12 globaltravelerusa.com MARCH 2019
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Survey.globaltravelerusa.com/
gt-tested-awards-ballotKnowing TSA agents and staff are
losing steam and morale every day
they don’t get paid is truly concern-
ing. I didn’t have any trouble myself
flying through Newark to Los Angeles
during the shutdown — no delays or
outrageous lines — but the concern
for maintaining security measures
was still there.RICHARD MESKIN, via emailTraveling over the New Year, just af-
ter the government shut down, I was
able to go through TSA, no problem.
I visited some national parks, which I
was lucky were still open but quickly
closed just after I left. Traveling
through TSA again on my way home,
I found the staff a bit more impa-
tient than when I left, but who could
blame them? Had I planned my trip
any later, I might have rescheduled.REAGAN MARLEY, via emailIt’s such a shame so many govern-
ment workers were completely
sidelined by the shutdown. We need
to work on supporting vital employ-
ees providing us with security and
not forget about them during budget
talks.TINA WELLS, via emailCATCHING MORE THAN
FLIGHTS
In our Jan. 23 eFlyer USA newsletter,
we discussed a recent study detailing
the 12 most common diseases caught
while traveling and how to prevent
catching them. The article inspired
a few readers to write in with recent
experiences.I just returned from Thailand with anasty case of strep throat. No fun.
Not sure if I got it in Chiang Mai or
Bangkok, and unsure how I got it.TOM LINHARD, via emailI caught some sort of bug while trav-
eling to London last year. I was sick
for the first two days of the trip and,
luckily, felt better before a few work
meetings. I can only assume I caught
something at the airport or on the
flight over, but taking Advil Cold and
Sinus seemed to help. In hindsight, I
should have taken something before
the flight to help boost my immune
system.COLIN CHAPMAN, via emailI never get sick while I travel (knock
on wood), but I was unfortunate
enough to have a bad reaction to
some food on vacation over the
holidays. I think it had to be a mix of
spices I wasn’t used to because my
wife tried my dish and was fine. I was
better by the next afternoon, but I
don’t know how I could have fore-
seen getting sick, enough to prevent
it.BILL PRESTON, via emailI take vitamin C tablets during my
flights and try to stay hydrated while
I travel. It seems to work well. While
keeping up with sleep can sometimes
be tricky, especially on trips with long
flights, it’s definitely directly connect-
ed to how well I feel the next day.JENNIFER ROBINSON, via email62 globaltravelerusa.com JANUARY 20189–5 | CAPE TOWNpassed through in 2016 — its busiest year yet. Centurion Tours and Citi Hopper greet you at the terminal and run about 270–360 South African rand ($20–27), depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle. Arranging a car service in advance proves the best way to get into town. Services like
Uber is also thriving in Cape Town, so consider hailing a ride with the app if your smartphone works in South Africa. The Uber X service costs R146–189 ($11–15), while the more luxurious Uber Black should cost about R249–324 ($18–25). The 20- to 30-minute ride (depending on traffic) along the highway takes you past
some of South Africa’s infamous townships. Although the center of Cape Town is home to fewer than 435,000, the metro area boasts a population of more than 3.7 million. Many live in these makeshift towns consisting of informal housing, a remnant from the days of apartheid, prohibiting non-whites from living in the city center.
proach the downtown area, you’ll immediately recognize the faces of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu currently installed on the façade of the Civic Centre. On a clear day, you’ll also spot the flat-topped Table Mountain in the background. Cape Town, though, is quickly moving on from those unfortunate days. As you ap
waterfront, but the 12-story Townhouse Hotel offers an excellent option for business travelers with its downtown location near City Hall and South Africa’s Houses of Parliament. It boasts seven meeting rooms that accommodate up to 425 people, with its Suitable hotels are scattered around the Central Business District and along the
largest holding 300. meeting offsite. Taxis don’t roam Cape Town’s streets, however, so use Uber or ask the concierge to arrange transportation for you. Hemelhuijs, a chic café by Chef Jacques While your hotel likely includes full breakfast, you might want to organize a morningJOHANNESBURG MAY HAVE THE REPUTATION South Africa’s business capital, but Cape Town still offers plenty to those traveling for work. The Mother City, as it is commonly known, with its spectacular waterfront setting as
crowned by the famous Table Mountain, hosts conferences that attract visitors from around the world. Airport, the second-busiest in South Africa and the third-You’ll likely arrive at Cape Town International -
busiest on the entire continent. Located just 12 miles from the city center, it experienced tremendous growth since opening in 1954. More than 10 million passengersCaptivating
Cape TownThis cultural crossroads provides
endless opportunities for entertaining clients. BY MEREDITH BETHUNE