Travel Tips for Business Class Passengers

I've been traveling on Business Class for company-related trips since I started working for Emerson. The first time was last March, a week after I joined the company, when I was sent to the corporate office in the US to "immerse" myself with the team. Today will be my second time, and I'm traveling again to the US for a planning conference and a minor training on Oracle stuff.

During my college days, my family and I also went to the States to visit our relatives there, and we were on a tight budget so we traveled via Economy class. It wasn't grand, but the airline (Philippine Airlines) provided the basic necessities so we were satisfied. They served lunch/dinner/breakfast, and they provided us with personal hygiene kits and blankets for a comfortable 16-hour trip. For me, it was okay.

However, when I was sent to the US with a Business Class seat, I was overwhelmed. Cathay Pacific provides extra-pampering services to the priority passengers, just as if you were a king/queen. They serve excellent food, and extravagant to boot, and they provide wider, more comfy seats, and a lot of entertainment options. Not only that, the lounges during the stop-over/connecting flights are extremely generous with food, drinks, and entertainment. It's like staying at a hotel for a few hours while waiting for your flight.

And so during travel for the first time with a business class seat, I ended up with a bad stomach, a bigger tummy, and a lot of inconvenience on the airplane. Why? Simply because I ate too much. After all, I wanted to try everything they are serving at the lounges, and I ate up all the food that the airline crew had to offer (appetizers, main course, dessert, snacks - yep, i never leave my plate un-empty). I kept telling myself that I need to finish my food because I just have to experience EVERYTHING that a business class seat has to offer. Wrong choice haha.

So now that I'm traveling again, I've learned my lesson. Here are a few things to note when you have a business class seat:

1. If your flight is early in the morning, it is absolutely OKAY to skip breakfast. You will be served with a complete, healthy meal during your trip.

2. If your flight is near lunchtime or dinnertime, don't bother eating lunch or dinner anymore because, again, you will be served a complete meal. If you're thinking you might not like the food, the airlines always serves two dishes, so you can choose which one you like.

3. If you're too hungry to wait for your flight, there's always free food at the lounge. In HK Lounge, for example, they have this noodle bar where you can order noodles for free. But please note that if you stuff yourself too much, then it is absolutely okay to NOT finish your in-flight meal. Don't be a glutton, eat only what you can.

4. Be careful of what you eat/drink. Improper combination of what you take in can also upset your stomach.

5. Finally, do not be afraid to take a dump at the comfort rooms. I actually prefer airport restrooms over the aircraft toilets because of the space. Airport restrooms are well maintained, especially the ones located inside the lounge. Don't be afraid to dirty it a little. :)

So there, 5 things you need to remember when traveling. Oh and of course don't forget your Passport, Ticket and/or Boarding pass, and of course your credit card or cash.

My Trip Review - Peachtree City, Georgia, USA - Eric and Susan Snell - August 2008

We decided this year to make our anniversary trip an adventure. The Jungle Dome and its staff made our home away from home a great place. We have had a fantastic week. Coming at this time of year was great because in most cases our activities were simply us and our guide.

Black Hole Drop – start with a bang! A great hike, great rappel and beautiful scenery (a wonderful introduction to the jungle)



Cave Tubing – Luis showed us all the plants and unlike all the other groups, we floated at our own pace

Zip Line – A fun experience which unfortunately ended too soon

ATM – what an amazing trip! First swimming in among the cave was neat but then to be able to see and admire such a beautiful place. Francisco did a great job explaining what occurred and what they think happened in such a sacred place.



Horseback Riding – it was a pleasure to actually run the horses and learn from Cesar.

Massage – Susan enjoyed this brief respite from the jungle

Mountain Bike ride – Eric rode with David to Valley of Peace and back – ahhh forgot how tough riding off road on loose gravel is

Che Chem Ha cave – what an amazing cave and to be escorted by William , the guy who found it. Amazing that places like these are all around.



Kayaking – We enjoyed the botany education from Link but the ride was not quite the adventure we expected

Caracol – ahh the Mayan ruins you read about. Amazing to see the buildings the Mayans made so long ago

Keep the bug spray bottle full, know that 95% of the roads are bumpy, enjoy the adventures and absorb the Belizean culture, life and people.

Eric & Susan Snell
Peachtree City, GA
USA

August 31, 2008

Trip Reviews Belize

Aug 16, 2008

A fabulous experience, fun filled from start to finish. You all made us feel so welcome. Thank you!

Heather

Everything was amazing! Had such a great time, thank you so much!

Georgie Walker

Houston TX
USA


June 25, 2008

Dear Jungle Dome

What a magical place! Our stay here far surpassed our expectations. From the comfortable and clean room to the amazing food to the friendly and helpful staff and guides. Everyone was so accommodating.

Belize is a special place. Our guided tours of the country, caves and ruins were fabulous. We will definitely be leaving with a lifetime of memories and good stories.

Andrea & John
Ridgewood, NJ


July 20, 2008

Andy & Simone:

Thank you for sharing your home in Belize with us. This truly is a special place. David is a wonderful host and the kitchen staff is unparalleled. Max is a true guardian of life and property. Phoebe is as sweet as ever. Our honeymoon was very special and will be remembered.

William & Sarah
North Carolina

Iloilo Resort: Isla Naburot

I've had the chance to visit this wonderful place a few years ago and there's no one word to describe it. It's magical, tranquil, home. My friends and I spent a few days on the island (thanks to Mike, grandson of the Alice Saldaña, the owner of the resort) and we were so lucky to see the island preserved of its beauty. Coral reefs kept the waters alive, the trees made the atmosphere so relaxing, and the food is simply to-die-for. I hope one day I can visit the place again.

This information is taken from their multiply site:

Isla Naburot is small islet just off the western coast of Guimaras island, just 50 minutes by pumpboat from Iloilo's Port San Pedro. The island's white beach is nestled between the mainland and the rest of the island, creating a natural cove. A coral reef is found just meters away from the shore, and when the tide is low, guests can walk around and wade in the surrounding waters, even cross over to the mainland.

The back side of the island, facing the open sea, is where the dock and the well-known "Balay ni Boy" is located. This house has been featured many times in magazines, tourism documentaries and even in commercials. The sunsets viewed from here are amazing.

When not swimming, snorkeling, boating, island-hopping or fishing, one can enjoy lazing on the beach, swinging from a hammock or feasting on the famous Guimaras mangoes. There are six cottages for couples or small families and a big house called the Balay Bato for the larger parties. The island's get-away-from-it-all ambiance is its main draw. No noise, no pollution, no stress, just nature in all her beauty, peace, rest and relaxation. The food here is also unforgettable. Just ask anyone who has visited us.

For inquiries or concerns, contact Isla Managerment at:
islanaburot@gmail.com
0918-9098500 (Dr. Theresa Saldaña Araneta)
Isla Naburot, Brgy. Sinapsapan, Guimaras

Restaurants: Krua Thai Cebu

One of the highlights of our trip to Cebu was the last dinner before leaving for Manila at Krua Thai. We got to experience Thailand food in the middle of Pinas, who'd have thought of that? I haven't seen the restaurant here in Manila yet, so I don't have any basis of comparison. But all in all, here are the things that amazed me about the Krua Thai:

1. Food = Yummy. You have got to try their Tom Yam soup for a spicy, tingly start
2. Restaurant ornaments: from the draperies, to the "big faces" hanging by the wall, to the jewel-studded classic images of Thailand.
3. Inverted umbrellas = one of a kind. The umbrellas hanging upside-down on the ceiling is a marvel to watch.
4. Eccentric Jars & glasses (goblets): The kind usually found in King Arthur movies or during the height of the Knights' reign. Very cool!

If you plan to go to Cebu, don't miss this. Krua Thai is at:
Unit K Crossroad Mall, Banilad, Cebu.
Tel No. : +63(32) 231-8338
Fax : +63(32) 231-8338

My Trip Review - Monroe, Los Angeles, USA - David and Emma Loyless - August 2008

I am sad to say this is our last night here at the Belize Jungle Dome. These past few days have been paradise for us. The culture and rich history of Belize just seem to entrap you making you never want to leave. The staff here have been beyond excellent. I feel that we have definitely received the royal treatment for our honeymoon.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by Luis, who gave us a history lesson as we drove in from the airport. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Karen made us feel right at home and our candle-light dinner on the balcony of our room was perfect. The food was beyond compare at every single meal.



Our first adventure was to Caracol with Luis and once again we learned so much. I think this adventure was one of my favourites. The Mayans were such an interesting people and Luis never missed a beat with trying to show us everything. Our next adventures consisted of cave tubing with Luis, ATM with Orlando, horseback riding with Cesar and a trip to the zoo with David. ATM was definitely an experience I will never forget. It’s extremely challenging trying to get to the cathedral but well worth the trip. If you have time for the zoo it is a must.

Everyone here – Karen, Luis, David, Wani, Tea and the rest of the staff – have made this a trip of a lifetime. Getting to know them and where they come from and the rich history here will definitely bring me back for another trip to Belize.

The ATM Cave was probably my favourite trip. It’s a challenge but the cathedral is amazing. Luis is awesome. He is basically a history book on legs and he is not bad with the botany and zoology either. I loved listening to Karen’s and David’s stories of how they ended up at the Jungle Dome. Karen makes me want to pack up and move to Belize and David is a complete inspiration. The food has been excellent and I am going home fat! I loved the zoo and horseback riding was a blast! Everyone here has been so nice and helpful. I can’t wait to come back.

David & Emma Loyless
Monroe, Los Angeles
USA

August 20, 2008

Cebu: Philippine Taoist Temple

If you're in Cebu, you have got to visit their Beverly Hills, home of the Philippine Taoist Temple. Upon reaching the temple, you will be mesmerized with the amazing view of Cebu City and be captivated by the windy, fresh atmosphere. The place is so peaceful and serene that you can't help but feel so holy every time you face the altar.

The Philippine Taoist temple has been one of the many tourist attractions in Cebu. They have a small version of what seems to be the Great Wall of China, and they also have this gigantic dragon structure where lots of visitors take their pictures.

Also don't miss the MA-CHO Temple... a temple for the macho-wannabes in the world, just like my boyfriend Marc hehe: