Hurry up and wait – behind the counter of airports, airlines and hotels

Ahoy hoy Travelhers, I hope you had a lovely Easter break wherever you are. Whether you were visiting the fam jam, jetting off to a new location or hosting out of towners, I’m sure you had a taste of the absolute madness of what it’s like to travel during public holidays. Let’s just say we want everyone to travel and travel hard, but it would be great if it wasn’t at the exact same time, you know what I’m saying? New Zealand is on the mellow side but you can definitely feel the frenzied “I’M FREE” vibe in the air. Anywho, I’m on the road for one more day and therefore writing to you from Starbucks and sucking back a dark mocha frappuccino with whip cream to squeeze the last drop of glorious sugary sweetness from this mini holiday. My head is still in camping, sun, and swimming mode so bear with me as all of my metaphors will be outdoors related.

THE GOOD

+ 2 hour lines at the Airport? Brutal - and a security risk, experts say [via Reveal]

If you’ve ever travelled in the United States, you know the intense security situation and the unpleasantness of waiting for what can sometimes be hours in various lines to finally at long last get to your gate at the airport (and then promptly get in another line to board the plane). It’s kind of like sand all up in your business after spending a day at the beach. You know this is a necessary part of the equation if you’re going to enjoy the fruits of the glorious waves, sun and fun but it doesn’t stop you from trying desperately to avoid letting those little grains of irritation into your life and figuring out how it happens despite your best efforts to shake it off, shake it off. This article from Andrew Becker gives excellent insight as to why why why those lines happen. Whilst there is no solution in sight, I feel a little better knowing the behind the scenes chaos so I can calm the f down and I think you will too. Continue reading.  

THE UPLIFTING

+ Gloria Steinem on How Female Flight Attendants Fought Sexism in the Skies [via Conde Nast]

Whilst sexism in the workplace is alive and well, there is no doubt that strides have been made in certain industries and specific areas of the planet. One of these is definitely above the clouds where requirements to be employed once upon a time were youth, unattachment and of course, physical attractiveness. Okay, this may not sound very different from some of the current establishments out there –​ whether it be restaurants, retail or even airlines, but I promise you it is. Gloria Steinhem beautifully recounts her experience of watching the industry change over the years, a transformation which could be best illustrated by the campaign slogans of the times. “I’m Sandy, Fly me” back in the 70s led eventually to some strong badass bitches fighting the fight and ultimately wearing buttons with sayings like “I’M LINDA, FLY YOURSELF”. It’s a fascinating read that will get your feminist blood pumping. Continue reading.  

THE UGLY

+ How Hotels Are Capitalising on Women’s Fears of Travelling Alone [via Broadly]

Okay,  this is actually a really good article about the travel industry’s realisation that there is growing opportunity in catering to the female traveller. Why the headline has to make women sound fearful to get people to click on it makes me feel the same way I do when trying to stuff a sleeping bag into an obviously too-small sac –​ very annoyed and so very very sad. Despite this questionable introduction, author Kat Lister does a great job covering some of the demands of the solo female demographic and the regions and businesses who are answering the call. If you are heading to London for example, you may find hotels that are taking convenienceand safety to exceptional levels. Small-sized slippers that actually fit your feet anyone? How about a female escort to walk you to your room? Acknowledging that some of these attempts are weak gimmicks, there is also the very practical additions that could provide that extra layer of comfort and attention that men having been getting since before sleeping bags and their sacs were even invented. Continue reading.

Until next time, keep your head up and travel on.