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Q&A TIME

In our November 2022 issue we asked: Do you prefer to stay closer to home for the holidays, or do you use the break to see a new place? A few readers wrote in:

Because my family is spread out across the United States, seeing family during the holidays is a vacation in itself. With some family in Minnesota, some in Florida and a few in Arizona, we like to rotate where we host our Thanksgiving and Christmas gettogethers so everyone has the chance to escape the cold (or heat, in Florida). It would be nice, however, to travel somewhere completely different for a change, but we must wait until the kids head off to college for that to happen!

DAISY UNDERWOOD, VIA EMAIL The holidays are my favorite time of year, as my wife and kids like to travel somewhere new each year. We never really had traditional holiday meals with family, as most of them live outside of the United States. Last year we went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. This year we plan to visit the Oregon coast. The only catch to traveling during the holidays is staying off the roads the day before and after Thanksgiving, as well as the few days before and after Christmas, as traffic piles up quickly.

DANIEL GAMBLE, VIA EMAIL

UNITED AIRLINES THREATENS TO DROP JFK SERVICE

In the Sept.14 issue of eFlyer, we told readers United Airlines announced its plans to pull service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport unless the airline was granted more slots. We asked: How might this affect your travels should the airline pull out of JFK? Which airport do you prefer for international connections: New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR)? Two readers wrote in:

Since reading this news when it initially came out, I’ve learned United Airlines officially announced its decision to leave JFK temporarily. As someone living in Manhattan who travels frequently for business, this means I have fewer options. I often flew

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Globility

\glo ‘bility\ n: 1. The quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences

United Airlines at JFK, so this change entails me turning to other airlines at JFK or venturing to Newark. I prefer JFK for international flights, as I experience fewer delays than I do at Newark, and the loss of United Airlines at JFK will, no doubt, affect many others like me.

ANTONY SANTOS, VIA EMAIL

When I first heard the news of the airline potentially withdrawing from JFK should it not receive more slots to compete with other domestic airlines, I thought either United Airlines or the Federal Aviation Administration would give way to prevent something like this from happening. I hope it is only a temporary departure and that United will return to JFK soon.

KACY WILKINSON, VIA EMAIL

JAPAN OPENS BORDERS WITHOUT HEAVY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

In the Sept. 28 issue of eFlyer, we told readers Japan officially opened its borders for the first time in two years since the beginning of the pandemic. We asked: Are you planning a trip to Japan now that its borders are open? One reader wrote in: I had planned a two-week vacation to Japan for 2020. Of course, I had booked this trip in early 2019, and little did I know a pandemic would ruin these plans and the plans of countless other travelers. I contacted some of my family and friends the minute I heard about Japan reopening its borders.

As I had a two-week itinerary planned for more than three years now, I will adhere to that schedule as best as possible. I expect some places on my itinerary to be closed or have restricted access as the country slowly adjusts to post-pandemic life, but I am beyond thrilled to head to Japan next summer. Fingers crossed the COVID pandemic doesn’t plan to return!

EMILY COCHRAN, VIA EMAIL

WILL AIRLINES BAN TRACKING DEVICES IN CHECKED BAGGAGE?

In the Oct. 19 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about a recent mix-up over Lufthansa’s statements regarding the use of tracking devices on checked baggage. We asked: Do you use tracking devices like AirTag on checked luggage? One reader wrote in:

Yes, I recently completed my first trip using AirTags. We were able to see our bags were still on the dock at a near point to the ship leaving. We alerted the ship’s team and told them exactly where our bags were located. Some minutes later, our found bags were brought to us.

On the way home, the trackers worked well, but two of our bags didn’t have trackers. Of course, these were the two bags left at the terminal. A port agent has them en route to us after seeing they were the only bags left in the terminal.

Do they work? Yes, and if we had tags in our left bags, we would have been notified and had time to turn around and get them before going on our way to the airport. We are home now, and the bags will reach us soon via UPS.

TERRI CALABRESE, VIA EMAIL

kicking back | COOK ISLANDS

fine vines

Torrontés Tango

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

in 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, round, well-structured body; a fruit-filled taste Powered by 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. 72 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 IN THE COOK ISLANDS, on Rarotonga, I’m walking along a dusty path, edged by a plethora of plants and trees. Fat papayas hang from their umbrella-like trees; bananas, still green on the stem, invite; and mangos, ripe and ready, have Healing fallen from their roost. Blossoming bushes waft a perfume, butterflies circle halos around my head, and a stream gurgles nearby. A mother sow and her family of 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 here, hiking inland, surrounded by steep hills and much vegetation, I feel like the only person left on Earth. Ease body, mind and soul in Luckily, I’m not. I share this walk with one of the Cook Islands’ most the natural goodness of the famous residents, a larger-than-life figure known as Uncle Pa, once a world surfing champion. Though an octogenarian, he wears long dreadlocks, treks Cook Islands. BY BECCA HENSLEY shirtless and sports a colorful sarong. With rippling muscles and the physique of a 30-year-old man, he belies aging and serves as the metaphorical poster child for his role as this island nation’s most famous healer. An herbalist or kahuna, he learned from his grandmother about the power of the plants that BEACHSIDE BLISS: grow on these less-traveled islands. Intuitive, fearless, with a foot in both the Spa treatment on the beach at Aitutaki Lagoon past and the modern world, Uncle Pa has helped thousands of people regain their health over the years. As we walk, he picks leaves, flowers, berries and PHOTO: © STEVE ALLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM fruit. He tells me how he makes elixirs or poultices from them; he lets me taste 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.

www.globaltravelerusa.com May 2011 | GLOBAL TRAVELER | 35

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