Barcelona by Design
Debra Bokur’s June 2012 piece on Barcelona was a delight to read. Her account of traveling with her husband brought the city’s energy and design to life, and the accompanying photographs recalled my own memories of Barcelona’s remarkable architecture. It remains one of my favorite destinations.
Matthew Smyther, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Tough Choice
Choosing between the Doha and Belize covers for the June 2012 issue was difficult. I was immediately taken with the Doha image when I opened the magazine, yet the Belize cover offered a calm, soothing presence. Either choice suited the magazine well.
Michelle Robart, Louisville, Ky.
Weight Debate
In our June 26 edition of eFlyer USA, we noted Airbus’ plan to widen aisle seats to accommodate larger passengers, a change that narrows middle and window seats and could allow airlines to charge more for the extra space. We asked whether readers would pay more for larger seats.
On short flights I probably wouldn’t pay extra, but on long-haul routes I would consider it. If airlines charge more for wider aisle seats, they should also lower prices for the narrower middle and window seats to keep options fair.
Steven Abrams, via email
I won’t pay for a wider seat. I’ll avoid carriers that shrink standard seats to profit from upselling a few larger ones.
Gary Young, via email
New Friends
Since joining a cross-functional multinational project team in 2007, my life has changed. I travel about three weeks each month to cities like Turin, Chicago and Milwaukee. The travel itself is rewarding, but the best part has been forming fast friendships with colleagues from Italy, Brazil, Slovakia, England, Ireland, India and Canada. Exploring new places together has created lasting bonds we will always treasure.
William Doherty, Brownstown, Pa.
Frequent Travelers Are …
Frequent travelers are recognized by airport staff for understanding when travel disruptions occur—cancellations, delays or mechanical issues. We know that yelling won’t help and that staff are working to resolve problems. Our lives are planned around travel, yet we remain flexible to meet professional demands. Nontravelers may see glamour in what we do, but after a 17-hour coast-to-coast journey or a lost hotel reservation, it’s not glamorous. We accept the demands of a travel-heavy job because we find enjoyment in it. With busy office schedules, boarding a plane can feel like relief: time to sit back, be served by attentive crew, and enjoy a break from phones and immediate demands.
Alice Kong, Danville, Calif.
Enjoy Your Journey
I began flying internationally in 1996 and remain enchanted by the experience of boarding a long-haul flight to places like Hong Kong, Bangkok or London. I still recall a flight attendant’s warm “Hope you enjoy your journey” on my first trip abroad. Travel continues to bring excitement and wonder as I conduct business around the world. I feel fortunate to have a job that offers these opportunities and expect never to tire of the experience.
Richard Stern, Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Business and Pleasure
My wife and I both travel frequently, mostly for work as chiefs of staff at a large nonprofit, and we’re often on the road together. Trips are hectic, packed with meetings from landing to departure, leaving little time to relax together in the destinations we visit. What we would most treasure is a simple trip for just the two of us—no agendas, just time to unwind. We chose to share our lives 38 years ago, and while we love our work, we love each other more.
Michael Sorgius, Orlando, Fla.
Australia Bound
My fiancé and I are eagerly anticipating a trip to Australia. We look forward to seeing colorful parrots and unique wildlife, enjoying fragrant flowers and fresh seafood, and relaxing on beautiful beaches while taking in spectacular sunsets. From coastlines to mountains to the Outback, Australia offers something for every traveler, and we can’t wait to experience it all.
Diana Rothermel, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Wedded Points Bliss
I married in Maui on June 15, 2010, and by saving frequent-flyer miles for five years I was able to book flights to Hawaii for my husband and me, plus 11 close friends and family members. Additional tickets were covered by my father and brother-in-law using miles. It made for a wonderful small wedding surrounded by loved ones. I work as a veterinarian and university professor, traveling to developing countries in Asia to provide training and exchange cultural experiences—opportunities that have enriched my life in countless ways.
Kristy Pabilonia, Fort Collins, Colo.
Family Bonding
I typically travel about 250,000 miles a year for a small software firm based in Ireland while living in San Francisco with my wife and two children. After an especially busy period, we decided to take a two-week break at the Four Seasons Punta Mita near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. No work—just uninterrupted time to reconnect as a family.
Michael Manzo, San Francisco, Calif.
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