Northern Exposures
I thoroughly enjoyed Megan Rowe’s feature on Alaska in the August issue. Her writing painted a vivid portrait of the region and the adventures that await there. Although I don’t usually seek out extreme travel, her piece changed my perspective. Watching bears and kayaking near glaciers sounds unforgettable. The opening photograph and the layout of the spread were beautiful and perfectly captured the story’s tone.
Molly Bendson, Sacramento, Calif.
Global City Guidebook 2012
I eagerly anticipate each new edition of the Global City Guidebook, and this year’s volume delivered once again. I appreciated the fresh entries and the inclusion of lesser-known destinations such as Gujarat, Hamilton and Papeete. One practical suggestion: would it be possible to organize the cities alphabetically or by region? The current sequence feels a bit random and would benefit from a clearer ordering system.
Michael Denisof, Deer Park, Mich.
Scary Airports
In the July 11 issue of eFlyer USA we published a list of the scariest U.S. airports for pilots, compiled by Airfarewatchdog.com. We asked readers to share their most nerve-wracking takeoffs and landings.
Landing at St. Barts is particularly tense. The runway is short, and after reading about it before my trip I was anxious. Pilots must weave between peaks and descend over a hill before leveling off to touch down and brake hard. The advance knowledge made me more alert, but our pilot was excellent and the landing turned out far less stressful than I expected.
Carol Luheath, Chicago, Ill.
Quirky Lodgings
In the Aug. 8 issue of our e-newsletter we highlighted a ranking of America’s quirkiest lodgings. Readers wrote in with their own memorable stays.
Many European hotels feel quirky to me, often due to cultural differences. I enjoy the variation in cuisine, subtle service customs, and the small, charming surprises you don’t encounter at home. Those differences are part of the pleasure of traveling abroad.
Emily Nowski, Miami, Fla.
While in college, a spontaneous trip to the Florida Everglades led my friend and me to the Everglades International Hostel. Tucked away from the main road, it felt magical. Rooms offered privacy, and the common areas fostered a real sense of community—guests labeled food in the kitchen and left notes inviting others to share, which made it feel like a reunion. The backyard was a highlight, with a curiosity garden, a hammock and a fire pit. We even used an enclosed outdoor shower with a small roof opening. It was one of my favorite unexpected stays.
George Prince, Bronx, N.Y.
GT Tested Suggestion
I enjoy GT’s hotel reviews—your checklists are practical and distinctive. One addition I’d like to see is “water pressure.” For me, a good shower can make or break a hotel stay.
Jon Ninnegot, via email
Thanks for the suggestion, Jon. We are updating our hotel and airline checklists—look for the refreshed lists in an upcoming issue. — Editor
Travel Nightmares
In eFlyer USA’s Aug. 22 edition we invited readers to share travel nightmare stories. Here are a few that stood out.
One frightening episode took place before smartphones or cellphones were common. While vacationing in Margate City, N.J., I became separated from my group on the Fourth of July. I wandered the crowded beach for hours, unable to find anyone I knew, and felt panic rising as the fireworks continued. Eventually I rejoined the group, but that long, anxious time alone made me grateful for today’s mobile connectivity.
Leona Mortimer, Dover, Del.
A few years ago my teenage daughter accompanied me on a business trip to Switzerland. She was eager to see the country, but during the flight I was absorbed in preparing for meetings and didn’t notice she hadn’t eaten. At the airport she complained of feeling hot—she was layered up for the cold weather ahead—and she fainted at baggage claim. A helpful airport worker called a medic, and my daughter regained consciousness quickly, albeit embarrassed. We were both relieved it wasn’t more serious, but it’s a trip we still remember for that scare.
Mary Butler, Allentown, Pa.
August Cover Battle
In August we had a tough decision between two potential covers from a photo shoot at Karamoor Estate vineyard in Fort Washington, Pa., taken for our annual Wines on the Wing airline wine survey. We asked readers whether we chose wisely.
I agree with your selection. The chosen cover feels natural and relaxed; the alternate photo of the model seated on a wine barrel lacked the same ease and authenticity.
Lindsay Shane, Montréal, Québec
Airport Security Pet Peeves
Our Aug. 29 e-newsletter reported that new security scanners failed tests and that passengers will continue to remove their shoes at checkpoints. Readers shared other airport pet peeves.
I’m frustrated by water-bottle policies. Why can’t security allow you to sip from a bottle to prove it’s water? Even when I buy a bottle after security, gate agents sometimes confiscate it before boarding. Airport bottles are often oversized and bulky; smaller bottles should be allowed and retained. The current approach feels excessive.
William Couser, via email
My view is more radical: I would disband the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security and rethink how we manage airport security. The current system costs billions and imposes frustrating, inconsistent rules on travelers. I regularly see large numbers of TSA staff at checkpoints, yet policies and interpretations vary by airport and change often. The shoes-off rule, born from a single historic incident, has become unevenly enforced and cumbersome. Security should be effective, consistent and respectful of travelers’ time.
Jim Kerr, Raleigh, N.C.
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