Q&A with Carrie Cox, Account Executive
As a former Colorado resident for 22 years, I’m passionate about great hiking trails. In line with this month’s feature on the best walks around the globe, where is your favorite spot to walk or hike? I’m curious to hear your recommendations.
Tell us. Email [email protected].
DEVASTATING TÜRKIYE, SYRIAN EARTHQUAKE: HOW TO HELP AS DEATH TOLL RISES
In the Feb. 8 issue of eFlyer, we reported on the deadly earthquake in Türkiye and Syria and urged readers to support relief efforts, including donations to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. One reader wrote:
Thanks for this story about the tragedy in Türkiye. In December I was fortunate to spend two weeks there, mostly in İstanbul and a few days in Cappadocia. That visit inspired me to return and explore more of the countryside. During my 10 days in İstanbul, I met wonderful people: moms making stuffed pancakes on the street; fashion designers in their ateliers; shopkeepers in the Spice Bazaar; taxi drivers I chatted with; and warm hosts in hotels, shops and restaurants.
I’ve donated to UNICEF and World Central Kitchen and will also send money to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey because it’s desperately needed. José Andrés, who was on the ground, said this earthquake’s impact is far greater than the Haiti quake due to the number of large cities affected.
I’ve written to my new friends in Türkiye, and each replied with thanks and with expressions of loss and heartbreak.
IRVINA LEW, VIA EMAIL
AIRLINES ADD, REINSTATE NEW ROUTES ACROSS THE WORLD
In our Feb. 15 issue of eFlyer, we covered airlines adding and reinstating routes in 2023 and asked readers what new connections they’d like to see. One reader responded:
Regarding your piece about airlines restoring and adding routes, I have several comments. During COVID-19, regional airports lost service as airlines withdrew flights. United Airlines left Central Wisconsin (CWA), leaving us with only American and Delta and very limited schedules.
There was mention of low-cost carrier Sun Country starting service at Central Wisconsin, but I haven’t seen confirmation on when that will begin. Regional airports like CWA are lifelines for travelers in North Central Wisconsin. Without additional carriers, fares remain high and travel options are limited, making it difficult for residents to travel beyond the local area.
The nearest hubs are Milwaukee (about 170 miles) and Minneapolis (about 200 miles). To add context, many in our region must use dial-up internet while others have 5G high-speed access. That digital divide creates a real disadvantage for our community.
MARSHA YOUNG, VIA EMAIL
SACRED RELICS: TAKE A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AMONG BAGAN’S ABUNDANT ANCIENT TEMPLES
A reader responded to our recent article on the temples of Bagan:
I picked up Global Traveler (March 2023) in the Delta Sky Club at JFK and appreciated the beautiful cover and the mention of Turks and Caicos, where I was headed.
However, your Bagan article surprised me. I have been to Burma and Bagan, which makes this more troubling. I’m concerned that your piece suggests traveling to a country where serious human-rights abuses, including military violence against civilians, are ongoing. While you note travel advisories, the moral question remains: is it appropriate to promote tourism in places where populations are suffering?
There are many incredible destinations whose governments are not engaged in silencing or harming their people. I have traveled widely—more than 100 countries—and mourn places I can no longer visit because of conflict, like Ukraine. I also worry about places I may never reach due to strife, such as parts of Ethiopia. Suggesting Bagan as a vacation spot in airport lounges feels insensitive to the current realities there.
LYNN HAMLIN, VIA EMAIL
In response:
Dear Ms. Hamlin,
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the changing geopolitical climate. Many destinations require travelers to weigh personal ethics and safety when deciding whether to visit. I’ve personally visited places others might avoid. Your points are valid, and we appreciate your thoughtful perspective on how current events should influence travel choices.
FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER AND CEO
SARASOTA COUNTY RECEIVES 2022 TRAZEES AWARD, EXPRESSES THANKS
© Carrie Cox
Earlier this year, Carrie Cox, account executive, visited the Visit Sarasota County office. Visit Sarasota won Favorite Beach Town, Florida West; Virginia Haley, president, and Erin Duggan, vice president, accepted the award and posed for a commemorative photo.
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 posts about a stay at citizenM Miami Brickell; watching the Super Bowl and the Kansas City Chiefs’ narrow victory; visiting the Chicago Auto Show 2023; a trip to Sonoma County, California; and a five-course dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Many staff celebrated Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day at restaurants like Louie Louie in Philadelphia.