Travels Now Compared To Yesteryear

Well, the next couple of weeks you folks may have to follow me around through my column here as we visit a few different places during an early summer visit to the other side of the Atlantic. However, my portion of the trip has already begun as I travel up to Chicago, where we’ll leave to start our trip.

In 2013 when I ended my corporate career in business, I thought I never wanted to set foot on another airplane. You see, as much as many felt it must have been the “coolest” thing ever to fly all over the country and the world, I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t last that long.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for my grandparents to have made the voyage here from their countries of origin early in their lives on ships with other immigrants coming to a new nation and starting all over. When I taught history for a couple of years when first out of college, I loved speaking to the classes I taught about immigration between 1880 and the 1920s.

If they were still with us, I would have to apologize to them for ever complaining about my travel ills, which I am sure they would have a great laugh about as we compared their experiences to mine. They helped to build the industrial foundations of this great nation we live in today, and we should always be appreciative of their sacrifices and hard work.

They would have marveled at the first time I flew to London and was lucky enough to have been bumped up to what Delta Airlines called their “Business Class” section for the seven-hour flight over to Gatwick Airport in London.  Delta only flew into Gatwick at the time. The other London International Airport is Heathrow. Both offer spectacular service for those headed there.

I mention it because it was my first time flying internationally, never mind in the more luxurious trappings of “Business Class.”  I received some schooling from my younger sister Kathy who taught overseas about flying internationally. Things such as limiting alcohol intake, taking advantage of sleeping if you could aboard the flight and moving about to limit exposure to possible leg cramping and potential blood clots. Her guidance was much appreciated, but she didn’t say I couldn’t take advantage of some of the most wonderful food they offered when you flew up in the front of the plane.

She wasn’t too pleased to learn that they served real ice cream sundaes as dessert after dinner. She was equally jealous to learn during the last two-hour segment of the flight that I was awoken by the wonderful smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies being baked for those in Business Class while a fresh package of peanuts was served to those in “Coach.”

Having said that, I am sure I wouldn’t have told my grandparents of that experience either, for although envious, I am sure they would have been pleased I was able to take advantage of such great service.

Yes, travel has certainly changed for those moving about the country and internationally today compared to our grandparents. I am very appreciative of the technology which has made travel more comfortable for us all. Those of you traveling for pleasure or business should take the time to appreciate the differences we see today versus those that have come before us.

As we step on the airline this week headed to Oslo, Norway, we know we are in great hands. Both the crews in the air and the support crews on the ground are better trained and educated than at any time in the past to ensure we make it to our destinations. The same applies to our baggage, and yes, I am aware of the horror stories, mine amongst them. However, if you compare those bags that are lost to those that make it to their final destinations without a hitch, you might give them a little leeway and be a little more understanding (I just hope I haven’t jinxed myself by talking about it).

My hope is that all of you will be traveling this break from the heat of the summer. Enjoy your travels and have a safe and healthy summer holiday.