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

AdvertisiNG iNFormAtioN( 480) 353-1703 joe @ keekapubs. com 114 West Erie Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282 Phone:( 480) 353-1703 202magazine. com

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