Business Traveller 2017

2017 | FOR B.C.’S PROFESSIONALS

BUSINESS TRAVELLER TRAVEL SMART

WHY YOU SHOULD BE MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE TRAVEL WELL MEET THE PEOPLE WHO GET YOU THERE SAFE AND SOUND

THE BEST ADVICE TO MAKE YOUR TRIP ENJOYABLE

ETIQUETTE

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 1

EXPENSES

HEALTH

YVR EATS

BOOKS

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

CONTENTS 2017 | FOR B.C.’S PROFESSIONALS

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

EDITOR’S LETTER 4

TRAVEL SMART

COLUMNS

WHY YOU SHOULD BE MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE TRAVEL WELL MEET THE PEOPLE WHO GET YOU THERE SAFE AND SOUND

THE BEST ADVICE TO MAKE YOUR TRIP ENJOYABLE

ETIQUETTE

EXPENSES

HEALTH

YVR EATS

BOOKS

Newell—6 PUBLISHER: Sue Belisle VICE-PRESIDENT, AUDIENCE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Kirk LaPointe EDITOR: Brenda Bouw INTEGRATED SALES MANAGERS:

6

ROAD MANNERS

Truden—14

Travelling for business is about more than just getting the job done.

Knowing how to behave matters, too

MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE

Leone—22

More companies are making room for “bleisure” travel to keep staff happy, rested and motivated

27

Langrick—32

20

WHERE TO EAT AT YVR

10 best bets for business travellers

Michelle Hopkins, Dene Moore PROOFREADER: Meg Yamamoto ADVERTISING SALES: Eve Abrams, Dean Hargrave, Blair Johnston, Joan McGrogan, Steve Micolino, Corinne Tkachuk SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER:

Michelle Myers

ADMINISTRATORS: Katherine Butler,

Marie Pearsall

RESEARCH: Anna Liczmanska,

Carrie Schmidt

Business Traveller 2017 is published by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6, 604-688-2398, fax 604-688-1963, www.biv.com.

Copyright 2017 Business in Vancouver Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication.

ISSN 1205-5662 Publications Mail Agreement No.: 40069240. Registration No.: 8876. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6 Email: subscribe@biv.com

Schutter—34

FEATURES Know before you go Travel inexpensive Mixing business with pleasure They move you Where to eat at YVR Border crossing

Pia Huynh, Laura Torrance, Chris Wilson

DESIGN: Randy Pearsall PRODUCTION: Rob Benac WRITERS: Carolyn Ali, Darah Hansen,

10 16 20 24 27 30

Cover: Getty Images

30

BORDER CROSSING

Tips for travelling to the U.S.: pack light, keep your passport handy, and never, ever forget your Nexus card

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 2

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

“ A career in Human of opportunity to make HR is a fantastic career choice for students because it gives them an opportunity to work with so many parts of an organization and impact the actual business results.”

Heather Briant, CHRE Senior Vice President, Human Resources Cineplex Entertainment

career in focus

When it comes to practicing human resources, Certified Human Resources Professional, Leader, and Executive designations: the new global standard for HR excellence and professionalism.

These quality designations command respect and reflect the people-driven strategies HR professionals contribute to organizational success.

The CHRP, Canada’s best-known and only national HR designation, is now available exclusively from HRPA. P U T YOU R C AR E E R IN FOCUS hrpa.ca/infocus

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 3

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

4 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Editor’s letter

PRE-BOARDING

W Brenda Bouw Editor

elcome to the first edition of Business Traveller, B.C.’s magazine for road warriors, both the wired and weary.

This publication is for executives, entrepreneurs, salespeople, resource workers, government employees, small-business owners and anyone else looking for a better business travel experience. Business Traveller offers valuable insights for trips near and far, as well as advice on how to stay fit, healthy and well read while away.

This first issue includes a wide range of topics from some of B.C.’s best writers. Dene Moore looks at some considerations for people travelling to international hot spots including New York, London, Hong Kong, Sydney and Tokyo, to name a few. She also profiles some of the travel industry workers who help you get to your destination. Michelle Hopkins looks at the

“bleisure”travel trend and why mixing business and travel is good for both employees and employers. Hopkins also offers some tips on how to travel on the cheap (without looking too cheap) and use your points to your personal advantage. Carolyn Ali shows us some of the best food bets for travellers before they fly out of YVR. We also have guest columns from top travel industry experts in B.C. on topics including business travel etiquette and the right way to send your employees on business trips. You’ll also get advice on how to stay healthy and beat jet lag from two highly regarded Vancouver-based business owners. Lastly, LifeTree Media’s Maggie Langrick reviews five books from B.C. authors that are a must-read on your next road trip.

There’s a lot of great content in the pages ahead. We hope you enjoy it, and that it helps to make your next business trip more pleasurable. É

Contributors CAROLYN ALI

Raised in Vancouver, Carolyn Ali is an award-winning freelance writer who has travelled to more than 50 countries. She was the Georgia Straight’s food and travel editor for a decade and previously worked

for the Bangkok Post in Thailand.

Her most memorable business trip originated in Thailand, where she went from steamy 30 C Bangkok heat to -30 C on Finland’s Arctic Circle while her woollies hibernated

back in Vancouver. The sheepskin boots she bought within an hour of landing in Helsinki have lasted to this day.

recent business trip was a private contract trip to Spain. Although Spain was exhausting and enjoyable, he will never forget the flight over with company executives on a private charter jet. “It was exciting

to fly over the Atlantic and have the captain say over the intercom that “we are cruising at a speed of Mach 0.8 (or over 900 kilometres per hour).”

Real Estate Weekly, Western Living and Yellow Pages Group. Her most memorable business trip was being invited to travel to Honduras with World Vision Canada to report on its assistance in rebuilding villages decimated by severe flooding.

Visiting the remote villages, and meeting with the impoverished residents who’d lost everything, was life changing. Witnessing the joy and resiliency in the villagers made her acutely aware of what was truly important in life.

a number of North American media outlets. The best business trip she’s ever been on was to Rwanda. While the business was grim – a feature on war criminals who had fled to Canada – the country was stunning

and so many of the people she met were truly inspirational. She looks forward to returning one day with more time to explore.

CHUNG CHOW

Chung Chow has been a freelance photojournalist for more than 25 years, working locally and abroad.

He enjoys travelling by plane, train, automobile and by foot for both business and pleasure. His best

MICHELLE HOPKINS

Michelle Hopkins is a freelance writer based in Vancouver. She has extensive newspaper, magazine, web and corporate writing experience. She writes for publications including Women in Business, V ITA, WestCoast Condo,

DENE MOORE

Dene Moore is a freelance writer and editor based in the B.C. Interior. A news junkie and former wire service reporter, Moore writes about business, science, culture and anything else that strikes her fancy for

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 4

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 5

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

6 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

ROAD MANNERS Travelling for business is about more than just getting the job done. Knowing how to behave matters, too. Here are some travel etiquette tips from a professional who’s been there CLAIRE NEWELL |

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Taj Mahal,

India; Sensoji Temple, Tokyo; and terracotta warriors in Xian, China | TRAVEL BEST BETS

B

usiness practices and customs around the world can be very different from those we are familiar with here in Canada. The last thing you want is for a business deal to fall through because your hosts thought you were rude. Here are some international business etiquette tips for some of the most common countries Canadians visit.

INDIA Q In India, punctuality is not nearly as important as it is in other Asian countries. Out of respect you should be on time, but your hosts might not necessarily be. In private business meetings, a simple handshake is an acceptable greeting but be prepared to put your hands into a prayer position and greet your host by saying “Namaste” if they initiate this. Business meetings are very social in India and small talk is expected before getting down to business. Tea and coffee are offered at every meeting, and it’s expected that all attendees accept something. In business meetings in India it is considered rude to directly say no to something. Instead of saying “No that timeline won’t work,” try “Can we offer some different dates?”

CHINA Q Punctuality is important and business attire is formal

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 6

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

| 7

and simple. Presentation of business cards is extremely important.

Make sure that you hold out your business cards with both hands and nod your head once. Generally, you will examine each other’s business cards before putting them away.

Food and drinks are usually offered and it is considered rude not to accept them. Final decisions should not be expected or pushed in a first meeting. Typically they are made following the meeting and will be communicated afterward.

JAPAN Q As in China, punctuality

is important and business attire is formal and not flashy. Business cards should also be exchanged with two hands and a head nod followed by careful examination and even a comment about the card before putting it away somewhere safe. Also, decisions should not be pushed in a first meeting. In Japan, a small gift is expected to be received by your hosts. Just something small but it should be wrapped. Make sure you have enough for everyone in the meeting. Visitors should expect potential social activities such as dinner, drinks or a Japanese favourite, karaoke, to follow meetings.

FRANCE Q In France, being on time is not super important. In fact, being 10 minutes late is often considered on time. Business dress is formal, well tailored and fashionable. As in Germany it is considered rude to remove your suit jacket in a business meeting. If you don’t speak French, it is important to apologize for the fact that you don’t out of respect. Conversations tend to be lively and interruption is not considered rude, but instead part of the dance of the overall discussion.

ENGLAND Q Punctuality is vital for business in England. It is expected that you show up for an appointment on time or a little early.

Meetings are quite formal and getting down to business right away is generally the standard practice.

GERMANY Q Punctuality is important in German business meetings. In business conversations, you should address people using Mr., Ms. or Mrs. unless directed

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 7

otherwise. It’s not acceptable to remove your suit jacket in a business meeting and in some cases it can even be considered rude.

IRELAND Q A firm handshake is very important and is the standard greeting in business meetings in Ireland. Foreign visitors are expected to be very punctual and, depending on the context, there is a good chance visitors will be brought out for dinner and drinks. If so, you should take turns buying “rounds” for the group.

LATIN AMERICA Q The following business etiquette tips are true for

most Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay and Chile.

Latin Americans tend to speak to each other at a close distance and are casual in demeanour and speech.

Keeping eye contact in conversation is important for displaying interest and sincerity. Men greet each other by shaking hands, while women usually greet both men and women with a kiss on the cheek. If you’re familiar with one another, it may also be appropriate to hug.

Punctuality is not a deal breaker for Latin Americans. At the business level, it may be acceptable to be five to 10 minutes late with advance notification. Social functions are different and guests usually arrive about 30 minutes later than the invite time. The host will account for

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Eiffel

Tower, France; Tower Bridge, London, England; Germany and Ireland | TRAVEL BEST BETS

2017-06-07 12:54 PM

8 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Road manners

this time and may not even be ready by the start time.

Business meetings and negotiations are often centred on food and drinks and may run longer than interactions at home. If you are looking for conversation starters, familiarize yourself with soccer in the region. Latin Americans are usually keen to discuss this topic and will appreciate your effort.

AU S T R A L I A A N D N E W Z E A LAND Q Punctuality is important

and a handshake is the most common greeting. As in Latin America, women may great each other with a kiss on the cheek. Business is commonly done over drinks, most commonly beer. And as in Ireland, visitors should be expected to share in buying rounds for everyone.

FROM TOP LEFT: Rio de Janeiro,

Brazil; Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City; Sydney, Australia;

In summary, no matter where in the world you are doing business it is best to do your research before you leave. Bottom line is that knowing your audience is just good business practice and will always pay off. É

and Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand | TRAVEL BEST BETS; NEW ZEALAND IMAGE/RANDY PEARSALL

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 8

Claire Newell is founder and president of Vancouver-based Travel Best Bets. She has visited more than 65 countries in her 24 years in the travel industry (with many more on her bucket list).

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

Our Members save on ights and receive discounts on hotel stays across the globe.

Join today to unlock more than 100 exclusive beneďŹ ts, saving you money on travel expenses, hotels, car rentals, dining, insurance plans, legal fees, fuel, new vehicle purchases, and much more. boardoftrade.com/join

Pillar Partners:

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 9

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

10 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO

British Columbians are doing business around the world, but getting to far-flung destinations requires some knowledge about laws and advisories in those lands. Here’s a primer:

DENE MOORE

ADRIAN BRIJBASSI CO-FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER, VACAY.CA

A lot of business travel dollars are being taken away from the States now because of the travel ban

Y

assine Aber was born in Canada. He travels with a Canadian passport. Yet when Aber, a 19-year-old varsity athlete, tried to enter the United States in the chaotic weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump’s first and much-maligned Muslim travel ban went into effect, he was turned away following a five-hour interrogation by U.S. customs officers.

Though she is not Muslim, Manpreet Kooner spent six hours being photographed, fingerprinted and questioned before U.S. customs officers turned her away at a Quebec border crossing.

“They’re certainly cracking down,” says Suraj Johal, a U.S. immigration lawyer with Vancouver-based Border Solutions Law Group.

Canadians have the luxury of entering one of the world’s top destinations without a visa and we do so in great numbers. Canadians made 41 million trips to the U.S. in 2016, according to Statistics Canada.

But then came the travel restrictions and, in February, U.S. Customs and Border Protection revoked “trusted traveller” status like Nexus from an unknown number of Canadians with links to seven banned Muslim-majority

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 10

countries.

Canadians are left wondering just what are the rules for crossing the 49th?

“Because Canadians are so used to travelling freely to and from the U.S., I guess there’s just a little bit of confusion there,” Johal says.

He has not, despite the headlines, seen an increase in the number of clients actually being turned away.

“But the vetting process is becoming more stringent.

They’re just cracking down particularly on people who are going down for work purposes,” he warns.

While Canadians do not need a visa for travel to the U.S. for a vacation or business travel on behalf of a Canadian employer, they cannot work for a U.S. employer without a formal work visa.

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 11

TRAVEL BY CANADIANS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES, TOP

15

COUNTRIES VISITED IN 2015

UNITED KINGDOM REPUBLIC NETHERLANDS OF IRELAND

UNITED STATES

CHINA

CUBA

HONG KONG MEXICO FRANCE SPAIN

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GERMANY ITALY JAMAICA AUSTRALIA

THOUSANDS OF OVERNIGHT VISITS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

UNITED STATES (US) MEXICO (MX) CUBA (CU) UNITED KINGDOM (UK) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DO) FRANCE (FR) ITALY (IT) GERMANY (DE) CHINA (CN) NETHERLANDS (NL) SPAIN (ES) HONG KONG (HK) JAMAICA (JM) REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (IE) SWITZERLAND (CH)

2010 20,179 1,354 1,010 880 753 740 376 329 300 225 217 183 166 160 143

2011 21,344 1,505 1,019 862 737 732 381 335 307 228 - ES 216 - NL 203 - JM 191 - HK 172 144

BELOW THE TOP 15

2012 22,710 1,598 1,082 908 766 729 375 345 314 245 243 - JM 223 - NL 197 179 AUSTRALIA (AU) - 159 CH

2013 23,406 1,664 1,051 - UK 1,036 - FR 798 - CU 529 - DO 419 388 339 - ES 282 - CN 259 - NL 229 - IE 195 191 - JM 186 BAHAMAS (BS)

2014 23,009 1,900 1,125 1,019 844 528 468 467 367 - CN 332 - ES 275 271 236 227 - BS 210

2015 20,702 1,926 1,192 1,140 800 574 487 480 469 399 254 245 243 240 221

JM

BS

US MX UK FR CU DE DO CN IT ES IE AU HK NL JM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA, TOURISM AND THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS

And it’s that crackdown that has caught more Canadians in the border dragnet, Johal says.

Travellers with a Canadian passport – including those with dual citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen – are exempt from the controversial executive order, according to Global Affairs Canada. But the decision to allow entry is, as always, at the discretion of U.S. immigration officers.

And what discretion that is, Johal says.

“Just understand that basically a U.S. [Customs and Border Protection] officer can deny you for any reason they like,” he says.

“As long as you’re going down for what are valid

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 11

purposes – as a visitor, going for a vacation – and you have some reasonable proof of that … that’s fine. But it’s important that people are aware that the U.S. [Customs and Border Protection] can check your phone if they like, they can ask for your Facebook password, they can really do whatever they want. They’re judge, jury and executioner there.”

The U.S. boasts several of the world’s top business destinations, including Chicago, San Francisco and New York, and the Global Business Travel Association expects the travel restrictions to spur a worldwide disruption in business travel.

Seventeen per cent of European agents surveyed have

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

12 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Know before you go

There are no travel warnings for Australia and about 245,000 Canadians voyage there annually

already cancelled U.S. trips and 45 per cent said their companies would be less willing to plan future meetings and events in the U.S. because of the travel ban bedlam.

That’s creating opportunities for other countries, including Canada, says Adrian Brijbassi, co-founder and publisher of the website Vacay.ca and a frequent flyer himself.

“A lot of business travel dollars are being taken away from the States now because of the travel ban,” says Brijbassi.

And that’s just a couple of months in.

“You’ve already got a number of business travellers saying they don’t want to take their chances bringing their convention into the States,” says Brijbassi, who has travelled to more than 40 countries and averages two trips per month.

“You have people from all over the world … and from the Middle East, who might be subject to the travel ban.

That’s the last thing you want is to hold a convention where people can’t get in or out.”

Nazir Hirji, of Vancouver-based HB Travel, says he has not had any clients cancel trips to the U.S. “However, I have heard from my peers that some of their customers have cancelled preplanned trips to the U.S. due to current uncertainty,” he says.

So how do other business destinations compare?

MEXICO Q Second only to the U.S. for Canadian trav-

ellers, our sunny North American neighbour is emerging as a top business destination. Cancún, in particular, has a burgeoning business trade due to its well-developed hospitality industry, ease of travel and low cost.

Nearly two million Canadians visit Mexico annually but Global Affairs warns travellers to exercise a high degree of caution because of “high levels of criminal activity, as well as demonstrations, protests and occasional illegal roadblocks throughout the country.”

The federal government warns travellers to avoid any non-essential trips to several northern and western states because of violence and organized crime.

And the Public Health Agency of Canada also warns of Zika virus, suggesting pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant avoid the country.

HONG KONG Q There are no special advisories for Canadian travellers to Hong Kong, which boasts the world’s third-busiest airport based on international passengers.

The crime rate is low, the culture factor high, and Canadians need only a passport for tourism or business trips up to 90 days.

CHINA Q China is No. 8 on the list of top countries

for Canadians. More than 480,000 make the journey annually.

While there is no national advisory for China, Global Affairs advises Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in particular.

“There is a threat of terrorism in China. Since early 2014, a number of explosions and knife attacks have occurred in public places, including in busy railway stations, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Further attacks may occur,” says the government of Canada travel advisory website.

The laws differ significantly from those in Canada and there is a warning for business travellers.

“Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passports confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts,” the site says.

Seek legal advice before signing any deals and ensure all documents are understood, it says.

“Incidents of foreigners being held against their will at their workplace have increased. These incidents, which are often accompanied by threats of violence, are often the result of other companies or disgruntled employees attempting to resolve business and employment disputes.”

DUBAI Q Dubai has the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passengers and this metropolitan city is both a common stopover for international travel and a destination for deal makers.

Global Affairs’ travel advisory for travel to the United Arab Emirates cautions Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution “due to the threat of terrorism.”

And it includes a warning for female travellers in the Islamic nation: “Although it is rare, women have been verbally harassed and physically assaulted. Women should travel in groups and avoid travelling alone at night.”

LONDON Q Heathrow is the second-busiest airport

in the world in terms of international passengers and London remains a global economic epicentre. Canadians make about 1.2 million trips to the United Kingdom annually – our most popular overseas destination.

The Canadian government urges Canadians in the UK to exercise “a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism,” citing the three separate attacks between late March and early June of this year, which caused multiple deaths and injuries. “The attacks have been indiscriminate,” the government says. “Further attacks are likely.”

It says the level of threat to the U.K. from international terrorism is at “severe”, meaning that an attack is “highly likely.”

Travellers are asked to be aware of their surroundings “at all times in public places.”

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 12

SYDNEY Q There are no travel warnings for Australia and about 245,000 Canadians voyage there annually.

Know, though, that Canadians need to apply for a travel authority or visa before leaving Canada.

And while there is no risk advisory in place, as with the UAE, there is a warning for women: “Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Women should not travel alone after dark.”

TOKYO Q Over the past decade Japan has dropped off the list of top destinations for Canadians due largely to an ongoing economic decline.

There are no nationwide risk advisories but there is a warning to avoid all travel in the area affected by the 2011 earthquake and ensuing meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 13

SINGAPORE Q This city-state is both a popular stopover for business travellers to Southeast Asia and a primary destination. Over the past decade, “Singabore” has become the Vegas of Malay, with sprawling casinos and myriad hotels and resorts.

The crime rate is low and it’s not hard to understand why: in addition to the death penalty option for drug offences – which is common in Southeast Asia – Singapore is known for strict laws that include prohibition of chewing gum, spitting and smoking in public places. “‘Outrages of modesty,’ characterized as inappropriate behaviour by men toward women, carry a sentence of corporal punishment (such as caning), imprisonment for up to two years, a fine or a combination thereof,” warns Global Affairs Canada.

EUROPE Q It’s easy to get to and easy to get around

once there. Even without the U.K., European nations account for seven of the top 15 travel destinations for Canadians.

Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, Madrid, Dublin and Amsterdam remain economic and cultural hubs of the western world.

But while it’s business as usual in Germany, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, Canadian officials advise

2017 | FOR B.C.’S PROFESSIONALS

BUSINESS TRAVELLER TRAVEL SMART

WHY YOU SHOULD BE MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE TRAVEL WELL MEET THE PEOPLE WHO GET YOU THERE SAFE AND SOUND

THE BEST ADVICE TO MAKE YOUR TRIP ENJOYABLE

ETIQUETTE

EXPENSES

HEALTH

YVR EATS

travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in France and Belgium “due to the elevated threat of terrorism.”

Both countries have been subject to recent terrorist attacks.

Even without the U.K., European nations account for seven of the top 15 travel destinations for Canadians

INDIA Q Never mind the cash crisis, corruption, social

malaise and Global Affairs’ warning to travellers of a continuing threat of terrorist attacks.

Forget the federal government’s cautions about insurgency, crime, demonstrations, general unrest, rape and sexual aggression against foreign women, rail and maritime accidents, pirates and even crossing the street.

India is the largest democracy in the world and a rising economic powerhouse poised to overtake China as the planet’s most populous nation in the next decade.

What is now a US$30 billion business travel sector is expected to triple to US$93 billion by 2030, according to a study released in January by FCM Travel Solutions and KPMG. Namaste.

Regardless of your destination, know before you go, advises Johal. The U.S. may be more difficult to travel to than it used to be, he says. Still, “it’s easy to travel down there but you have to know what you can and can’t do when you enter the U.S.” É

MEZIADIN JUNCTION 2 hrs 30 mins

GET CONNECTED THROUGH THE PRINCE RUPERT 1 hr 30 mins NORTHWEST REGIONAL AIRPORT Capacity Executive board room, full service restaurant and Vehicle rentals (National, Hertz, Budget & Driving Force) Connections Connections to Vancouver, Calgary, Prince George, Bob Quinn and Dease Lake with unrestricted aircraft Accommodation including 757, 737 and 767

JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY

TERRACE 15 mins

KITIMAT 35 mins

BOOKS

TO BOOK YOUR 2018 BUSINESS TRAVELLER AD Call Marie at 604-608-5158 or email mpearsall@biv.com Space Close: April 13, 2018

Reliability A state of the art instrument landing system upgraded in 2015 allowing for 99.7% reliability of scheduled flight completion Safety "JSDSBGU 3FTDVF 'JSF 'JHIUJOH

103-4401 Bristol Rd., Terrace BC | (250) 635-2659 | www.yxt.ca

$"1"$*5: r $0//&$5*0/4 r 3&-*"#*-*5: r 4"'&5:

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 13

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

14 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

THE RIGHT WAY TO SEND YOUR EMPLOYEES ON A BUSINESS TRIP How to control costs and send your staff on a work trip so they arrive refreshed and ready to go

LYLE TRUDEN |

T Lower-cost flights at poor times, or with extra connections, may save money, but an exhausted salesperson could cost more Travellers going to and from YVR on the Canada Line | CHUNG CHOW

ravelling for business can be a great way to increase revenue, open up opportunity and provide a perk to your employees. From conferences to trade shows, or meetings with suppliers, travel is an effective way to grow your business more rapidly.

W hen a business starts to requ i re employees to travel it is important to think about a few things: I recommend that companies allow employees to make their travel requests directly with their dedicated agent, but get it approved by a single travel co-ordinator within the company before payment. T his allows the company to control costs, but gives

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 14

the employee f lexibility to pick f lights that work for them. The most important thing is to focus on the flights that allow the employee to arrive fresh, or have time to rest and be ready for the task at hand. Lower-cost flights at poor times, or with extra connections, may save money, but an exhausted salesperson could cost more. Many companies choose economy class for any flight under four hours but allow upgrades to premium economy or business class for longer-haul flights.

Once a flight is booked under a passenger’s name, that ticket technically belongs to them. Since most tickets are non-refundable, most

airlines provide credits if they are cancelled, but those credits belong to the ticket holder. It is important to have it clearly stated in the company travel policy how that will be dealt with if an employee leaves the organization before flights are used. Once purchased, the ticket belongs to the traveller, which allows them to sign up for frequent flyer programs and benefit from the points. Some airlines have reward programs for the company to simultaneously earn discounts or perks as well. I recommend working with one or two airlines that work for the majority of the company’s travel needs.

Many employee benefits policies can include some travel health insurance; however, most do not cover cancellation or interruption insurance. If employees travel more than two or three times per year, it is a great idea to purchase annual travel insurance policies.

It is i mpor ta nt to m a ke su re that employees are fully covered for medical emergencies while in another country, and that the insurance will provide 24-hour service, along with paying up front for emergencies where possible.

The last thing any company needs is paying expensive medical bills until the money gets reimbursed.

A good policy will also cover basic costs if weather keeps an employee away from home for an extra few days. Some policies will even cover a business meeting if cancelled beyond your control (provided it’s not an internal or parent company meeting) so that the cost of the trip will be refunded. For example, if the traveller booked a sales meeting in Chicago and weather prevented him or her from landing

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 15

until three hours after the meeting, the traveller could be eligible for a refund if there is no other reason to travel. Be aware that not all annual policies are the same. Some come with deductibles or are more focused on leisure travel emergencies and may not cover business travel.

A new trend I’ve seen in the travel policy of some companies is to allow employees to take advantage of side trips or stopovers. If meetings can be scheduled in New York for Thursday and Friday, why not let them stay the weekend at their own cost? One employer was able to schedule meetings in Europe around the time their sales rep wanted to take a holiday to Europe.

We priced the return ticket to the meeting for the company to pay, and the small difference in fare to add on the side trip to Croatia was covered by the employee. It is a fantastic way to give an employee another benefit without extra cost to the company. The employee’s spouse was able to pay her own way to join him, and they ended up with a family vacation for half the cost.

The last major part of a travel policy is to consider whether or not employees will travel with an expense card. Booking hotels can be lower-cost at corporate rates, but most require employees to pay at checkout. If there are weather delays, or emergencies along the

way, how will the employee pay for them? It is essential to have an idea how employees will pay for everything on the trip, including what the daily allowance is for meals, hotels and car rentals. É Lyle Truden is general manager at Flight Centre Howe Street.

He has been working in the travel industry for about 14 years and has visited more than 26 countries. His favourite destination is Japan. Next on his travel list (in no particular order) are the Cook Islands and Egypt.

800 700 600

There are certain things that just make Vancouver, Vancouver. Landmarks, nature, traditions. And of course, Business In Vancouver. In fact, from our perspective, so intertwined are we within the city dynamic, the two are essentially equal parts of the whole. It’s easy, really: Business + Vancouver = Business in Vancouver.

500 400 300 200 100

We are business in Vancouver. biv.com

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 15

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

16 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

TRAVEL

INEXPENSIVE How to be a superstar staffer and save money on your work trip

MICHELLE HOPKINS

F

or most business travellers, gone are the days of unlimited corporate expense accounts and regularly flying first class.

Today’s road warriors are looking for more inexpensive ways to get the job done while away. Just ask frequent business traveller Gerard Sauvé.

Gerard Sauvé is a savvy business traveller, shopping around for the best loyalty programs and taking only a carry-on bag for shorter trips | SUBMITTED

The Vancouver headhunter typically logs 15 to 20 North American business trips per year and has learned to stretch his travel dollar.

Before booking any business trip, Sauvé first checks for special offers with some of the loyalty programs he belongs to, including special offers on flights, accommodations and car rentals.

“I don’t stick to one loyalty program. … I will shop around to get the best price,” he says. “I also will check third-party travel sites to see what they offer, but I typically get a better price booking directly with the hotel chain, car rental agency or airline.”

With airlines charging $25 or more for each piece of check-in luggage, Sauvé travels with only his carry-on bag on shorter trips.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 16

When it comes to transportation, Sauvé will rent a vehicle for longer trips, but otherwise, he uses public transport, or ride-sharing programs such as Uber, Car2Go or Modo.

“I seldom use taxis anymore. … If a city has Uber, I will use that rather than a rental car,” Sauvé says.

“However, if I do need a rental car I typically won’t get it at the airport because most hotels offer a free shuttle service, so I save a day’s rental. Also, most big cities, such as Toronto, have fantastic subway and public transportation systems.”

Car rental companies usually offer three choices when returning a vehicle: with a full gas tank, pay a premium price to get it filled, or prepay for a full tank and don’t worry about it.

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 17

Bilal Kathrada, a partner at accounting firm Clearline CPA, says travel agencies can help travellers save money on their trips | CHUNG CHOW

“I fill it at a gas station as close as possible to the car rental company before I return it,” Sauvé says.

The seasoned traveller has found other small ways to cut back on travel expenses, such as stocking his hotel room fridge with healthy snacks, fruits and bottled water, which is always much less expensive than purchasing them from the in-room mini-bar.

Sometimes Sauvé will stay with a close friend for the weekend, which is the plan for an upcoming trip to Montreal.

“I really don’t like to bother friends when I’m on business trips, but my buddy wants me to spend the weekend with him,” he says.

When it comes to restaurants, in most cities he travels to, Sauvé seeks out ones that provide both good value and great cuisine.

“When I’m entertaining clients, I always use a credit card that earns me points,” Sauvé says.

He then uses those reward points to get free flights, hotels and car rentals for his own personal travel.

Leveraging your loyalty programs is a great idea, says Bilal Kathrada, a partner at Clearline CPA, a Vancouver-based accounting firm.

“Being a member of several reward/loyalty programs allows for better corporate discounts,” he says.

“Also, by planning ahead rather than booking at the last minute, employers can save hundreds on flights, hotels and car rentals.”

Another important cost-saving method is using travel agencies. Because business travellers are likely to book flights and hotels more often than regular travellers, many travel agencies will step up to offer even greater

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 17

discounts. That can lead to substantial savings, says Kathrada.

“We also recommend, if at all possible, to avoid summer business trips when flights are normally more expensive,” he says.

For those employers trying to control travel costs: meet virtually whenever it makes sense (and won’t impact your business relationship).

Many of Kathrada’s clients are finding ways to limit business trips by using Skype conferencing. “With Skype, companies can reduce local or unnecessary travel,” he says.

With a growing interest in fusing personal and business travel, companies both large and small now address this growing trend in their formal travel and expense policies.

“Whether it’s a business trip or employees are adding a few extra days, it’s a good idea to have travel policies in place and a per diem that all employees are made aware of,” Kathrada says.

As far as what expenses companies can write off, B.C. has a general rule: “All expenses incurred for the purpose of earning income are deductible, as long as they are reasonable,” says Kathrada.

So, what constitutes reasonable?

In B.C., corporations can write off 50 per cent of transportation, meals and some entertainment.

“However, some meals and entertainment are 100 per cent deductible if, for example, a company is invoicing the customer and itemizing it on the invoice,” he says.

Kathrada strongly advises clients to keep receipts or copies for tax purposes, in case the Canada Revenue Agency comes calling. É

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

BUILDING UP BUSINESS

RELATIONSHIPS AND POINTS. THAT'S A WIN.

As a SkyBonus member, your company will earn points for every dollar spent to use toward flights, upgrades, Delta Sky Club® memberships and more. Plus, your SkyMiles® membership will ensure you still earn miles with every qualified flight. Making it even easier to build those long-standing client relationships. And that’s a win for everyone.

Enrolling is free. Eligible companies can earn an additional 5,000 points when they enroll by December 31, 2017 and an employee flies within 60 days of enrollment.

Enroll today at DELTA.COM/SKYBONUS. Use promo code: VCBT2017

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 18

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

Bonus Offer: To qualify for this promotion, companies must be based in U.S., Canada, or Mexico with a valid Federal Tax ID or VAT number, enroll by December 31, 2017 at delta.com/skybonus using Promotion Code VCBT2017 and purchase and fly on a qualifying flight within 60 days after enrollment. Bonus points may be earned once and will be credited automatically to the account associated with the ticket issued and flown. Qualifying flights include tickets and flight numbers validated on Delta (ticket number begins with “006”), Air France (“057”), KLM (“074”), or Alitalia (“055”). Eligible dollars are defined as base fares (selling fare, net of all taxes and fees) plus carrier-imposed surcharges, prorated per flight segment, and rounded down to the nearest whole number. Exclusions may apply.

Companies with a Delta, Air France, KLM or Alitalia Preferred Carrier Agreement, travel agencies, and other sellers of travel are not eligible for SkyBonus. Subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

All SkyBonus program rules apply and are available at delta.com/skybonus. Taxes and fees for award travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 19

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

20 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE More companies are making room for “bleisure” travel to keep staff happy, rested and motivated

MICHELLE HOPKINS

L Christine Day is an advocate

uvo CEO Christine Day is a frequent business traveller who often takes work trips with some of her employees. Recently, during a speaking engagement at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, one of her employees expressed interest in attending the entire 10-day conference and music festival.

for what is known in the travel trade as “bleisure” | SUBMITTED

“It was on her bucket list … so she came with her husband and added a few days before and after our conference so that she could attend more events,” says Day. “Luvo is a small company and so we don’t have a budget for bonuses, but we were able to cover her flights and two of her extra days’ hotel accommodations and some of her meals.”

Day is an advocate for what is known in the travel trade as “bleisure” – a buzzword to describe a business and pleasure travel hybrid that more employers are embracing. Day believes offering bleisure travel options helps to boost employee morale by creating more satisfied and loyal staff.

She says Luvo’s chief financial officer, David Negus, often travels to New York on business and usually adds

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 20

a couple of extra days to spend time with his son, who is attending university there.

“Offering this perk creates a wonderful work atmosphere, one that lets employees know they matter and that the company is interested in their quality of life,” says Day, the former CEO of Lululemon and former top executive at Starbucks, where she also offered bleisure privileges.

‘RENEWED ENERGY’ AT WORK Q Bleisure is such a hot

topic that Expedia commissioned a 2016 study dubbed Profile of the American Bleisure Traveler. Among its findings were that 43 per cent of all American business travellers added leisure days to at least one of their business trips. Among frequent business travellers, 26 per

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 21

cent of the technology sector tacked on between two to three nights for leisure days.

“This is a trend we’ve seen pick up for the business traveller over the last several years,” says Christine Boecker of TravelBoecker Adventures. “In my opinion, travel is a way to purge the pedestrian and eliminate the mundane from our lives. Travel really can change the way we see the world, and allows us to return to work with renewed energy.”

Several studies support the idea that travel broadens the mind and enhances creativity in the workplace in tangible ways. Eighty-four per cent of managers say employees return to work from time off with improved focus and creativity, according to one study cited by Project Time Off, which labels itself a movement to show how time off benefits people and business. It also cites a quote from Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, who once wrote: “Freed from the daily stresses of my working life, I find that I am more likely to have new insights into old problems and other flashes of inspiration.”

A 2011 Intuit study also shows that 82 per cent of small-business owners who took a vacation saw an increase in job performance when they returned to work.

Since 1996 Boecker, a seasoned travel designer, has specialized in adventure journeys to far-flung parts of the world. She recently worked with clients from Canada and the United Kingdom who attended a software conference on a private game reserve in Africa and arranged a pre-conference stay in Cape Town, including a hike up Table Mountain and a day of wine tasting.

“After their conference, we are flying them to Victoria Falls and taking them on safari in the Kalahari Desert for an all-round experience of culture, food, scenery and wildlife of the region.”

Tourism Vancouver is also seeing an upward swing in bleisure travel, including before, after and during meetings and conferences held in the city.

“We have noticed a trend where meeting planners are incorporating leisure activities into the convention programs,” says Amber Sessions, manager of communications for Tourism Vancouver. “It’s great for productivity and great for team-building, too.”

For example, Sessions says they’re working with a client hosting a meeting at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver in January that plans to take a few members of its key leadership team to Victoria for a day to enjoy some leisure activities.

Last year, at the Professional Convention Management Association meeting in Vancouver, the organization incorporated a five-kilometre run and yoga classes into the program. Delegates also took some time to enjoy the Vancouver area before and after the event. According to Tourism Vancouver, 15 per cent of the 4,000 delegates arrived two days before the conference start and 45 per cent added at least one extra night on to the end of their stay.

REDUCE STRESS AND BURNOUT Q A growing body of research shows that bleisure travel can reduce stress and burnout “while increasing the sense of well-being and general health of employees,” says Lieke ten Brummelhuis, an assistant professor of management and organizational studies at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 21

Christine Boecker at the Galapagos Islands | SUBMITTED On safari in the Kalahari Desert | SUBMITTED

Whether salaried or self-employed, some Canadians seem reluctant to take too much time off, ten Brummelhuis says. The notion of bleisure travel could make it easier to squeeze in personal time away.

The employee benefits, and so does his or her company.

“There is ... convincing evidence that shows even a short holiday is extremely beneficial for both your mind and body,” she says.

“Companies are realizing the cost benefits of employees taking time off. If, as an employer, you have employees calling in sick all the time or in the hospital because they are overworked and overstressed, you know the bottom line suffers.” É

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

22 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

KEEPING PACE Business travel can wreak havoc on a person’s physical fitness. It’s challenging, but you can stay healthy on the road

MARCELLO LEONE |

M

CHECK FOR FITNESS CHAINS Q

aintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road is very important to me and a lot of my friends, family and customers.

As we all know though, it can be difficult to stick to your health and fitness goals when you’re travelling for business. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned in my career to date that keep me fit and add a bit of fun to my work trips.

If the hotel doesn’t have a gym, or you prefer to get out and about, check to see if your hometown gym has a location in the city you’re travelling to. Many large gyms today are franchises with locations across the country or even outside of Canada. Some also have partnerships with other gyms in different locations. If you don’t have a go-to gym, don’t worry. In my experience, the fitness community is very friendly and welcoming.

Most gyms offer reasonable dropin rates just to assist in helping you lead a healthier and more active lifestyle and stay committed to your fitness routine.

B O O K A FITN E S S - F RIE N D LY HOTEL Q If you want to keep fit on

your trip, book a hotel with a gym.

This will make it easier to squeeze in a daily workout while away. It saves you time from searching for a nearby fitness club. Some hotels even offer workout gear if you forget yours or you are travelling for a short period of time with limited space in your suitcase. Utilizing a hotel pool for laps, running on a treadmill or lifting weights are all great options for kick-starting a day of business meetings.

BYOE Q Bring your own equipment to add to your workout, or to help burn a few extra calories between meet i ngs. O f cou rse, weights aren’t practical to pack in a suitcase, so consider bringing resistance bands instead. You can use them in your hotel room, at the gym or at a local park if the weather permits. Incorporating resistance bands into a workout is great for building strength and getting your heart rate up.

ALL PHOTOS SHUTTERSTOCK

SCHEDULE A WORKOUT Q Business trips are hectic and there isn’t usually much free time. However, if you’re serious about staying fit while away, consider scheduling a workout at some point during the day. Call it a “meeting with me” or whatever you need to do to get a workout in. Doing this will make it easier to commit to your fitness routine.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 22

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOODS Q A business trip is some-

times considered a good excuse to cheat on your otherwise healthy diet. Try not to let it happen. Try to eat healthy no matter how tempting the in-room dining menu might be. It is the hardest part of being

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 23

on the road but arguably the most important as it will impact your day-to-day immensely. Also, pack healthy snacks and drink lots of water. You need to choose the right fuel to keep your energy up while travelling.

K E E P M OVI N G Q I n-a i r a n d following long (or short) flights, ensu re you a re getti ng up a nd stretching to allow for circulation and blood flow. It is vital to keep your body moving. Although business travel often includes gruelling hours in a cramped meeting space or a tight airplane seat, it is important to get up as frequently as possible to stretch not only your body but your mind as well. Do a few sets of your favourite stretches

and you will feel re-energized and more alert.

Business travel can be time consuming and draining but sticking to a healthy meal plan and making ti me to k ick-sta r t you r endorphins will allow you to be more focused and driven during your meetings. É Marcello Leone is president and CEO of RYU Apparel, a Vancouver-based athletic apparel and accessories brand engineered for the fitness, training and performance of the multi-discipline athlete.

Try to eat healthy no matter how tempting the in-room dining menu might be

BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER B

Events

usiness in Vancouver produces many events each year that recognize the achievements of top talent in our business community, discuss topics and issues relevant to you and provide opportunities to network and cultivate new business relationships.

Some of our annual events include: r 'PSUZ VOEFS "XBSET r *OGMVFOUJBM 8PNFO JO #VTJOFTT "XBSET r #$ &YQPSU "XBSET r #$ $&0 "XBSET r #$ $'0 "XBSET r #VTJOFTT &YDFMMFODF 4FSJFT

For more information, visit www.biv.com/events

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 23

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

24 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

THEY

MOVE YOU

Meet some of the industry insiders who help business travellers on the go

DENE MOORE

W

e’re in a hurry, especially when on a business trip. Often we don’t take the time to recognize the men and women who help us get to and from our destinations. Below are profiles of five B.C. travel industry workers who make our lives better on the road.

KEVIN VAREY

45, assistant chief pilot and line pilot of Orca Airways Ltd., Parksville/Vancouver

SUBMITTED

How did you get into this line of work? Q I was inspired

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 24

by the thrill of flight and was introduced to aviation when my family went on a helicopter ride over Banff.

The passion grew with model airplanes, and then I took private flight lessons in High River, where I achieved my Airline Transport Pilot Licence over a six-year period.

Best day at work? Q Every day when the sky is blue and you’re flying over the ocean and mountains of Vancouver Island.

Worst day at work? Q There are none.

Best trip you’ve taken? Q A flight adventure involving five other pilot friends to Oshkosh to see the world’s largest air show.

Travel tip? Q When booking flights on commuter airlines that service small airports, ensure that you leave extra time to make connections, or even leave a day early to ensure connections. Weather has a huge impact on schedules as most small airports do not have the same facilities as international airports. Always expect delays when small airports are part of the equation.

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

CHUNG CHOW

| 25

DORIN MIC

52, owner/driver, Royal Limo and corporate car service of Vancouver

SUBMITTED

How did you get into this line of work? Q I was looking for a job after I came to Canada and I got hired to work for a limousine company. I worked as a driver at the beginning and then started my own company 11 years ago.

Best day at work? Q When you make the customer happy and you get paid well for your trip. The best day probably was when I drove a guy who won the lottery. He was very generous.

Worst day at work? Q If a client drinks too much and is not respectful.

Best trip you’ve taken? Q I just came from Central America – Costa Rica. I like the sand and water.

Best travel tip? Q Book in advance and check the company online, check the reviews. Don’t just look for the cheapest place.

DANIELLE SEE

28, flight attendant for WestJet Encore regional airline How did you get into this line of work? Q I flew a few times personally on a WestJet flight

and said to myself, “I want to do that,” so I applied and here I am.

Best day at work? Q Every morning catching that sunrise. Can’t beat that office view.

Worst day at work? Q The day we stopped handing out our chocolate wafer cookies.

Best trip you’ve taken? Q Hawaii – twice. I can’t get enough and I don’t think I ever will.

Best travel tip? Q Roll your clothes up instead of folding. It’s a huge space saver. And, if you’re a huge techie like myself, bring an extra battery pack. You never know when it could come in handy.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 25

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

26 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

They move you

WESLEY LESOSKY

FELICITAS (FAYE) LICUP SOMERVILLE

48, security screening officer for G4S Secure Solutions — (a contractor for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) at Vancouver International Airport for 16 years How did you get into this line of work? Q I used to work in a retail store in the airport when one of my customers who happened to be a manager informed me that the company was hiring. When he assured me that he could be my reference, I applied and was hired.

Best day at work? Q When there is teamwork among my co-workers and managers, the day runs smoothly no matter how busy the screening checkpoint gets.

Worst day at work? Q When the checkpoint is super busy with passengers who are running out of time and cut the line to be screened faster.

Best trip you’ve taken? Q A trip to Toronto when I was given the “Extra Mile Award” from my employer.

Best travel tip? Q Travel light. Pack only the essentials for carry-on bags. Bring along a travel book and first aid kit.

Be at the airport two or three hours before your boarding.

[Know] the dos and don’ts when travelling.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 26

SUBMITTED

SUBMITTED

39, Air Canada flight attendant for 17 years How did you get into this line of work? Q I used to work for Safeway and we were going through negotiations.

My manager put a posting up on the board [for Canada 3000]. I applied and then got into it.

Best day at work? Q My best trip at work was Istanbul.

I was absolutely blown away when we landed. It was a huge cultural shock but one of the most amazing cultural shocks I’ve been through. I loved it. We were there for 48 hours and I think I slept for, maybe, eight. It was the most fascinating place I’ve ever been in the world.

Worst day at work? Q That was a flight [17 years ago] from Vancouver to Honolulu with Canada 3000. The turbulence was so extreme that people were so sick. We had to stay in our jump seats for pretty much the whole flight but there was just so much mayhem from people getting sick. I will always remember the smell and the visual of that.

Bes t trip you’ve taken? Q Istanbul, hands down.

The culture, the food, the people. I found it all just breathtaking.

Best travel tip? Q Pack light and bring snacks. If you can pack just a carry-on and bring minimal items, it’s so much better than packing bags, having to wait in line waiting for your bag. I’ve never brought a suitcase, regardless of five-day trip or seven-day trip. É

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 27

WHERE TO

EAT AT YVR 10 best bets for business travellers

CAROLYN ALI

I

t’s the cardinal rule of air travel: arrive at the airport early with plenty of time to catch your flight. But while doing so soothes stress levels, it also leaves you plenty of time to get peckish.

Having recently earned the title Best Airport in North America for the eighth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is indeed a great home base for frequent flyers. Yet the food options can sometimes feel underwhelming.

That’s changing as the airport has recently added some higher-quality eateries, and more are in the works. Remember too that if you don’t hold a golden ticket to your airline lounge, you can always purchase entrance to one of the Plaza

BEST BET AT YVR FOR… GRABBING BREAKFAST BEFORE BOARDING

Skyway Café U.S. Terminal, after security, Gate E87

1

What’s the first thing you do after clearing security for a morning flight? Judging by the snaking lines at Starbucks and Tim Hortons, most of us need a great big caffeinated beverage. That’s also the time to eat the most important meal of the day, which just isn’t going to happen before you leave your house at 5:30 a.m.

If you’re flying out of the U.S. terminal, skip the coffee chains. Right between them is Skyway,

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 27

Premium Lounges, which include options like Hong Kong-style fish-ball noodles.

Whether you’ve got a few hours to kill with a colleague or a few minutes to grab breakfast before you board, here are 10 best bets for a satisfying bite at YVR. Choose among them according to time constraints, location (before or after security, domestic and otherwise), budget, dietary requirements and creature comforts. We’ve also addressed that intangible factor: craving.

an independent quick-serve option with shorter lines, where they crack real eggs for breakfast. If you must have the assurance of a chain, know that Skyway serves Seattle’s Best Coffee.

The menu includes a $4.49 vegetarian breakfast sandwich made with real cheddar cheese and a bell-pepper omelette. (Meat lovers can get theirs with bacon or ham instead.) Other choices include eggs Benedict, toasted bagels with cream cheese and lox, and waffles with whipped cream and berries. While you’re at it, have them pack lunch for the plane: they make deli sandwiches to order, and salads and California rolls in house.

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

28 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

Where to eat at YVR

23 45

steamed rice, deep-fried spring rolls and grilled beef short ribs on vermicelli. The relatively healthy shrimp salad rolls make a good light option, or order a banh mi sub to go. There’s even Vietnamese iced coffee for a caffeine hit.

PASSING TIME WITH A NICE GLASS OF WINE

Vino Volo U.S. Terminal, after security, Gate E83; Domestic Terminal, after security, gate B17; and International Terminal, before security, Level 2

Flight delayed? Tired of making awkward conversation with your colleagues? Head over to one of three Vino Volo locations at YVR, where you can charge your devices while bonding over a drink. Choose from flights of international or local wines, which come with tasting notes for discussion. Good bets: the 2014 Bravo Campa Pinot Noir made at Okanagan Crush Pad by Vino Volo general manager and sommelier Sally Campa, and the 2016 Cabernet Franc Rosé from Naramata Bench’s Lock & Worth. If you prefer craft beer, Delta’s Four Winds Brewing Co. is sure to impress.

It’s always a good idea to eat while you drink – especially with the boss. Small plates ($7 to $17 each) include roasted tomato soup, organic kale salad, and pulled pork tacos. There’s also charcuterie and cheese sourced from Burnaby’s Cioffi’s Meat Market and Deli.

DINING ON SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Lift Bar & Grill International Terminal, after security, Gate D67

Making its debut at YVR last January, Lift Bar & Grill is an offshoot of the high-end restaurant perched on the water at Coal Harbour. While this full-service eatery doesn’t have a view of Burrard Inlet, it’s wrapped around an aquarium in keeping with the coastal theme.

Since you’ll have already cleared security, this is the place to relax over a sustainable-seafood feast. The menu is geared towards Ocean Wise-approved sharing plates (about $13 to $22 each) such as tuna poke, steamed mussels and seared scallops. Five sushi and sashimi selections include a spider cone with soft-shell crab and a vegan roll with asparagus and garlic pesto. Chances are your dietary needs will be fulfilled here: there are also gluten-free options like wild mushroom risotto, plus salads, braised beef short ribs, wild boar and more.

There’s also a compact brunch and lunch menu, which includes a smoked salmon omelette, eggs Benny and BLT.

FUELLING UP ON ASIAN FAST FOOD

Thai Hang International Terminal, before security, Level 3

If you’ve got time to sit down for a food-court meal, a good option is a big steaming bowl of pho (most bowls are $9.59). Soup has a way of soothing airport anxiety, and these rice-noodle versions are filling without being heavy and greasy. There are six variations on offer, including pho with rare beef slices, beef meatballs, shredded chicken, and seafood.

Thai Hang’s sign reads “A Local Vietnamese Eatery” because it’s a franchise of Pho Thai Hang on Kingsway in East Vancouver. The quick-serve menu also features broken-rice dishes such as lemongrass chicken on

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 28

SEALING THE DEAL

Globe@YVR and Jetside Bar U.S. Terminal, before security, Level 4

If you’ve got time, an expense account and/or somebody you want to impress, head to Globe@YVR or the adjacent Jetside Bar. Located in the Fairmont Vancouver Airport

2017-06-07 12:55 PM

| 29

hotel, this plush oasis is just 90 steps from the U.S. departures level. Because it’s situated before security, it’s not only convenient if you’re flying out but also an option for entertaining clients who are on layovers. (Good to know: if you spend over $30 they’ll validate up to two hours of parking for the economy parkade.)

A fine-dining restaurant, Globe@YVR offers a menu that makes use of local ingredients and changes seasonally. Dinner entrees (which run about $30 to $50) include Haida Gwaii sablefish, roasted rack of lamb and black Angus steaks. Lunch, afternoon tea and breakfast are also served; the latter includes a buffet and à la carte dishes such as chargrilled avocado on toast with a poached egg and chanterelle mushrooms.

Both the restaurant and bar feature floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the North Shore Mountains and the action on the runways. There’s live music nightly at the bar, local wine and craft beer options and a Twin Otter cocktail made with two Canadian whiskies, sparkling B.C. wine and a garnish of chocolate-dipped maple bacon.

67 INDULGING YOUR CRAVINGS

Vera’s Burger Shack Domestic Terminal, after security, Gate C43

You know you’re supposed to eat healthy. But you’re exhausted and famished and literally have miles to go before you sleep. You just want a juicy burger and a pile of french fries. Make that poutine. OK, you might as well add a milkshake. Nobody needs to know.

A Vancouver-based franchise, Vera’s is very good at satisfying cravings. This fast-food outlet makes its six-ounce burgers to order and serves them slightly pink.

The airport menu is downsized somewhat for speed of service, but, as at other Vera’s joints, you can dictate exactly what you want on your burger: chipotle mayo, extra pickles and fried onions are included as basics.

You can eat a salad tomorrow.

SEEKING COMFORT

White Spot Domestic Terminal, before security, Level 3

The White Spot at the airport feels like pretty much every other White Spot in B.C. – and that’s a good thing when you’re looking for comfort and familiarity. Settle into a booth where you can spread out your files, or sit down in the lounge area, which is equipped with electrical outlets for charging your devices. (Fun fact: the White Spot at YVR has the largest bar out of all its B.C. locations.)

The menu offers about 80 per cent of the choices on a standard White Spot menu, mindful of speedy table service. In addition to its beloved burgers with Triple “O” sauce and dill pickles, this includes salads, pastas, rice bowls, and stir-fries. A gluten-free menu is available, and the restaurant also serves breakfast. And yes, there are Pirate Paks for the kids, should the family want to see you off before your flight.

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 29

89 10

TRYING SOMETHING NEW

Pajo’s Fish & Chips International Terminal, before security, Level 3

Freshii International Terminal, before security, Level 3

Bánh Shop U.S. Terminal, after security, between gates 84 and 85

Three new restaurants opened this spring at YVR. You may recognize Pajo’s Fish & Chips from its Richmond mothership on the docks in Steveston. This food-court outlet will also focus on casual Ocean Wise seafood. If you’re hankering for more healthy choices, Freshii is coming to the same food court. The global franchise offers an array of salads, soups, juices and smoothies, with restricted-diet options. Beyond security, the Bánh Shop will offer Vietnamese baguettes stuffed with chargrilled pork, beef or chicken with the traditional pickled veggies and cilantro.

Two more yet-to-be-announced food outlets are slated to be added to YVR in 2019. É

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

30 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

BORDER CROSSING Tips for travelling to the U.S.: pack light, keep your passport handy, and never, ever forget your Nexus card DARAH HANSEN

C

rossing borders is an occupational hazard for Adrian Brijbassi. The Vancouver-based travel writer and co-founder of online magazine Vacay.ca visits the United States and other international destinations for his job as often as two times per month.

Adrian Brijbassi, pictured here at YVR, travels to the U.S. often for work | CHUNG CHOW

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 30

It took only a couple of frustrating trips, where he was caught in long security and customs lineups at border crossings, to teach him the ultimate lesson in business-travel efficiency.

His motto now? Pack light, keep your passport handy, and never, ever forget your Nexus card.

“Sometimes the airport wait times can be an hour and a half just to get through security. With Nexus, it might be 10 minutes. You go right past everyone and into a security check line. It goes very quickly,” Brijbassi says of the key benefit he receives from being one of the estimated 444,000 active Nexus members in B.C. In Canada and the U.S., where the program is open to citizens and permanent residents of both countries, approximately 1.5 million people are Nexus members, according to March 2017 statistics provided by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), which runs the program alongside its American counterpart, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The key promise of the program is to speed up border crossings between the two countries for frequent travellers who are deemed to be a low risk after voluntarily undergoing a security assessment.

At various ports of entry (both in air and vehicle crossings) there are dedicated lanes and self-serve kiosks in place to make it easier to process Nexus travellers moving between the two countries.

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

| 31

For instance, members can avoid long customs lineups when entering Canada by using automated self-serve kiosks installed at nine international airports, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Toronto (both Pearson and Billy Bishop airports).

Canadians travelling by air to the U.S. can also use the U.S. Global Entry kiosks on the American side for easier entry.

Nexus holders also receive expedited clearance through security screening lines at 16 major and midsized airports in Canada, as well as more than 150 participating U.S. airports.

According to the CBSA, the average amount of time saved at crossing for Nexus members varies from port to port and time of day.

“Usually, the savings are maximized during peak travelling periods,” a CBSA spokeswoman says in an email. “The queues are generally much smaller for Nexus members than the conventional lanes, saving the traveller time.”

For those travelling by car, Nexus can be used at 21 border crossing between the countries, including five locations in B.C. (Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Boundary Bay, the Pacific Highway crossing and Surrey/Peace Arch).

It’s worth noting that it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone in the car is a Nexus member. The penalty for getting that wrong, no matter how old the passengers are, is the possible loss of Nexus privileges.

Nexus members are subject to the same reporting requirements for imported goods as everyone else – again with those who violate the rules facing possible membership forfeiture.

Indeed, says the CBSA spokeswoman, “any time a traveller, including a Nexus member, enters Canada or the U.S., he or she may be subject to an inspection. If a Nexus member violates any terms or conditions of the program, his or her membership may be cancelled, regardless of the reason for this violation (e.g., negligence, carelessness and/or lack of knowledge).”

Almost anyone can apply for Nexus. Applicants over the age of 18 years will be charged a non-refundable $50 fee. The process also requires proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate or Indian status certificate, for instance). For permanent residents, a second document is needed to prove your current place of residence.

The application form is available online (www.cbsaasfc.gc.ca). The website states that applicants can expect to wait 30 business days to find out if they are eligible for the program, but a note has since been added indicating that, due to a “higher than normal volume of applications,” the processing time is closer to two months.

The next step is to attend a meeting in person with Canadian and U.S. border authorities. Those who intend to use the card for air travel must also have a Nexus iris scan taken by an infrared digital camera that takes a high-resolution image of the structures of your iris that is used at airport kiosks to help identify you.

Once approved, the card is good for five years.

You may not qualify for the program if one of the following applies: ■ you are inadmissible to Canada or the U.S. under

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 31

applicable immigration laws; ■ you intentionally provide false or incomplete information on your application; ■ you have been convicted of a serious criminal offence in any country for which you have not received a pardon (for U.S. background checks you may be questioned about your full criminal history, including arrests and pardons, which may exclude you from Nexus); ■ you have a recorded violation of customs, immigration or agriculture law; or ■ you fail to meet other requirements of Nexus.

A Nexus member since 2014, Brijbassi says the minor hassle of manoeuvring through the government process to obtain Nexus membership has proven well worth it.

Membership in the program has saved him countless wasted hours at the border. Though, he notes, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee smooth sailing. At the airport in Dallas-Fort Worth, for instance, Brijbassi says he has twice been redirected away from the pre-screened security lineup for Nexus holders and into the regular security lineup, despite possessing the membership card. The third time at the same airport, the card was validated.

“With those inconsistencies, it can be a little frustrating,” he says. But, overall, Nexus has proven an invaluable travel companion.

“It’s just the ease of getting through the lines, more than anything,” he says.

The Nexus program, which is currently being considered for expansion to include Mexico, is one of several programs open to frequent travellers under what the government refers to as the Trusted Travellers umbrella.

Other programs include CANPASS, FAST a nd CDRP. CANPASS Air, one of four options under the CANPASS program, offers a one-year membership, similar to Nexus, for travellers who fly often by commercial airline. Both FAST (Free and Secure Trade) and CDRP (Commercial Driver Registration Program), meanwhile, are aimed at easing border crossings for commercial importers, shippers and drivers. É

B.C. border crossing into the U.S. | CHUNG CHOW

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

32 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

BOOKMARK MAGGIE LANGRICK |

B

Five great B.C. books to take on a business trip

usiness trips are not vacations, but they too can bring opportunities for reflection, along with new connections, experiences and perspectives. Having the right book as a travel companion can make all the difference in maximizing your trip. You don’t want a mind-numbing beach read; a good business-trip book should

sharpen your mental acuity and enrich your knowledge base while also keeping you entertained. Here’s a selection

of recent B.C. releases worth slipping into your carry-on bag.

SOLITUDE: IN PURSUIT OF A SINGULAR LIFE IN A CROWDED WORLD

By Michael Harris Published by Doubleday Canada Hardcover, $25.99

Michael Harris’ 2015 bestseller The End of Absence warned us that the constant connectivity of the Internet is reshaping us into creatures with short attention spans who value information over wisdom, and quantity over quality in our exchanges with others. Now, the Governor General’s Award-winning author is back with a promise to restore our sanity through rediscovering the value of time alone, away from crowds both real and virtual. At the heart of the book is the notion that the modern habit of cramming hundreds of shallow interactions into our days is eroding our ability to cultivate a rich inner life. Connecting more deeply to ourselves, Harris says, can lead us to deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Next time you find yourself reaching for your iPhone to fill a spare moment, reach for this book instead, and discover the gifts of solitude.

BEST FOR: Hiding out in your hotel room

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 32

HOW TO BE EVERYTHING: A GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO (STILL) DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP

By Emilie Wapnick Published by HarperCollins Canada Paperback, $22.99

Do you dream of playing in a band, going to film school, studying art and design, and maybe also getting a law degree while you’re at it?

Your friends and family may call you a dreamer, a slacker, indecisive or worse, but author Emilie Wapnick has a nicer name for you: a “multipotentialite,” or person with many interests. Now a career coach, Wapnick herself did all of those things, and then wrote a book to help other people with similarly diverse passions. How to Be Everything argues that not everyone has “one true calling” in life, and that’s OK. Instead of instructing you on how to choose a particular career path, Wapnick’s book will show you how to design a multi-faceted life and career with room for all aspects of yourself to flourish.

BEST FOR: Freeing your inner “multipotentialite”

NO NEWS IS BAD NEWS: CANADA’S MEDIA COLLAPSE— AND WHAT COMES NEXT

By Ian Gill Published by Greystone Books Paperback, $18.95

A lot of attention is being paid to the state of U.S. media right now, as august media institutions fight their corner against “fake news” fabricators and a combative president with an itchy Twitter finger.

Meanwhile, Canada’s news media has been steadily spiralling into near-total collapse with little to no public outcry, prompting former Vancouver Sun reporter and CBC broadcaster Ian Gill to investigate why it’s happening and what can be done about it. In No News is Bad News, Gill examines the forces that have brought Canadian news to its knees, from shifting consumer habits and the 2008 economic downturn to relentless cost cutting in dysfunctional, change-resistant newsrooms. The result is an urgent rally cry for Canadians to start caring enough about this critical democratic institution to save it before it’s too late.

BEST FOR: Brushing up on current events for cocktail reception conversation

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

| 33

UNBOUND: FINDING MYSELF ON TOP OF THE WORLD

By Steph Jagger Published by HarperCollins Canada Hardcover, $32.99

“Raise restraining device.” That line, printed on a ski lift, became a mantra of sorts for Steph Jagger, author of Unbound. Jagger had been going through the motions of a successful life, steadily moving up the corporate ladder in her sales and marketing career, until her encounter with that fateful sign. Suddenly realizing that the life she was living was not the one she dreamed of, Jagger quit her job and embarked on a year long journey of skiing and self-discovery. Unbound follows Jagger across five continents and through nine countries as she follows winter around the globe. In the vein of Cheryl Strayed’s hiking memoir Wild, Jagger navigates the peaks and

valleys of her heart along with those of the world’s ski hills, eventually smashing the world record for the most vertical feet skied in one year.

BEST FOR: Fuelling an adventurous spirit

THE CLEAN MONEY REVOLUTION: REINVENTING POWER, PURPOSE AND CAPITALISM

By Joel Solomon with Tyee Bridge Published by New Society Publishers Hardcover, $26.99

age of deregulation and government cuts. Drawing upon his lengthy career as a social change agent through values-based investing, Solomon calls upon investors, business leaders and entrepreneurs to lead the charge to “reinvent an economy for resilient civilization.”

Essential reading for anyone who wants to build a sustainable, profitable organization with human values baked into its business model.

BEST FOR: Building a values-driven business. É

Corporate greed is out; conscious capitalism is in, as the rising tide of millennial consumers demand social and environmental accountability from the companies vying for their dollars. In The Clean Money Revolution, ethical investor Joel Solomon argues that the corporate world has an important new role to play as protector of society’s most cherished assets and resources in an

Maggie Langrick is CEO and publisher at LifeTree Media, an award-winning hybrid publishing company specializing in nonfiction books that help, heal and inspire.

TRUSTED CONTENT ș INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS PRINT DIGITAL VIDEO RADIO PODCAST EVENTS MAGAZINES

Business in Vancouver is BC’s most significant voice of local business news and information. We write, broadcast and post across seven platforms—print, digital, video, radio, podcasts, magazines and special events—as one of Canada’s leading integrated media companies. For three decades we’ve successfully connected organizations like yours with the business audience and community.

Get Connected | Call: 604-608-5158 or email: ads@biv.com

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 33

` BIV.COM

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

34 |

BUSINESS TRAVELLER 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER

HOW TO BEAT JET LAG 7 tips to help your body prepare for long trips and various times zones

KIEM SCHUTTER |

T Get adequate rest on the flight to reduce your chances of being tired and stressed when you land

ravelling for work through different time zones can take its toll on both your mind and body. It affects your circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings), including sleep patterns and eating schedules. The result can be a loss of mental focus and, in some cases, can cause people to get sick. Here are seven tips on how to beat jet lag before and during travel:

1 PLAN AHEAD Q Map out potential jet lag triggers before you leave. For example, how you book your travel is very important. If timing permits, book a flight that arrives at your destination in the early morning or late evening. This makes it easier for your body to adjust to the time of day. Alternatively, if you’re someone who can sleep on the plane, choose an evening flight and travel at a time you’d normally be sleeping to arrive feeling rested.

2 UNDERSTAND YOUR COMFORTS Q

W hen travelling for bu si ness, a sk yourself, “What do I like/not like when I travel?” If the chilly air on the flight causes you to feel cold and shaky, pack extra socks and warm clothes. Do you like to snack on

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 34

flights? If so, avoid sodium-filled airplane snacks and pack your own high-protein snacks like raw nuts to keep blood-sugar levels stable.

3

PREP YOUR BODY Q Book a pre-travel treatment to prepare your body for the strains of travel.

For example, a massage can help loosen cramped muscles, while an IV nutrient treatment therapy delivers vitamins and supplements that you may lose when travelling.

IV therapy promotes immunity wh i le treati ng low energ y a nd sleeping disorders, which are both associated with jet lag and travelling. If you are immune-compromised or catch colds easily, self-care is a must.

4 REST AND STAY HYDRATED Q Get adequate rest on the

flight to reduce your chances of being tired and stressed when you land. This means reducing screen time (put away the laptop or cellphone) and instead listen to music or an audiobook. Hydration is also extremely important to avoid fatig ue. Drink plenty of water to stay hyd rated th roug hout the f l ig ht.

Purchase a large bottle of water after passing customs and drink it instead of just coffee, alcohol or juice.

5 INTEGRATE PRODUCTS Q For frequent business travellers, there are different products that can help promote energ y, i m mu nity and relaxation. For example, eucalyptus-based essential oils are compact and can be applied to your upper lip to fend off viruses or bugs circulating within the recycled air on the airplane. Many people find relief in other natural alternatives, including medical

cannabis oil, which helps induce and control sleep when travelling.

If pursuing this form of treatment, I strongly recommend that my patients try it at home first and track the time it takes to induce fatigue, as it is a powerful sleep aid. This is a great option to combat jet lag if you have received authorization for medical cannabis by a physician and are travelling only within Canada. To avoid a caffeine crash and dehydrating yourself even further, pack a blend of energizing essential oils to apply, such as peppermint, lemon and rosemary.

6 GET OUTSIDE OR NEAR SUNLIGHT Q Often, we see daylight

as the enemy when fending off jet lag. Instead, allow light to work to your advantage. Get outside during any opportunity to expose yourself to outdoor light. Your body will respond to whichever light is currently shining, which helps you acclimatize to the time of day, making it easier to wind down and wake up.

Stuck in an airport or hotel room?

Vitamin D is best absorbed through the palms of your hands and whites of your eyes, so just being by a window or courtyard can allow your body to take in sunlight.

7

DON’T SLEEP Q My strongest recommendation for preventing jet lag? No napping. Try to stay awake even when you’re feeling sleepy.

If you absolutely need a nap, limit yourself to one to two hours by setting an alarm on your cellphone.

This will ensure you don’t nap too long and risk feeling even more tired for the rest of the day. É Kiem Schutter is founder and chief of staff at Qi Integrated Health.

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

SALSA

672 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3J3 Tel: 604-681-2828 www.mego.ca

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 35

1033 Alberni Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1A1 Tel: 604-428-8686 www.artino.ca

2017-06-07 12:56 PM

Shine Brighter Coach, Michael Kors, Ted Baker and many more up to 70% less

Enjoy Our Summer Patios Now Open mcarthurglenvancouver.com

00_Business Traveller 2017_01_36pages.indd 36

2017-06-07 12:56 PM