Virgil Winston:Marketing Guru
I just got back from a trip to Atlanta where I scored tons of free swag at a cosmetics convention. I gave most of it to my wife, except the men’s foaming face wash, which smells good and makes my pores look tiny. Hey, I like to take care of my skin. But never mind that. The point is, I was reminded once again of the perils of coast-to-coast air travel. If you have flown at all in the last five years then you are already aware that the days of “chicken or beef,” tasteless but for the salt, piping hot meals served in plastic containers are long gone.
These days, the meals are cold, still tasteless and cost extra. You can buy an un-tasty sandwich for five bucks or a chewy, but not in a good way, cookie for three. It’s bad enough that you are forced to eat airline food, now you have to pay for it…exact change is appreciated. Sure you can buy a snack at the airport to take on the plane with you but you are pretty much limited to fast food or dry sandwiches that are as costly as they are unsatisfying. It’s pretty depressing, especially if like most of us, you are trying to eat healthier. Try finding organic anything at the airport snack shop. You can also forget sticking to a low carb, high protein, low fat or reduced sodium diet.
Fortunately, I found a way to eat right while I fly. I never travel without my Personal Tote & Cooler. I carry fresh, homemade meals on the plane with me so traveling on business doesn’t mean I have to give up eating well. You should see the jealous stares I get from my seatmates as I pull out a fresh salad topped with chicken and Gorgonzola with a nice balsamic dressing. Of course I have to remember to pack no more than three ounces of dressing and carry it in a plastic bag but it’s a small price to pay for a good meal at 35,000 feet.
If you are looking for a practical gift for frequent travelers on your list, the Personal Tote & Cooler is perfect. It not only keeps perishables cool, but the large upper compartment is perfect for carrying important work documents or the latest Grisham novel. All eyes will be on your logo as the lucky traveler pulls out a homemade sandwich, cold pasta salad and fresh fruit instead of the barely edible snacks the airlines are shilling these days.
Well, I’d better go unpack. Mrs. Winston has offered to take my travel clothes to the drycleaners and I want to catch her before the offer expires. Remember, “Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy a small seat on a big plane.”