licensed pharmacies recommended by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and get a receipt. Ask the pharmacist if the medication has the same

BY MARY B. GALLAGHER, RN, MSN, CCRN

active ingredient as the one you take. Make sure it is in its original package with no broken seal. Watch for counterfeit medications. The availability of medications abroad depends on factors such as import restrictions, pharmaceutical interest in distribution to a particular country, national drug preference and regulations and requirements to use domestic pharmaceuticals. Walgreens Pharmacy is now global, with a business presence in 25 countries. Walgreens also owns Duane Reade and recently acquired Rite Aid. The international branch of Walgreens — Walgreens Boots Alliance — operates 4,767 retail stores in eight countries besides the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These include the United Kingdom, Mexico, Chile, Thailand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and Lithuania. If your forgotten prescription medications are from a U.S. Walgreens and you are visiting one of these countries, call your pharmacist to see if the prescriptions can be transferred to the WBA pharmacy in your destination. Each country has its own guidelines for illegal medications. Medicines commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States may be unlicensed or controlled substances elsewhere. In Japan, some inhalers and certain allergy and sinus medications are illegal. The United Arab Emirates’ strict narcotics laws have landed many travelers in prison. While asking someone to ship your prescription drugs to you sounds like the easiest solution to your problem, it is the most difficult. Only pharmacists may ship prescription medications through the U.S. Postal Service, and only Drug Enforcement Agency-registered entities can send or receive drugs containing controlled substances, such as opiates, through the mail.

If you are traveling in the United States but live in another country, ask a trusted person to ship your prescription medications and a doctor’s letter to a Customs and Border Control officer or broker, preferably by courier. The officer will contact the Food and Drug Administration to start the inspection process, which must be completed before you can receive your package. Because this inspection process takes time, it is not a good solution if you need to replace your lost medications right away. In Canada you can only mail drugs and controlled substances under certain conditions. Unless you are licensed under Canadian law, you are not allowed to mail narcotics or controlled drugs to or from Canada. You may not mail controlled drugs or narcotics within or from the United Kingdom. The best approach is to pack your medications in your carry-on, then check, doublecheck and triple-check you have them. Fill your prescriptions before you go. Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Copy your prescriptions and keep a copy with you. Better yet, take a picture of your prescriptions, prescription bottles and medication list with your phone. Know the generic names of all your prescriptions. Carry a letter from your doctor (on his professional letterhead with his contact information) describing your medical conditions and the medications you take. Carry a list of all your health care providers with contact information. Take a picture of this letter and list with your phone. Make sure you know how to safely store your medications while traveling. Some can be affected by extreme heat or cold. Carry your medications with you in their original bottles in your carry-on luggage. Don’t pack them in bags you plan to check.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DECEMBER 2019

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Famous for its beer, artisanal chocolatiers, scenic canals and cyclists clattering over cobblestone streets, the Belgian city of Ghent resembles Amsterdam in many ways. Learn more about Ghent next month as you read 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5: Ghent. PHOTO: ÂŠ RUDI1976 - DREAMSTIME.COM

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