I spent the large majority of yesterday trying to reach my final destination for what will most likely be my last business trip for a very long time. My job does not require me to meet customers or collaborate with other co-workers at different locations. This professional development course is the first time I have ever had a good reason to get on a plane and visit our headquarters or other locations and meet some of my co-workers. That part has been fun.
And while I am not a seasoned traveler by any means, I have learned a few things about the process, which I thought I would share with you.
- As a mother, there is nothing quite like the solitude of a quiet hotel room. Seriously, it is the reason why I love business travel. Getting away from the nagging, constant questioning, fighting, running around to various activities, and general worry makes me better appreciate what I have…after at least one night of nothing but silence.
- A majority of the travelers these days are men. I find this very, very sad. Most of the women travelers are mothers with young children or retirees off to visit children. Apparently, I am not the only woman who does not travel very often.
- No one looks like this in the airport. Let me clarify. They ALL are on the phone talking or checking their watches or on their laptops, but no one wears a power suit on the airplane.
- White stretch pants that are too tight with a blue thong and no oversized sweater is NOT a pretty sight.
- For that matter, track suits, pajamas, and any other sportswear is not a pretty look when traveling either. Have some pride, people!
- No matter how small you are, you will still get bumped, jostled, and bruised by the flight attendants and your seat partner. Be prepared.
- If you ever felt pretty good about yourself and your place in life, just fly coach. It will rid you of your delusions very, very quickly.
- Often, the infants and the young children are the best fellow passengers. It is the adults about which you need to worry.
- No one looks like this on the plane.
- It will always take much, much longer than anticipated to reach your destination.
- Trying to sleep in jeans, an underwire bra, and a turtleneck sweater to which you are allergic is torture.
- If an airline promises delivery of your bag by 10 PM and calls later to confirm that the driver will be dropping it off by 12 AM, just do yourself a favor and do not expect your bag to arrive until roughly around 2 AM. It will save yourself a lot of heartache and anger.
So, what other lessons have you learned while traveling? What did I miss?
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Brandy – There is something to be said about proving to yourself, as a female, that you can survive in a man's world. It is very liberating. I have yet to experience actually staying on my own, as I have always had at least one co-worker with whom I carpool and share my meetings. If I were truly alone, I think it would be an entirely new experience.
Glad you discovered your fierce independence and got out of that scary relationship!
There is something to be said as a woman (single or just traveling alone) and figuring out flight times, shuttle rides, rental cars and hotel reservations…without the help of a man.
Personally, I LOVE traveling for work…if not for the fact of just leaving my home for a while than for seeing fellow colleagues I haven't seen all year…much like reunions for me and I love it! But being able to exist and do just fine in an unfamiliar city gives me some pride as well!
When I was in my previous (crappy) relationship, I LONGED for travel….it was a way to have “me” time and not have to tell someone what I was doing at all moments…in more recent years, I traveled more, and it became a gone of contention in our relationship…mostly because it helped me realize how FIERCELY independent I am and how much I LIKE being able to do things by myself. That was one of the last straws, and is now a boundary for all future relationships! 🙂
Gotta love where the unexpected lessons come from!
Kris – Thanks for the helpful hint! I'm a little worried about my connection on Tuesday. If we are late arriving by even fifteen minutes, I will be sprinting between gates. Ah, the travails of travel!
Hope – I think our need for solitude is universal. I've actually been giving this topic some thought lately. I'm thinking we should meet somewhere in between Portland and Cincinnati – a girl's weekend out, so that we can finally meet and still get that solitude!
Michelle, I totally relate to what you're saying about wanting just one, just one, night and day of not having to repeat myself like a broken record, answer questions, play referee, explain to a 4 year old that her 16 month old sister did not INTENTIONALLY walk in her path, or explain to the 16 month old that pushing the power button on the TV, while very amazing that such things happen, is NOT a good thing to do when Mommy's trying to watch a TV show other than Dora, Spongebob, or The Wiggles.
I also learned that when you've got only 5 minutes to get from one end of the airport to the other in a large airport like O'Hare, running on the horizontal escalator gets you there with time to spare for the bathroom. 🙂
SOOOO true. Years ago I was fortunate to travel quite a bit for work to fun and exciting places (Miami, Boston, NY NY, San Fran, New Orleans, Hawaii to name a few…) I didn't have my daughter then, but I still enjoyed being on my own and doing whatever I wanted to do. Now as a mother I can completely relate to “getting some solitude” even more. Hmmm…how can I work in an alone trip now? Thanks for the funny read.
Thanks, Booksnyc! It doesn't take long to realize just how messed up our airline travels really are.
I think you have summed it up pretty well – I love 4 and 5 on your list – I always wonder why people think its appropriate to be dressed for bed on a plane – especially when it is a day flight!
I was a mgmt consultant for awhile an traveled multiple times per week by plane and the “glamour” of air travel is a complete myth. I almost prefer the subway!
Safe travels home!
Michelle – I will say that you do get used to flying, especially when stuck in an airplane for eight hours to go to Europe! I hear you on the hotel room for the read-a-thon. I have thought about doing that myself, if I can convince my husband why I need to participate!
I would never have a job that required travel because I hate to fly. That being said, if my novel gets published, I should probably get over this, unless I choose to promote it only to locales within driving distance…LOL! Also, I spend my time mustering up the courage to fly when I go to Europe someday (yes, I can dream)!
I totally agree with you on the solitude thing. I had the house to myself Friday night (kids at grandmas and husband playing cards) and it was total bliss! For the next 24 hour read-a-thon, I plan on getting a hotel room. Last time, my kids gave me no peace and I didn't get as much reading done as I would have liked!