December 2020 Global Traveler

globaltravelerusa.com | $4.99

Announcing the winners of the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and celebrating this year’s honorees for the best in leisure, family and millennial travel

AIRLINE AND HOTEL OF THE YEAR p. 32 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARDS p. 34 WINES ON THE WING p. 48 LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 50 WHEREVER AWARDS p. 54 THE TRAZEES p. 58

December 2020

Fly with a greener alliance.

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All 13 oneworld member airlines have committed to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To learn more about our sustainability initiatives, please visit oneworld.com/sustainability

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ®

A High Note

H

ere we are, in the last month of 2020. It would hardly be a stretch to say, “We made it!” At many times, 2020 felt like nothing but an uphill battle for everyone. January and February provided a relatively normal start to the year, but along came March with a curveball few saw coming. We could all think of what we didn’t do this year — the thought often crosses my mind that 2020 is the first year in more than a decade I didn’t leave the country — or we can celebrate the milestones, a bit sweeter for us all in a year full of tumult. So at Global Traveler and our sister publications trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.com, we’re choosing to end the year on a high note with our Awards Issue.

Sunny Outlook: Kimberly Krol Inlander We always announce the winners PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER of our annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards in our December issue, alongside our Airline and Hotel of the Year. You’ll find both announcements on the following pages. A win in a year such as this can only feel much sweeter. Both our Airline and Hotel of the Year winners pivoted in 2020 to reimagine cleanliness and safety for travelers and will help set the standards for the future of the travel industry.

You’ll also find we added a Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness category to our annual survey.

A bit later this year, but a big celebration nonetheless, was the announcement of our Wines on the Wing airline wine survey, the Wherever Awards from whereverfamily.com and The Trazees from trazeetravel.com winners. As wines began arriving from around the world pre- and during the pandemic, we knew where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we managed to find a way to safely and successfully hold our annual blind tasting. Learn more on page 48. Originally announced in June, we’re recapping the winners of our Leisure Lifestyle Awards on page 50.

We’re still taking you around the world in this issue as well. Let’s look to Detroit and Belgrade as examples of resiliency in the face of adversity. Find more than just beaches in Cape Cod and Aruba. Discover the rich blend of cultures in Macao. And face the sobering realities of history in Dakar while vowing to continue pushing far forward.

Kick off the new year with us in our next issue when we sip bourbon in Kentucky, skydive in New Zealand and take a closer look at the transformations within our industry. And join us on Dec. 14 for our virtual awards celebration. Check globaltravelerusa.com, whereverfamily.com and trazeetravel.com for more details. Until then, happy holidays!

EDITORIAL Editor In Chief Kimberly Krol Inlander 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 Social Media & Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@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

COLUMNISTS Margaret Backenheimer Debra Bokur J.D. Brown Mark Chesnut Eunice Fried Jack Guy

WRITERS Kristy Alpert Teresa Bitler Sheryl Nance-Nash Richard Newton Barbara Rogers Brandon Schultz

For complete bios visit globaltravelerusa.com

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 ADVISORY BOARD Chairman Michael Donahue COO Michael Kiely President Carlos Cappuccio 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 Director of Technology Bob Hancock Director of Digital Advancement Jared Torgan Vice President of Corporate Giving Jim Bolger

GENERAL COUNSEL Thomas F. Goldman CONTACT US General Inquiries/Issue Requests/Reprints info@globaltravelerusa.com Subscriptions tel 818 286 3134 | gbtcs@magserv.com Public Relations kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Letters to the Editor letters@globaltravelerusa.com Global Traveler is published monthly by FXExpress Publications, Inc., 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067. The U.S. subscription rate is $42 for one year, $79.95 for two years, $121.95 for three years.

Kimberly Krol Inlander Editor in Chief

As of publication, the destinations and venues mentioned in this issue were planning to reopen or are currently operating, but many may have restrictions or limitations in place to address current public health concerns. Always check in advance to confirm current requirements and restrictions.

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Global Traveler, 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER ®

ADVERTISING Publisher/CEO Francis X. Gallagher tel 215 919 8988 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher Carly Allen tel 267 495 6287 | carly.allen@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Mariana Zenizo tel 52 55 6560 1152 | marzenizo@gmail.com Account Executive Lexi Holstin tel 215 932 1654 | lexi.holstin@globaltravelerusa.com

Bright Spot: Francis X. Gallagher enjoying time in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, with his re-entry permit

Production & Advertising Coordinator Yasser Ogando tel 267 884 1650 | yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com

PHOTOS: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Journey On

A

s we quickly approach the end of the year, I want to send a personal thank you for helping Global Traveler — along with its sister platforms globaltravelerusa.com, trazeetravel.com, whereverfamily.com and FX Excursions — exceed its challenging and ever-changing goals for fiscal 2020. Little did we know what was in store for us all when we celebrated New Year’s Eve last Dec. 31.

We originally scheduled our annual awards reception this December at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Over the last eight months, this and other events were moved to the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Now, however, we have finalized plans for a virtual ceremony to be held on our digital platforms Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

EST. Please join us to honor those you voted as best across all our awards: the GT Tested Reader Survey, Wines on the Wing, Leisure Lifestyle Awards, The Trazees and the Wherever Awards. You can view all the results in this special Awards Issue.

This year started off with trips to various places but then came to a complete standstill. Many of you first ventured out, as I did, on road trips. In the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, I visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina four times, each trip with various levels of limitations. Dare County completely shut down March 16–May 4, later deemed a violation of property owners’ rights. We were among the first to return with a special permit, presenting the paperwork as we crossed

REPRESENTATIVES France Géraldine Roger tel 33 1 88 32 62 61 | cell 33 7 81 22 02 36 groger@asset-media.com

into Dare County. Several nonresident owners successfully sued, ensuring this type of blockage will not ever be replicated. I also took several flights to Florida, observing the frequently changing rules. All in all, the experience was positive, and I am pleased I did not stay in a state of total lockdown.

Looking to the bright side, we will likely see dramatic improvements in the travel numbers as we charge our way through 2021. No doubt a vaccine will be available, and I advise you to please take it to help us all get back to normal. Pockets of people unwilling to take the vaccine will not stamp out this virus for good.

Won’t it be nice to sit in a plane again without wearing a mask?

Enjoy the December issue … and, again, many thanks for making Global Traveler and its brands a truly global success during difficult times! See you digitally at the combined awards event Dec. 14.

Happy holidays!

Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia Jeremy Orritt tel 852 23752311 | cell 852 91886157 jeremy@omjmedia.com India Vimal Anand tel 91 124 4932020 | cell 91 98100 71000 vimal@gmnindia.com Japan Yoshinori Ikeda tel 81 3 3661 6138 yoshinori.ikeda@pacific-business.com Middle East (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) Rosy Kachouh Nawfal cell 971 55 607 8163 rosy@i-repme.com South Korea Jeff Hwang tel 82 31 702 7782 | cell 82 10 3498 9117 gng@gngcom.co.kr Spain Olga Martínez tel 34 91 320 0497 | cell 34 669 10 12 73 olga.martinez@aboutim.es Taiwan Keith Lee tel 886 2 2523 8268 leekh@ms4.hinet.net Turkey Saba Sarol Corzo tel 90 532 311 6704 or 1 310 562 2580 saba@catalyzismedia.com

Francis X. Gallagher Publisher and CEO fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com

UK Stefanie Stroh-Begg tel 44 20 7611 1900 | cell 44 7798 665 395 stefanie@mercury-publicity.com CORPORATE OFFICE 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067 info@globaltravelerusa.com

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GLOBAL TRAVELER NAMES O’HARE AS THE

Best Airport in North America, FOR THE 17TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AND NAMES MIDWAY AS THE

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport.

There is no higher priority than the well-being of the traveling public and our airport community in Chicago.

O’Hare and Midway International Airports are committed to providing travelers with safe and efficient facilities, while offering best-in-class services and amenities. We continue to work closely with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure travelers are healthy, comfortable and safe. We look forward to welcoming you to Chicago.

STAY IN TOUCH FOR UPDATES /fly2ohare

@flyohare

@fly2ohare

flychicago.com

/flychicago

66 features

on the cover globaltravelerusa.com | $4.99

December 2020

Announcing the winners of the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and celebrating this year’s honorees for the best in leisure, family and millennial travel

32

Best of the Best Global Traveler introduces the 2020 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year.

34 AIRLINE AND HOTEL OF THE YEAR p. 32 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARDS p. 34 WINES ON THE WING p. 48 LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 50 WHEREVER AWARDS p. 54 THE TRAZEES p. 58

COVER PHOTO: CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2020 AWARDS WINNERS! PHOTO: © TAWANLUBFAH | DREAMSTIME.COM

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globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

50

Celebrate Good Times Global Traveler recaps the winners of the 2020 Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

54

Greatest Show on Earth Global Traveler applauds the winners of the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards.

Wherever Awards 2020 Whereverfamily.com, the trusted travel source for the modern family, announces the winners of the Wherever Awards.

48

58

Wines on the Wing 2020 Raise a glass to the winners of GT’s 17th annual Wines on the Wing airline wine completion.

The Trazees 2020 Celebrate the best in travel, as voted by our millennial readers.

business destinations 64

Stateside: Detroit Detroit pivots to next-generation mobility and other new industries.

66

9–5: Belgrade Connect with clients and colleagues in dynamic Belgrade.

68

After 5: Macao Revel in Macao’s stunning sights and sounds after hours.

PHOTO: © KIRILL MAKAROV | DREAMSTIME.COM

December 2020

CONTENTS

TIME TO MEET AGAIN

Have a healthy journey with all precautions taken down to the smallest detail for your in-flight safety.

December 2020

CONTENTS

72

in every issue 10 Mail Call 14 News 16 Reviews 22 One on One

70

74

Hilton Hotels

24 Technology 26 Wine & Spirits 27 Wealth 28 Chefs 30 Cruising 78 LGBTQ+ 80 Airport Update 81 Medical Tourism 82 Preview

leisure destinations 70

Neighborhoods: Cape Cod Meander Cape Cod’s beaches and nature trails in the off season.

72

Friends & Family: Aruba Take the family to friendly, easygoing Aruba.

PHOTO: © DEVY | DREAMSTIME.COM

76

Tours: Dakar Explore the solemn history and vibrant culture of Dakar.

FX

EXPRESS

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 © 2020 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

8

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For Small & Midsize Enterprises

Thank you for voting IHGÂŽ Business Edge Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program for the second consecutive year.

As a business owner, you have a lot to balance to keep your company running smoothly.

Between managing your bottom line, optimizing your operations and ensuring your employees are cared for, you need a partner who's there for you.

Thank you for trusting IHGÂŽ Hotels & Resorts to help you simplify travel management.

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Discover more at: businessedge.ihg.com.

Š2020 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved.

MAIL CALL

Q&A WITH MARY MELNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA AND EDITORIAL COORDINATOR In this issue we award the best of the best in the travel industry. Most avid travelers and frequent flyers are loyal to their favorite brands and destinations when it comes to travel.

What favorite brands do you trust? What is your favorite destination you find yourself visiting over and over?

Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com

In our November issue, we discussed domestic travel and all there is to see and do within North America, including visiting all 50 U.S. states. This inspired the question: Do you have a North American or U.S. travel goal? Some readers wrote in with thoughts: Visiting all 50 states is a lifelong travel goal of mine. I have a list on my phone I keep adding to any time I travel to a state for more than a day (layovers and drive-bys don’t count!), and I’m at 38 states now.

JULIA REYNOLDS, VIA EMAIL We traveled domestically a lot when I was growing up — lots of RV trips and national parks — so my goal is to do the same with my own family.

I want my kids to have an appreciation for their own country while they’re still learning about its history in school.

JON T. WILLS, VIA EMAIL Visiting every national park in the United States is a domestic travel goal I’ve made some serious headway on this year. Looking forward to checking a few more off this winter.

TRINA MATHEWS, VIA EMAIL I don’t have a specific North American travel goal, but I definitely found myself feeling more

10

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

appreciative of domestic travel this year. Before the pandemic I was more inclined to opt for an international destination, if given the choice, but this year has really put U.S. travel destinations into perspective for me.

WILLETTA GREEN, VIA EMAIL

AS TOLD BY HARVARD In our Oct. 28 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed a recent gate-to-gate study by the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard, determining the layered approach to health and safety taken by U.S. airlines makes the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during air travel extremely low. The layered approach includes blocking middle seats and using advanced onboard ventilation.

This data inspired a few readers to write in: Your article says Harvard concluded the risk was low due to protocols. What about airlines that are filling middle seats? I’d appreciate a link to the Harvard study as well.

CONTACT GT DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? THOUGHTS ON A RECENT GT ARTICLE? Email: letters@globaltravelerusa.com Write: Letters to the Editor 309 Floral Vale Blvd.

Yardley, PA 19067

ELLEN SAMPSON, VIA EMAIL **The link to the study was provided in the newsletter article.** I’ve traveled domestically by air a few times during the pandemic and have to say I was genuinely impressed by the level of security I felt. Once on United, twice on American Airlines, and hopefully another trip this month.

THEO BRADLEY, VIA EMAIL

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.

PHOTO: © MARY MELNICK

Q&A WITH KATIE SKRZEK, VICE PRESIDENT/DIGITAL DIRECTOR

[Hanok(Myeongjae House), Nonsan, Korea]

MAIL CALL I expect to be wearing a mask on flights for the foreseeable future, and I don’t mind it. I’m happy to have the open middle seat and was pleasantly surprised to find the ventilation in airplanes is as good as it is.

COLETTE ELLIS, VIA EMAIL

LETTER TO THE PUBLISHER

PHOTO: © PIX569 | DREAMSTIME.COM

In our September issue, publisher/CEO Francis X. Gallagher wrote a GT Tested review of United Airlines’ first-class cabin during a flight from Newark (EWR) to Honolulu (HNL). A reader wrote in with questions and concerns with the review: This review is ridiculous, and I have notes: First of all, what aircraft was this? Boeing 777?

787? And second, when was this flight? Third, there is no longer first class in United, and hasn’t been for three years. Finally, this “review” is worthless. I’d also like to note the review describes first-class seating on United to have nearly fully flat beds — this is incorrect; all are flat-bed.

ANONYMOUS, LOS ANGELES Our publisher/CEO, Francis X. Gallagher, responded:

dant to confirm, and he said, “Oh, no, this is not Polaris.”

everyone. The story inspired a reader and fellow travel writer to write in with thoughts:

**We did not receive a response/comment from United.**

I loved this article! I especially appreciated this line: “While our routes and destinations may vary, the sights and sounds we see along the way differ, and the twists and turns we make range drastically, the ground beneath us is all the same, and many of the roads even connect.” So true, and so necessary to remember right now.

THE OPEN ROAD

The aircraft was a Boeing 767-400. It was first class, and the seats were slightly angled — they were not fully flat. This is the longest domestic flight by United, and the service was not Polaris, nor was the seat. I even asked the flight atten-

In our Class Act issue we discussed the beloved pastime of the American road trip and its growing popularity in 2020, a year of uncertainty. From the classic Route 66 and national park routes to the more-off-the-beaten paths, there’s a road trip for

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May 2011

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ICELAND

fine vines

TEL AVIV

Torrontés Tango

FAMILY BUSINESS MEETS ROMANCE IN THE WHITE CITY

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

I

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 and soul in is clean, crisp and refreshing, offering a 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 Cook Islands.

BY mouth.

BECCA HENSLEY 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

www.globaltravelerusa.com

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.

GLOBALTRAVELERUSA.COM Visit our website to access past and present articles, reports, guides, hot travel links and deals and video interviews, as well as forms for subscribing to the magazine and our eFlyer newsletter.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON GT BLOGS? Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives and travels of the GT staff. Last month we featured blogs about everything from scenic autumn drives to wine tasting at a Pennsylvania winery.

globaltravelerusa.com/blog

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

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The new GT app is

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@globaltravelermag

@GTmag

facebook.com/globaltravelermagazine

NEWS, DEALS AND REWARDS Airport Parking Lots Install SPACES USA Contactless Technology Airports like Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport’s Skyview Center Lot are going contactless with a revolutionary contactless access and payment solution from SPACES USA. The technology allows drivers to search, enter and pay from inside their automobile using a mobile phone and dialing a one-time number.

SPACES USA works at gated or non-gated facilities, with no app download, preregistrations or advance bookings required. The technology works in conjunction with Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps on its proprietary vehicle logistics platform. Parkers now have a way to avoid both touching surfaces and human contact. _______ spacesconnect.com

Etihad Makes History with Flight to Israel Etihad Airways became the first Gulf carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Israel. The historic flight departed Tel Aviv Oct. 19 and departed Abu Dhabi Oct. 21. The flight, in cooperation with Maman Group, brought Israel’s top travel and tourism leaders to the United Arab Emirates.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner made the 3.5-hour flight, part of a travel trade mission to bring tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision makers, travel agents, cargo agents and media to experience Abu Dhabi and the wider U.A.E. region at the invitation of Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry.

This latest step follows the signing of the Abraham Accords between the U.A.E. and Israel in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15. Also part of the growing cooperation, EL AL Israel Airlines made its first symbolic commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi Aug. 31.

The flights also carried commercial cargo sourced from and destined for points across the Etihad network. Etihad became the first non-Israeli airline in the Middle East to launch a dedicated website for the Israeli market in Hebrew. An English version is also available. _______ etihad.com

Uniworld Employs Self-Disinfecting Antimicrobial Coating Uniworld Boutique River Cruises contracted Danish company CleanCoat A/S to employ its ACT CleanCoat solution across all Uniworld-owned ships, making it the first river cruise company to adopt this solution, renowned for its ability to render surfaces self-disinfecting after one application.

All ships will be sprayed with the antimicrobial coating, which is odorless, nontoxic and kills bacteria and viruses, including those in the coronavirus family. The sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment includes two components. The ACT CleanCoat is annually applied and will render surfaces self-disinfecting and purify the air. ACT ECA Water replaces traditional cleaning detergents to create the best possible conditions for the CleanCoat to maximize its disinfecting effect. ACT ECA is a salt-based, more sustainable alternative to other cleaning products; it leaves no toxic residue. _______

Hyatt Expands Luxury Portfolio in Asia Pacific Hyatt plans to expand its luxury portfolio in the Asia Pacific region with several new openings and a strong development pipeline. Its luxury portfolio presence in the region will grow by nearly 15 percent with recent openings and expected 2021 openings.

Luxury hotels opened in Asia Pacific in 2020 include Park Hyatt Auckland, overlooking Waitematā Harbour; Andaz Xiamen, with inspiration from Xiamen’s reputation as the Garden on the Sea; and Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, the third Park Hyatt in Japan. Park Hyatt Suzhou opened in May near Jinji Lake.

Andaz Shenzhen Bay will be close to major business and leisure sites when it opens in December 2020. Also opening in late 2020 or early 2021 is Grand Hyatt Jeju, featuring 1,600 rooms and suites and poised to be the largest Grand Hyatt in Asia Pacific and second-largest in the world.

The following four hotels are also expected to open in 2021: Alila Dalit Bay in Malaysia, Alila Taihu Suzhou in China, Andaz Bali and Park Hyatt in Jakarta. _______ hyatt.com

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PHOTOS: © EITHAD, © UNIWORLD, © PARK HYATT AUCKLAND

uniwold.com

Four Seasons Unveils New Hotel Gym Essential Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and CLMBR bring CLMBR Connected, a vertical climbing machine, to all brand hotels and resorts worldwide, offering travelers a new way to blow off steam and find healthy living on the road. The implementation should be in place by mid-2021.

CLMBR Connected is a vertical climbing machine for at-home and commercial use and just completed its first funding round led by venture capital and private equity firm KBW-Ventures; Marco Borges, CEO and founder, 22 Days Nutrition; and others.

KWB Ventures, through its investment, will integrate CLMBR into its Four Seasons hotel properties worldwide.

CLMBR is the first vertical climber to feature a large-format touch display with on-demand, instructor-led classes. The patent-pending design has a high-quality build with an integrated audio system that can fill an entire room with sound. With a minimal level of maintenance, the state-of-the-art companion app displays key metrics like vertical feet climbed and workout targets. Most hotel gyms feature outdated climbing machines that have an obtrusive center pole; CLMBR eliminates that obstruction with the touchscreen, and preloaded tutorials will help hotel guests adjust to the machine. Users can track their progress on the go with the app. _______ fourseasons.com

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino First Night Free As more travelers seek extended stays, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino entices visitors with its new First Night on Us promotion.

Guests booking the offer receive the first night on a complimentary basis when they book four nights or more.

The promotion allows travelers more time to lounge poolside, enjoy oceanfront dining at Atardi and explore outdoor adventures across One Happy Island. Valid for stays through Dec. 23, use code ES7 when booking.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts spacious accommodations, resort amenities, a 24-hour casino, an adultsonly pool, a full-service spa and three on-site restaurants. ________

PHOTOS: © CLMBR, © ARUBA MARRIOTT RESORT & STELLARIS CASINO, © OJAI VALLEY INN

Work, Learn and Unwind at Ojai Valley Inn Ojai Valley Inn in Southern California has two offers for families, couples and friends, allowing them to revitalize their weekly routines.

For families, the Learn & Play in Ojai offer includes accommodations, as well as 20 percent off stays of four to six nights and 30 percent off stays of seven nights or more.

Kids’ school desks will be available in guestrooms, and parents can use a conference room 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A Healthy Ojai Welcome amenity as well as a Family Game Night Basket will be delivered to guestrooms.

One-time, one-hour private rental of the Camp Oak playground and lawn games are also included. Book

by Feb. 24, 2021, for stays through Feb. 28. The offer is only bookable via phone; call 855 749 8721 and use code LEARN. Or call and use code WORK for the Work & Unwind in Ojai offer. Also available to book through Feb. 24 for stays through Feb. 28, the offer includes accommodations and the same guestroom discounts as the other offer, including conference room use. Additionally, guests enjoy a $40 daily dining credit for happy-hour drinks after the work day wraps and two 60-minute cabana massages.

marriott.com

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BEST OF 2020 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARD WINNERS

AIR CANADA LONDON (LHR) TO TORONTO (YYZ)

PRE-FLIGHT: The Signature Class offers modern and spacious seating. The layout provided privacy and ample room to be comfortable whether one was seated at the inside or window side of the main aisles. The flight attendant offered juice, sparkling water or Champagne. (I opted for the Champagne.) I got situated in my seat and checked out the touchscreen menu and the provided headset and settled in for takeoff.

IN-FLIGHT: Once airborne we selected our main entrée.

I opted for the lamb filet served with creamy fennel sauce, roasted potatoes, pumpkin and broccoli. The starters to this meal were delicious prawns and a garden salad, and for dessert I enjoyed the fresh fruit. Once I finished my meal, I checked to see if I could get started on some emails. Unfortunately, the WiFi was not functional on this flight. Air Canada was in the process of retrofitting these aircraft with the most up-to-date WiFi, but due to the MAX grounding over the past year could not take this 787 out of commission to update the technology.

It all worked out, though, as I was able to still get some work done before taking a nap.

This flight departed mid-morning London time and would land in Toronto in late afternoon/early evening. I was quite comfortable during my nap, lying completely flat with a blanket and pillow of excellent quality. The restrooms in the businessclass cabin were clean and spacious. Once we were about an hour or so from our arrival in Toronto, I enjoyed afternoon tea accompanied by delicious sandwiches. I spent that time watching a film and relaxing. After our smooth landing in Toronto, a concierge team member greeted me and directed me to the Maple Leaf Lounge, where I enjoyed a break and snack between flights. The flight, product and service were exceptional from start to finish. It is no wonder Global Traveler named Air Canada Airline of the Year in 2019. As Air Canada says in its advertisements, “Travel like a Canadian.” I can tell you, I will again!

REVIEWED BY Stephanie Makowski

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: Dine on Demand gives travelers the option to schedule when they eat to best suit their needs. Simply inform the flight attendant when you order your meal at the beginning of the flight.

-------------------------Save room for the world-class catering on board. I skipped breakfast in order to be hungry for my flight; the culinary options are a taste bud delight!

AIR CANADA aircanada.com

PHOTOS: © AIR CANADA

ON THE GROUND: I arrived at Heathrow Airport after a trip to London for the World Travel Market Conference. As I arrived at the Air Canada check-in counter, the helpful staff directed me to the security checkpoint. Once through the line, and a bit strapped for time, I walked quickly to my gate, where an extremely kind concierge service member greeted me. She asked how my trip was and said she had been watching for me so she could assist me with boarding early to ensure a calm and easy departure. She had assisted me earlier that week when I processed through security from Toronto to London, so it was nice closing my trip with a friendly face. She escorted me onto the plane and to my seat in the beautiful Signature Class cabin of the Boeing 787-8, introducing me to the flight attendant who would be directing cabin staff during my flight. I thanked the concierge for her hospitality throughout my journey.

Experiencing what the Air Canada Super Elite-level members enjoy as features of their commitment to the brand helped me understand the appeal of retaining that status.

BEST OF 2020 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARD WINNERS

TAP AIR PORTUGAL | EXECUTIVE CLASS SAN FRANCISCO (SFO) TO LISBON (LIS)

ON THE GROUND: I was lucky to be on board TAP Air Portugal’s first flight from San Francisco to Lisbon, the first-ever route directly connecting the U.S. West Coast to Portugal.

I’d traveled from Newark (EWR) that morning, so I didn’t check in at SFO, and because of the special circumstances, I opted to forgo the lounge in order to enjoy the fanfare at the gate. This included Portuguese cuisine, a cake, a fado singer and speeches. You could feel the buzz and excitement in the air, and it was palpable what an important moment this was for both the airline and the San Francisco and Lisbon communities. A baggage snafu at SFO, outside of the airline’s control, delayed us, but once boarding commenced, it was quick and efficient.

PHOTOS: © TAP AIR PORTUGAL, © AIRBUS

PRE-FLIGHT: TAP’s Executive Class features a 1-2-1 configuration.

On this flight I was in the two-seat, middle section; however, each row features a different seat layout. For instance, on some single-aisle seats, the seat is right against the window, with the storage area to the aisle; in the next row, it’s swapped.

In the middle section, either the two seats are separated by the middle storage areas or the seats are next to each other with the storage areas to the aisle. I was seated in the former.

As it was a long flight, I unloaded my laptop, book and a few magazines before placing my belongings in the overhead compartment. I also plugged in my phone to charge before settling in. Flight attendants passed around welcome beverages; it was a celebration, so it seemed only fitting to opt for Champagne. Amenity kits and noise-cancelling headphones, as well as a small, Portugal-made gift in honor of the inaugural flight, awaited business-class passengers at their seats.

IN-FLIGHT: This was my first time flying TAP Air Portugal, and I was eager to see what awaited me. I was familiar with the airline’s Taste the Stars chefs program, so I was surprised to see a description of the program in the menu, but none of the food options boasted the program’s logo to indicate they were chef-curated meals. I saw the designation on my return flight from Lisbon to Newark, however. The meal began with a tuna and cream cheese canapé as well as mixed nuts, followed by veal tonnato with radish and herb salad and mint pea soup.

TOP TAKEAWAYS: A brand-new Airbus A330-900neo jet serves the SFO–LIS route, and the modern aircraft was pristine, comfortable and offered a peaceful in-flight environment.

-------------------------I appreciated the complimentary in-flight messaging that allowed me to send What’s App and iMessages during the more than 10-hour flight.

--------------------------

I chose the filet of beef with Madeira sauce for my entrée. I particularly enjoyed the au gratin potatoes on the side. I finished with strawberry ice cream. After recently completing our wine survey, I recognized some of the served wines from the tasting, and I was eager to try them. I found the Casa de Compostela Vinho Verde pleasant. The service was efficient if not overly effusive.

After purchasing an enhanced WiFi option on board in order to get some work done, I settled in to watch a few movies and sleep. I thought the onboard movie selection lacked a bit when it came to new releases, but I found, overall, plenty of films I wanted to watch.

Before landing, a light breakfast was served, including cold cuts and cheese, jam, butter, fresh fruit, a bread and pastry selection and coffee and tea. I will say, caffeine addicts beware: The coffee/tea cups are quite small, so you’ll need several cups to satisfy your cravings.

I usually sleep rather fitfully on flights, but the 180-degree, lie-flat seat and calm in-flight environment were conducive to sleep; and I arrived in Lisbon the next day feeling refreshed. However, as my seat was on the aisle, I found the provided blanket a bit too large for the space, as it kept falling into the aisle or getting stuck under the cart’s wheels.

-------------------------The amenity kit bags feature cute scenes from Portuguese destinations. I don’t always keep the bags, but this one was unique enough to save!

TAP AIR PORTUGAL flytap.com

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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BEST OF 2020 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARD WINNERS

THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

GUEST QUARTERS: My Grand Victoria Harbour room was simply perfect. Walking through my hallway of warm woods and into the room, I immediately noticed the panoramic views of Hong Kong and natural light spilling in through the windows.

The light playing off the combination of dark wood furniture accents and cream carpets provided a cozy feeling of coming home. The king-sized bed dominated the right side of the room with its 400-thread-count linens, down pillows and dreamy mattress that offered an excellent night’s sleep. Both large side tables offered electrical outlets for charging smartphones and tablets. A 42-inch, flat-screen TV faced the bed, and a marble console built into the wall under the TV ran along the entire side of the room, offering a place to hold all my loose items. The large desk sat in front of the windows, with numerous electrical outlets and a comfy chair; however, I spent most of my working time sitting in the window seats to look at the view while catching up on email.

The full marble bathroom featured an open concept with bright lighting. The cream-accented double sink offered plenty of space for personal items, and extra lighting surrounded the oversized mirror. The vanity included multiple outlets, but be careful — the socket blew out my hair tool. The Ritz-Carlton’s specialized Aspry amenities have a rich citrus scent, delicate and not overwhelming for female guests. The large, stand-alone shower included a rainfall showerhead, always a favorite of mine.

Frosted glass separated the shower and toilet room.

As this was my second stay at the property, on my second

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night I arrived at my room to find decorations of balloons, flowers and a card saying, “Welcome back.” After a long day of meetings, it was a lovely surprise.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The Ritz-Carlton in-room dining menu is extensive and quick; however, if you are staying on the club level, the Club Lounge is the place to dine. It truly is the heart of the property with its floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable couches and lots of extra seating. I spent most of my time here while in house. Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m., and I enjoyed a daily tasting of dim sum and a pot of English breakfast tea. The concierge was helpful with directions, arranging reservations or printing items.

Before dinner, if you crave a small bite or glass of wine, the evening service offers fresh hot plates of Cantonese favorites and a choice of Champagne — great to bring a business partner to as well. The property boasts more premium dining experiences including Tosca, a unique take on Italian cuisine, and exclusive Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen for authentic Cantonese cuisine. Be sure to make a reservation before your trip. The OZONE lounge/bar — promoted as the highest bar in the world and accessed via an elevator off the lobby — includes an outdoor bar and seating area for views of the city and serves premium cocktails like the Dragon’s Back and Tropical Cyclone. It’s pricey but a must experience.

After all the food, head to the 24-hour fitness center on the top floor, unmatched at any other Hong Kong property. Guests can run on the many treadmills or swim in the lap pool with full views of the city — quite an incentive to stay awhile.

REVIEWED BY Carly Allen

TOP TAKEAWAYS: The team at The Ritz-Carlton makes every guest feel welcome and loves to share ideas to enhance your stay.

--------------------------

The renowned Club Lounge is a must for any business traveler as it offers great food, quick service and help with any directions.

--------------------------

Find amazing views of the city and Victoria Harbour from the guestrooms, restaurants and gym.

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Centrally located just a quick car or MTR ride away from business, shopping and dining THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG International Commerce Centre 1 Austin Road W. Kowloon, Hong Kong tel 852 2263 2263 ritzcarlton.com

PHOTOS: © THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

ARRIVAL/CHECKIN: I took a taxi from Hong Kong International Airport on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Traffic was light, taking only about 30 minutes into the welcoming drive of the International Commerce Centre. The hotel, located on the top floors of the towering building in Kowloon, presents a feel of class, business and expectation upon arrival. Valets greet you at the drive and escort you to the elevator, where you’re directed to the 103rd floor. The vast lobby presents an ambience of dark marble, wood and soft lighting and bustles with guests. As I was staying in a club suite room, I was directed to the Club Lounge on the 116th floor, where I sat next to the large windows and sipped tea during check-in. It was only 10 a.m., but the hotel accommodated my early check-in.

BEST OF 2020 GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARD WINNERS

LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

PHOTOS: © LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I have traveled to Seoul for years and have stayed at the Lotte Hotel Seoul often, as it’s centrally located, surrounded by business districts, museums and markets. But this trip was different; the Executive Tower at the Lotte Hotel is now fully open for guests after a complete renovation.

The Executive Tower’s exclusive entrance opens into the cream-marbled lobby where a dedicated Tower staff greets you and guides you up to the Sky Lobby for check-in. The enormous, brightly lit lobby offers plenty of seating areas and beverage service to enjoy while you quickly check in; I chose a hot oolong tea. The staff also asked how they could help with my stay, including booking dinners, museum tours and the like, which I found helpful to get my trip started.

GUEST QUARTERS: My Junior Suite, located on an upper floor, opened into a long hallway of warm woods. I felt the mix of modern and classic luxury décor and color perfectly suited my style.

The brightly lit hallway held a mirror and large closet space with lots of extra cushioned hangers for my blouses, and the most interesting piece of technology I have seen in a hotel so far. The LG Styler looks like a slim fridge but actually can “Refresh Garments in Minutes with Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Steam Clothing Care System.” It was easy to use daily to refresh and steam my coats and anything else I wore that day.

However, guests receive free ironing service for two garments, just in case. On the other side of the hallway a well-lit, gray-marbled bathroom featured a dual sink vanity with Dyptique amenities and a three-paneled mirror. The frosted glass-enclosed shower area included a rainfall showerhead, one of my favorites, and a spa bathtub sat adjacent.

The room opened into a living area filled with natural light and city views. A large, modern chandelier highlighted the décor and provided great lighting over the seating area and large business-appropriate desk with extra international outlets for all your gadgets. Across the room a fully stocked bar offered American classics and local spirits as well. I spent most of my time working and lounging in this area.

A king-sized bed with plush linens dominated the bedroom and gave me an excellent night’s rest. An HD LG flat-screen TV sat across from the bed. The bright neon screens atop the buildings in the area give off some extra light at night, so I recommend using the blackout curtains.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I took almost every meal during my stay at Le Salon, the lounge area for Executive Tower guests. It opens for

TOP TAKEAWAYS: The Executive Tower is the best experience for traveling for business in Korea.

--------------------------

breakfast, light snacks and tea in the afternoon, and cocktail service for happy hour. Since the area is exclusive, it’s a bit quiet, with a few businesspeople and small families coming through, making it a bit reserved for a solo traveler. However, the bustling staff at the cooking stations were kind, and the spread of dim sum for breakfast along with waffles made my mornings bright. For happy hour, I indulged in Champagne and charcuterie.

Private meeting boardrooms are available with full media services and catering. I took advantage of a room for a meeting and was impressed by the modern décor and assistance from the concierge, who helped with set-up and drink service.

The gym is shared between both towers but, honestly, is a trek to get to. However, its rows of state-of-the-art equipment, including a sauna for a cool-down treatment, will please any guest.

The staff throughout the property are friendly and helpful for all entertainment and business needs.

--------------------------

The LG Styler to refresh my garments in-room was the best surprise.

LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu Seoul, South Korea tel 82 2 771 1000 lottehotel.com

REVIEWED BY Carly Allen DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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SANTIAGO MARRIOTT HOTEL ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at the Santiago Marriott Hotel in Chile ahead of check-in and, luckily, my room was ready. While the front desk attendant checked me in, I admired the massive lobby. An elevator bank next to the front desk leads to the guestroom floors. The lobby opens up to the property’s fitness center and the Akun Lounge and Bar, with stairs and elevators leading down to event space and additional restaurants.

After a swift check-in process, I made my way to my room.

I appreciated the extra time to settle in before heading out for my activities for the day.

GUEST QUARTERS: My corner room on the 16th floor provided stunning views of the nearby Andes Mountain range. The room featured a king-sized bed, chair with ottoman, desk with numerous outlets and a large television.

WiFi is complimentary. The bathroom featured a combination tub and shower plus a large vanity with multiple outlets.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: Enjoy dinner at Latin Grill, a popular spot for locals and tourists.

-------------------------The property is about a 15minute walk to the Manquehue subway station, a brief ride away from the cultural center of the city.

-------------------------Take in the beautiful views of the Andes during your stay.

queen pull-out sofa bed, a television and PlayStation games.

The Santiago Marriott Hotel is located in Los Condes, the financial district of the city, close to restaurants and shopping.

Located within a brief car or subway ride to the cultural center of Santiago, the property proves perfect for a business or leisure stay.

REVIEWED BY Katie Skrzek

SANTIAGO MARRIOTT HOTEL Av. Presidente Kennedy 5741 Las Condes Región Metropolitana, Chile tel 56 2 2426 2000 marriott.com

PHOTOS: © SANTIAGO MARRIOTT HOTEL

SERVICES/AMENITIES: During my visit I utilized the hotel’s lobby-level fitness center. Equipped with multiple cardio and weight machines and free weights, the 24-hour facility also offers a large area for fitness classes. The property’s spa and pool, also located within this area, provide guests with complimentary use of the pool, steam room and whirlpool. Spa treatments may be booked for a fee. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to enjoy the spa facilities during my stay.

My room came with access to the executive lounge on the 23rd floor. This provided the perfect spot to grab a bottle of water, snack or glass of wine. The space also offers panoramic views of the mountains. I grabbed a quick breakfast there the last morning of my stay. The breakfast spread included pastries, cold meat, a small hot station, yogurt, juices, fruit and cereal.

Dining options include three on-site restaurants as well as 24-hour room service. I enjoyed a phenomenal traditional Chilean feast at Latin Grill the first night of my stay. Highlights included an appetizer of mixed seafood preparations, seafood soup and grilled sea bass. I sampled the breakfast buffet at Café Med, located on the ground level of the property, the first morning of my stay.

The beautiful spread included a variety of cold and hot meats, an omelet station, fresh juice, yogurt, fruit, vegetables and pastries.

The property features six event rooms, with a total of more than 3,500 square feet of meeting and event space. There’s an additional option for those conducting business. The property offers a business guestroom, complete with a separate office space attached to conduct business or host meetings.

For those traveling with children, a family room is available, with a play room off of the bedroom. The separate room features a

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ONE ON ONE

Danny Hughes Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton job, from running the Caribbean and Latin America to taking on the role of the Americas commercial director. I moved my family from Miami to McLean, a big change but well worth it because I now have the honor of leading the Americas region.

Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? Chris Nassetta, our chief executive officer. I always admired him, but I really appreciate how he leaned into his values and morals to guide our company through this pandemic and recovery.

THE BASICS

A LITTLE BIT MORE

THE BUSINESS

Name: Danny Hughes Title: Executive vice president and president, Americas Company, city: Hilton; McLean, Virginia First job: I was a chef at my parents’ pub, which led to my first job with this great company as a chef at the London Hilton.

Where to next: Latin America. We have some important hotel owners and new properties to see.

What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Tom Hanks. I got to know him through an event Hilton sponsors in Washington, D.C., with Hidden Heroes. Tom and I recognized we share a mutual passion for this organization. He is a great guy, and what you see in the movies is the way he is.

What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? I’d be in politics as a public servant helping the community, or walking up to the 18th green of Augusta playing against Tiger Woods.

What is your favorite book, movie or television show? I read Be My Guest by Conrad Hilton every few years; it helps ground me in the vision and values critical to Hilton’s foundation. It’s especially important to return to these principles during trying times.

Another favorite is Team of Rivals.

What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? Winston Churchill; he rallied a country during its darkest hours.

What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? Hilton CleanStay and Hilton EventReady: We always had clean and safe properties, but we took this to another level once the pandemic hit to ensure guests’ peace of mind. The programs were built in consultation with the Mayo Clinic and in partnership with RB, the makers of Lysol and Dettol, and focus on high-touch areas and common spaces in our hotels. EventReady brought CleanStay to our meeting spaces, and we talked to customers to develop programs and processes to make them feel comfortable booking meetings again.

What is your favorite aspect of the job? Interacting with people. While I’m grateful for what I learned as a chef, I knew I was made for a career outside of the kitchen because I found the job most interesting when I was not cooking and instead interacting with people.

What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? Accepting a somewhat lateral

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Tell us about a travel nightmare: During 9/11, I was stranded at Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico.

There was an overwhelming feeling of fear and uncertainty. It was difficult being away from my family with no way to get to them, and we had a hotel full of guests sharing the same anxiety. Hilton makes a fundamental promise to give guests a safe and secure place to stay, so we led with our hospitality and ended up not charging them for their rooms.

Share a comical travel experience: Traveling from San José, Costa Rica, the small plane made an unscheduled stop in the middle of nowhere. I had an important call and was not aware this was an extra stop. I got off with no cell service and the plane took off, stranding me in the jungle. I had to walk to a farmhouse to make a call to be rescued.

What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? I still enjoy flying, the thrill of lift off and the power of jet engines. Makes me feel like a little boy again.

What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? It is all about customer service. We had a couple stay at the Conrad Washington, DC during the pandemic as a “replacement” honeymoon for their European vacation. Our general manager, Laura Schofield, and her talented team created a European vacation experience, collecting notes and items from the Hilton hotels in Europe they planned to visit. It meant a great deal to them.

PHOTO: © JOHNNY SHRYOCK

AS A TRAVELER

2021 Trazees Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

AIRLINE BEST

DESTINATION BEST

Favorite International Airline____________________________________________________________

Favorite Country________________________________________________________________________

Favorite Airline Alliance_________________________________________________________________

Favorite Worldwide City_________________________________________________________________

Favorite Aircraft Type___________________________________________________________________

Favorite Honeymoon Destination______________________________________________________

Favorite Airline Website_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program_______________________________________________________ Favorite Low-Cost Carrier_______________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in Africa_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in Asia___________________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in Europe_______________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in Mexico_______________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in the Middle East______________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in North America_______________________________________________________ Favorite Airline in South/Central America______________________________________________ Favorite Green Airline___________________________________________________________________ Favorite Airline App_____________________________________________________________________

Favorite Adventure Destination_________________________________________________________ Favorite Foodie City_____________________________________________________________________ Friendliest City___________________________________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Northeast U.S.___________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Atlantic U.S._________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Southern U.S._______________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Southeast U.S.___________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Florida (East)_____________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Florida (West)____________________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Florida (Panhandle)_____________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Gulf (Alabama/Louisiana)_______________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Texas____________________________________________________________

AIRPORT BEST

Favorite Beach Town, Southern California_____________________________________________

Favorite Overall Airport in the World___________________________________________________

Favorite Beach Town, Northern California______________________________________________

Favorite Airport in Africa________________________________________________________________

Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest________________________________________________

Favorite Airport in Asia__________________________________________________________________

Favorite Beach Town, Hawai’ian Islands (Lanai)________________________________________

Favorite Airport in Europe______________________________________________________________ Favorite Airport in North America______________________________________________________ Favorite Airport in the Middle East_____________________________________________________ Favorite Airport in South/Central America_____________________________________________ Favorite Airport Dining__________________________________________________________________ Favorite Airport Shopping______________________________________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping___________________________________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping in Africa__________________________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping in Asia____________________________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping in Europe________________________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East_______________________________________ Favorite Duty Free Shopping in South/Central America_______________________________

Favorite Beach Town, Hawai’ian Islands (Oahu)________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Hawai’ian Islands (Big Island)____________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Hawai’ian Islands (Kauai)________________________________________ Favorite Beach Town, Hawai’ian Islands (Maui)_________________________________________

OTHER BEST Favorite Car Rental Company___________________________________________________________ Favorite Tour Operator_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Luggage Brand_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Credit Card_____________________________________________________________________ Favorite Cruise Line_____________________________________________________________________

HOTEL BEST Favorite Individual Hotel________________________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Chain____________________________________________________________________ Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain___________________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Website__________________________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Rewards Program_______________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Chain in Asia_____________________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO: Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or fax to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at trazeetravel.com/trazees-2020-voting

Favorite Hotel Chain in Europe_________________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico_________________________________________________________ Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East________________________________________________

Name

Favorite Hotel Chain in South/Central America________________________________________

Street Address

Favorite Green Hotel____________________________________________________________________

City

Favorite Hotel App______________________________________________________________________

Home Phone

State

ZIP Code Email

TECHNOLOGY

Safe and Happy Stay on track this winter with smart devices. BY JACK GUY SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 2 5G Foldable displays have been in the pipeline for years, but Samsung’s first cellphone to feature one, the Galaxy Fold, received terrible reviews after a slew of problems. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 seems to have fixed all those issues, garnering widespread praise in the industry. The screen measures 6.2 inches, folded up, and extends to 7.6 inches, allowing for great multitasking capacities. It has a sturdy, well-made hinge system, and premium materials throughout add to the feeling that this is a serious piece of kit. At this price that might be the least you expect, but Samsung has done a great job making foldable devices a usable reality. $1,999.99. samsung.com

LINK SMART COLLAR

THERAGUN PRIME Whether continuing a training program or getting fit as a New Year’s resolution, recovery is all-important for keen athletes. The Theragun self-massage device promises to help your muscles relax following heavy sessions, getting rid of stiffness and getting you ready to train again. Choose from five motor speeds and four foam attachments to get the right level of massage for specific muscle groups. $299. theragun.com

OCULUS QUEST This VR headset will provide hours of fun over the winter months, and its standalone design means you can use it right out of the box with no extra equipment. Download VR sports such as boxing and golf, or use one of the many travel apps to get a head start on planning trips for when the world gets back to normal. The device adjusts well and even fits over glasses for ease of use. $400. oculus.com

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PHOTOS: © LINKMYPET.COM, © SAMSUNG, © THERAGUN, © OCULUS

This GPS-enabled collar not only allows you to track your dog down if it gets lost, it also tracks how much activity your pooch is getting so you can see if it’s staying fit and healthy. It has an LED light to help you spot your dog after dark, and it can also send alerts to your phone if your dog is too hot or cold. If you’re planning to bring a puppy into your family this Christmas, invest in one of these collars to keep your new family member safe and happy. $59.99. linkmypet.com

Where Business Meets Benefits

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WINE & SPIRITS

Sustainable Dream Domaine Bousquet nurtures the land to produce the finest organic wines.

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BY EUNICE FRIED

hirty years ago, Jean Bousquet, a member of a third-generation winemaking family from Carcassonne in the south of France, visited Argentina. Traveling around the country, he found himself in the Tupungato district of Uco Valley, a high, desolate area 5,250 feet above sea level. A wine professional, he could sense the barren region’s possibilities as a new viticulture area, so much so that when he returned to France, he convinced his family to buy property there. Ten years later, in 2000, the Bousquets planted their first vineyards in Argentina. Five years later they sold their first wine.

Beginning with that first sale, Domaine Bousquet wine has been organic — a rarity at that time in Argentina.

Today, now owned and run by Anne Bousquet, Jean’s daughter, and her husband, Labid Al Ameri, the winery makes 50 percent of its wines from grapes grown on its own 700 acres of vineyards and buys the other half of its needs from neighboring organic growers. From these grapes it produces an average of 350,000 to 400,000 cases a year. Yet few of those cases

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are sold in Argentina. Although the wine is made entirely from Argentine grapes, in Argentina virtually all of Bousquet’s production — up to 98 percent of it — is sold outside of the country. The winery is, in fact, about the 15th-largest exporter in the country.

If not in Argentina, where are Domaine Bousquet wines sold? About 40 percent goes to the United States and Canada.

Another 40 percent sells in Europe, especially northern Europe. And about 20 percent goes to Latin America and Asia.

Argentina’s relatively even climate generally allows grapes to ripen thoroughly and with excellent acidity levels. Domaine Bousquet’s lemon-shaded Reserve Chardonnay 2018, for example, which spent six months in oak, has balanced acidity, an intense fruit bouquet and creamy texture. Its equally well-balanced Virgen 2019, a Malbec, is dark-shaded with a deep, penetrating nose; it received no oak, no sulfites. And Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, with no sulfites added, has an earthy-shaded nose.

All are well-made, organic wines at affordable prices, ranging about $13–18 … the wine lover’s dream.

Family Pride: (Above, left to right) Guillaume Bousquet (Anne’s brother, who handles the European sales), Anne Bousquet, Labid Al Ameri and their daughter; and (left) Virgen 2019 and Reserve Chardonnay 2018 PHOTOS: © DOMAINE BOUSQUET

WEALTH

Commercial Damages

PHOTO: © BLUEXIMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM

Calculate your business’ potential for risk or recovery in the economic restart. BY JOSEPH W. LESOVITZ AND DAVID E. LOMAS

A

s our country moves to open up the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, and as courts begin to reopen, a surge of new litigation is expected. These litigations may include breach of contract disputes such as failure to perform, wage and hour claims for hazard pay, or class action suits for failure to refund payments for canceled events.

With this expected surge in litigation comes the question: How do we quantify recoverable damages? Understanding a business’ potential economic recoveries can drive the decision to pursue litigation or potentially settle a dispute.

This decision requires businesses to consult with legal counsel in order to strategize whether litigation is right for them and, if so, the next steps.

First, a business must secure the documentation needed for economic experts to quantify commercial damages. For breach of contract

disputes, a business may be entitled to recover damages, assuming the business wins its liability argument. Typical compensatory damages for breach of contract matters may be classified as general or consequential damages.

General damages are caused directly by the breach of a contract and include acts like delivering a wrong product. Damages typically include the cost to procure substitute products or services or perhaps other expenses incurred to mitigate the losses, such as transportation or storage expenses.

Consequential damages, also called special damages, are caused by special circumstances not ordinarily predictable by the parties. For example, if a supplier breaches a contract and fails to provide a product on time, a business may be unable to fulfill a customer order. Consequential damages may include lost profits, loss of good will and loss of business reputation.

Any business that decides to litigate should gather information to support its case. A damages expert relies on documents such as the contract, with amendments, between the two parties; historical and current annual financial statements; monthly profit and loss statements; budgets, forecasts or projections done before and after the event; invoices and purchase orders; general ledger accounts; and documentation to support incidental expenses including receipts, invoices, time sheets and advertising costs.

A damages expert utilizes this financial data to quantify consequential damages in the form of lost profits based upon the alleged harm suffered by the plaintiff as a result of a “bad act” allegedly performed by the defendant. Lost profits are the monetary compensation which would place the plaintiff in the same economic position in which it would have been had the bad act failed to occur. Lost profits are determined by quantifying lost revenue and incremental costs.

Lost revenue is the delta between projected revenue “but for” the alleged bad act less actual revenue. A damages expert may rely on different approaches to quantify lost revenue. The before and after method uses financial information before and after the breach of contract to evaluate lost revenue. This approach may utilize management’s projections or forecasts to assist in the calculation. The yardstick or benchmark method uses financial information of a similar business to quantify lost revenue.

Incremental costs are those expenses the business would have incurred to generate the lost revenue and typically include variable and some semi-variable expenses — direct materials, direct labor, commissions, marketing expenses and similar operating expenses.

Ultimately, recoverable damages depend on the nature of the contract, the language in the contract and the specific facts related to the contract breach. A business that understands its avenues of potential recoveries or its exposure to financial risks via litigation will be in an optimal position to manage the success of its overall business.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice.

Always seek the expertise of a certified financial advisor or other qualified provider with any questions you may have regarding personal finance, investment and money-related issues.

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

27

CHEFS

French Flair Chef Bruno Oger takes his culinary talent to Tahiti. BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

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globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE? I would say my guilty pleasure is pot-au-feu, a traditional and familial French dish. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I am not a fan of kiwi, so I don’t use it often in my kitchen. Though “hate” is a strong word, especially when talking about products!

WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY? I would serve seafood, for sure!

Turbot, lobster, abalones, langoustines … .

WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN? It was probably some crêpes.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I think it would be Breton lobster, Guéméné andouille and Armorican buckwheat because of the texture, the cooking, the taste. It’s the essence of Brittany, which is a big part of my cuisine.

WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR? I don’t have any strong feeling about any particular trend. I think every chef has the right to

be inspired by some trends and to see its cuisine evolve during all his or her career, and we have to respect this creative process.

LE LOTUS InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa BP 6014, Fa’a’ā 98702 Tahiti, French Polynesia tel 689 40 86 5110 tahiti.intercontinental.com

PHOTOS: © INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI RESORT & SPA

E

arlier this year, InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa announced a partnership with renowned Chef Bruno Oger, now in charge of the direction at Le Lotus, the resort’s overwater gourmet restaurant. Oger worked on the development of new menus along with Chef Jacques di Guisto and will supervise the execution of new dishes and training of culinary staff.

Oger, recognized as an expert in French haute cuisine, ranks among the most talented cooks in contemporary French cuisine. He has been passionate about cooking since age 12, and that lifelong passion led him to pick up his first Michelin star in 1997 at La Villa des Lys at Le Majestic in Cannes; a second came in 2005. He opened his own restaurant, La Villa Archange, and was awarded two Michelin stars 10 months after its opening.

Hoping to elevate the perception of cuisine in the South Pacific under this new partnership, Le Lotus provides a stunning setting for diners, overlooking neighboring Moorea. A selection of fine French wines complements the menu.

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November 2020 May 2011

Globility

THE SOURCE FOR LUxURY BUSINESS TRAVELERS

ABU DHABI

A HALF-CENTURY OF BUILDING CASTLES

WINE & SPIRITS

ANCHORAGE 68 IN THEp.SAND AUSTIN p. 58 COLORADO SPRINGS p. 62 70 EATING ACROSS AMERICA p.BY IMMORTALIZED NASHVILLE p. 48 PAINTERS AND SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE p. 61 POETS ALIKE SEATTLE p. 54 SKI DESTINATIONS p. 64 TORONTO p. 56 FAMILY BUSINESS UNDISCOVERED U.S. BEACHES p. 72

Savor the Flavor

HANGZHOU

fine vines

Straight or mixed, enjoy the unique spirit of Svedka vodka. BY EUNICE FRIED

S

vedka is a Swedish vodka whose quality outpaces its price. First made by Guillaume Cuvelier in Lidköping, Sweden, in 1998, it arrived in the United States in 2007 through its American owner, Constellation Brands, and has since become the vodka of choice for many American drinkers. Taken by its winning combination of taste and cost, they made it one of the top-selling vodka brands in the United States.

While Svedka is only 22 years old, Sweden remains one of three countries considered the world’s oldest vodka makers, along with Poland and Russia. Svedka is made of Swedish winter wheat — four pounds needed for every bottle — and distilled five times. Like most vodkas, it is bottled straight as well as in a number of fruit forms. Among them are lemon, cherry, strawberry and peach. Straight Svedka contains 40 percent alcohol, while its flavored variations have 35 percent. And while some brands of vodka cost as much as $40–45 for a 750 ml bottle, Svedka

TEL AVIV

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

MEETS ROMANCE IN THE WHITE CITY

I

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.

There is a suggestion of sweet mint and an evocation of orange and peach in Finca La Linda 2009’s ($11) aroma, followed by a relatively full body and excellent balance. Altogether a pleasing, inviting wine.

Finca El Origen Reserva 2009 ($12) is clean, crisp and refreshing, offering a typical Torrontés floral flavor with pear and peach overtones and a gentle reminder of citrus fruits in the mouth. A particularly harmonious wine.

The delightful Pascual Toso 2009 ($15) combines keen fruit flavors, herbal notes and a fresh lemony acidity with a trace of honey and floral tones.

Following its aroma of fresh flowers and ripe fruit, Colomé 2009 ($15) is a graceful wine with citric notes reminiscent of grapefruit.

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. 

To Your Taste: Svedka Vodka, Rosé and Strawberry Guava. Try a Tropical Cooler with 2 parts Svedka Strawberry Guava, 2 parts soda and garnish with fresh sliced strawberries.

PHOTOS: © SVEDKA VODKA, © MAKIDOTVN - DREAMSTIME.COM

ICELAND THE NORTH AMERICA ISSUE ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

www.globaltravelerusa.com

ranges $15–20.

How best to enjoy Svedka? By itself and in as many additions and variations as your imagination allows.

To understand it in its natural state, begin with a small taste of Svedka straight. Chill a bottle in the freezer for a couple of hours or more. (It won’t freeze; it has too much alcohol to do that.) Pour a small amount in a chilled glass.

Sip, slowly — very slowly — savoring each taste. The purpose is not to get drunk but to consider its flavors and enjoy every drop.

For mixing, the possibilities are virtually endless. Pour equal parts of a flavored Svedka and water or soda in a chilled glass and mix well.

Garnish with citrus peels. Or combine 1 ounce each of Svedka vodka and rosé Svedka; 2 ounces grapefruit juice; and ½ ounce each of vanilla syrup, lemon juice and hibiscus tea. Shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.

Perhaps, best of all, create your own Svedka original. Skål!

GLOBALTRAVELERUSA.COM

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globaltravelerusa.com JULY/AUGUST 2020

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Read GT on your iPhone and iPad. The GT app makes it easy to peruse the current issue, search the archives, bookmark favorites and more.

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CRUISING

Holidays at Sea Plan ahead for seasonal and special-occasion sailings.

T

Deck the Halls: Holidays are magical aboard the Disney Fantasy with a nearly three-deck-tall tree in the atrium lobby.

PHOTO: © DISNEY CRUISE LINE

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BY J.D. BROWN AND MARGARET BACKENHEIMER

he general forecast for cruises is perhaps a bit surprising: clear sailing ahead. But buoyed by strict new health protocols and the pent-up demand for vacations at sea, most major cruise lines do indeed expect a full deployment for their fleets in the coming months. Bookings for 2021 are pushing record levels, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 2023 World Cruise is already sold out.

One tempting way to celebrate the return of sea travel is to book a holiday cruise. These voyages-with-a-theme should be booked well ahead of departure, however, when itinerary and onboard options are many and discounts are still available. Christmas season, in particular, is an immensely popular time to sail, with heightened passenger fees to boot. This is when big cruise lines, like big-box stores, are primed to do their biggest business.

Booking Christmas at sea as much as a year in advance is wise.

One luxury operator that knows how to celebrate the holidays is Celebrity Cruises. Its decks, theaters and dining halls quickly transform

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

for Easter, Passover, Halloween, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and, most spectacularly, Christmas and New Year’s sailings. Celebrity’s Christmas holiday cruises, departing mid- to late December, visit not only key Caribbean ports and Mexico but also Chile and Argentina in South America and Vietnam and Thailand in Asia. Santa appears on board for all these cruises, along with carolers, Tannenbaums and holiday-themed shows.

Seabourn also trims its decks in seasonal style for special holidaythemed voyages worldwide. In December 2021, Seabourn offers Christmas cruises from Bali to Auckland, Miami to Los Angeles (via the Panama Canal), Bridgetown to Barbados, Singapore to Hong Kong, Buenos Aires to Santiago, and Sydney to Auckland. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, elegantly decorated for the season (down to sprigs of mistletoe), marks Christmas with cruises in the South Pacific; the Panama Canal; the Western Caribbean; South America; and the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, a 34-day crossing. And every December Cunard Line’s grand RMS Queen Mary II marks the festive season with voyages to Canada and to the

RISING TO THE OCCASION

Caribbean roundtrip from New York City. Carnival Cruise Line does much the same, offering mitten-free, round-trip sailings to the Caribbean from Charleston, South Carolina.

Family note: From a kid’s perspective, nobody out-Disneys Disney Cruise Line, of course. The gingerbread houses are gargantuan; the central Christmas tree rises three decks high; and on Disney’s private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay, passengers can hop on Santa’s wintry sleigh in the heart of the tropics.

Perhaps the most heralded Christmas voyages of all, however, are the Christmas Market river cruises in Europe.

These voyages are best-sellers but, compared to other forms of European tours, not extravagantly priced. Viking River Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways

and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are among the finest operators, giving holiday passengers a wide choice of historic Christmas markets, ports, rivers and inland waterways to explore on the shorelines of the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine, the Loire and more. Christmas Market cruises enable passengers to experience not only traditional open-air seasonal shopping but also castle tours, classical concerts and mulled wine tastings along the way. Crystal River Cruises, an ultra-luxury operator, provides no fewer than 26 Christmas Market cruises each year, with 2021 departures from Vienna, Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest and Vilshofen Nov. 25–Dec. 17.

If every cruise is a holiday, then a cruise during a major holiday can prove the most festive of all.

A cruise is an excellent way to celebrate life’s momentous milestones, from graduations and birthdays to anniversaries, retirements and reunions. Pick a premium or luxury line and a beguiling destination for starters. Then check out cruise lines that provide perks and overthe-top options for passengers celebrating special occasions.

Princess Cruises, the line that hosted the original Love Boat TV series, casts a romantic glow on private celebrations, with packages that zero in on anniversaries, honeymoons, renewal of vows and engagements. Its “Everything but the Proposal” engagement offer ($695), for example, includes the services of a videographer, a specialty restaurant dinner, a side-by-side massage and an in-cabin breakfast. Princess notes anniversary celebrations are the single leading reason passengers cite for a cruise. More than 5 million passengers have celebrated a birthday and more than 10 million have celebrated an anniversary aboard a Princess vessel.

Couples sailing to celebrate special occasions on Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest are often directed to the “Nights in Private Places” offer ($395). Available each night to a single party only, the program unfolds on a private terrace containing a thalassotherapy pool and a daybed with overnight linens for sleeping under the stars. A personal butler pours the Champagne, delivers the canapés, sets the candlelit dinner and, the next day, serves breakfast for two.

’Tis the Season: Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge Grand Plaza Christmas Tree PHOTO: © CELEBRITY CRUISES

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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FEATURE: AIRLINE AND HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Airline of the Year: United Airlines PHOTO: © UNIITED AIRLINES

Best of the Best Global Traveler introduces the 2020 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year. BY MARY MELNICK

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United Airlines

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or the 10th consecutive year, Global Traveler recognizes the best of the best in the industry, naming 2020’s Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year.

Technology and the travel industry constantly evolve, and every travel provider adjusts and strives to keep up to be the best to satisfy travelers’ needs and wishes.

With everything going on this past year, travel paused for a couple of months but is picking back up with new precautions and protocols in place. Now, travelers look for places and companies that handled the pandemic promptly, instilled the best cleaning procedures and continue to follow the ever-changing rules and regulations during this uncertain time.

This year United Airlines and Hilton Hotels exceeded these expectations to stand out among other brands in the industry. Both brands go above and beyond in order to ensure a safe and clean environment for their customers. United and Hilton listened to guests’ and passengers’ concerns, adapting and making changes in order to instill confidence in returning to travel.

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

To award the prestigious honor each year, a select group of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members choose the winners through a series of considerations and factors. They look at each nominee’s financial information, performance records, loading and boarding time, safety procedures, onboard menus and overall image as a brand.

UNITED AIRLINES AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2020 In 1926 Walter T. Varney started Varney Airlines, which soon became United Airlines. On April 6, 1926, Leon Cuddeback piloted United’s first flight from Pasco, Washington, to Boise, Idaho, in a Swallow biplane.

In 1984 United Airlines became the first to fly to all 50 states with the addition of new routes to Wyoming and Mississippi. United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS and Thai International founded Star Alliance in 1997, the first global airline alliance.

United continued as one of the top airlines, dedicated to updating its services and customer experience throughout the changing industry.

In 2016 United introduced its most significant update in years, United Polaris. The premium service features a reimagined pre-flight lounge experience, spacious onboard seating with abundant storage, new amenities and dining options, privacy for a restful sleep and more.

United Airlines is currently focused on its policies and cleaning techniques to make sure it’s safe for passengers to fly. In May United announced United CleanPlus, its partnership with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic, bringing together the most trusted brand in surface

disinfection, Clorox, and the country’s top medical professionals to help guide its new cleaning, safety and social distancing protocols.

These days, the only constant in our lives is change. In recognition of that reality, United Airlines recently announced it permanently eliminated change fees on all economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the United States. “Change is inevitable these days — but it’s how we respond to it that matters most. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request,” said Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines.

United Airlines responded to the current pandemic, from changing cleaning policies and adding a mandatory onboard mask policy to eliminating fees and offering rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers on select flights. In recognition of this dedication, we are pleased to name United Airlines Airline of the Year 2020.

HILTON HOTELS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2020 It all started in 1919, when Conrad Hilton bought his first hotel. Since then, Hilton led the industry with an innovative approach to products, amenities and service.

Hilton stands as the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality, working hard to create the best overall experience for guests.

Since its inception, Hilton incorporated innovation into its properties. In 1927 Hilton opened Hilton Waco, the first Hilton hotel with running water and air-conditioning. In 1947 the Roosevelt Hilton in New York was the first hotel to put televisions in guestrooms.

Hilton was the first brand to introduce a multi-hotel reservation system, in 1948, jump-starting the modernday reservation system. And in 2008 Hilton Vancouver Washington made history as the first hotel to earn both LEED and Green Seal certification. These are just a few of Hilton’s many firsts and reasons it has stood at the top of the industry for years.

Operating properties in more than 100 countries and territories, the Hilton portfolio includes 18 distinct brands offering a variety of ideal experiences for all types of travelers and occasions.

With COVID-19 threatening the travel industry for most of the year, Hilton has worked hard, listening to customers’ needs in order to make them feel safe and comfortable while staying at any of its properties. All properties increased the frequency of cleaning public areas, use hospital-grade disinfectant and set up hand sanitizer dispensers around the properties. Hilton teamed with RB, the maker of Lysol and Dettol, for its new Hilton CleanStay program. Guests can expect contactless check-in and check-out, guestroom access with a digital key using the Hilton Honors app, disinfecting wipes in all guestrooms and more.

Throughout the pandemic, Hilton has shown commitment not only to its guests but also its employees by connecting displaced team members to short-term jobs created by the pandemic.

Hilton realizes travelers are eager to get back to exploring the world and recently joined the “Let’s Go There” campaign. This campaign encourages travelers to plan for a future vacation and lets them know the travel industry will be there for them when they are ready to come back. Over the next couple of months, Hilton commits to helping travelers plan their dream future vacation and make memories of a lifetime.

We are delighted to recognize Hilton’s commitment to service with the designation of Hotel of the Year 2020.

Hilton Hotels Hotel of the Year: Hilton Hotels PHOTOS: © HILTON HOTELS

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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FEATURE: GT TESTED READER SURVEY AWARDS Best European Hotel Chain: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts PHOTO: © ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

Greatest Show on Earth Global Traveler applauds the winners of the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards.

S

tep right up to the greatest show on Earth!

Yes, 2020 has been a bit of a circus, disrupting life as we know it, especially our beloved travel. But travel remains the greatest show on Earth, taking us to people and places around the globe that will forever change, shape and educate us. And now more than ever, the travel industry is pivoting to reshape the experience in the safest and healthiest way while staying true to the essence of

34

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

travel at its core.

With all that said, welcome to the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards! We know where to look for experience, especially in times of uncertainty, 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 admire the high-flying

BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

acts of the winners in our 17th annual survey.

On this year’s roster of performers is a who’s who of the travel industry’s best and brightest, and we begin by welcoming airlines into the big top.

This year United Airlines takes top honors as Best Overall Airline in the World, stealing the title from five-time winner Singapore Airlines. United Airlines’ MileagePlus program earned three awards this year: Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program for

Best Airline in North America, Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness and Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption: Air Canada PHOTO: © AIR CANADA

Best Airline Lounges: Delta Sky Club PHOTO: © DELTA SKY CLUB

Best Airport in North America and Best Airport Dining: Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Best Lifestyle Hotel: Andaz

PHOTO: © EQ ROY | DREAMSTIME.COM

PHOTO: © ANDAZ

the 17th consecutive year; Best Frequent-Flyer EliteLevel Program for its Premier Executive IK level; and Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program, for the eighth year in a row. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines won its first Best Business-Class Seat Design accolade.

Picking up its impressive 11th consecutive win as Best Airline Alliance is oneworld. Oneworld member American Airlines flies home with a number of awards this year: Best Airline Website (aa.com), fourth consecutive year; Fastest-Growing Airline, TransPacific, four years running; Best Airline for Domestic First Class, sixth year in a row; Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service (AAdvantage) for the third year in a row; and Best Airline App, also for the third time.

The two-time Best Aircraft Type, Airbus A350, is flown by, among others, Best Airline for International First Class winner Cathay Pacific Airways. The Hong

Kong-based carrier also wins Best Flight Attendant Uniforms.

Taking the category for the second year in a row, Delta Sky Club is Best Airline Lounges. And sweeping its categories for every year of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards’ existence is Asiana Airlines, Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants, both for the 17th time. Etihad Airways is a double winner this year for Best Airline Cuisine and Best Airline in the Middle East.

EL AL Israel Airlines takes its 14th consecutive nod as Best Airline for Security. All Nippon Airways soars away with three awards this year: Best FirstClass Seat Design, Best Trans-Pacific Airline and Best Airline to Japan.

Especially important this year, Air Canada is the inaugural winner of Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness.

THE VOTING PROCESS Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awardsballot from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020. 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.

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE Best Overall Airline in the World 1. United Airlines 2. Etihad Airways 3. Singapore Airlines

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms and Best Airline for International First Class: Cathay Pacific Airways PHOTO: © CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Best Airline Alliance 1. oneworld 2. Star Alliance 3. SkyTeam

Best Business-Class Seat Design: Singapore Airlines PHOTO: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Best Aircraft Type 1. Airbus A350 2. Boeing 787 3. Boeing 777

Best Airline Website 1. aa.com 2. delta.com 3. united.com

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific

Best Airline in North Asia: China Airlines

1. American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Japan Airlines

PHOTO: © BYEOLSAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best First-Class Seat Design and Best Trans-Pacific Airline: All Nippon Airways PHOTO: © ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS CO., LTD.

Best Airline for Business Class 1. Turkish Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline for International First Class 1. Cathay Pacific Airways 2. Etihad Airways 3. Emirates

Best Airline for Domestic First Class 1. American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines

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The carrier to our North also wins Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption for Air Canada Aeroplan and Best Airline in North America for the second year in a row.

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers goes to Turkish Airlines Corporate Club for the third consecutive year, while Turkish Airlines wins for Best Airline for Business Class and takes home its fifth win for Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents.

We round out our airline winners with a geographic breakdown of the best of the best: Avianca, Best Airline to South America; Aeromexico, Best Airline in Mexico, 11th consecutive year; Air Tahiti Nui, three-time Best Airline in the South Pacific; TAP Air Portugal with its 10th win as Best Airline in Europe (TAP also won Best Trans-Atlantic Airline); Aeroflot, Best Airline in Eastern Europe; Ethiopian Airlines, Best Airline in Africa; China

Airlines, Best Airline in North Asia, eight consecutive years; and Air India, Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India, seven years in a row.

Next up in the ring is a collection of the best global gateways. Let’s start with Best Overall Airport in the World, with Singapore Changi Airport winning for the fifth consecutive year. The airport also claimed its fourth title as Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia.

Drumroll, please! For the 17th year in a row, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is Best Airport in North America. It is also taking its first win as Best Airport Dining. Around the United States, other award-winning airports include Miami International Airport, two-time Best Airport Shopping; and Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California, three-time FastestGrowing U.S. Airport.

Best Airline for Onboard Service 1. Asiana Airlines 2. Emirates 3. Turkish Airlines

Best Airline Lounges

1. Delta Sky Club 2. American Airlines Admirals Club 3. United Polaris Club

Best Airline for Flight Attendants Best Airline Cuisine and Best Airline in the Middle East: Etihad Airways PHOTO: © ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Fastest-Growing Airline, Trans-Pacific; Best Airline for Domestic First Class; Best Airline Website; Best Airline App; and Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service: American Airlines PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

1. Asiana Airlines 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Etihad Airways

Best Flight Attendant Uniforms 1. Cathay Pacific Airways 2. Emirates 3. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline Cuisine 1. Etihad Airways 2. Turkish Airlines 3. Alitalia

Best Airline for Security 1. EL AL Israel Airlines 2. Swiss International Air Lines 3. British Airways

Best First-Class Seat Design 1. All Nippon Airways 2. Cathay Pacific Airways 3. Singapore Airlines

Best Business-Class Seat Design 1. Singapore Airlines 2. Alitalia 3. Asiana Airlines

Elsewhere around the globe, we have Incheon International Airport, taking its fourth win as Best Airport in Asia; Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, scoring a three-peat as Best Airport in Europe; and El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá as Best Airport in South America for the third year in a row. In the Middle East, Hamad International Airport is Best Airport in the Middle East, four years running, while Dubai Duty Free earns its 14th Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World title.

Polish educator Janusz Korczak is noted as saying, “Life is a circus ring, with some moments more spectacular than others.” And we know what’s among the most spectacular: our hotel winners.

InterContinental Hotels Group outperforms in two categories: Best International Hotel Chain, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts; and Best Hotel Rewards

Program in the World, IHG Rewards Club, for 16 consecutive years. Its IHG Business Edge program picks up its second nod as Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program.

With so many hotel brands under the Marriott International umbrella, it’s no surprise a number of them are racking up awards this year. First up is The RitzCarlton, Best Domestic Hotel Chain for the sixth year in a row. Three awards go to Marriott Bonvoy, the rewards program. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite wins Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program for the second consecutive year, while Marriott Bonvoy is Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption and Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service (third consecutive year). For the fifth time, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is Best European Hotel Chain.

Lotte Hotels takes an impressive three awards this

Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers 1. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club 2. American Airlines Business Extra 3. United PerksPlus

Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness 1. Air Canada 2. United Airlines 3. American Airlines

Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program 1. United MileagePlus 2. Air Canada Aeroplan 3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

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Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program

Best Airport in the Middle East: Hamad International Airport, Doha

1. United MileagePlus Premier Executive 1K 2. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion

PHOTO: © TYPHOONSKI | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program

1. United MileagePlus 2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption

1. Air Canada Aeroplan 2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Southwest Airlines Rapid Returns

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service

1. American Airlines AAdvantage 2. United MileagePlus 3. Air Canada Aeroplan

Best Airline in North America 1. Air Canada 2. American Airlines 3. United Airlines

Best Airline to South America 1. Avianca 2. Aerolineas Argentinas 3. LATAM Airlines Group

Best Airline in Mexico 1. Aeromexico 2. Interjet 3. VivaAerobus

Best Airport in Asia: Incheon International Airport

Best Airline in the South Pacific 1. Air Tahiti Nui 2. Fiji Airways 3. Air New Zealand

Best Airline in Europe 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. British Airways 3. Austrian Airlines

Best Airline in Eastern Europe 1. Aeroflot 2. LOT Polish Airlines 3. S7 Airlines

Best Airline in Africa 1. Ethiopian Airlines 2. Royal Air Maroc 3. South African Airways

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PHOTO: © PRATHAN KEAWKHUM | DREAMSTIME.COM

year: Best MICE Hotel for the sixth year for Lotte Hotel Seoul, also the nine-time Best Hotel in South Korea winner. SIGNIEL Seoul – Lotte Tower is Best Hotel in Asia.

Andaz returns to the winners’ list with its Best Lifestyle Hotel nod. Hilton shows it’s twice as nice with wins for Best Hotel Website, hilton.com, and Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program, Hilton Honors. The Hilton Hotels app earned its second win as Best Hotel App. Two winners take their 10th honors: The Peninsula Beverly Hills is Best Hotel in the United States, and Fiesta Americana is Best Hotel Chain in Mexico. Rounding out our hotel winners, we have Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East for the third consecu-

tive year, and another three-time victor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Best Hotel in the Middle East.

As we continue to tell the story of the world’s greatest show, we wrap up our long list of honorees with travel products, service providers, destinations and credit cards.

For the fifth year in a row, Volvo drives away with the Best Overseas Delivery Program win. Also in the automotive sector, Enterprise wins the prize of Best Rental Car Company, and The Parking Spot takes its second consecutive Best Airport Parking nod.

Whether your first visit or 20th, make sure Spain, Best Tourism Destination, and Seoul, Best MICE City for the sixth year in a row, are on your list to visit as soon as possible. Taking it for the 10th time, Boingo Wireless

Best Airline in the Middle East 1. Etihad Airways 2. Emirates 3. Qatar Airways

Best Airline in North Asia (excluding China) 1. China Airlines 2. Asiana Airlines 3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airline in Central/ South Asia & India 1. Air India 2. Indigo 3. SpiceJet

Best Airline to Japan Best Overall Airport in the World and Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia: Singapore Changi Airport PHOTO: © SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT

Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India: Air India PHOTO: © BANOL2007 | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Airline to Japan : All Nippon Airways PHOTO: © RICHAIR | DREAMSTIME.COM

1. All Nippon Airways 2. Japan Airlines 3. United Airlines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. American Airlines 3. United Airlines

Best Trans-Pacific Airline 1. All Nippon Airways 2. Cathay Pacific Airways 3. Singapore Airlines

Best Overall Airport in the World 1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Hamad International Airport, Doha 3. Incheon International Airport

Best Airport in North America

celebrates as Best WiFi Service. It looks to Briggs & Riley, Best Luggage Brand, for inspiration, as 2020 marks its 11th consecutive win.

Cha-ching! Purchase travel and rack up the miles, points, extras and bonuses with these credit card winners.

We begin with the United Club Infinite Card from Chase, winning Best Overall Credit Card, Best Credit Card Rewards Program and Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions. The United Explorer Card from Chase celebrates its eighth Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions win. Inside Access from Chase is Best Credit Card Special Events.

Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards won a bevy of acknowledgments this year. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase enjoys its ninth consecutive win as Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card, with its

sights firmly set on win No. 10 in 2021. And triple-threat Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express won Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions, two years running; Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits, second year in a row; and Best FrequentStay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions.

We’ve come to our last three winners: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, with its ninth win as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card and also winning as Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits; AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays, Best Small-Business Credit Card; and Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays, Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card for the third year in a row.

Each year, we also honor those winners who success-

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2. Miami International Airport 3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Best Airport in Asia

1. Incheon International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Best Airport in Europe

1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 2. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 3. Zürich Kloten International Airport

Best Airport in the Middle East 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Abu Dhabi International Airport

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Best Airport in South America

1. El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá 2. Jorge Chávez International Airport 3. Quito International Airport

Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport: Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California PHOTO: © ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRORT

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents 1. Turkish Airlines 2. Cathay Pacific Airways 3. United Airlines

Best Airport Dining

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2. Hamad International Airport, Doha 3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Best Airport Shopping

1. Miami International Airport 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport

1. Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California 2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 3. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World

1. Dubai Duty Free 2. Incheon International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha

Best Duty-Free Shopping in Asia

Best Hotel in South Korea and Best MICE Hotel : LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

Best Domestic Hotel Chain: The Ritz-Carlton PHOTO: © THE RITZ-CARLTON

PHOTO: © LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS

1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Incheon International Airport 3. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Best International Hotel Chain 1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2. The Ritz-Carlton 3. The Peninsula Hotels

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

1. The Ritz-Carlton 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Four Seasons

Best Lifestyle Hotel 1. Andaz 2. Moxy 3. Aloft Hotels

Best MICE Hotel

1. Lotte Hotel Seoul 2. Hyatt Regency Incheon 3. Aspen Meadows Resort

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fully won the same awards for five and 10 consecutive years by inducting them into our Quint Status and Hall of Fame, respectively.

Our 2020 Quint Status winners, celebrating five-time wins, are Singapore Changi Airport, Best Overall Airport in the World; Turkish Airlines, Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Best European Hotel Chain; and Volvo, Best Overseas Delivery Program.

Our 2020 Hall of Fame winners, celebrating 10 consecutive years topping their category, are TAP Air Portugal, Best Airline in Europe; The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Best Hotel in the United States; Fiesta Americana, Best Hotel Chain in Mexico; and Boingo Wireless, Best WiFi Service.

In a year of uncertainty, we seek adaptability, reliability, consistency and strength, and while 2020 underperformed in many areas, it offered this year’s winners a stage to show us what they are made of. Congratulations to this year’s winners. We know 2021 will deliver us a shiny ticket to once again participate in the greatest show on Earth in a fully re-opened world.

Best Hotel in Asia: SIGNIEL Seoul – Lotte Tower PHOTO: © LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS

Best Hotel in the Middle East: Burj Al Arab Jumierah PHOTO: © SALETOMIC | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Hotel Website 1. hilton.com 2. marriott.com 3. ihg.com

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World 1. IHG Rewards Club 2. Hilton Honors 3. Marriott Bonvoy

Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program 1. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite 2. World of Hyatt Platinum 3. Hilton Honors Diamond

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program 1. Hilton Honors 1. Le Club Accor 3. IHG Rewards Club

Best MICE City: Seoul PHOTO: © PANYA KHAMTUY | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption 1. Marriott Bonvoy 2. IHG Rewards Club 3. World of Hyatt

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service 1. Marriott Bonvoy 2. Le Club AccorHotels 3. IHG Rewards Club

Best Hotel in the United States 1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills 2. The Breakers Palm Beach 3. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

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Best Hotel in Asia

Best European Hotel Chain

Best Tourism Destination

Best Hotel in South Korea

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico

Best MICE City

Best Hotel in the Middle East

Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East

Best Overseas Delivery Program

1. SIGNIEL Seoul – Lotte Tower 2. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei 3. The Peninsula Bangkok

1. Lotte Hotel Seoul 2. SIGNIEL Seoul – Lotte Tower 3. The Plaza Seoul

1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah 2. One&Only Royal Mirage 3. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel

1. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. The Ritz-Carlton

1. Fiesta Americana 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Hotels

1. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts 2. The Ritz-Carlton 3. The Address Hotels + Resorts

1. Spain 2. Italy 3. Ireland

1. Seoul 2. Abu Dhabi 3. Singapore

1. Volvo 2. Porsche 3. Mercedes-Benz

Best Car Rental Company 1. Enterprise 2. Hertz 3. Avis

Best Airport Parking 1. The Parking Spot 2. Wally Park 3. ParkRideFly

Best WiFi Service 1. Boingo Wireless 2. AT&T Wireless 3. Verizon Wireless

Best Luggage Brand 1. Briggs & Riley 2. Tumi 3. Travelpro

Best Hotel App

1. Hilton Hotels 2. Marriott Hotels 3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Best Airline App 1. American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines

Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program

1. IHG Business Edge 2. Delta Edge 3. American Airlines BusinessExtra

Best Overall Credit Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card

1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase 2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express 3. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Chase United Club Infinite Card 2. United Explorer Card from Chase 3. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express

1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express 2. Hilton Honors Card from American Express 3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase

Best Small-Business Credit Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays 2. United Explorer Business Card 3. American Express Business Platinum

1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase 3. Hilton Honors Card from American Express

Best Credit Card Special Events

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. Inside Access from Chase 2. Citi Entertainment 3. MasterCard Priceless Cities

Best Credit Cards Rewards Program

1. Chase United Club Infinite Card 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase 3. Membership Rewards Program from American Express

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1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card from American Express 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Card from Chase 3. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card 1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard 3. Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Chase United Club Infinite Card 2. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard 3. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. 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

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. United Explorer Card from Chase 2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 3. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card

1. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays 2. Royal Caribbean Visa Credit Card from Bank of America 3. Carnival World Mastercard from Barclays

V QUIN TATUS TS Best Airline in North Asia

QUINT STATUS China Airlines

2020 Year Fifth Consecutive

2017

Best Overall Airport in the World

Best Overseas Delivery Program: Volvo

Singapore Changi Airport

PHOTO: © VOLVO

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents Turkish Airlines

Best European Hotel Chain St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents: Turkish Airlines PHOTO: © TURKISH AIRLINES

Best Overseas Delivery Program Volvo

Best Hotel in the United States: The Peninsula Beverly Hills PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS

Best Luggage Brand

HALL OF&FAME Briggs Riley 2020

10th Consecutive Year

2019

Best Airline in Europe TAP Air Portugal

Best Hotel in the United States The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico Fiesta Americana

Best WiFi Service Boingo Wireless

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico: Fiesta Americana PHOTO: © FIESTA AMERICANA

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Global Airport Industry Leading Value Creator

Incheon International Airport is leaping forward as a Global Leading Value Creator that creates new values.

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Wines on the Wing 2020 Raise a glass to the winners of GT’s 17th annual Wines on the Wing airline wine competition. BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK

H

osting a wine tasting event at a brewery in Bristol, Pennsylvania, may seem like a departure from our usual Wines on the Wing airline wine competition, typically hosted in New York City, but what has 2020 been if not a true test of adaptability?

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Like so many events this year, Global Traveler’s 17th annual Wines on the Wing airline wine competition was postponed many times. As our team planned and replanned, our event finally took shape at Odd Logic Brewery, owned and operated by Tim Shaw. Mentioning Shaw’s name anywhere in the area is sure to be followed

with a variation of “I know him; he’s a great guy!” And Odd Logic is a great local business and refreshingly laid-back venue.

To participate in the competition, airlines from around the world operating long-haul international first-class service and/or business-class service are invited to submit two white wines, two red wines and one Champagne or sparkling wine featured on their in-flight wine lists. The same rules apply to our smaller North American category, including airlines boasting first-class and/or business-class services beginning and ending in North America.

Once competing airlines submit paperwork, menus and samples — no easy feat even before a global pandemic — all wines are coded and divided into flights, or categories. The submissions are then organized for the blind tasting, in which wines are poured into numbered glasses, the identity never revealed to the judges.

On the day of the event, our judges each sat at their own private table and were presented with coded wine samples. They never saw the actual bottle from which they were tasting. Each judge scored the samples they tasted on a 20-point scale, including notable attributes of appearance, nose and palate.

The judges’ individual scores were then totaled and averaged in each category. Individual wines with the highest scores — and the airlines with the highest total scores — win Wines on the Wing awards. Most of this year’s competing airlines belong to one of three airline alliances. The alliance whose members collectively earned the highest average score this year is, again, oneworld.

In our most competitive category, Best International Business Class, LATAM Airlines came out the winner, with the highest overall score in the grouping.

“Our commitment to our passengers is to always curate the best wines of the region. Héctor Vergara (the only Master Sommelier in South America), over the last 25 years tasting wines for LATAM, has acquired great expertise on which are the best wines to enjoy at 30,000 feet. Last year, after tasting more than 600 bottles, we selected an outstanding cellar for our premium customer experience. At LATAM we receive with great pride this award by Global Traveler,” said Felipe Gutierrez, chef, LATAM Airlines.

LATAM Airlines’ wine scored well consistently in both the individual Champagne/sparkling, white and red wine categories — easily claiming the highest average score in the class category but not enough to claim a top spot per wine sample. The first-place award for Champagne/sparkling wine actually went to American Airlines for its standout nonvintage Cattier Brut Icône Champagne. The judges noted the Champagne’s light taste, fruity notes and dry but refreshing finish.

LATAM Airlines did find a No. 1 spot in the white wine category of the International Business-Class grouping with its Viña Aquitania Sol de Sol 2017 Sauvignon Blanc from Traiguen, Malleco Valley, Chile. The judges noted the wine’s crisp, clean fruit flavors and surprising

WINNERS’ CIRCLE Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing American Airlines

Best International First-Class Champagne/Sparkling Wine

All Nippon Airways, Champagne Billecart-Salmon 2008 Champagne

Best International First-Class White Wine

American Airlines, Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Les Caillottes 2018 Loire Valley

Best International First-Class Red Wine

American Airlines, Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Napa Valley

Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing

hint of pepper.

The red wine category showcased a newcomer to the competition’s recent years, Icelandair’s high-scoring Quinta do Crasto 2015 Superior Syrah from Douro, Portugal. Claiming the category’s No. 1 spot, the Syrah presented a strong start and full body with hints of blackberry and dark chocolate aftertaste, according to the judges.

No stranger to the winners’ circle, American Airlines took the lead in the Best International First-Class competition, claiming the top spot in the category with the highest overall average in the class grouping.

“Global Traveler’s support of the travel and tourism industry is valued by so many. It’s an honor to be recognized for our dedicated team of wine experts and their thoughtful partnership with Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. We take great pride in offering our customers carefully selected wines that represent the unique regions and flavors our customers enjoy,” said Raphael Girardoni, managing director, Onboard Dining & Service, American Airlines.

American Airlines also won first place for individual wines featured in the white- and red-wine categories.

Pascal Jolivet 2018 Sancerre Les Caillottes from the Loire Valley and Whitehall Lane’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley each won top spots for white and red wines, respectively.

As for the No. 1 Champagne/sparkling wine in the International First-Class grouping, All Nippon Airways took top honors with its Champagne Billecart-Salmon 2008, a classic and complex vintage noted by the judges as

clean, tart and dry.

Nearly sweeping the entire North American category of the competition, Aeromexico claimed the lead with the highest overall score for the group.

“We are very proud and grateful to receive this recognition, which for the Aeromexico team is an incentive and commitment to continue working to provide our customers with the best service on board, allowing them to enjoy an unbeatable travel experience,” said Antonio Fernandez, senior vice president, On Board Product, Aeromexico.

Aeromexico dominated the Champagne and white wine categories of the North American competition, with its Jacquart Brut Champagne NV coming in first place, as judges noted the Champagne to be “a winner” offering “great flavor,” as well as its Duckhorn 2017 Decoy Chardonnay from Sonoma County taking first place for white wines. This award-winning bottle was found “best of the lot” as well as oaky but not overpowering and with a sweet, clean finish.

Blocking Aeromexico from sweeping the category is American Airlines, winning No. 1 in the red wine category with its Domaine Drouhin 2016 Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills in Oregon. Judges found this sample surprising and balanced — something we could also say about the overall results of the Wines on the Wing airline wine competition.

Where there’s great wine, there’s a way, and our competing airlines certainly proved their determination and staying power through one of the most challenging times in our industry. To the winners and all competitors, cheers! This has certainly been a year to remember.

LATAM Airlines

Best International Business-Class Champagne/Sparkling Wine

American Airlines, Cattier Brut Icône Champagne, NV, Champagne

Best International Business-Class White Wine LATAM, Viña Aquitania Sol del Sol Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Traiguen, Malleco Valley, Chile

Best International Business-Class Red Wine

Icelandair, Quinta do Crasto Superior Syrah 2015, Douro Valley

Best North American Wines on the Wing Aeromexico

Best North American Champagne/Sparkling Wine

Aeromexico, Jacquart Brut Champagne, NV, Champagne

Best North American White Wine

Aeromexico, Duckhorn Wine Company Decoy Chardonnay 2017 Sonoma County

Best North American Red Wine

American Airlines, Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2016 Dundee Hills, Oregon

Best Alliance Wines on the Wing oneworld

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FEATURE | LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS Best Leisure Destination For Groups (four or more): Cabo San Lucas, Mexico PHOTO:: © PATRICIA MARROQUIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Cruise Line Entertainment and Best Cruise Ship Excursions: Princess Cruises PHOTO: © PRINCESS CRUISES

Celebrate Good Times Global Traveler recaps the winners of the 2020 Leisure Lifestyle Awards. BY KIMBERLY KROL

T

here’s no doubt 2020 has been an unprecedented year for the travel industry.

As borders begin to reopen and destinations, hotels and airlines around the world prepare to welcome travelers once again, we’re celebrating travel and looking to the future as we congratulate the winners of our eighth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

This annual survey honors the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines and cruises.

Join us as we celebrate travel, the world’s greatest unifier, and consider the following winners as you prepare to come back to the world of leisure travel.

We begin our global celebration with our destination winners, some of the best cities, islands and towns around the world offering the ultimate in leisure travel. Kick back in any of these exceptional, award-winning spots, starting with Spain, Best Historical Attractions, International, and Phila-

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delphia, Pennsylvania, Best Historical Attractions, Domestic (and the hometown city of Global Traveler!).

If it’s more rest and relaxation you seek, Costa Rica takes the top spot for Best Beaches for the third year running. The U.S. Virgin Islands are Best Caribbean Island, while Santoríni retains its Best Island in Europe title for the seventh consecutive year. Cook Islands, another fan favorite, wins Best Island Pacific Rim for the fifth year in a row, also earning it Quint Status, a recognition won when a company or destination receives the same award for five consecutive years.

Maybe you prefer powdery white snow to soft white sand? Telluride, Colorado, is Best North American Ski Destination for the second year in a row, while Lech, Austria, reigns as Best International Ski Destination.

Consider these other award-winning respites for your next jaunt: Charleston, South Carolina, Best Leisure Destination in the United States; South Africa, Best Leisure

Destination in Africa; Seville, Spain, Best Leisure Destination in Europe; Taipei, Taiwan, three-time Best Leisure Destination in Asia; Panama City, Panama, Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America; Puerto Vallarta, Best Leisure Destination in Mexico; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Best Leisure Destination for Groups. South Africa appears on the survey twice, also winning Best Adventure Destination, International. Its domestic counterpart is Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Best Adventure Destination, Domestic. For a quicker leisure trip, Savannah, Georgia, wins Best Weekend Destination in North America, and Bermuda is Best Weekend Destination in the World.

Set sail with us as we celebrate our cruise line winners, starting with Celebrity Cruises, Best Family Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. Silversea Cruises takes its third win as Best Cruise Line Suites for its Owner’s Suite.

Regent Seven Seas is Best Luxury Cruise Line, while Royal Caribbean International is the inaugural winner of

Best Leisure Destination in Africa and Best Adventure Destination, International: South Africa PHOTO: © WITR | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Cruise Port

WINNERS’ Port Everglades 2020 CIRCLE Cruise Line of the Year 2020 Cunard Line

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Best Historical Attractions, International Spain

Best Beaches Costa Rica

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic Albuquerque, New Mexico

Best Adventure Destination, International South Africa

Best Value Cruise Line.

Find adventure on the high seas with Hurtigruten, Best Adventure Cruise Line. Or take to a smaller body of water with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Best River Cruise Line for the third consecutive year.

Our readers recommend Paul Gauguin Cruises, the fivetime winner of Best Small-Ship Cruise Line. Its fifth win earns it a place among Quint Status winners, as does Cunard’s fifth win for Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. Princess Cruises joins them with its fifth win for Best Cruise Ship Excursions. The line also nabs Best Cruise Line Entertainment for the second year in a row.

Seabourn Cruise Line takes its second nod as Best Cruise Line Spas. For dining, the accolades go to Azamara Club Cruises, Best Cruise Line Dining. Oceania Club by Oceania Cruises earns Best Cruise Line Rewards Program. Rounding out the cruise category, Port of Miami and Port Everglades tie for Best Cruise Port.

The party continues with our hotel winners. Meliá Hotels International is a six-time winner for Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World. For the first time, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts snags the Best Pet-Friendly Hotel award.

Best Hotel Chain Resorts goes to The Ritz-Carlton for the second time in a row, and Westin Hotels & Resorts grabs its fourth Best Family Resort Chain in the World. And last but

certainly not least, Sandals Resorts International earns its third win for Best All-Inclusive Resorts.

Keep the fete up at these airports and with these winning airlines. Miami International Airport welcomes travelers to one of the premier U.S. leisure destinations as Best Airport for Layovers. Another spot welcoming plenty of leisure-seekers, Colorado’s Denver International Airport is Best Airport for Recreation.

Three airlines earn their second consecutive nods: TAP Air Portugal, Best Stopover Program; Air Tahiti Nui, Best Leisure Airline; and Air Canada, Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment and Best Premium Economy Class. Air Canada’s business class also wins Best Airline Onboard Menu. Alaska Airlines is Best Pet-Friendly Airline.

Before we turn the lights up and end the party, we recognize Abercrombie & Kent, Best Tour Operator for the second consecutive year; Volvo, Best Luxury Vehicle, second year in a row; Patek Philippe, Favorite Luxury Watch Brand, two years running; Hertz, Best Leisure Car Rental for the third year; Na Hoku, inaugural winner for Best Destination Jewelry Brand; and Johnnie Walker Blue, Favorite Liquor Brand for the third consecutive year.

Congratulations to the 2020 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners! We can’t wait to celebrate travel together, around the world, once again.

Best Leisure Destination in the United States Charleston, South Carolina

Best Leisure Destination in Africa

South Africa

Best Leisure Destination in Europe Seville, Spain

Best Leisure Destination in Asia Taipei, Taiwan

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/ South America Panama City, Panama

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (four or more) Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Best Weekend Destination in North America Savannah, Georgia

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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Best River Cruise Line

Best Leisure Airline

Best Cruise Line Entertainment

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment

Princess Cruises

Air Canada

Best Cruise Line Dining

Best Airline Onboard Menu

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Outstanding Social Responsibility: The Ritz-Carlton PHOTO: © THE RITZ-CARLTON

Best Cruise Port WINNERS’ Port Everglades CIRCLE 2020

Best Weekend Destination in the World Bermuda

Outstanding Customized Services: Tahiti Tourisme PHOTO: © TAHITI TOURISME

Best North American Ski Destination Telluride, Colorado

Best International Ski Destination Lech, Austria

Air Canada

Best Pet-Friendly Airline

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program

Best Luxury Vehicle

Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises

Volvo

Best Cruise Port (tie)

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand

Meliá Hotels International

Alaska Airlines

Patek Philippe

Best Leisure Car Rental Hertz

Best Destination Jewelry Brand

Cook Islands

The Ritz-Carlton

Na Hoku

Best Family Cruise Line

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel

Favorite Liquor Brand

Celebrity Cruises

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Best Luxury Cruise Line

Best Family Resort Chain in the World

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line Suites

Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best All-Inclusive Resorts Sandals Resorts International

Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises

Best Tour Operator

Best Adventure Cruise Line

Best Airport for Layovers

Abercrombie & Kent

Hurtigruten

Miami International Airport

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line

Best Airport for Recreation

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Denver International Airport

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line

Best Stopover Program

Cunard Line

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

Best Premium Economy Class

Best Hotel Chain Resorts

Best Value Cruise Line

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Air Canada Business Class

Princess Cruises

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World

Regent Seven Seas

PHOTO: © QATAR AIRWAYS

Best Cruise Ship Excursions

Best Island in Europe

Best Island in the Pacific Rim

Outstanding Innovations: Qatar Airways QSuite

Seabourn Cruise Line

Port of Miami, Florida Port Everglades, Florida

Santoríni

PHOTO: © OCEANIA CRUISES

Best Cruise Line Spas

Best Caribbean Island U.S. Virgin Islands

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives: Oceania Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Air Tahiti Nui

TAP Air Portugal

Johnnie Walker Blue

______________________

SPECIAL ACHEIVEMENT AWARDS Outstanding Social Responsibility The Ritz-Carlton

Outstanding Customized Services Tahiti Tourisme

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Oceania Cruises

Outstanding Innovations

Qatar Airways QSuite

2021 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

Best Beaches ___________________________________________________________________________

Best River Cruise Line __________________________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic __________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Entertainment _______________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, International _______________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Dining ________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic_________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Spa ____________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, International _____________________________________________

Best Cruise Ship Excursions ___________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in the United States _________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program ___________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Europe_____________________________________________________

Best Cruise Port ________________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Africa ______________________________________________________

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World _______________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Asia________________________________________________________

Best Hotel Chain Resorts ______________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America______________________________________

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel ________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico_____________________________________________________

Best Family Resort Chain in the World ________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (Four or More)___________________________________

Best All-Inclusive Resort_________________________________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in North America__________________________________________

Best Tour Operator_____________________________________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in the World_______________________________________________

Best Airport for Layovers_______________________________________________________________

Best North American Ski Destination___________________________________________________

Best Airport Recreation_________________________________________________________________

Best International Ski Destination______________________________________________________

Best Stopover Program_________________________________________________________________

Best Caribbean Island _________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Airline ____________________________________________________________________

Best Island in Europe __________________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Entertainment___________________________________________________

Best Island Pacific Rim _________________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Menu_____________________________________________________________

Best Family Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________

Best Premium-Economy Class ________________________________________________________

Best Luxury Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________

Best Pet-Friendly Airline ________________________________________________________________

Best Value Cruise Line__________________________________________________________________

Best Luxury Vehicle ____________________________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Suites _________________________________________________________________

Best Car Rental _________________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Cruise Line ____________________________________________________________

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand __________________________________________________________

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line ____________________________________________________________

Best Destination Jewelrey Brand _______________________________________________________

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line ___________________________________________________________

Favorite Liquor Brand___________________________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or fax to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/leisureballot Name Street Address City

State

ZIP Code

Home Phone

Email DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

53

FEATURE | WHEREVER AWARDS

Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel: Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas PHOTO: © NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND PROMOTION BOARD

Wherever Awards 2020 Whereverfamily.com, the trusted travel source for the modern family, announces the winners of the Wherever Awards.

BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

F

amilies seek the best of the best when it comes to travel providers, knowing if they want a family vacation to go off without a glitch, considering all the factors that come into play when traveling with their brood, there are certain companies they prefer to use. We asked which companies are most trusted, and whereverfamily.com readers answered, naming the absolute best in the world of family travel in this year’s Wherever Awards, now in its third year.

There’s no denying this year has been far from the

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norm, and family vacations looked a bit different. These travel providers and destinations continue to deliver in the face of adversity, going above and beyond to keep travelers and their families safe and healthy while on the road.

Let’s start with our airline winners. United Airlines nabs the top spot as Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline, and its MileagePlus program is Best Family-Friendly FrequentFlyer Program. Air Canada wins Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America, for the second consecutive year, and Best Family-Friendly International Airline.

Take off or depart from Chicago Midway Airport, Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport, and Incheon International Airport, Best Family-Friendly International Airport. If you’re driving, National Car Rental is tops as Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company.

For hotels and resorts, Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain goes to Hilton Hotels, and its Hilton Honors program offers the Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program. For Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain, Westin Hotels & Resorts reigns supreme. Atlantis Paradise Island

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline: United Airlines PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

Wherever Awards 2020

WINNERS’ CIRCLE Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline 1. United Airlines 2. American Airlines 3. Alaska Airlines

Best Family-Friendly Vacation Company 1. Marriott Vacation Club 2. American Airlines Vacations 3. Delta Vacations

Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America 1. Air Canada

Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company 1. GOWAY 2. Lindblad Expeditions 3. Cox & King

Second Consecutive Year

2. American Airlines 3. United Airlines

Resort, Bahamas takes Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel for the second consecutive year. For Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club, look to Colorado Springs’ The Broadmoor. And opt for Marriott Vacation Club when you want the Best FamilyFriendly Vacation Company.

Two credit cards take consecutive wins: Chase United Explorer Card is Best Family-Friendly Credit Card for the second year in a row, and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase is Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Rewards Program for the third consecutive year. GOWAY is Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company.

Cruising to a win are Celebrity Cruises, Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line; Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Cruise Line; and Norwegian’s Splash Academy, Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club.

Where are families visiting? Tahiti ranks as Best Family-Friendly International Destination. Its domestic counterpart is North Carolina, Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination. The Dominican Republic wins Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island, while Spain takes top honors as Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Destination of the Year. For fun and thrills, Sesame Place is Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park, and Great Wolf Lodge, for the second year in a row, is Best Family-Friendly Waterpark.

Beaches are popular with families, and here are the best of the best: Ocean City, Maryland, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic United States; Virginia Beach, Virginia, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Southeast United States; West Palm Beach, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida East; Sarasota, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida West; Fort Walton Beach, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida Panhandle; Orange Beach, Alabama, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Gulf Coast; Corpus Christi, Texas, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Texas; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Western United States.

Congratulations to all the winners!

THE METHOD WhereverFamily conducted an online survey of its readers Sept. 1, 2019–Sept.

30, 2020, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories important to family travelers. Only those questionnaires with 50 percent of the questions answered were counted. Surveys from employees of the web publication and individuals associated with the travel industry were not accepted.

Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club 1. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 2. Beaches, Turks & Caicos 3. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Best Family-Friendly International Airline 1. Air Canada 2. United Airlines 3. TAP Air Portugal Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Flyer Program 1. United MileagePlus 2. Air Canada Aeroplan 3. American Airlines AAdvantage Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain 1. Hilton Hotels 2. The Ritz-Carlton 3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain 1. Westin Hotels & Resorts 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Crowne Plaza Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel 1. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas Second Consecutive Year

2. LEGOLAND Feriendorf, Gunzburg, Germany 3. Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Jamaica Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program 1. Hilton Honors 2. IHG Rewards Club 3. Wyndham Rewards

Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line 1. Celebrity Cruises 2. Disney Cruise Line 3. Viking Ocean Cruises Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Cruise Line 1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Regent Seven Seas Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club 1. Norwegian Cruise Line Splash Academy 2. Disney Cruise Line Oceaneer Club 3. Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean Best Family-Friendly Credit Card 1. United Explorer Card from Chase Second Consecutive Year

2. Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa 3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Rewards Program 1. Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Third Consecutive Year

2. United Explorer Card from Chase 3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card Best Family-Friendly International Destination 1. Tahiti 2. Italy 3. Fiji

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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Wherever Awards 2020

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Northeast/MidAtlantic (Maine–Maryland) 1. Ocean City, Maryland 2. Kennebunkport, Maine 3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination 1. North Carolina 2. Texas 3. Arizona

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Southeast (Virginia–Georgia) 1. Virginia Beach, Virginia 2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 3. Seabrook Island, South Carolina

Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island 1. Dominican Republic 2. The Bahamas 3. St. Kitts

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida (East) 1. West Palm Beach 2. St. Augustine 3. Amelia Island

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida (West) 1. Sarasota 2. Tampa Bay 3. Marco Island Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida (Panhandle) 1. Fort Walton Beach 2. Cape San Blas, St. Joseph Peninsula 3. Seagrove Beach Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Gulf (Alabama/ Mississippi/Louisiana) 1. Orange Beach, Alabama 2. Gulf Shores, Alabama 3. Grand Isle, Louisiana Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Texas 1. Corpus Christi 2. South Padre Island 3. Seabrook

Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club: Norwegian Splash Academy PHOTO: © NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Western United States 1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 2. Huntington Beach, California 3. Laguna Beach, California Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Destination of the Year 1. Spain 2. South Africa 3. Italy

2. Zoombezi Bay, Columbus, Ohio 3. Aquatica by SeaWorld Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company 1. National Car Rental 2. Enterprise 3. Hertz Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport 1. Chicago Midway Airport 2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3. San Francisco International Airport

Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park 1. Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania 2. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania 3. Universal Studios Hollywood

Best Family-Friendly International Airport 1. Incheon International Airport 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha

Best Family-Friendly Waterpark 1. Great Wolf Lodge

PHOTO: © GREAT WOLF LODGE

Second Consecutive Year

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ADVENTURE REFINED VOLVO OVERSEAS DELIVERY

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Best Family-Friendly Waterpark: Great Wolf Lodge

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2016|2017|2018|2019|2020

FEATURE | THE TRAZEES

Favorite Beach Town, Southern California: Laguna Beach, California PHOTO: © FALCON1708 | DREAMSTIME.COM

The Trazees 2020 Celebrate the best in travel, as voted by our millennial readers. BY KATIE SKRZEK

T

his past year was one for the books. The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the travel industry, resulting in canceled trips, rescheduled events and virtual everything.

In a year with so much loss and uncertainty, we choose to celebrate the positives.

This year also marks the sixth annual celebration of The Trazees. Trazee Travel, Global Traveler’s sister web publication, is the resource for travelers aged 25–40 for tips, reviews and the latest travel trends. Readers selected their favorites in the world of travel during the December 2019–September 2020 voting period.

In the world of aviation, we saw new and repeat winners. Incheon International Airport was a triple winner this year, taking home Favorite Duty-Free Shopping, Favorite Airport in Asia and Favorite Overall Airport in the World. On the domestic side, Chicago

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O’Hare International Airport was also a triple winner.

The airport won Favorite Airport in North America, Favorite Airport Dining and Favorite Airport Shopping.

United Airlines took home both Favorite International Airline and Favorite Green Airline (second consecutive year), while its MileagePlus program won Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program for the third consecutive year.

Favorite Airline Alliance went to oneworld for an impressive fourth consecutive year.

Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts won Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico, the only brand to secure the same award for all six years of The Trazees. The brand also took home the award for Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/South America. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has three reasons to celebrate. The chain won Favorite Hotel Chain (second consecutive year), Favorite Hotel Website (second consecutive year) and Favorite

Hotel Rewards Program in the World (second consecutive year) for IHG Rewards Club.

For those who want to plan their trip around superlatives, visit Greece (Favorite Country); Tahiti (Favorite Honeymoon Destination); Taiwan (Favorite Adventure Destination); Asheville, North Carolina (Favorite Foodie City); and Birmingham, Alabama (Friendliest City). Or plan a tour with Favorite Tour Operator for the second consecutive year, GOWAY. New to The Trazees this year, we asked readers to share their favorite beach towns throughout the United States. Winning spots include Nantucket, Massachusetts (Favorite Beach Town, Northeastern United States); Virginia Beach, Virginia (Favorite Beach Town, MidSouthern United States); Kiawah Island, South Carolina (Favorite Beach Town, Southeast United States); Amelia Island, Florida (Favorite Beach Town, Florida East); Orange Beach, Alabama (Favorite Beach Town, Gulf United States); South Padre Island, Texas (Favorite Beach Town, Texas); and Laguna Beach, California (Favorite Beach Town, Southern California).

Congratulations to these and all of the winners!

Without further ado, we bring our intrepid readers the full list of winners of The Trazees.

FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Favorite International Airline United Airlines

Favorite Airline Alliance oneworld

Fourth Consecutive Year

Favorite Aircraft Type Boeing 777

Favorite Airline Website AA.com

ds te l Re war Favo ri te Ho e Wor ld in th Prog ra m

WINNERS’ CIRCLE IHG Rewards Club

Third Consecutive Year

Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program United MileagePlus Third Consecutive Year

®

Favorite International Airline 1. United Airlines 2. American Airlines 3. British Airways Favorite Airline Alliance 1. oneworld Fourth Consecutive Year

2. Star Alliance 3. SkyTeam

Favorite Airline in North America Air Canada Second Consecutive Year Favorite Low-Cost Airline Southwest Favorite Airline in Central/South America Aerolineas Argentinas Favorite Airline in Europe TAP Air Portugal Third Consecutive Year Favorite Airline in Africa Ethiopian Airlines Favorite Airline in the Middle East Etihad Airways Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airline in Asia Cathay Pacific Airways

Favorite Aircraft Type 1. Boeing 777 2. Boeing 787 3. Airbus A350

Third Consecutive Year

2. united.com 3. southwest.com Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program 1. United MileagePlus Third Consecutive Year

2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Delta SkyMiles Favorite Airline in North America 1. Air Canada Second Consecutive Year

2. United Airlines 3. American Airlines Favorite Low-Cost Airline 1. Southwest 2. JetBlue 3. RyanAir Favorite Airline in Central/South America 1. Aerolineas Argentinas 2. Copa Airlines 3. Avianca

PHOTO: © TAP AIR PORTUGAL

Favorite Green Airline United Airlines Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airline App

Favorite Airline Website 1. aa.com

Favorite Airline in Europe: TAP Air Portugal

Favorite Airline in Mexico Aeromexico

American Favorite Airline in Airlines Europe Overall Airport in the World 1. TAP AirFavorite Portugal Incheon International Airport

Third Consecutive Year

Favorite Airport in North America 2. Alitalia Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3. Turkish Airlines Favorite Airport in Asia Incheon International Airport

Favorite Airport in Europe Favorite Airline in Africa Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol 1. Ethiopian Airlines Favorite Airport in the Middle East International Airport 2. Royal Abu Air Dhabi Maroc 3. Kenya Airways Favorite Airport in Central/South America Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Second Consecutive Year

Favorite Airline in the Favorite Airport DiningMiddle East Chicago O’Hare International Airport 1. Etihad Airways Favorite Airport Shopping Second Consecutive Year

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

2. Emirates Favorite Duty-Free Shopping 3. Qatar Airways Incheon International Airport

Favorite Hotel Chain InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Favorite Airline in Asia Second Consecutive Year 1. Cathay Pacific Airways Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain 2. Asiana AirlinesAndaz Favorite Hotel Website 3. China Airlines ihg.com Second Consecutive Year

Favorite Airline in Mexico 1. Aeromexico Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/South America 2. Interjet Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts 3. Volaris Favorite Hotel Rewards Program in the World IHG® Rewards Club Second Consecutive Year

Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts Sixth Consecutive Year

Favorite Green Airline Hotel Chain in the Middle East 1. UnitedFavorite Airlines Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts SecondYear Consecutive Year Second Consecutive Favorite Hotel App 2. American Airlines Hilton Hotels 3. TAP Air Portugal

Favorite Airline App 1. American Airlines 2. Alaska Airlines 3. United Airlines

Favorite Airport in Central/South America 1. Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Second Consecutive Year

Favorite Overall Airport in the World 1. Incheon International Airport 2. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 3. Singapore Changi Airport

2. Montevideo Carrasco International Airport 3. Medellin José María Córdova International Airport

Favorite Airport in North America 1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 3. Pittsburgh International Airport

Favorite Airport Dining 1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport

Favorite Airport in Asia 1. Incheon International Airport 2. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 3. Kansai International Airport, Osaka

Favorite Airport Shopping 1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2. Miami International Airport 3. Incheon International Airport

Favorite Airport in Europe 1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 2. Munich International Airport 3. Vienna International Airport

Favorite Duty-Free Shopping 1. Incheon International Airport 2. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 3. Hamad International Airport

Favorite Airport in the Middle East 1. Abu Dhabi International Airport 2. Hamad International Airport, Doha 3. Dubai International Airport

Favorite Hotel Chain 1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Second Consecutive Year

2. Aloft 3. Canopy by Hilton

Favorite Country Greece

Favorite Honeymoon Destination Tahiti Favorite Adventure Destination Taiwan Third Consecutive Year Favorite Foodie City

DECEMBER 2020 globaltravelerusa.com

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Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest: Port Angeles, Washington PHOTO: © DEEBROWNING | DREAMSTIME.COM

Favorite Beach Town, Gulf United States 1. Orange Beach, Alabama 2. Gulf Shores, Alabama 3. Gulfport, Mississippi Favorite Beach Town, Texas 1. South Padre Island, Texas 2. North Padre Island, Texas 3. Corpus Christi, Texas Favorite Beach Town, Southern California 1. Laguna Beach, California 2. Santa Monica, California 3. Carpinteria, California

Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain 1. Andaz 2. Ascend 3. Autograph

Favorite Hotel App 1. Hilton Hotels 2. Hyatt 3. Hotel Tonight

Favorite Hotel Website 1. ihg.com

Favorite Country 1. Greece 2. Ireland 3. Spain

Second Consecutive Year

2. andaz.com 3. marriott.com Favorite Hotel Rewards Program in the World 1. IHG Rewards Club

Favorite Honeymoon Destination 1. Tahiti 2. Greece 3. Cook Islands

Second Consecutive Year

2. Marriott Bonvoy 3. Hilton Honors

Favorite Adventure Destination 1. Taiwan Third Consecutive Year

Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/ South America 1. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts 2. Westin 3. Sol Meliá

2. New Zealand 3. Thailand Favorite Foodie City 1. Asheville, North Carolina

Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Atlantic United States 1. Ocean City, Maryland 2. Cape May, New Jersey 3. Montauk, New York Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Southern United States 1. Virginia Beach, Virginia 2. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 3. Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia Favorite Beach Town, Southeast United States 1. Kiawah Island, South Carolina 2. Tybee Island, Georgia 3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Favorite Beach Town, Florida East 1. Amelia Island, Florida 2. Miami Beach, Florida 3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Third Consecutive Year

Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico 1. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts

2. Paris, France 3. Austin, Texas

Sixth Consecutive Year

2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East 1. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts Second Consecutive Year

2. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts 3. Marriott International

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Friendliest City 1. Birmingham, Alabama 2. Nashville, Tennessee 3. Tampa Bay, Florida Favorite Beach Town, Northeastern United States 1. Nantucket, Massachusetts 2. Kennebunkport, Maine 3. Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Favorite Beach Town, Florida West 1. Sarasota, Florida 2. Siesta Key, Florida 3. Dunedin, Florida Favorite Beach Town, Florida Panhandle 1. Cape San Blas, St. Joseph Peninsula, Florida 2. Rosemary Beach, Florida 3. Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Favorite Beach Town, Northern California 1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 2. Half Moon Bay, California 3. Monterey, California Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest 1. Port Angeles, Washington 2. Ocean Shores, Washington 3. Cannon Beach, Oregon Favorite Car Rental Company 1. National Car Rental 2. Hertz 3. Enterprise Favorite Tour Operator 1. GOWAY Second Consecutive Year

2. Abercrombie & Kent 3. Contiki Favorite Luggage Brand 1. Travelpro 2. Swiss Army 3. Samsonite Favorite Credit Card 1. United Explorer Card from Chase Third Consecutive Year

2. Escape by Discover 3. American Express Green Favorite Cruise Line 1. Paul Gauguin Cruises 2. U River Cruises 3. Norwegian Cruise Line

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United Explorer Card from Chase Eighth Consecutive Year

Thank you for making us a Global Traveler award winner for 8 straight years As voted by the readers of Global Traveler magazine. globaltravelerusa.com

*Pricing: APRs are based on creditworthiness. Purchase and balance transfer APR is 16.49%–23.49% variable. My Chase Loan: a variable APR of 16.49%–23.49%. Cash advances APR is 24.99% variable. Variable APRs change with the market based on the Prime Rate, which was 3.25% on 10/20/20. Annual fee: $0 introductory fee the first year. After that, $95. Minimum Interest Charge: None. My Chase Plan Fee: 1.72% of the amount of each purchase transaction selected to create a My Chase Plan. The My Chase Plan Fee will be determined at the time each My Chase Plan is created and will remain the same until the My Chase Plan is paid in full. Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of the amount of each transaction, but not less than $5. Note: This account may not be eligible for balance transfers. Cash Advance Fee: 5% of the amount of each advance, but not less than $10. Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

Credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. To obtain additional information on the current terms and information on any changes to these terms after the date above, please visit UnitedExplorerCard.com/Airport. You must have a valid permanent home address within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change. See UnitedExplorerCard.com/Airport for pricing and rewards details. The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC. MileagePlus: MMiles accrued, awards, and benefits issued are subject to the rules of the United MileagePlus® program. For details, see united.com. Global Traveler Accolade: United Explorer Card from Chase voted “Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions” by the readers of Global Traveler in their GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. Source: Global Traveler 2020.

2021 GT Tested Reader Survey Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

HOTEL BEST AIRLINE BEST

Overall Best Airline in the World_____________________________________________________ Airline Alliance________________________________________________________________________ Aircraft Type _________________________________________________________________________ Airline Website _______________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing Airline – Trans-Pacific______________________________________________ Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers__________________________________ Best Airline for . . .

Business Class___________________________________________________________________

International First Class_________________________________________________________

Domestic First Class_____________________________________________________________

Onboard Service ________________________________________________________________ Lounges _________________________________________________________________________

Flight Attendants________________________________________________________________

Flight Attendant Uniforms ______________________________________________________

Airline Cuisine___________________________________________________________________ Security__________________________________________________________________________ First-Class Seat Design_______________________________________________________________ Business-Class Seat Design _________________________________________________________ Best New Airline Service Launch_____________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Flyer Programs

Overall Best Frequent-Flyer Program___________________________________________

Elite-Level Program______________________________________________________________

Bonus Promotion_______________________________________________________________

Award Redemption______________________________________________________________

Customer Service _______________________________________________________________

BEST AIRLINE BY LOCATION Best Airline in . . .

Africa_____________________________________________________________________________

Australia and New Zealand______________________________________________________

Central/South Asia and India __________________________________________________ China____________________________________________________________________________

Eastern Europe__________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________ Mexico___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East _________________________________________________________________

North America___________________________________________________________________

North Asia (excluding China)____________________________________________________

The South Pacific________________________________________________________________ To South America and Central America_____________________________________________ To Japan______________________________________________________________________________ Trans-Atlantic Airline_________________________________________________________________ Trans-Pacific Airline__________________________________________________________________

AIRPORT BEST Overall Best Airport in the World____________________________________________________ Overall Best Duty-Free Shop in the World___________________________________________ Airport Staff/Gate Agents____________________________________________________________ Airport Dining________________________________________________________________________ Airport Shopping ____________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport_________________________________________________________ Duty-Free Shops in . . .

Asia______________________________________________________________________________ Africa_____________________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_________________________________________________________________ Best Airport in . . .

Asia______________________________________________________________________________ Africa_____________________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_________________________________________________________________

North America___________________________________________________________________

South America___________________________________________________________________

Best Individual Hotel in the World ________________________________________________ International Hotel Chain__________________________________________________________ Domestic Hotel Chain______________________________________________________________ Lifestyle Hotel______________________________________________________________________ MICE Hotel _________________________________________________________________________ (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) Hotel Website______________________________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Stay Programs

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World___________________________________

Elite-Level Program____________________________________________________________

Bonus Promotion_____________________________________________________________

Award Redemption____________________________________________________________

Customer Service_____________________________________________________________

HOTEL BEST BY LOCATION Best Hotel in . . .

Asia____________________________________________________________________________ Europe_________________________________________________________________________

South Korea___________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_______________________________________________________________

The United States _____________________________________________________________ Best Hotel Chain in . . .

Asia____________________________________________________________________________ Europe_________________________________________________________________________

Latin America__________________________________________________________________ Mexico_________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_______________________________________________________________

OTHER BEST Overseas Delivery Program _______________________________________________________ Rental Car Company_______________________________________________________________ Tourism Destination_______________________________________________________________ MICE City ___________________________________________________________________________ (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) WiFi Service_________________________________________________________________________ Luggage Brand_____________________________________________________________________ Hotel App___________________________________________________________________________ Airline App__________________________________________________________________________ Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program ______________________________________ Credit Cards Best Overall Credit Card___________________________________________________________ Best Small-Business Credit Card __________________________________________________ Best Credit Card Special Events ___________________________________________________ Credit Card Rewards Program_____________________________________________________ Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card ________________________________________________ Promotions____________________________________________________________________ Benefits________________________________________________________________________ Redemptions__________________________________________________________________ Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card_________________________________________________ Promotions____________________________________________________________________ Benefits________________________________________________________________________ Redemptions__________________________________________________________________ Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card_______________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO: Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or FAX to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot Name Street Address City Home Phone

State

ZIP Code Email

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DAKAR OFFSHORE: Traditional architecture on the island of Gorée PHOTO: © MARIUSZ PRUSACZYK | DREAMSTIME.COM

business destinations 64 DETROIT

66 BELGRADE

68 MACAO

leisure destinations 70 CAPE COD

72 ARUBA

76 DAKAR

STATESIDE | DETROIT

Shifting Gears Detroit pivots to next-generation mobility and other new industries.

BY TERESA BITLER

Motor City: General Motors headquarters in Downtown Detroit PHOTO: © ANDREY BAYDA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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hen Detroit filed the nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy in 2013, many speculated it might never recover. After all, the wealthiest city per capita in the United States in the 1950s had already lost many of its jobs when the auto industry relocated to the suburbs decades earlier, and its population dropped from 1.8 million at its peak to roughly 667,000 today.

The 11 counties of the Detroit Region have had a bumpy ride, too, in recent decades.

NAFTA drove many of the region’s manufacturing jobs out of the country while automation

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eliminated others altogether. Then the Great Recession hit, and demand for new cars flatlined.

By the time the economy began to recover, the auto industry faced a new challenge: Technology was already starting to make traditional cars, trucks and SUVs obsolete. Additionally, many consumers in high-density cities didn’t want to own a vehicle at all, and those who did increasingly wanted electric vehicles.

Detroit and the surrounding region saw an opportunity, though, and pivoted their focus to next-generation mobility in a move that just may put the Detroit region back on top.

Next-generation mobility uses autonomous,

connected, electrified and shared vehicles to move people and goods. The ultimate goal?

Reduce pollution and congestion while making driving safer. For example, in the future a selfdriving electric car might take you to the airport, or your car, connected to the cloud, might warn you it’s unsafe to enter an intersection.

“The auto industry is going through a significant transformation,” said Glenn Stevens, Jr., executive director, MICHauto, and vice president, automotive and mobility initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “It’s transitioning from automobile companies to technology companies.”

He points out the vehicles of tomorrow will be rolling computers that take millions of lines of code to operate; and although the Detroit region was built on manufacturing, it is uniquely positioned to spearhead next-generation mobility. Twenty-two original equipment manufacturers, including Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., already have global headquarters or

research centers in the region.

Plus, 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers in North America own a presence in the state, and 72 percent of the nation’s automotive research development occurs here. Michigan also has the highest concentration of engineering talent in the country; awards more than 8,600 engineering degrees every year; and boasts top engineering schools such as the University of Michigan, Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University.

Stevens believes the focus shifted to next-generation mobility about five to 10 years ago. Since then, the new industry flourished. The Detroit region now has two globally recognized automated testing sites: Mcity and the American Center for Mobility. Additionally, Ford is converting a historic Detroit train station into a research and development facility, while General Motors is rebranding its D-Ham plant as Factory Zero to exclusively produce electric vehicles.

“The ‘zero’ is very important,” he explained. “It stands for zero emissions, zero congestion and zero accidents.”

As further proof of its commitment to next-generation mobility, Michigan recently established the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification to increase electric vehicle production, generate more software engineering talent and use technology to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. The state also unveiled plans for a 40-mile Mobility Corridor for autonomous and connected vehicles stretching from downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor.

The Detroit region isn’t relying solely on next-generation mobility for its economic future, though, according to Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership. If the Great Recession taught the region anything, she said, it’s that it can be resilient. A good example of that was when COVID-19 hit; the industry pivoted and started making ventilators within weeks.

“I think that says a lot about our capabilities,” she added. “We’ve learned how to take our know-how and move it into other areas.”

Because there’s already a skilled manufacturing workforce in place, the region attracts companies related to aerospace and the defense industry, but it is also making inroads into the medical device industry, professional

services like car insurance and even the tech startup sector. Josh Hundt, executive vice president of business attraction, Michigan Economic Development Corp., believes the continued growth of the state’s economy depends on industries like these in addition to next-generation mobility.

And he sees Michigan’s pro-business economy — a 6 percent corporate income tax and 6 percent sales tax — as well as its SixtyBy30 program (which aims to increase those with a skill certificate or college degree to 60 percent of the workforce by 2030) as big draws. Plus, the state has a low cost of living and is incredibly beautiful.

Whether or not Detroit and the surrounding region thrives or flounders depends on whether it can adapt, according to Stevens.

“Together, we can build a better Detroit if we can change,” he said.

“That’s the key. For a long time, the auto industry didn’t want to change.

Now its future depends on whether they can make a successful transition to mobility.”

Innovations: Michigan Central Station, centerpiece of Ford’s Corktown Campus (above), and a covered bridge in Frankenmuth, Michigan (below) PHOTOS: © FORD, © HELGIDINSON | DREAMSTIME.COM

SCENIC DRIVES Tree-lined country roads, lakeshore views and even sandy dunes make Michigan arguably one of the nation’s most beautiful states. You don’t have to drive far outside of Detroit to experience the beauty for yourself.

In fact, the M-15 Pure Michigan Byway begins in northern Oakland County on its way to downtown Bay City with its historic buildings, river walk and naval ship museum. Along the way, make a detour to the Bavarian community of Frankenmuth and the world’s largest holiday store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

For a different look at the state, take the US 12 Heritage Trail west out of Detroit. Along the way, stop in Dearborn to explore The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Motown Museum. Small towns like Bronson, the Gladiolus Capital of the United States, and Allen, known for its antiques, are worth a stop on the way to the route’s terminus just north of Michigan City.

Wine lovers can visit the five stops on the Pioneer Wine Trail, just west of Detroit. Begin on US 12 and sip the vintages at three wineries near Hillsdale. Then take US 127 to Jackson and cut over to Sandhill Crane Vineyards on I-94. Return to US 127 to I-96 to visit Burgdorf’s Winery.

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9–5 | BELGRADE

Business Boom Connect with clients and colleagues in dynamic Belgrade.

BY KRISTY ALPERT

On a Stroll: Knez Mihailova Street PHOTO: © KIRILL MAKAROV | DREAMSTIME.COM

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n the surface, life appears to move slowly in the capital city of Belgrade, where sidewalks are for strolling, drinks are for sipping, and lunch is an event lasting upwards of three hours. But the reality is this industrious city has fought long and hard for the joie de vivre so prevalent throughout its streets today. After centuries of tumultuous taking and overtaking — from Attila the Hun to Slobodan Milošević — the “White City” finally can enjoy its long-deserved liberation and flex its hard-earned free-market muscles.

Belgrade has long been desired for its strategic location between Western and Central Europe, at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and for that reason it remains such a desirable city for doing business today. Located in the heart of the CEFTA zone, Belgrade enjoys nontariff access to nearly 30 million consumers and

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houses a highly educated workforce that continues to boast the highest percentage of English speakers in Central and Southern Europe. As Serbia awaits its confirmation into the European Union (it was accepted as a candidate in 2012), its capital city continues to grow, including plans to launch a $5.2 billion metro construction project in December 2021 that will integrate four urban railway lines into the two new metro lines spanning the city and its outlying suburbs.

Most of Belgrade operates on a 40-hour work week, with Sundays often considered a non-negotiable day of rest, and the workday is limited by law to a maximum of 12 hours.

Laws also regulate breaks, and anyone working more than a six-hour workday is allowed a minimum 30-minute break, although many workers extend their breaks much longer than a single half hour. In Belgrade many business decisions wind up actually being made at the lunch table; therefore, it’s not uncommon for a single business lunch to last two or even three hours.

Local Specialties: Cheese tart with asparagus at the restaurant in Kalemegdan Fortress (top), Belgrade’s Kalenić Green Market (middle), and Belgrade Kalemegdan Fortress (bottom) PHOTOS: KRISTY ALPERT

However, true Serbians know the most important meal of the day isn’t a meal at all. Most workers in Belgrade opt for eating a quick lunch of ćevapi (grilled Serbian sausages) and pljeskavice u lepinji (the Serbian equivalent of a hamburger) from a fast-casual place like Pile & Prase in exchange for a longer coffee break. Kafenisanje literally translates as “to coffee,” and this beautiful Balkan concept doesn’t really exist anywhere else in the world. Kafenisanje isn’t just a word; it’s an art form. Taking a coffee in Belgrade involves dressing to impress (which isn’t typically a problem since business professional attire is standard for most offices), sorting through a 10- or 20-page coffee menu and spending no less than an hour and a half sipping and talking with friends or co-workers. The type or quality of the coffee proves less important than the relationships built during the time spent slowly draining cups of roasted espresso. Serbian chain Kafeterija is popular among locals and offers multiple locations throughout the city, but some of the best cafés are locally owned, including Lokal Coffee Roasters in the Vracar quarter and Užitak in Stari Grad.

Taxis are available throughout the city, but the network of public transportation proves the most efficient (and fraud-proof ) method of getting around. More than 130 routes connect the city via GSP Beograd bus, trolleybus and tram, including GSP line No. 72 which takes passengers to/from Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport to Zeleni Venac in the city center. The A1 bus also runs to and from the airport every 20 minutes from Slavija Square, about a mile from Belgrade’s central Terazije Square. The square played a historic role as the business and commercial center of Belgrade and today provides a starting point for strolling down the main pedestrian and shopping zone of Knez Mihailova Street.

The street serves as a popular meeting point for Belgradians and passes by Belgrade Art Hotel and near the Square Nine Hotel Belgrade on the way to the Kalemegdan Fortress. Built in the first century, today the fortress offers one of the best spots in the entire city for watching the sun set over the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. It also houses one of the most impressive restaurants in Europe for entertaining clients and co-workers, as Kalemegdanska Terasa Restaurant’s chef Danijel Stevanovic prepares local specialties with a French flair and pairs the dishes with delicious Serbian wines. For a less formal but equally impressive venue, restaurant Ambar is one of the trendiest restaurants in the city. Small plates and boutique wines (like the decadently dry Vinarija Virtus Prokupac red wine) are meant to be shared with friends at this riverside restaurant located in the hip, repurposed confines of the Beton Hala district. Once a series of concrete warehouses and storage docks, the district today boasts the hottest reservations to score, as it houses the city’s best restaurants and lies within strolling distance of the top nightclubs.

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AFTER 5 | MACAO

All That Glitters Revel in Macao’s stunning sights and sounds after hours.

Spectacular: The House of Dancing Water PHOTO: © BEETHOVEN1612 | DREAMSTIME.COM

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BY BRANDON SCHULTZ

etween its peninsula and two islands, Macao’s land area only comprises about 12 square miles, but the tiny Special Administrative Region of China packs a big punch, especially when it comes to entertainment.

Home to rich cultural museums and eye-popping architecture ranging from towering sci-fi-worthy skyscrapers to colorful colonial Portuguese preservations, there’s plenty to ogle by day. However, Macao presents an after-hours wonderland of sights and sounds, topped only by nearby Hong Kong in this area of the globe.

With the largest gaming industry in the world, raking in seven times more gambling revenue than Las Vegas and accounting for nearly 80 percent of national tax revenue, Macao’s over-the-top casinos offer premier destinations for everything from dining and dancing to taking in shows and, of course, placing bets. City of Dreams — a chic resort complex of five luxury hotels — includes the mind-bogglingly futuristic Morpheus, an epic gaming floor,

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

and the Dancing Water Theater, home to the can’t-miss The House of Dancing Water spectacle centered over and in the venue’s 3.7-million-gallon pool. For interactive entertainment, head across the street to The Venetian, where teamLab’s new SuperNature exhibition brings nearly 54,000 square feet of monumental digital art in a body-immersive presentation that, in some parts, actually responds to your presence, further enveloping you in the experience.

For a unique perspective of the city and a serious adrenaline rush, scale Macau Tower and brave a sunset bungee jump from the world’s highest commercial sky jump. Seasonally, catch the annual Macao Light Festival with vibrant light installations throughout the city each fall and winter.

Back indoors, there’s no shortage of enviable bar ambience in Macao. For Champagne toasts with penthouse views, Sky 21 Bar is hard to top, but The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge offers the most sophisticated sips from a traveling gin trolley with regular live music filling the decadent space. If you’re looking for more of a neighborhood vibe, leave the casinos behind and head to historic Taipa Village for a pint at the lively Old Taipa Tavern. Surprisingly, the club scene is less popular in Macao, but top options include Show House, D2 and Club Cubic. Don’t expect massive crowds, though, especially before midnight.

Macao’s only gay bar closed in 2018, but the entire SAR has a reasonably relaxed attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community, so visitors should feel welcomed throughout.

Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights. Thousands of ornaments. Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from tubing and gingerbread decorating to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more!

November 13 – January 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordHotels.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. (s20) THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)

Dallas. Nashville. DenveR. Orlando.

NEIGHBORHOODS | CAPE COD

Quiet Time Meander Cape Cod’s beaches and nature trails in the off season.

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

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ith long, whitesand beaches lining its shores, Cape Cod is an idyllic summer vacation spot, only 90 minutes from Boston. Finding a place to park your car — or your towel — may be a challenge in August, but not for travelers who join locals to enjoy their Cape Cod neighborhood in its “quiet season.”

The sands are deserted except for walkers, runners and beachcombers gathering shells and sea-carved driftwood; the Cape’s 100-plus walking trails reach into woodlands, dunes and bird-filled marshes. Because of its mild winters, Cape Cod is a birders’ hot spot, with shore birds and many other species in residence year-round.

The Cape Cod National Seashore offers vast areas of unspoiled natural coastline with beaches, dunes, cliffs and pine forests. From Head of the Meadow Beach at North Truro, you can see the 1872 wreck of the Frances at low tide, and at Marconi Beach an observation platform overlooks views of the Outer Cape.

The 1.5-mile Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail leads into an ethereal world of moss-covered roots and dark pools.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches across 25 miles of mostly flat terrain through a wide variety of natural landscapes; the trail has a wide, unpaved shoulder for walkers and runners. In Hyannis follow the Kennedy Heritage Trail to sites recalling the time when the family’s beach estate was the summer White House.

Indoor activities, too, are uncrowded, with plenty of room for social distancing. Admire antique glassware and watch glassblowers at the Sandwich Glass Museum as they transform blobs of molten glass into beautiful vases and goblets.

The Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis is dedicated to the works of famous artists who worked here. The interactive Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth displays the actual artifacts recovered from a pirate ship sunk off Wellfleet in 1717.

In Hyannis, Cape Cod Maritime Museum features boat building and an impressive collection of scrimshaw. All have winter

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Art of the Cape: Shopping street (above), and Sandwich Glass Museum (left) PHOTOS: © STILLMAN ROGERS

hours, as does the Provincetown Art Association and Museum.

Exposed to the sea on three sides, lively Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, offers a prime spot for storm watching.

The best — and most comfortable — spot for watching the sea swell and the waves crash is a luxurious, window-surrounded guestroom at Lands End Inn, perched atop a hill at the end of busy Commercial Street.

2021 Wherever Awards Ballot Whereverfamily.com, the trusted travel source for the modern family, has opened voting for the 2021 Wherever Awards. Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline_____________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly International Destination____________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America_____________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly International Airline__________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island_____________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Flyer Program_____________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town

Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain__________________________________________________________ Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain_________________________________________________________ Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel______________________________________________________ Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program______________________________________________ Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Hotel____________________________________________________

Northeast/Mid-Atlantic U.S. (Maine–Maryland)_______________________________________

Southeast U.S. (Virginia–Georgia)_____________________________________________________

Florida (East)___________________________________________________________________________

Florida (West) _________________________________________________________________________

Florida (Panhandle)____________________________________________________________________

Gulf U.S. (Alabama/Louisiana/Mississippi)____________________________________________

Texas__________________________________________________________________________________

West Coast U.S.________________________________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Pet Hotel_____________________________________________________________

Hawai’ian Islands______________________________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club_______________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Multigen Destination of the Year____________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Vacation Company___________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park____________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Domestic Tour Company____________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Waterpark____________________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company_________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company_________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line___________________________________________________________

Best Family-Friendly Travel Provider of the Year__________________________________________

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Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club________________________________________________

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PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO:

Name

Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or FAX to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at whereverfamily.com/wherever-awards/

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FRIENDS & FAMILY | ARUBA

Happiness Awaits Take the family to friendly, easy-going Aruba.

BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

Island Adventures: (Left to right) Palm Beach, Arikok National Park, Conchi Natural Pool on the rocky northern coastline, and Guadirikiri Cave in Arikok National Park PHOTOS: © DEVY | DREAMSTIME .COM, © ARUBA TOURISM AUTHORITY, © DEJAVU DESIGNS | DREAMSTIME.COM

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f business brings you to this sun-drenched Dutch West Indies locale known as the Happy Island, this is one work trip where you’ll want to bring the family along. It’s especially doable for people working and learning remotely.

Aruba, one of the Lesser Antilles islands, lies in the Southern Caribbean Sea. Good things do come in small packages — Aruba measures a mere 70 square miles but delivers big fun. You won’t worry about your family being bored. There’s plenty for them to do while you work — and for you all to enjoy together when you are off duty.

Where to begin the day? Water worshippers know the sea is the answer to all that soothes the soul. Count your blessings: Aruba

globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2020

boasts more than a dozen beaches. Rest assured there is no bad choice among the glistening turquoise waters, be it Arashi Beach near the northwestern tip of the island or Baby Beach on the southeastern end or any of the others in between. The sea takes center stage in Aruba, whether you want to soak up the sun perfecting your tan, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, deep-sea fishing (maybe you’ll get lucky and catch mahi, barracuda or marlin) or simply chilling on a sunset cruise. Divers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven with the many dive sites and shipwrecks, especially the 400-foot SS Antilla, a World War II casualty. Thrill seekers can also parasail, hop on a jet ski or try a JetLev, a water-propelled jet pack that powers you to fly above the water.

No worries if you’re not a snorkeler or diver; that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the splendors of the sea. Take an underwater tour via a semi-submarine or a submarine — the kids will love it. For an adventure you’ll all remember, take a guided underwater walking tour. Wear a weighted dive helmet and walk along the selected path.

You don’t need scuba certification or even swimming experience.

Much as water proves the star attraction, Aruba’s landscape offers a show as well. Arikok National Park occupies nearly 20 percent of

LODGING

DINING

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino The Marriott boasts the largest guestrooms, suites and casino on the island. Swim in the family pool or the H2Oasis adultsonly pool. Relax on the beach and enjoy small outdoor fitness classes or play beach tennis.

Nos Clubhuis This casual, beachside restaurant is all about the seafood. Go for battered red snapper or garlic shrimp skewer. Local fishermen bring their fresh catch daily.

L.G. Smith Blvd. 101, Palm Beach $$$$

Aruba’s landmass. It provides the backdrop for 20 miles of rugged and wild, desert-like terrain waiting to be explored via ATV, UTV, Jeep safari, horseback or on foot. Nestled among the many cacti on the northern shore, Arikok National Park not only offers hidden beaches, natural bridges and pools but also historic cave paintings, indigenous flora and fauna, rattlesnakes, owls and blue whiptail lizards.

Especially buzzworthy, the Guadirikiri Cave boasts two chambers where sunlight streams through holes in the ceiling. The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the deeper parts, you’ll encounter hundreds of bats, harmless but likely to stir your adrenaline. In the Fontein Cave you’ll find the drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings, bringing to life Aruba’s history. You’ll need a flashlight to check out the 300-foot-long passageway in the Huliba Cave, dubbed the Tunnel of Love because of its

heart-shaped opening.

When you have had your fill of bats; deep, dark places; and the desert, look upward for your next big thrill. Skydive Aruba offers one of the most scenic drop zones in the world.

Soaring from 10,000 feet up, be exhilarated by the free-fall at 120 mph while harnessed to an instructor. If you dare open your eyes, enjoy the view of the Southern Caribbean, including the nearby islands of Bonaire and Curaçao, as well as Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula. You and your teenagers will experience an Instagramworthy moment.

If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll find plenty on the island. Then, too, you can explore via motorcycle and e-bike tours. For quieter land adventures, try birdwatching.

Aruba hosts more than 200 species of birds.

The island’s semi-arid climate, diversity of flora and fauna, beaches, reefs, mangroves, marshes,

Barceló Aruba This all-inclusive resort offers abundant dining and activity options, including the Barcy Kids Club. Royal Level accommodations get the best views, exclusive access to the Royal Level Restaurant, complimentary room service and WiFi and more.

J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 83, Noord $$$$$ Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Families appreciate clubs for kids and teens (babysitting services available), pools with waterfalls and a freshwater lagoon. Chill at the spa or pursue scuba lessons, paddleboard and bike rentals, yoga and aqua fitness.

J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 81, Noord $$$

J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 96, Fisherman’s Pier, Noord $$ Pinchos Grill & Bar Enjoy a romantic dinner at an overwater table where twinkling candlelight sets off the serene mood. Try the Black Angus tenderloin with truffle butter sauce or pan-seared grouper with seafood stew.

L.G. Smith Blvd. 7 at Aruba Surfside Marina, Oranjestad $$$ Qué Pasa? Restaurant, Bar and Art Gallery Cozy and comfortable, serving fusion cuisine — think Caribbean, South American, Middle Eastern with a European sensibility. Beloved for its seafood (try the shrimp dishes or tuna tataki), the eatery showcases local artists’ work.

Wilhelminastraat 18, Oranjestad $$$

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Tropical Treasures: Shops in downtown Oranjestad (top), and The Butterfly Farm (bottom) PHOTOS: © MIHAI ANDRITOIU | DREAMSTIME.COM, © TRACEY CULLEN

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countryside and manicured resorts offer a breeding ground for all manner of birds, not to mention those en route to North or South America. Do check out Palm Beach’s Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary, where a watch tower overlooks marsh areas.

Despite the pandemic, you can explore part of The Butterfly Farm, an enclosed tropical rainforest with hundreds of exotic butterflies. If you’re a shopper, head to downtown Oranjestad’s shops, from designer to small boutiques.

When you’re ready to settle in for a good meal, your biggest issue will be deciding among the more than 200 eateries in Aruba, offering a rich variety: Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian, Belgian, Italian and traditional Aruban cuisine, among others. The food scene, as diverse as the community, represents a mix of more than 90 nationalities from more than 130 countries. You’ll be in good hands whether at a food truck, dining beachside or in a white linen, fancy-pants place.

A place called the Happy Island raises expectations. Aruba keeps its promise.

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INFO TO GO Major carriers fly from North American gateways to Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Arrange easy transfer to your hotel via bus, taxi or limousine, but check with your hotel or resort, as your reservation may include a transfer. All visitors must complete the online embarkation/disembarkation card process and be approved in order to enter Aruba.

The new card process includes five components; complete them carefully, as you will not be granted access to Aruba without completing the process. You will also need a valid passport and a valid email address.

TOURS | DAKAR

Past, Present, Future Explore the solemn history and vibrant culture of Dakar.

BY RICHARD NEWTON

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s the ferry leaves port, the sounds and fumes of Dakar disperse on the sea breeze. After a few days immersed in Senegal’s frenetic, colorful, dusty capital city, my short voyage to an offshore island promises a change of pace. But it will also be challenging. I am heading to Gorée, a place synonymous with the Atlantic slave trade.

The Portuguese and then the Dutch, the British and the French converted this little island into a fortress. The battlements remain, and within them the cobbled streets wind narrowly between colonial buildings. All visitors are drawn to one building in particular, the House of Slaves.

Here African slaves were held in cramped, windowless cells before being escorted in chains along a narrow stone passage to a rectangle of blinding light at the far end: The Door of No Return.

Today people stand solemnly in front of it, imagining the 12 million slaves forcibly transported from Africa to the Americas, never to return. Some of their descendants now return; Gorée is a place of pilgrimage. Although some historians argue Gorée’s role in the slave trade has been exaggerated, this atmospheric island now serves as a poignant memorial and is an essential stop on any itinerary in Dakar.

Dakar occupies an arrow-shaped peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. This is the westernmost point of Africa. The markets are thrillingly chaotic; the streets teem with traffic, people and livestock. My rusty schoolboy French is enough to get by; but if you don’t know the language, it’s worth hiring a guide/translator. Few people here speak English.

At sundown I find myself at the foot of the African Renaissance Monument, a 160-foot-tall copper statue of a woman, man and child.

Constructed by North Korean engineers in 2010 on a hilltop facing the ocean, it has been criticized on grounds of taste and cost ($27 million). But like it or not, it is a bold proclamation of a city that has thrown off the shackles of the past and is looking to new horizons.

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Poignant Past: Aerial view of Gorée Island (above), and The House of Slaves and its Door of No Return (left) PHOTOS: © MARIUSZ PRUSACZYK | DREAMSTIME.COM, © SMANDY | DREAMSTIME.COM

PHOTOS: © REFOCUS | DREAMSTIME.COM, © RALUCA TUDOR | DREAMSTIME.COM, © TUPUNGATO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © GSTOCKSTUDIO1 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © BOARDING1NOW | DREAMSTIME.COM, © LUKAS WUNDERLICH | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VICTOR KARA | DREAMSTIME.COM, © ERIX2005 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © RACHELWICK | DREAMSTIME.COM

GET SOCIAL Make Global Traveler your travel companion! Like our Facebook page; connect with us on LinkedIn; and follow us on Twitter @GTmag #travelnews and #traveldeals, Instagram @globaltravelermag #snapshots and Pinterest pinterest.com/global traveler for travel updates, deals and more. Share your updates with us by using #globility. If you haven't checked them out lately, here's a sampling of what you may have missed:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is open for business; plan a much-needed getaway to this beautiful beach town.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants recently expanded its international portfolio with three new properties.

Air Canada introduces Infinite Canada Flight Pass.

Lowcounty breakfast feels uptown at The Restoration Hotel.

Alaska Airlines introduces regional jet service in Alaska on Embraer E-175 aircraft. Operated by regional partner Horizon Air, the E-175 will serve select markets in the state.

New technology enhances American Airlines’ customer experience.

Azamara enhances its Cruise with Confidence program to give passengers peace of mind while planning their next cruise.

The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is working on being completely carbonneutral over the next five years.

When you are ready to get out and explore again, consider these four bags perfect for travel.

LGBTQ+

Welcoming Vibes Upscale all-inclusive resorts attract LGBTQ+ travelers.

BY MARK CHESNUT

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he all-inclusive concept, once mocked for its mass-market approach, has grown up and become more sophisticated. And LGBTQ+ travelers are among those taking notice, as an increasing number of upscale all-inclusive properties showcase their welcoming vibes.

On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, top choices include UNICO 20°N 87°W, which sits on a prime stretch of sand between Playa del Carmen and Tulum in the Riviera Maya.

The property shows its friendliness by hosting LGBTQ+ buyout events and welcomes diverse guests throughout the year, with enticing accommodations that include swim-up suites and a variety of sophisticated restaurants. Various properties in the Playa Hotels & Resorts portfolio are also especially welcoming, with LGBTQ+ destination weddings among the offerings.

On Mexico’s Pacific coast, Playa Viva offers a decidedly eco-conscious option, located about 35 minutes from IxtapaZihuatanejo International Airport. With just 12 eco-luxury rooms, including an eye-catching treehouse room, the hotel boasts the slogan “Where Your Vacation Meets Your Values,” and with good reason. Farm-to-table organic cuisine and volunteer programs at a turtle sanctuary and within the local community represent just a few ways this lovely beachfront property invites guests to engage when they’re not relaxing on the beach or at the pool.

Among the big chains, Hilton around Mexico also rolls out the rainbow carpet, with Go Out offers designed for LGBTQ+ travelers at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort, Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort and the new Hilton Cancun, scheduled to open in 2021.

Travelers looking for a Caribbean island experience may consider the Dominican Republic, where the Royalton CHIC Punta Cana Resort & Spa built a reputation with LGBTQ+ travelers ever since it first hosted the annual Caribbean Pride event. Located on Uvero Alto Beach, the adults-only property features six restaurants and various accommodation categories, including the top-of-the-line CHIC Mansion, an 11,500-square-foot, six-bedroom residence perfect for groups of friends traveling together.

Across the Atlantic, Ibiza remains a legendary beach destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and one of the favored all-inclusive hotels is Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa. With multiple swimming pools and a sizeable spa and wellness center, the property is designed to pamper — and its proximity to Ibiza’s lively nightlife and beaches makes it especially appealing for many LGBTQ+ travelers.

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Caribbean Splendor: UNICO 20°N 87°W pool at sunset (above), and Royalton CHIC Punta Cana Resort & Spa‘s Diamond Club luxury junior suite (left) PHOTOS: © UNICO 20°N 87°W, © ROYALTON

AIRPORT UPDATE

On Exhibit Airports around the world install stunning art for travelers to admire. BY MARY MELNICK

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Art Appreciation: Children of the World Dream of Peace (left) and Blue Mustang (right) at Denver International Airport PHOTOS: © BOGGY | DREAMSTIME.COM, © EMERALDUMBRELLA STUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM,

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rtwork doesn’t necessarily come to mind when we think about airports, but more and more facilities add art and sculptures to spruce up their space.

A stunning and notable sculpture dominates the scene outside Denver International Airport. While driving in and out, you can’t miss the 32-foot-tall Blue Mustang with its glowing red eyes and veins throughout the body. It isn’t the only prominent piece of art at DEN. The Children of the World Dream of Peace mural located in the baggage claim area catches the eye of many travelers. The mural by Leo Tanguma shows the message of the sadness of war on one hand and, on the other, children from around the world celebrating world peace.

The most notable piece of art at Frankfurt Airport in Germany is Destinations, a photographic installation along both sides of the 885-foot-long passenger tunnel located in Terminal 1. The work, created by the German artist Martin Liebscher, assembles panoramic images from more than 40 destinations around the world.

Salt Lake City Airport just got a major upgrade, and with it came multiple eye-catching sculptures. One that serves as the focal point of

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the new terminal is The Falls, a three-story-tall sculpture by Gordon Huether which uses the natural light provided by the curtain wall to create intriguing light effects in its vicinity. The sculpture features colorful, light-sensitive dichroic glass fins partnered with light-reflecting glass rods to create ever-changing colors and patterns on adjacent surfaces.

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, doesn’t hold back when it comes to art; the airport’s artwork, curated by Qatar museums, leans toward large and cutting-edge pieces. In the South Node, after departures, security and passport control, passengers encounter the jumbo-sized Lamp Bear sculpture by Urs Fischer. From the size to the bright yellow color, it is hard to miss. In another section of DOH, another larger-than-life sculpture functions as a place for children to play. Tom Otterness’ metal The Playground looks like a person lying on the ground; but as you get closer, you’ll notice it’s actually a playground with the person’s arm as a slide. Not only does this sculpture look cool, it also provides entertainment for the kids.

Keep your eyes open to spot these stunning pieces of art and more while traveling through airports around the world.

MEDICAL TOURISM

Fresh Starts Research safe options for organ transplant surgery outside the United States. BY DEBRA BOKUR

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oo often the event setting into motion the need for transplant surgery is catastrophic, such as a serious accident or sudden organ failure, as in a heart attack. In nonemergency situations, however, traveling outside of the United States for scheduled transplant surgery has become an affordable option within the sphere of medical tourism.

The most commonly sought transplants are for the heart, pancreas, liver, lungs, kidneys and uterus. In the United States, recent numbers suggest approximately 3,000 patient names are added daily to waiting lists for kidney transplants alone. While kidney and liver transplants are the most commonly performed transplant surgeries, there are numerous other surgical transplant solutions that don’t concern organs.

Among the many surgeries performed regularly are procedures involving transplants of skin, bones, veins, heart valves, ligaments, tendons, bowels and eye tissues.

Advances in medicine made it possible for those in need to successfully receive a replacement organ — or even multiple organs — from a donor who may be deceased or a living person whose biochemistry allows for a medical match to that of the person in need. The cost for these procedures can be prohibitively high in the United States, where a liver transplant may cost upwards of $500,000. The same procedure in Mexico costs around $47,000, while in India and the Philippines the price tag generally falls somewhere between $20,000 and $24,000. Emerging destinations for transplant surgery include Turkey, where organ and tissue transplants draw medical tourists from around the globe, and Thailand, where an established system of organ donations is coupled with a high number of Joint Commission International-accredited hospitals with specially trained transplant physicians and nurses.

If organ transplant surgery outside of the United States is something you or a loved one is considering, be aware the issue of illegal organ trafficking, including organs collected by force or which have been unethically harvested from prisoners, has been a real problem for the past decade.

As reported in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and in Medical Tourism Magazine, studies into this type of trade (often

ADVANCES IN MEDICINE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THOSE IN NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT ORGAN — OR EVEN MULTIPLE ORGANS — FROM A DONOR WHO MAY BE DECEASED OR A LIVING PERSON WHOSE BIOCHEMISTRY ALLOWS FOR A MEDICAL MATCH TO THAT OF THE PERSON IN NEED. linked to poverty conditions) have documented many ongoing cases in China, Iran and South Africa. Risks are real; organs obtained under duress or through illegal processes haven’t been properly screened for diseases, including fatal infectious ones. Other dangers include unsanitary or nonsterile conditions, which contribute to fatal organ failure or life-threatening infectious disease. A good place to begin your search is through JCI’s website, which lists accredited hospitals, medical centers and organizations around the world.

Giving Life: Symbol of heart donation PHOTO: © VCHALUP | DREAMSTIME.COM

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PREVIEW

Lucerne Lucerne might be small, but the Swiss cultural hub lights up at night with an abundance of clubs, bars, restaurants, theaters and concert venues. Learn more about Lucerne next month as you read After 5: Lucerne.

PHOTO:© BUMBLEEDEE | DREAMSTIME.COM

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