Travel Tips from the Vinca Quartet
Remember that film a year ago with George Clooney called “Up in the Air” about a
business man who earns 10 million miles on American Airlines? That is the story of
our lives as a quartet. So while that movie got tons of great reviews, we all found it
terribly boring as it was like watching our own lives. I have to say though, the scene
where he’s teaching the new employee how to navigate an airport security line is
absolutely accurate. Never ever stand in line behind a family with children when
you’re in a hurry.
I feel more honest when I tell people that I live in the airport rather than one
particular city. We have frequent flier numbers on almost every major airlines.
Even the cello has its own frequent flier number. After learning some lessons the
hard way, I thought I’d share some silly tips we have when traveling.
1. Never ever ever ever check your music. Ever. Really. Ever. Even if the next
concert is next month. Never – check –music!!!
2. Carry a picture of the cello strapped into its own airplane seat so that when
security personnel insist that the cello absolutely will not fit, you can show
them multiple pictures on multiple airlines that, in fact, it does.
3. Make a mental note where the customer service desk is while walking to
your gate. If your flight is cancelled and you have to go back to the customer
service desk, you won’t loose any time wondering around. You’ll be first in
line to get rebooked and one of the first people to get a new flight out.
4. Plan for at least 90 minutes for each layover when traveling internationally.
5. When an airline oversells a flight and asks for volunteers to give up their seat
in exchange for a free ticket - BEWARE! If the airline looses your baggage
when you have given up your seat voluntarily in such a scenario, the airline is
actually not responsible AT ALL for replacing or delivering your baggage.
6. Be really nice to flight attendants.
7. Make sure that your iPod, Kindle, cell phone and computer are all fully
charged before traveling. You’ll be REALLY glad you did that when you get
delayed. Also, carry your phone charger in your carry-on luggage. If you get
stuck, you’ll be really happy that you did.
8. Invest in an inflatable neck pillow. They really are a lifesaver.
9. Being able to wash your face and brush your teeth in the middle of a long
international flight REALLY helps you feel better when you land. Bring
travel-sized toiletries with you on board.
10. Buy a Kindle. It’s our favorite new toy! We all have one; we’re all obsessed.
You never run out of something to read when you’re delayed in the airport,
you have access to English reading material all over the world, and it never
weighs down your luggage. They’re amazing!!!
Travel Tips from the Vinca Quartet
Remember that film a year ago with George Clooney called “Up in the Air” about a business man who earns 10 million miles on American Airlines? That is the story of our lives as a quartet. So while that movie got tons of great reviews, we all found it terribly boring as it was like watching our own lives. I have to say though, the scene in which he’s teaching the new employee how to navigate an airport security line is absolutely accurate. Never ever stand in line behind a family with children when you’re in a hurry.
I feel more honest when I tell people that I live in the airport rather than one particular city. We have frequent flier numbers on almost every major airline. Even the cello has its own frequent flier number. After learning some lessons the hard way, I thought I’d share some silly tips we have for traveling...
