At the end of every school year, my elementary school hosted a “field day” competition for the students. We’d see who could throw the softball the farthest, who could jump the highest and who could pair up with a fellow classmate to run the three-legged race the fastest — all in celebration of another school year in the books. At the end of our competition, ribbons were awarded for first through sixth place. By the time I reached middle school, I became one of the students handing out those lovely red, white and blue ribbons to the rest of the kids in elementary school. I’m not sure which part I enjoyed more.
Although winning awards is a wonderful feeling, if you’ve never presented someone an award before, I think you may be missing out. Those elementary school kids were smiling ear to ear, even at a young age. Many of them were also humble about walking forward and being honored in front of their peers.
For several months this fall, I was an awards-delivering fool. Not to first and second graders, mind you, but to travel executives who were unable to receive their awards during one of Global Traveler’s regular awards events. From Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to Miami, Florida, I traveled by car, plane and golf cart to honor our clients with their well-deserved awards.
The accolades may have varied, but the responses did not.
Huge smiles and humility remain in play — although the recipients are certainly a bit older. There’s also a sense of appreciation and a bit of pride when our award winners learn these awards are 100-percent reader voted.
It was my honor to present these prestigious awards to those in the travel industry on behalf of the audiences who read Global Traveler, Trazee Travel and WhereverFamily. Great effort deserves great recognition, regardless of age!
Congratulations to all!
- Windstar Cruises, Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings
- PortMiami, Best Cruise Port
- Sixt, Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company
- Visit Lauderdale, Favorite Beach Town, Florida East
- Meliá Hotels International, Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World, Best Hotel Chain Caribbean
- Paradisus, Best All-Inclusive Resorts
- Hilton Head Island, Best Island in the United States
- Savannah, Best Weekend Destination in North America; Best Historical Attractions, Domestic
- Azamara, Best Cruise Line Dining
- Tampa Bay, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town (West), Best Family-Friendly College Town (South)
— Carrie Cox, account executive
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedAirlines
Jan 14, 2025Turkish Airlines Introduces UNESCO Türkiye Series Amenity Kit Collection
Turkish Airlines recently launched a new amenity kit collection, known as the UNESCO Türkiye Series. Inspired by six of Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the amenity kit collection allows the airline to bring the country’s cultural treasures to the skies.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Jan 14, 2025Costa del Sol, Spain, Doesn’t Hold Back for 2025 Travelers
With the arrival of a new year, Costa del Sol invites travelers to explore its culture, gastronomy, sustainability and wellness offerings. For those looking to disconnect from stress, immerse with nature and discover new cultures, this province of Málaga offers plenty of activities to keep up with your 2025 resolutions. Need some convincing?
Daily
Jan 14, 2025First NH-Branded Hotel Debuts in Bangkok
Minor Hotels, in partnership with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited, opens NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard hotel, the first NH Hotels & Resorts-branded property in Thailand’s capital.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Jan 13, 2025Nader Sculpture Park Opens in Miami’s Design District
The latest addition to Miami Design District is Nader Sculpture Park. Founded by art collector Gary Nader and designed by Bea Pernia of BEA Interiors Design, this park is an open- air collection of more than 50 large-scale sculptures residing within Miami’s celebrated neighborhood of fashion, design, art, architecture and dining. Pernia, distinguished by her knack for blending organic materials into expressions of elegance, also has a studio in the city’s design district.
7 Reasons to Ski in Slovenia
Daily
Jan 10, 20257 Off-the-Beaten-Path Asian Hotels
Daily
Jan 10, 2025Daily
Jan 9, 2025New Spier Hotel Launches This Spring in South Africa’s Western Cape
Lauded for its outstanding wines and regenerative farming practices, Spier Wine Farm in South Africa’s Western Cape region prepares to welcome its first guests to its new hotel this spring, with an opening planned for March. Owned by the Enthoven family, the wine estate is located within a protected area known as Cape Floral Kingdom.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
Daily
Jan 9, 20255 Wellness Journeys to Try at COMO Hotels & Resorts This Year
Jumpstart your 2025 wellness goals and book one (or more!) of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ COMO Wellness Journeys, held at properties around the world throughout 2025.
ShareThis