Hi, my name is Jess and I’m a park and flyer. It’s been 2 years since my last taxi – I’ve never felt better and I’m never looking back!
Look, to be fair, that last part is a little bit of a lie, it’s true. There is the odd occasion where I’ll grab an Uber or a taxi – extended holidays or if I had a big night out the night before (eep!) – but all in all it’s park and fly full time, all the way baby.
When I was recruited into my current position in HR for a worldwide company I was thrilled to hear that there was plenty of travel involved in the position. I love travelling, love staying in hotel rooms, love a break from my regular life, and love new people. It was a dream come true.
I was happy to learn that my new role paid extra while I was travelling, as well as all accommodation, transfers, and meals too. My first few trips I felt like a bit of a celebrity to be honest – loving that business class and airport lounge goodness. I was travelling at least once week nationally, and at least once a month internationally.
But, as you travellers for work know, it can get a bit annoying after a while. Sitting around in airports, whether you’re in the lounge or not, is annoying. Being dry from flying all the time is annoying – shout out to airline hostesses, I don’t know how you do it. Waiting for my ride to and from the airport is annoying. It’s all that in-transit stuff that starts to wear a bit thin after a while.
One day I was chatting to a colleague about it all (okay, having a whinge to a colleague about it all), when they suggested I drive myself to the airport and do park and fly instead – said that’s what they did. I must admit, I was a little confused. Why would I drive myself when someone else can drive me? But anyway, a fan of giving anything a go I promised to try it out for myself next flight – so I did.
I drove myself to the airport, parked up, did my thing and booked for a wash while I was away (bonus!) and got on my flight. Fair enough, no real difference to catching a cab except I got to crank my tunes and not have to worry about making small talk.
However! On the way back, jumping into my car instead of a cab was the real delight. As soon as I got into my car it was like I was already home… Since my car is mine, I’m comfy in it automatically. I kicked off my shoes, took off my belt and just relaxed! It really felt that much different. It got me back to my home levels of comfort before I even got home. And after a couple of days away, that’s what you’re really wanting.
Now? I do it pretty much every time. Getting the car washed every so often is great too, because I don’t have to go out of my way to get it washed anymore. And the best part of it all? Work still pays for it all (plus the petrol) as part of my travel costs, so it doesn’t cost me a cent.
When new people come on board that have to travel too I recommend it to them as well – why not? I mean, it’s probably not for everyone, but for me it just makes total sense and I love it. Still love that travelling too – my job rocks!
