The Kharisma Magazine The Kharisma Magazine (Full) Premiere Issue | Page 278
T
278
Travel Tips for
Business Travel – Flying
WRITTEN BY JOHN SOLAND
{
ravelling by air is the fastest way to get to your next
scheduled meeting or conference, but it isn’t the easiest method
of travel. Between the increased and added fees mandated by
airlines (yes, you’ll be paying for that tiny blanket) and security
measures that seem to be more of a headache than a help, air
travel can make even the hardiest of business men and women
want to pull their hair out.
One of the best ways to learn the tips
and tricks of business travel is to talk
to someone who’s learned from his
or her mistakes over the years and
has discovered the best ways to deal
with the delays, rude or inconsiderate
passengers, and the lack of nutrition-
ally healthy foods. If you don’t know
someone like this, then read on for a
few quick tips on how to best handle
your next business trip.
1. Before You Go.
Before you leave for the airport, be sure to eat a protein-
packed but lightweight meal. The food choices in airports have
improved in recent years, but eating fat- and calorie-laden
foods may still be too tempting if you’re short on time and
hungry. Once you’ve passed through security, it can be helpful
to purchase a bottle of water and a piece of fruit, such as a
banana or an apple, to have as a snack. This will also help you
E S C A P E S
I S S U E
2 0 1 8
}
K H A R I S M A
M A G A Z I N E
avoid spending extravagantly on snacks or meals while in the
air that won’t do much to satisfy your hunger.
2. Check Out Rewards Programs.
In addition to packing lightly and making healthy food choices,
you may want to look into joining rewards program through
your favourite airline or credit card company. While there may
be a fee of some sort, you may be able to
earn free miles and enjoy perks such as
priority boarding and discounts to use on
meals and movies.
... you may be able
3. At the Airport.
to earn free miles Be sure you arrive at the airport early
to ensure that you get through security,
and enjoy perks the waiting line for which can seem to
stretch on for miles during peak travel
times throughout the day. When you
such as priority
finally make it up to the security check
point, be prepared to take off your shoes,
boarding ....
belt, jewelry, and jacket or coat for X-ray
Packing lightly for a business trip,
whether you’ll be gone for two days or
a week, is a must. Choose clothing that can be used multiple
times. That might mean packing at least one jacket and pair
of pants or a skirt that match in colour, as well as a few button
down shirts, polo shirts, or blouses. It’s also best to pack just
one or two pairs of shoes; many pairs of shoes can take up
a lot of room in a carry-on or suitcase. Speaking of carry-
on luggage, if you’re travelling for business, it’s in your best
interest to fly with carry-on bags only that actually fit under
the seat or in the overhead bin. Checking luggage can result
in extra fees and there’s always the chance that your luggage
could be lost or delayed. This can spell disaster, particularly if
you need to prepare and dress for a presentation or meeting
directly after you arrive at your destination.
G R E A T
P R E M I E R
scanning. It might also be helpful to place
your personal belongings in a specific
order to be scanned so that you avoid scrambling for items as
they pass through the x-ray machine. For example, place your
shoes first so they are first to exit the scanner.
Before you board the plane, be sure to have exactly what
you need for the flight (books, magazines, laptop, etc.) easily
accessible in your carry-on bag. This will allow you to quickly
take these items out of your carry-on when you get to your seat
and just as quickly put your bag under your seat or overhead,
without holding up passengers behind you.
4. At Your Destination.
Whether you end up in China or Cleveland, it’s important to
make sure you develop a routine for eating and sleeping. Block
off an adequate amount of time to allow yourself to adjust to
another time zone, use earplugs or noise-blocking headphones
to help you rest in a loud hotel, and eat well-balanced and
nutritious meals and snacks. If you’re travelling for business,
you want to look and feel your best. Take time to discover other
ways to help you travel smarter.
About the Author: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written
for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is
able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those
Image: iStock.com/andresr
pertaining to general wellness.
279