On the road again

Well, after 60,000+ miles and 62 flights last year, this year is shaping up to be the same or worse. I was pretty successful at delaying the start of my travel, but as of Monday, I’ve started again. I figure I’m in for 60,000-70,000 miles this year and possibly more than 100 flights. But we’ll see. I really hope I’m wrong.

A lot of people tell me how they envy those of us who travel for business. Well, I can honestly say, they shouldn’t. I rarely get more than 1-2 days in a spot and most of my time is spent in airport lounges and meetings.

It is nice to get to try different restaurants, and see different cities (from the taxi window) but for the most part there’s more pain than it’s worth. Hopefully this year things will be fairly stable and eventful on the road.

There are some perks like air miles and elite status with hotels and airlines which are nice. And I do get the odd chance to have supper with friends who live away which is a plus for sure. But all that being said, there’s a price that those if us on the road pay, whether it’s missed birthdays, family events or just missing a spouse. Either way, it adds up. Sometimes you get to share some of your “perks” like upgrades and lounge access with your partner when you actually go somewhere on vacation, maybe even give the in-laws the free Airport Lounge passes so they relax when they travel. If you’re really lucky at the end of the year you have a zero-balance with your spouse and nice, relaxing Christmas together. Here’s hoping to break even.