By Charyn Pfeuffer

business classAs I get older, I've grown a bit persnickety about air travel. Once a fierce proponent of the red-eye flight as a way to sleep and get somewhere (I'm a natural born multi-tasker), the thought of having to sleep in a slightly tilted upright position makes me squirm. Throw in the possibility of being stuck in a too-small middle seat with limited legroom, and well, the joys of air travel start to look a lot less glamorous. 

As a preemptive measure, I've learned to stockpile frequent flyer miles and do whatever I can to maintain almighty elite status with my preferred air carriers. When I'm faced with a long-haul flight or dreaded red-eye and cannot finagle an upgrade though, I've been known to bite the bullet and buy a first or business class ticket. For me, it's not all about warmed nuts and endless glasses of Chardonnay, but the comfort, convenience and arriving at my final destination feeling like a human being.

On a recent red-eye flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Lima, Peru (LIM), I was beyond grateful to be flying LAN Business Class. The first leg of my flight from Seattle touched down in at LAX with 10 hours to spare before I headed to South America. The desk clerk at LAN was kind enough to let me check my bag hours and hours in advance and allow access to the Oneworld Lounge. Located on the 5th level of Tom Bradley International Terminal, this lounge serves all business and first class passenger from several airlines, as well as Oneworld alliance carriers.

There, I spent a very productive day working via complimentary Wi-Fi. I also took advantage of the lounge's extensive food service, which rotated throughout the day. Coffee? Yes, please. A bowl of soup? Sure. A little something sweet? Absolutely. As my flight grew nearer, I freshened up with a quick shower in the spa-like facilities, which featured Molton Brown products and big fluffy bath towels. And then, I sipped a few glasses of Champagne from the self-serve bar (there was also a well-stocked and staffed bar with beer, wine and spirits).

By Charyn Pfeuffer

Travel sized beauty productsSkip traipsing around town for travel beauty products from your favorite brands - 3floz.com makes finding travel-sized products  easy with its collection of 3.4 oz. or less travel beauty products and kits.  This fabulous online boutique focuses on luxe travel beauty products and takes the sting out of having to say good-bye to items that are not travel-sized products at the TSA checkpoint.

The site, founded by beauty junkies/girls-on-the-go Kate Duff and Alexi Mintz, makes it easy to take your can't-live-without travel beauty products and essentials with you - without having to check a bag.

By Charyn Pfeuffer

goodbyeI can't imagine it's easy to date a wanderluster. Women like me are always planning their next move, and that move usually requires a flight, a layover, a stamp on a passport, and sometimes, a series of CDC-recommended shots. I love my long-term partner of eight years, really I do, but I was never meant to be a stay-at-home anything - wife, mother, you name it.

Thankfully, my other half has always been very supportive of my need to travel - sometimes half-way around the world on 72-hours notice. We have certain understandings - like when I've been away for too long and it's time to come home, or when he doesn't want me going to specific regions of the world for safety reasons. But he's never stood in my way of adventure and it agrivates me when I cross people in my travels who ask me increduously, "Your partner lets you travel like this?" Lets me? What am I? A modern day Laura Ingalls Wilder? I don't think so. It works for us because we've found some semblance of balance.

Not all relationships are suited for this kind of come-and-go scenario.We communicate well, which helps immensely. Also, we're both fiercely independent individuals, so while we adore each other, distance truly does make our hearts grow fonder. All the small stuff that would typically bug someone in a 24/7 relationship seems to slip away when you have a plane ticket booked or have been separated for weeks.

By Charyn Pfeuffer

airport_shopping.jpgIf you're like me, you plan your flight itineraries carefully, taking layover destinations into consideration. There are regional meals I don't want to miss, bartenders I'm on a first name basis with, and retail adventures to be had. Travel isn't all about getting from Point A to Point B, right? It's about the journey, the adventure, and the shortest TSA lines. (I kid. Well, kind of.) So instead of sitting in a hard plastic seat texting your friends and watching CNN, don't miss these 20 "must" things to do on your next layover.

By Charyn Pfeuffer

I'd hardly consider myself a clotheshorse, but I like to pack items that make sense and look stylish when I'm on the road. I want shoes that multi-task, dresses that won't wrinkle, and socks that will keep me feet dry and warm. Above all, I want to be comfortable, while looking like I didn't just roll out of bed (even if I did, which of course, I probably did).

By Charyn Pfeuffer

drink lots of water.jpgFlying can (and will) take a toll on even the best cared for of complexions.  Take the stress of air travel coupled with altitude and recycled air in a confined space and you've got the makings for potential skin problems. As a gal who's been known to log 100 flights a year, my stressed-out face can attest.

Here are 7 tips on how to keep your skin looking refreshed and fabulous, whether you're 36,000 feet in the air or time zones away from home.

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