It must be! You supply to VIP yachts and aircraft. Well it would appear so but the reality, though often fun and always interesting, it is also very – well – shall we say challenging.
Take this week. The planning was done several weeks ago. Unusually I was able to book my flights then using some inspired guessing as to how the meetings might pan out after the critical one was confirmed (there is usually one meeting which any trip hangs on). In effect I included enough spare time to allow for everything, which generally means a lot of hanging about interspersed with a lot of rushing about…
Last week I called the final couple of clients who had yet to respond or commit. The day before my assistant firmed up a couple of specific times.
Then there is the packing – first the samples. These take the most space and most thought and must be done with time to spare in case of omissions which need to be shipped in, or at a pinch direct to the meeting. Ideally the overall package should be considered before flight bookings, though you can add bags if necessary later on.
So having compromised on samples – you can never have enough/all the right ones for each client as tastes and projects vary – then you know how much space you have (or not) for personal items such as clothes.
This week it was minimal, though I am away all week. So, no change of shoes, wrinkle free clothing, 3 outfits rotated through the week so no-one knows – its easy if I’m alone and keep moving on, a nightmare for things like trade shows or sales meetings or if a colleague travels with me. Whatever happens, don’t forget the roll-on.
Which reminds me, all bags should be roller bags, or ones with that bit of webbing on the back which allows it to stack and stay on top of a roller. So, the other sort of roll-on I suppose.
Then there is the conundrum of toiletries. If space allows (not often) I can pack them in the checked bag and risk some kind of container failure all over your expensive samples. Or I can go the hand luggage-carried little placky bag full of little placky bottles which for us ladies means leaving some items behind – generally bodywash and shampoo which are usually in the hotel (often combined). Lovely. Just don’t think about it too much.
Then I go to the checklists – one office (includes “pens” as I have forgotten those sometimes) – and one home (includes meds and phone charger).
When I set off its down to passport, tickets, money, credit cards. All else can be troubleshot if you have those basics.
So, finally, on the way to the airport once more. Check in, drop checked bag, get strip searched (feels like it) and into departure lounge. Pick up currency which ideally I remembered to pre order. If I didn’t then spend a few moments feeling duly fleeced and vow to remember next time.
Then pick up packets of shortbread or similar to take to meetings. Its interesting how that little gesture really helps.
Time to log on, check emails, then go to gate, hang about a bit and board.
A brief period of calm on the flight. I dread the day we can use mobiles and it becomes the same as being on a train aaaagh. At the moment that reaction is reserved for squawking children. Anyone got a sock?
So, due to where I live it takes most of a day to get anywhere in Europe, regardless of flight time. The hour time change puts the lid on it.
Arrive at hotel. Get bags. Find hotel shuttle. Check in, unpack, check emails, have beer, read menu, order wine, order food. Wine is required in Switzerland, where I am this week, so I don’t notice the ridiculous cost of everything I eat or drink until I get the credit card bills at home, then its too late anyhow.
Notice cost enough not to overdo the drinking. Go to bed just in time.
Get up, breakfast, get bus to meeting, have meeting, bus back, lunch, bus to another meeting, and back. More eye-wateringly expensive food. Would be Ok if it was amazing food, but its just, well, OK.
Next day, same in morning, then taxi (yes, not cheap, but only way) to next meeting and on to train station. No wonder all taxis take credit cards over here, otherwise no one would be able to pay.
Train to next city, change to another to go to airport (funnily enough most aviation clients are based on airports). Into airport, find hotel shuttle, go to hotel. Check emails. Repeat beer/wine/food thing. Breathe. Go to bed.
Next morning walk to meeting (unusual), be thankful its sunny and not too cold for February (snow is melting). Get strip searched to go to meeting (even worse than standard security). Afterwards walk to local train station, train back to city centre, even more ridiculous taxi fares to client and back. Another train – getting good at this – and back to the airport.
Then kill about 4 hours. Why didnt you sightsee or something I hear you ask? Let me refer you back to those bags. All this has been done with one 20kg wheelie plus a second with about 12kg in it plus a top bag bringing the total to something similar – at least I am balanced. Fine until a set of steps is encountered. Luckily most trains have extending thresholds or nice young men getting on them. Meantime no gym membership required.
So now I wait to fly back, having purchased choccies for my friends where I will stay tonight as its too late to drive home (in my book anyway) and hopefully I can also juggle the duty free scotch I will buy on the plane.
So, did I forget anything? Yes! of course! I usually do. But as a result I have honed my skills at winging it once more.
And how was your week?