People often think that international business travel is glamorous. As a mom that travels without my kids most of the time, I can tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.  Sure, you may be traveling to great places with plenty of culture and fun.  

Let’s assume you build in some time  on business travel to actually leave the office or hotel conference room, you first have to survive the long flight over the pond.  Since my first trip to Europe almost landed me the lead role in “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” I had to devise a plan.

First, I start my trip with reading whatever is in the seat pocket while we are still at the gate.    There is no sense cranking out my Nook only to have to turn it off when the cabin door closes.  So, I read the trees until we get in the air and I hear the long awaited “ding” notifying me that “approved electronic devices are now permitted”.  At that point I pull out my Nintendo DS and play a little Sudoku - a critical tool for travelers.

A couple of hours later, it’s time to eat the tasty “chicken or beef” . At dinner time I start my movie selection process by choosing something above rated “G” without animated talking animals.  I enjoy my grown up movie and dinner before resting my eyes (hopefully sleeping) for a couple of hours while listening to my iPod.

When I wake from my nap, I read my Nook and immerse myself in a mystery or family drama. Before I get to the red herring, breakfast is served and I am officially in European airspace.  Now it’s time to plan my movement once I land.  I confirm my hotel address and meeting info, practice how to say “taxi please” in the local language, and determine how much money I’ll need to exchange.  Now, it’s time to put my “seat back forward and stow my tray table for landing”.  I have arrived!

If these things don’t work you can always talk to the person next to you for 10 or 12 hours. Never really done that but I hear it can be quite enjoyable. You are now free to move about the cabin.

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