Traveling is easily one of my favorite pastimes . In fact as I write this letter , I ’ m getting ready to jet off for an Eastern European vacation . I can ’ t wait to explore the cities , walk through old castle walls , lay by the sea , be immersed in new cultures and , of course , do some food and wine tastings .

This past year alone , I ’ ve been lucky enough to have visited more than six different countries ; in the spring , I got to see one of my all-time favorite landmarks , St . Basil ’ s Cathedral in Moscow , and this past winter , I experienced my first -15 degree winter in Canada . They are experiences that each hold something special and something unique as traveling always has a magical way of opening your eyes and your senses to the new .

Whether or not your travels take you near or far this summer , it ’ s nice to get away for a bit . And if you ’ re keeping it local , it ’ s a great time to experience some of the best hotels the Valley has to offer with some unbeatable packages . Either way , you won ’ t want to miss our Travel Spotlight this issue , highlighting some great places to travel , both in and out of state . We ’ ve got family-friendly recommendations as well as more adventurous vacays , too .

You also won ’ t want to miss our cover story on Kanksha Mehta , a woman who has traveled to more than 35 countries as an international model and actress . Still , she considers Awhatukee home and her inspirational story of survival is a must-read , and not for the faint of heart .

This month , we also celebrate Independence Day ; from how to play it safe with fireworks to where to go to watch them , we ’ ve got you covered on everything Fourth of July .

Wherever your travels may take you , have fun and be safe !

Enjoy your travels ,

Marlene

Marlene Montanez Editor in Chief marlene . montanez @ gmail . com

Events Editor Cynthia Sassi info @ fabulousarizona . com

Art directioN AND ADVERTISING DESIGN Karina Zegarra kzcreativeservices . com

coNtributiNG Writers Marette Mendoza , Rachel Harris , Stephanie Lough , Alisha Chasey , Katie Snyder , Yasmin Rochette , Suzanne Heyn , Kimberly Gunning

coNtributiNG PhotoGrAPhers James Patrick , David Alley , Mark Morgan , Yucel Yalim

circuLAtioN Aaron Kolodny AZ Integrated Media ( 480 ) 346-2175 aaron @ azintegratedmedia . com

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202 Magazine , is published 12 times per year by Keeka Publications , Inc ., 114 West Erie Drive , Tempe , Arizona 85282 . Copyright © 2009 by Keeka Publications , Inc . Publisher assumes no liability for loss or damage of unsolicited material , advertising or editorial . All rights reserved . Reproduction or use in whole , or part , in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited .

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in 202 Magazine is accurate and complete , no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions . 202 Magazine provides information in articles such as phone numbers , times , prices , etc . as service to our readers . All information has been researched and checked for accuracy at press time . We are not responsible for any changes or variances in information following publication .

202 MAGAZINE JULY EDITION July 2013 | Page 7

Marlene