Ballistic Baggage

Going to work today, I realized that my should bag wasn't "cool". It was the regular computer bag given to all consultants from our firm. Nothing snazy about it and nothing really special. But then I realized something else: it did its job well. It had enough room for my computer, a few notebooks, pens, phone, keys, spare tie, cufflinks, my energy bar and a water bottle. Also, if I wanted, I could stuff a dress shirt and pair of pants in there if I was traveling. Cool factor = nay. Functionality = yaay.

If you want to travel comfort, don't worry about an exclusive luggage set by the top designers. They don't have the compartments or durability to withstand heavy travel. Trust the best travel oriented designers like Tumi (www.tumi.com) or TravelPro (www.travelpro.com). They are rugged yet classy and are perfect for storing various items for the trip. Price point is generally high, but try looking for them at stores like Century 21 in the New York City area or at TJ Maxx or Marshalls nationwide. Remember, it's about comfort and efficiency rather than style and expense!

Tumi


TravelPro

Flights of fancy...

I was talking to a former colleague of mine from a financial service firm about business travel and the economy. We were reminiscing about the early 2000's, business travel was HUGE. College graduates who were working for consulting firms or banks that were on international engagements were being treated like royalty. Business or first class flights, swanky hotels, 3 star Michelin rated restaurants, expense accounts and per diem allowances. Thing was, companies back then were raking in huge profits and were creating expense accounts to offset for tax breaks. Times were good, and travel was amazing. Then in 2007-2008, things came tumbling down.

My friend was telling me about an engagement he had in Hong Kong. He was saying that in order to cut expenses, his firm was making him fly coach from New York to Hong Kong and had him on a budget of $175 a night for hotels and $40 a day for food. In comparison, he was saying that in 2005 he would fly in business (upgraded to first), stay at the Oriental hotel ($400 a night), no limits on food or drinks and have a per diem of $200 a day. Things really did change!

After realizing that business travel would not be the same for some time, I realized that there are ways to spruce up a coach flight to a flight of fancy. This holds true for a family vacation as well. First, be sure to book in advance and book through the airline itself. Secondly, look for rows by the bulkhead or in the back where the body of the plane curves. It allows you to have a seat configuration where you can have a seat with legroom. Third, stock up on supplies for your trip to make it comfortable: noise canceling headphones, iPhone/iPad/Android for movies or shows, buy a pre-packaged meal at the airport rather than eat airline food and pack a comfortable neck pillow. These few tips can lead to a more comfortable flight experience. Fine, you won't get the plush seats, but you will have the amenities to accentuate your experience...

Legroom for bulkhead seats

It's the economy, stupid....

I know what you're thinking..with rising gas prices, unemployment, health care costs, and other issues, how the heck can one afford a luxury vacation? Very true, and as Clinton/Gore said during their 1992 Presidential campaign, "It's the economy, stupid"! And that's exactly the point! With a struggling economy, now is the time to plan a luxury vacation as you can get the best deals possible without having to take a second mortgage on your home.

Planning such a vacation isn't about using Expedia or Travelocity to book your flights and hotels. Yeah, you'll wind up with decent deals but not GREAT deals. The trick to planning an affordable luxury holiday is to think out of the box, and that's what this blog will help you do.

We're going to discuss ways on to try to upgrade to business class flights or spruce up your coach ticket to a first class experience. We'll search for world class properties that are equavalent to the Ritz or Mandarin Oriental, but for less than half the price. I'll show you how to enjoy an amazing meal equal to that of a 3 star Michelin rated restaurant serves but spend what you may at TGIF or Ruby Tuesdays. I will also assist in shopping experiences that won't have you going to Gucci or Prada, but getting the same quality without spending your paycheck on a jacket.

As Robin Leech would say, "Welcome to a world of champaigne and caviar dreams"...but on a no-frills budget!