One Holiday movie we saw, that I have not commented on was “Up in the Air.” I needed time as it hit a little close to home.
I usually do a lot of business travel. I figured out once that, out of the last 15 years, if you add all my hotel nights together, I have spent more than 2 of those years in a Hilton or Sheraton. I can relate to the obsession with frequent traveler points and loyalty status as they are the only perks that make business travel tolerable.
Unlike George Clooney’s character in the film, I don’t use business travel to avoid relationships at home. I’m very happy at home and, when I travel, I try to take as much of it with me as possible. There are two kinds of travelers: Minimalists and Comfortable. I’m the latter.
Unfortunately, most of my business travel is to Phoenix, a city that I loathe as, to me, it embodies all that is wrong with America. Over built with shoddy new construction, too much traffic and nothing but big box stores and chain restaurants as far as the eye can see. Maybe I’m just too much of an East Coast boy….I don’t get Phoenix.
My other destinations are more pleasurable, but still all one sees is the airport, office and hotel. When one travels on business, it ain’t fun.
The points and elite status on airlines and hotels do make it tolerable. We rarely pay for hotels or air tickets when we travel on pleasure since I rack up so many points from my business travel. And elite status helps you avoid a lot of hassel at the airport.
Unfortunately, due to the economic situation, I hardly traveled at all last year. My partner and I were concerned, at first, that this might negatively impact our relationship. Up to that point, I had been on the road for about half the time during our 12 years together. Neither of us was used to me being home that much. I’m happy to say, we made it just fine being home together.
Fortunately, the economy is looking better and it looks like I’ll be resuming my travel schedule this year. I head out Sunday on my first trip of the year.
Unfortunately, that year off cost me my elite status on the airlines and at the Hilton. I’m afraid I’m going to be treated like the average leisure traveler. I hope I can take it.
At least I’m not going to Phoenix! That’s the next week….
Lost in the 21st Century 
Scott, I always thought that I would like to have a job where I traveled enough to get sufficient points for free air travel. Unless I am traveling first class, I don’t think I could enjoy it. The seats are made for midgets with scoliosis and the change in air-pressure always gets trapped in a sinus or two…leading to an inevitably miserable vacation…..other than that I love it!
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Scott,
I just discovered your blog and I really like it!
Of course I envy your elite status on the airlines and at Sheratons (my favorite hotel, other than the one time I stayed at a suite at the St Regis in NYC–birthday surprise courtesy of my son–that was fabulous!)
I did manage business class to London last year and oh, what a difference from economy!!
but that used up all my points, so I’ll be back in the herd next time I fly!
Though, as to luxury hotels, actually I’ve had really enjoyable experiences at some of the less expensive places I’ve stayed, especially at BnBs
in private homes. I meet more people there, and they are usually very nice and interesting.
For your friend, David Cobb, may I suggest he start taking “Airborne Defense” a couple of days before air travel–it has helped me come through several flights with no ill effects at all, and I’m a confirmed user now.
Oh, and I loved your Exotic Dancer piece–yeah, we do all live in our separate bubbles and it’s very good for them to be punctured once in a while!
Hope to see y’all soon–I’m still feeling bad about missing the Christmas party.
Ok, I have to stop and read the rest of your reports now. Happy travels (without, hopefully, too many trips to Phoenix, which I’m now crossing off my list)
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