My favorite En Route With features profile entrepreneurs doing amazing things in the travel industry. Ruzwana created Peek when she faced the challenges of booking activities for an upcoming trip to Turkey. Sarah‘s jetsetting consulting days factored in the design of wrinkle-resistant M.M. LaFleur dresses. Kristi, featured today, designed a beautiful, multi-wear piece that spans climates and seasons without sacrificing style.
Kristi Aynsley
Founder, Encircled and Retail Bliss
In the past few years, I’ve averaged about 100,000 miles flown each year. I’m a road warrior who has a very, very bad case of wanderlust.
Even when I’m not traveling for work, I’m traveling for pleasure or plotting my next destination. Travel gives me perspective, and has taught me more about people than years of schooling.
I used to be a notorious over packer, but after a broken suitcase while packing for a trip to Costa Rica, I was forced to re-evaluate my packing habits. This was also the inspiration for my fashion line, Encircled. We create ethically made, eco-conscious apparel versatile enough for travel, and chic enough for every day wear.
The majority of my flights are done as carry-on only. I loathe spending excess time in the airport and flying carry-on only allows me to spend minimal time before flights. My go-to carry-on is the TUMI International expandable 2-wheeled suitcase. TUMI is legendary among my consulting colleagues, as they make well-made suitcases that have the function that frequent fliers need. It was definitely an investment piece but well worth it given the extensive travel I do every year!  My packing process is quite regimented and usually done the night before I fly – I have a mental list that I use every time. I even channeled my packing skills into a free downloadable packing list for others. As long as I have my passport, and credit cards, I know I’m okay even if I forget a few things.
Nevertheless, I seem to always forget at least one thing and it’s usually my hairbrush. So weird.
I’m a roller (not a folder), and keep a ready supply of miniature EVERYTHING. I joke about my Sephora sample addiction but it IS out of control. I must do anything and everything to stay within the 1L liquid carry-on limit!
I like to spend the least amount of time at the airport before a flight. My status with Star Alliance from flying often allows me to pre-board (so I can always get my carry-on onto the plane), and gives me front of the line access for check-in and ticketing. I also am TSA-approved/NEXUS, so I can take a different and WAY shorter line at the airport. No lines = less stress!  My airline status also gives me access to most lounges in airports – free WiFi, access to printers, comfy lounge chairs, food, drinks, magazines and sometimes showers/beds. Score! This is one of the main reasons I recommend signing up for loyalty programs.
Surprisingly, given my frequent travel, I’m still a nervous flier. My two least favourite things are turbulence, and landings. Cringe! I’ve been through some tough landings in all of my fights and flown through blizzards, thunderstorms and floods. I can handle it all. Good travel insurance is a frequent flier must-have. Note that!
I try to only sit in aisle seats (extra legroom) and regularly peruse SeatGuru to snag the best seats on a flight when booking.  I always want a power plug, and some flights only put 2 for every 3 seats.  I often fly business class… but rarely ever pay for it. I flew to Bali in business class, entirely on points. On all of the flights, I had lie-down beds, 5-course meals and an open bar. Again, I must re-iterate…. loyalty programs rule.  My status with Star Alliance, and Air Canada, will often results in free upgrades on non-reward tickets, which are lovely and appreciated. My favourite part of business class is not sharing a bathroom with 100 people. Oh, and the cookies.
I pass the time in air working on my laptop, reading an e-book on my iPad, or watching a movie. With a full-time job, and a business on the side, I’m certainly never bored. Airplanes actually provide a nice quiet time – no wifi means no emails/social media, and time to focus on working on projects. Encircled keeps me on my toes. I’m often busy in flight sketching a new design, writing a blog post or creating content for social sharing.
Unfortunately though, I can’t sleep on planes. It’s a torturous curse especially on long flights. En route to Bali, I was up for almost a full 40 hours as a result. And yes, I’ve tried melatonin… nighttime cold and flu…. Red wine. Everything!
My carry-on is always full to the brim. I usually take my carry-on suitcase (TUMI), a laptop/tote bag plus my purse. I really push the limits of the carry-on regulations. They say two, but I sneak on a third via the loose “personal item†clause.
My travel MUST-HAVES start with a tote bag (I love my Roots, Made in Canada Grace Bag), and a travel yoga mat. I carry a foldable water bottle, so that I can refill if the airport has a purified water station post-security. Bottle water is uber-expensive at airports!
Multifunctional is key so I never leave home without my Chrysalis Cardi. I wear it as a Cardigan in the airport, then as a scarf /blanket on the plane, and dress at my destination. Other versatile items are argan oil and face wipes. Argan oil can be used as a moisturizer for your face, de-frizzer for your hair, and even make-up remover. Wipes, well, they are good for anything from cleaning your face to wiping down a sticky tray table or gross armrest.
Rounding out the mix, are classic sunglasses, a pair of socks for the plane, my macbook/ipad, SPF lip balm and noise-cancelling ear buds.
I’m a savvy traveller, but it’s taken years of practice! See you in the skies.
