We spend a lot of time researching where to travel — and how much to pay. But don’t forget “how” to travel. It’s important to consider things like your luggage, the clothes you wear, the gadgets you bring and your overall attitude.
A. Luggage. I loved the movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney. There’s a scene at the airport where co-star Anna Kendrick shows up dragging an aging Samsonite suitcase behind her. Clooney’s character, Ryan Bingham, promptly opens it up and throws out half of the stuff and crams it into a fancy carry-on bag. My kinda traveler.
If it’s at all possible, ditch your checked luggage in favor of carry-on. Bingham loves “Travelpro” rolling bags. I have one from Eagle Creek and another from Magellans.com. Both are lightweight with two wheels and an extendable handle so you can drag it through airports and train stations. One is 21 inches deep. The other is 20 inches deep. Anything longer than that and you risk not being able to cram it in the overhead bin. Since I wear a size 14 shoe, most of the room under the seat is devoted to my feet.
The folks at Magellans.com put a lot of engineering into compartmentalizing the carry-on. Still, you’ve only got so much room in the bag. Outside pockets accommodate my laptop. Magellans’ “packing cubes” help me keep socks separate from the suit coat. And I use one of the cubes for all of my power cords and electronic gear.
Because I choose the carry-on route, I don’t carry any knives or handguns. No bottles of wine. I don’t pack shoes aside from the ones I wear on the plane (unless I put them in my backpack). And honestly, I do not have a lot of room to bring things back from my destination. The airlines and the travel infrastructure (TSA) have made it a daunting process to check luggage. It’s expensive and time-consuming. Consider mailing the luggage you used to check. It may cost a little more, but you’ll save that time at the airport and the aggravation of a lost or stolen bag.
In addition to a rolling bag, consider a backpack. They’re flexible, so you can cram them in to fit any available space in the overhead (or under the seat in front of you). They’re perfect for bulky camera gear, books, magazines, headphones, iPods and other sundries. I also throw in a pair of gloves and a fleece in case it gets chilly on the flight. Blankets, as frequent flyers know, are a relic of days gone by.
B. Gadgets. I’m fairly low-tech when it comes to travel gadgets since on most of my trips I’m trimmed down to the bare minimum. But I love the iPod, paired up with the Bose noise-canceling headphones. In fact, flight attendants don’t see the kids with their earbuds, in spite of their incessant “turn electronics off” announcements. Any music player and set of headphones will work, but I’m partial to Bose’s new “over the ear” model. It really does make a difference in the noise level — even after the iPod runs out of power!
Don’t forget the power cords to charge your devices, including a cord for the rental car. You can find the power strips that plug into the car chargers — very handy to keep the kids busy on that long road trip!
One gadget I love is the Petzl headlamp. One two recent Alaska Airlines flights, the overhead reading lamp was burned out. Thankfully, I pulled out my headlamp and covered a few chapters in my book — even though my kids think it looked a little too “nerdy.”
C. Attitude. The way you travel is so important. You can purchase your luggage and your gadgets online. Although your attitude takes a little extra work, you may find it pays big dividends. Personally, I’ve found that a regular yoga practice session does wonders for my attitude prior to my flight. You know — it’s easier to scrunch up in those seats! Really — if you haven’t done it, I would encourage you to consider it. All that stretching and twisting makes it easier to “go with the flow” on a long security line or a lengthy wait at the train station.
To avoid extra anxiety, I always get to the airport two hours prior to my scheduled flight. I’m better at checking online before leaving for the airport to make sure the flight is on time. Once I’ve passed through security, I’ve got time to check out the bookstore, grab a cup of coffee or even a sandwich to take on board the plane.
Consider joining Alaska Airlines’ Board Room if you travel frequently. Since it costs about $300 per year, the membership really isn’t worth it unless you travel quite a bit. But the rooms are quiet, with free wireless internet and snacks. There’s typically a nice view of the tarmac so you can watch the planes coming and going. It’s a great way to pass the time before your flight. Alaska has the only airport club at the Anchorage airport — and they have arrangements at other airports to use clubs from other airlines, including Delta and American.
Another attitude-enhancer is to be honest with yourself about how much travel costs and how much it’s worth to have a smooth experience. That includes getting a car rental that’s big enough for the whole family and your luggage. And it includes pre-reserving a hotel or inn for when you arrive. This makes a big difference.
Speaking of attitudes, mine is always better when I get a good deal. And when it comes to air fares from Anchorage, the good deals are more available when there’s lots of competition.
Already, we’re seeing relatively good deals on nonstop between Anchorage and Portland, where both Continental and Alaska Airlines offer nonstops ($400 roundtrip). United and Alaska are competing between Anchorage and three cities: Denver, San Francisco and Chicago. Fares to all three of these cities are less than $500 roundtrip. Keep an eye on Anchorage-Minneapolis, Anchorage-Atlanta and Anchorage-Philadelphia. I think the fares will come down next week.
And that’s what I call a good ‘attitude adjustment’!
Magellans Travel Store. I visited the store in Santa Barbara. A traveler’s cornucopia! Check the website for all sorts of luggage and goodies.
Bose. In addition to headphones, Bose also has in-ear noise-canceling earbuds.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his Web site at alaskatravelgram.com.
Up in the air, not down in the dumps
More Yoga Links
There is a store on Richmond road called Lululuemon. It’s a yoga store, does anyone know how much a pair of Yoga Pants cost?