This year my traveling was increased dramatically from the previous year. From March to December, I ended with 65890 EQM domestic. 57 EQS total. I most likely will have even more travel to deal with this year. I see so many FTyers that fly far more miles than I do in a year. I Have a few question for the group.

(1) How do you deal with being away from your family so often?

(2) How do you stop from getting burned out with over 100k miles?

(3) How not to gain weight while having to entertain clients?


Thank you in advance,

Bill in MSP

My travel was last year way up as well, ended up with about 165 segments and 191,933 actual BIS miles (more if measured in EQM), all North America.

(1) I work the schedules hard to avoid multi-night trips. I started doing a lot of transcon redeyes with a quick turn, where I wouldn't miss a night of putting kids to bed.

(2) Good books, music, magazines and movies help. iPod and Etymotics. Laptop with DVD. No working on airplane, unless it's a must or if it helps with boredom. Do not accept crappy hotels with crappy bedding, sleep is extremely important.

(3) Uhhh.... trying to see the keyboard over the gut here... The airlines are doing their part by eliminating decent food from first. The biggest one for me has been a hard rule: no room service upon arrival. I eat my dinner before flying or on the plane.

Sami

(1) The kid's in college, so that takes care of that side of it. Ms. M8 and I both travel, so we focus an having at least one "super-date" every quarter. This is usually an extra long weekend to a fun destination, US/International.

(2) I'm not sure what you mean by "burned out". You just have to make the mental adjustment that you are now a "traveller" and learn how to make a lifestyle for yourself that keeps you interested in what you are doing, or plan diversions while you are on location.

(3) Simple. Don't entertain clients. I find it unecessary for business development. In fact for my business, I think too much socializing would actually damage my business relationships. There are many who have succeeded in business without having to take up golf

M8

That is a good idea. I usually will get room service when I get in.

Martini,

I have no choice on that issue. I have to take clients out to dinner regularly.

Are you gaining weight because of the food or the booze? The food you could always eat something light and healthy. If anyone says anything, saying that you are watching what you eat while on the road should be enough.

If it's the booze, don't drink beer or wine. Drink a liquor mixed with water. A lot less calories in that. But make sure you SIP it so you don't eat too much.

i traveled a lot on business a while back...my response to the groaners that worked for me and traveled more than i and carped about it, was would you like to get anothwer job!

however, i always tried to get an earlier flight home, coached others to come back when there was nothing to do, but never leave until the problem is solved..

this was in the days before deregulation when you could fly about any carrier w/ your ticket...

just remember "its tough in the field". good luck to all.

Greg,

I am not much of a drinker even less with a client. Yes a salad entree might be good once in a while VS a pasta dish.

I have very few gripes about the travel. It has enabled me to take my family to London this April. I am just trying to learn the best way to travel from people far more knowledgeable than I.