I often need to travel for my job.
- I spend a lot of time sitting in airport terminals and on airplanes.
I sleep at hotels nearly as often as in my own bed. I have become much more aware of the importance of temperature and indoor air quality. I’ve found that the conditions inside the airport, the airplanes and hotels are typically uncomfortable and unpleasant. After a day of traveling, I usually feel exhausted, congested and suffer from a headache. I’ve learned to drink lots of water and also bring along a jacket. The terminal is normally overheated, and the air quality is bad. There are lots of unpleasant smells and insufficient humidity. I tend to get dehydrated and sneeze a lot. Once I board the plane, I start to shiver. Adjusting the overhead vent doesn’t help all that much. I normally have a layover, which means I got back to sweating in the terminal. Then I freeze on another plane ride. I am fortunate that I most often stay at nicer hotels. The accommodations include a heating and cooling unit that I can adjust to my preference. However, I’m always suspicious of the cleanliness of the room. I am relieved when I finally arrive back home. It’s so nice to have access to a smart thermostat, furnace and air conditioner. My house is equipped with a whole-home air purifier that traps microscopic contaminants, gets rid of odors and keeps the home healthy and clean. I appreciate my bed with the comfortable mattress, fluffy pillows and freshly laundered sheets.