2012 Reader Survey Results

Each year, I ask you to tell me about your recent travels. I am delighted to report that Andrew Harper members still vacation an average of 35 days annually, with 12 percent saying that they travel more than 65 days a year.

I also asked for advice about how I could be of greater assistance in 2013. What regions would you like to see covered? And on what places do I already bestow too much attention? I take these answers very seriously and always bear them in mind when planning my upcoming travel schedule.

However, the replies can be disconcertingly contradictory. The number of correspondents urging me to "concentrate on the United States" is almost exactly balanced by those who request "more exotic" destinations, because "that's why I subscribe to the Hideaway Report."

One reader insisted that there was "far too much China, Vietnam and Asia in general," while another was concerned that our coverage of "Japanese country inns" was so limited. I was especially moved by the plight of one woman unable to "get my husband on an 18-hour flight from LAX, even in First Class," but sympathized with those who wanted "more detailed comparisons of African wildlife areas."

There was, however, one recurring theme in your responses, and that was the request for information about "multi-generational travel, especially with grandchildren." Duly noted.

I greatly appreciate your taking the time to fill out this survey. Thank you. And it will be my privilege to bring you further reports from around the globe in the coming year.