2022 has been a year of growth, self-reflection and self-discovery. Traveling this 2022 gave me a chance to meet new people. Having flown 46 times so far this year and 49 at the end of 2022 as a digital nomad, I had the chance to experience different airlines, hotels, countries, and people.
What is your best airline experience?
This year I’ve discovered the very high value and high-quality experience of Qatar Airways. Philippine Airlines is also one of my top choices but the experience on Qatar Airways compared to the usual European or North American major carriers is just on a whole new level for me.
When you fly with any major carrier in North America or Europe, you’re mostly a number in a machine. You know they welcome you there. They will treat you well and be courteous.
But somehow you feel special when you fly with Qatar Airways, you feel like you matter. Even in economy class, the food is excellent. The experience there most of the time is just seamless and smooth. It’s a lot more comfortable and pleasant than the usual placement. So it’s always been my favorite airline experience so far. I have flown with them quite a number of times already, and as a result of my first experience back in April, I already think that it’s probably the best airline experience I’ve ever had.
The country that you can’t wait to visit again, and why?
For me, Greenland would be somewhere where people are very friendly and welcoming. So, this is the country that I cannot wait to visit again. For me, Greenland is different. It is special.
I give my thumbs up to Hungary as well since I really liked my stay there given the idea that I had met some team members there from Adrenaline Solutions, and one of Adrenaline Solutions’ current clients, the secretary general of the ICC, who is also a Hungarian. That was a really good experience for me, and I would visit Hungary again if there is a chance.
Other than those countries, Budapest, and Costa Rica are other pretty reasonable countries to visit again.
Best advice for digital nomads 🙂 or coaches on the road?
My first tip would be to learn to minimize discomfort when you’re traveling. For anyone who hasn’t flown a lot or taken a lot of flights, flying somewhere seems exotic, but in reality, it’s like riding a bus in the air. It’s long hours, with security waiting for your stuff in a tube up in the air. Flying for me isn’t that much of a great experience. It’s like knowing anybody who flies on a regular basis, but it’s a game of minimizing discomfort. Anytime you can, get an aisle seat to get up. Or maybe choose a window seat if you like to sleep – nobody can bother you. For me, I’m the aisle seat guy. I like to stuff things in the overhead bin so I can access them and get up whenever I want without disturbing anybody.
The next tip is about trying to get on the plane a little earlier or as soon as you can so that you can actually put your stuff in the overhead bin and not be left with your bag way further down. It’s about getting through security faster if you can. That is, you already know what they are looking for before you enter them.
Another useful tip is that if you can fly with a carry-on, it will improve your overall experience. Luggage takes so much more time, especially nowadays. If you have those e-tickets, you get into the airport, go straight to security, and you don’t have to check in or drop your bag. If you want to get somewhere, you just drop your bag, go straight to transportation, and you don’t have to wait for your luggage since that takes forever. So that alone makes a big difference.
Finally, having time to relax means arriving at the airport three hours early. I may have 1-2 hours to figure out my flights and get back on time, then I can go to a restaurant or a coffee shop to relax, or I can do my work, watch Netflix, and enjoy it as I do. There is no stress or hassle.
At the end of the day, it’s really about mastering the art of minimizing discomfort.
To be continued in part 2…