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DECEMBER Q&A WITH
TRACEY CULLEN
In the December 2017 issue, Tracey Q&A WITH PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Cullen, art director, talked about As I write this, my husband and I wrap up a New Year’s holiday tradition
all-inclusive resorts and cruises. established over the past several years. We convene with two other couples,
While these are usually something longtime friends, to enjoy three or four days on the Oregon coast. We indulge
Cullen avoided, she recently enjoyed in plenty of good food and wine, football, laughter, reminiscing and making
a stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya new memories as we start the New Year. While we enjoy the chance to visit
in Mexico, which she loved for its galleries and boutiques and stroll the beach (weather permitting), the loca-
amazing dining venue variety. She tion really is secondary to the opportunity to kick back with good friends.
asked: “How do you feel about
all-inclusives? Have you been to one Do you find yourself returning over and over to a favorite destination,
you would recommend to others?” perhaps a family vacation spot or personal retreat? What was the origi-
nal draw to the place, and what continues to call you back there?
Like Ms. Cullen, we usually steer
clear of all-inclusives for hotels. Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com
Some have better food than
others, but sometimes it’s like
going to a chain restaurant, boutique resort, though, may be I look forward to these awards I’d be interested to learn what
where they’re serving quantity well worth paying for all-inclusive. every year. I like comparing qualifies airports as “best” in
over quality. That being said, on I love Riviera Maya and may just year over year and seeing the these awards. I only say that
cruises we usually opt for an have to check out Grand Velas. consecutive winners and upsets. because airports like Chicago
all-inclusive package of some Congratulations to IHG for O’Hare, Singapore Changi and
kind. I think you get a better RHONDA CURRAN, via email knocking out Sheraton Hotels Hartsfield-Jackson are always
value on cruises as opposed to & Resorts after 13 years! insanely busy, yet they ranked
hotels. The prices on most cruise ABOVE AND BEYOND highly. Is it location, conve-
lines are astronomical, and when I love the December issue. My EVELYN HART, via email nience, number of flights?
you’re on the ocean, the only husband and I both voted in the
thing to do is eat and drink. GT Tested Reader Survey. I actu- I love Aeromexico and completely JENSON HARRIS, via email
ally voted for American Airlines agree with its win for Best Airline
TIM LARANGE, via email
for quite a few things, and I see it in Mexico. It has great food in POISED FOR POSSIBILITY
won for Airline of the Year — that’s first class and extremely friendly Portland’s one of my favorite
I think every property is differ- great! I wrote it in for Best Airline attendants. I’ve also flown LATAM places in the world — great small
ent. I’ve stayed at some great for Domestic First Class. I love the with good experiences, and I’ve hotels, art scene, restaurants and
all-inclusives where I still enjoyed layout and seats. I also voted it heard good things about Avianca. people. The airport could use a
great food and entertainment, and Best Airline for Business Class, but facelift, so I was glad to read that’s
I’ve stayed at some where I’ve had I’m sure Turkish is great; I hope KATIE WILLIS, via email in the works, and I loved the scenic
watered-down drinks and food no to fly it at some point. I personally drives tips. I’ll keep them in mind
better than I would eat at home. prefer the AAdvantage program to Nothing beats Lotte. Beauti- for my next visit, usually once
I think it depends on the size of MileagePlus for the Best Overall ful hotels, exceptional service or twice a year to visit friends.
the resort or hotel in which you’re Frequent-Flyer Program, but my and some of the best food
staying — a massive all-inclusive husband voted for MileagePlus anywhere. Well-deserved wins. LYDIA LEWIS, via email
resort is bound to offer some for its upgrade program. SCOTT PHILLIPS, via email
sub-par food and drinks, consider-
ing the quantity they’re serving. A DEBORAH RANDOLPH, via email

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10 globaltravelerusa.com FEBRUARY 2018