Travel Envy: Eat Like You’re Flying First Class

That Feeling of Being Prepared While Everyone Else Isn't.

You know that feeling when you're gliding through the airport with no stress while everyone else is waiting in lines, searching for their boarding pass and zone number, or just rushing to find their gate?

Or when you're settled comfortably into your seat, everything you need is at your fingertips, and you open a delicious meal with an aroma that has everyone salivating, including you, who can't wait to indulge, while everyone around you is hungry, waiting for the beverage cart or staring at another bag of pretzels — thinking I wish I had done that?

That's Travel Envy!

After years of traveling around the world for live performances, traveling has been the worst part of it all. Fortunately, I've discovered little tricks that make flying easier, more comfortable, less stressful, and sometimes downright luxurious.

And you don't need a first-class ticket to enjoy them! Honestly, First Class domestic flights offer little comfort for the price difference. Though for me it often means sitting next to someone who can afford my art and of course getting on and off the plane a little faster put paying an extra $1,000 to get a free dring, 2" more seat room is not what I call value. If it were like oversea travel, well then there is a significant difference that makes the extra cost worth it.

Here's one of my favorites upgrades.

Eat Like You're Flying First Class (Even in Economy!)

Compact portable meal kit with compartment container, cutlery and napkin on an airplane tray table

Let's face it. Airline food isn't always great, even in first class—it is like a school cafeteria meal. In economy, it's no more than a packaged snack and often terrible, expensive, or nonexistent. Honestly, you are spending hundereds or thousands to travel, it should be fun and exciting, comfortable at the very least, but it should not be arduous.

So it the airline doesn't care enough to provide something nice, why not bring something you actually enjoy?

A few of my favorite choices for pre-packed in my carry on (more about carry ons later):

Protein or granola bars
Beef or turkey jerky
Apples, grapes, and dried fruit
Cookies, chocolate, and candy bars
Creatine/electrolyte packs

Buy your non-perishable snacks at the grocery store rather than paying inflated airport prices. *A packing app like Packr helps a lot for planning and not forgetting or if you are a pro, Daylite CRM can handle all logistics.

Often, I'll grab a hot meal at the airport and have it wrapped up to stay warm. The hardest part is waiting to eat it later. The temptation to dig in is always strong! I always get a drink because the wait for the free drink provided by the airline can be uncomfortably long.

Now, here's how to make it feel like a private jet.

Consider bringing a compact, lightweight reusable or disposable plate or compartmented food container, a nice napkin, and travel-friendly cutlery. Make it feel "First-Class."

Instead of eating from a crumpled wrapper, arrange your food and enjoy it properly. The right container/tray also keeps things from winding up on your lap.

A nice sandwich, some fruit, crackers, cheese, and a little dessert can become a wonderful meal. But, If I am being honest, I love a hot meal like pizza, posta or one of the baked potatoes with Bar B Q brisket. The aroma alone puts me in a good mood, though I feel sorry for those around me who are likely as hungry as I am and have to settle for less.

Just imagine enjoying that while everyone else is waiting for a tiny bag of pretzels!

If you are bringing it, choose food that travels safely, keep perishables cold with small disposable ice packs so they can go though TSA.

[COMING SOON - PRODUCT PHOTO + LINK — pending Michael’s approval: compact compartment food container / plate]

[COMING SOON - PRODUCT PHOTO + LINK — pending Michael’s approval: travel cutlery set]

[COMING SOON - PRODUCT PHOTO + LINK — pending Michael’s approval: cloth travel napkin]

Travel Envy: Luxury isn't about how much you spend, it is about comfort and how much you enjoy. Sometimes it's simply about being better prepared.

The Pleasure of Being Prepared

After all these years of traveling, I've learned that great travel experiences aren't necessarily about how much money you spend. For me, it is people first, meeting someone who makes the time pass fast is awesome, and if it means a new friend, that's the best. Next is the food, I love finding new local treats. The sights is usually last on my list of what makes travel great.

Comfort is about being prepared and making smart choices that let you relax and enjoy yourself.

Good food. Everything organized. No frantic searching. No unnecessary stress.

And maybe a few fellow passengers looking over and wishing they'd thought of it first! Oh, and sharing is OK too!

That's Travel Envy.

Michael Israel