TALES FROM THE TOP

Finally someone has identified my disorder.

International Herald Tribune columnist Tyler Brule calls it “IFID”  otherwise known as In-Flight Information Deficiency.

This is someone who, before and during a flight, has a fear of not having enough to read on board a flight, no matter how short or long.

I bring kilos of kilos of magazines and books with me whenever I fly to any destination simply because I dread the day I would have to look out of the plane window for hours with nothing to do.

 Yes I know there is inflight entertainment with audio video on demand — but what if one day I get stuck in a seat with malfunctioning system?

Yes I know most airlines carry a variety of magazines and newspapers on board for it’s passengers — but what if everyone has selected magazines I can read?

Have you been on a European Airline where magazine racks are stuffed with foreign language magazines? or American carriers and their empty magazine racks?

How I wish the day comes when internet connectivity will be available on-board for free.

I need to be entertained and informed at all times.

This Saturday night I will undertake something I haven’t done in 10 years.

I and some friends will embark on a journey that will take us to about 7 or 8 European cities in 15 days, in cattle class and budget airlines.

I was in charge of booking everything and apart from the Singapore-Barcelona and Paris-Singapore sectors, no airfare was above 60 Euros.

Our accommodation will also be on the cheap.

My most expensive hotel:  130 Euro per night, is the cheapest in the expensive and touristy San Marco neighbourhood of Venice.  The rest will cost me less than 70 Euro per night.

The last time I did a cross-continent European Marathon, I ended up exploring 6 cities in 9 days.

Back in those days, trains and a ferries were the cheapest ways to travel from one place to the next. Now, airfares on budget carriers like Spain’s Vueling and the UK’s Easyjet are a lot cheaper than tickets on the TVE or the ICE high speed trains.

Back in those days, we travelled with Francs, Liras, Drachma, guilders and the peseta. Now things are easier albeit more costly with the Euro.

Back in those days, we consulted travel books and called up hotels for reservations. Now it’s as easy as logging into your favourite travel booking site to narrow down your search. All the way down to the price you are willing to pay for a hotel. And going through countless customer reviews before you decide on the hotel that suits your needs.

My friends from Vancouver asked why I’m putting myself through this marathon…well I thought I’d give it a go and see if I still have what it takes to “rough” it out in Europe.

Most of my frequent trips to Europe have been leisurely ones lately so I think it’s time to prove to myself that I am still a sturdy world traveler.

Wish me Bon Chance!

Here’s a new chapter to this blog.

It wont be about random musings and observations anymore.

From this day onwards, this space will be known as “Tales From the Top,” dedicated to tales from my travels and other voyage related developments.

Earlier this year,  with the recession taking hold and everyone cutting back on spending,  I decided it would be a great time to indulge in a “staycation.”

No bags to pack and with just a few steps out my front door, I’d be right by the poolside.

Well the idea didn’t last long.

With the abundance of low air fares and slashed hotel rates, there’s no better time than now to actually pack a bag and just go on a trip.

Airlines are not just slashing fares, they are also cutting the air miles required to redeem a free flight. Or throwing in bonus miles when you fly — and in some cases, even when you are not flying.

So recession it may be but it is no reason for anyone of us not to take that well deserved holiday. Especially with companies cutting back on paid work days or encouraging employees to go on no-pay leaves.

After trying a Staycation and failing miserably in March — I’ve found myself basking on the beaches of Boracay, Bintan and Phuket.  Relaxing in the spas of Bangkok twice.  Enjoying the lively scene in Manila. Checking out post-Olympic Beijing twice and checking out the high tech production lines in Munich and Stuttgart…and the year is not even over yet.

I’ve found myself inside and airplane to somewhere at least once every month this year either for a holiday or for work.

So if you haven’t taken advantage of cheap air fares yet this year, better hurry up — the economy is almost on the upswing!