Seeking Solace... Airport's The Place

It’s that time of the year again, everybody’s running around
Decorating everything, before the fat man comes to town...

These strains from a golden oldie country-western tune by Bellamy Brothers just about sums up the mood as the year draws to a close and we approach the festive season yet again. Yes, it’s that time of the year again... time to pack up the work and head out to party, time to stay home and celebrate with family and friends, for most business travellers around the world it’s time to take that well-deserved break and the only travel that one looks forward to in this period is a vacation with the near and dear. So spare a thought for those unlucky few. Believe it or not there are a fair number who are forced by business compulsions to make that unwilling journey all alone bang in the middle of the festive season to transact some goddamned business that can’t wait while the world parties. So what does our business traveller do? He stands lonely and desolate in transit, waiting for his next flight connection while his mind conjures up images of his friends and family soaking in the festive spirit. Wrong! Consider that a scene from the past, as today’s business traveller has far more options to choose from. Airports have transformed, transit is no longer akin to prison... as our cover story in this issue reveals, airports are a great source of entertainment, mini-destinations in themselves and have even more to offer especially during the festive season. So drive away those travel blues and put on a brave face as those dreaded days of travel draw near. If that piece of news wasn’t enough to bring on some festive cheer, a peek into our Wildside section might set the adrenaline pumping. Certainly not recommended for the ideal family vacation but our lonely, stressed-out business traveller might be interested in sampling some of the nightlife on offer in these select cities. Our insight into the nocturnal activity in some of the naughtiest strips in the world is guaranteed to lift those sagging spirits! After all, all work and no play...

Sheldon Santwan
EDITOR, feBusiness Traveller
Sheldon can be reached at editor@businesstravellerindia.com