Do you have a fear of flying or feel anxious during air travel? Don’t let your fear or anxiety get in the way of going on a business trip, visiting family or exploring the world. With these simple tips from Hussain al Nowais, you’ll be able to ease your anxiety and feel more comfortable traveling by plane.

1. Know the truth about flying – While you have likely heard about tragedies involving aircrafts on the news, air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation and your chances of being involved in an accident are slim to none. In fact, air travel is the second safest mode of transportation, only after the elevator and escalator, according to NBC News. And, your chances of being involved in an accident are about 1 in 11 million. Just educating yourself about the facts can help you ease your concerns.
2. Don’t hide it – Having a fear of flying is nothing to be embarrassed about. Tell the gate agent when you check in, the flight attendants when you board, and even the passengers seated next to you when you sit down. A gate agent may be able to seat you in the front of the cabin, and flight attendants and passengers can help you feel more comfortable and calm should you feel nervous or anxious.
3. Book an aisle seat – Many airlines allow you to pick your seat when you book your flight or when you check in online for an extra fee. If you have this option, consider booking an aisle seat located in the front of the cabin. Turbulence tends to be worse at the back of the plane. And, having the freedom to get up as you please may help you feel more relaxed.
4. Stay distracted – Keep your mind occupied with a good book, movie, puzzle or game. Bring yourself enough activities to last the entire flight, even if it’s work. Staying distracted will prevent yourself from thinking about your anxiety and morbid “what if” possibilities.
5. Avoid caffeine – While it’s important that you stay hydrated, you want to avoid beverages that contain caffeine before and during your flight, such as coffee and soda. Caffeine can increase your anxiety.

With these tips from Hussain al Nowais, you’ll be able to ease your fear of flying and focus on enjoying the flight.

While many couples decide to dine out for Valentine’s Day, many others choose to create a romantic meal at home. A home cooked meal offers a more intimate and private setting, and you can impress your date with your awesome cooking skills. If you’ll be dining in this Valentine’s Day, former-chef Hussain al Nowais has rounded up two of his favorite recipes from the Web.

Baked Maple Salmon

Recipe adapted from Esmee Williams

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

• Mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, garlic salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Place the salmon in a shallow baking dish. Pour over the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning once.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Once preheated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the salmon, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Smoked Duck Salad with Raspberries and Walnuts

Recipe adapted from Marcia Kiesel

Ingredients:

• ½ pound smoked duck breast, thinly sliced, skin and fat removed
• ½ cup walnuts
• 1 cup raspberries
• 3 tablespoons walnut oil
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 6 cups frisee lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups Boston lettuce, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, bake for about eight minutes, and coarsely chop.
• Mix the vinegar, mustard and shallot in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the vegetable and walnut oils. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Add the frisee, Boston lettuce and walnuts, and toss to coat. Top the salad with the sliced duck and raspberries.

If you’re a frequent flyer like Husain al Nowais, you know how important it is to pack correctly to ensure you have everything you need for your business travel. The last thing you would want is to get to your destination and realize you forgot your business shoes back home.  A suit does not go well with a pair of New Balances. Given his experience, Hussain al Nowais has developed a number of hacks to make sure he has everything he needs when he travels. If you’re looking for packing tips, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Pack Black: Unless you’re traveling with ten pieces of luggage (and paying for the cost to board them), space will be a limitation. You need to be very selective with what you pack. That’s why it’s always good to go with black. It goes with everything, making it easier to create a respectable outfit.

Test Your Batteries: Before you pack your electronics, be sure to check the batteries on everything, making sure everything will have enough juice to get you through your travels. This includes electronic shavers, cameras, iPods, etc.

Bring Backups of All Your Important Documents: If you lose your license, for example, it will make your trip quite difficult. The easiest way to avoid any major stress is by taking high-resolution scans of your important traveling documents, including your license and passport. Hopefully, you’ll never need them, but they are a lifesaver if you do.

Always Carry-on If You Can: Most frequent travelers have a story about losing their luggage. On a business trip where you might have extremely important documents and equipment, you can’t afford to lose time trying to track your stuff down. It’s best to carry-on your stuff – even if that means you pack less stuff – whenever possible.

Between long flights and layovers, to endless meetings and jetlag, it can be easy for even the most seasoned corporate travelers to get exhausted. To avoid business travel burnout, consider the following tips from Hussain al Nowais.

Consider whether travel is essential

With technological advancements like video conferencing and screen sharing, it’s not always necessary to be physically present for meetings. Think about whether a meeting could effectively be carried out over Skype. Cutting down on your number of travel days could give you the breather you need to stay productive and healthy.

Don’t skip meals

It’s easy to skip meals when you’re constantly on the go. However, being too busy to eat is a telltale sign that you need to step back and take a break. Make sure that you’re not only eating three meals a day, but also that they’re healthy. Eating processed foods and snacks will only make you more fatigued and drag you down. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day too.

Utilize brief hotel stays

The As You Stay app lets you rent hotel rooms for part of the day and at a fraction of the price. It’s perfect for business travelers who have long layovers and need to catch up on sleep, as well as those who prefer a more private and comfortable workspace than a coffee shop. As You Stay partners with several brand name hotels, including Hilton and Marriot, in dozens of major cities.

Business travel alters your usual routine. This combined with the meetings and jet lag can make business trips stressful. However, there are some simple things you can do to de-stress and stay focused during these trips. Hussain al Nowais shares great three tips for minimizing stress and boosting productivity for business travelers.

Eat healthy

We often see being away from home as a time to overindulge in unhealthy foods. Instead of grabbing Burger King at the airport or hitting the pastry table at the hotel’s breakfast, focus on eating well. Fuel your body and mind with wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will give you the energy and brain power you need to stay productive.

Find your focus

During your downtime, schedule relaxing activities to help you refocus and stay stress-free.  Book a spa treatment, or take a walk during lunch to clear your mind and relax. If possible, arrive a day early to allow yourself time to unwind and overcome jet lag, so you’re well-rested and ready for the workday ahead.

Create a mobile itinerary

There are several apps out there that make it easy to create a mobile itinerary. With a mobile itinerary app, you can access all of your trip information in one convenient place. Here you can store your flight information, hotel confirmation, boarding passes, and meeting schedule.  This allows you to stay organized and focus on what’s important— the job you’ve come here to do.

From making holiday plans, to budgeting for holiday gifts, it’s common to feel stressed during the holiday season. And, when you have to travel this time of year all that stress can get kicked into high gear. This season is the busiest period for travel; you may experience crowds of fellow travelers, long lines, and flight delays due to bad weather. Fortunately, with the right preparations and mindset, you can avoid stress and have a pleasant travel experience— no matter what’s thrown your way. Consider these holiday travel tips from Hussain al Nowais:

Check In Online

To save time and avoid getting bumped, check in for your flight online in advance and print your boarding pass. You can check in online up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. And, if you’re not checking a bag, you can head right to security.

Allow Plenty of Time

Millions of Americans travel during the holidays, whether to visit family or embark on a winter getaway. Expect a busy airport, and avoid delays by leaving for the airport earlier than normal. Allow yourself plenty of time for driving to the airport, parking, checking in, going through security, and grabbing a bite to eat before you board.

Ship Your Gifts

If possible, buy holiday gifts online and have them shipped directly to the recipient’s address or to the place where you’ll be staying. Packing your gifts will only take up valuable space in your luggage. If you do choose to pack your gifts, leave them unwrapped. When scanning your bag, TSA may need to rip off the wrapping paper in order to inspect the items.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

With the increased amount of travelers and winter weather, it’s possible that your flight could be delayed or even canceled. In the event that it’s canceled, the airline will have to book you on another flight, which could extend your stay at the airport. Prepare for the worst; wear comfortable clothes, pack snacks, and bring things to keep you entertained in the event of a long delay.

Between the long haul flights and hours spent at the airport, business travel can be unpleasant for many. According to Hussain al Nowais, when planning a business trip, companies should not only look for places that can drive their organizations forward, but also destinations that offer value to business travelers. American Express Global Travel (GBT) used business travel data to provide a snapshot of the leading destinations for domestic travel. Read on to learn more about these destinations and what they have to offer:

Chicago    

The top U.S. city for business travel is Chicago. The city is hub for the financial and technology industries, as well as engineering, publishing and food processing. The Windy City has a lot of famous attractions to offer travelers, including the Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

San Francisco

With its world-renowned attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco is a prime travel spot. Aside from tourism, San Francisco is the home of Silicon Valley, where many tech giants are headquartered.

New York City

The Big Apple is a chief destination for business trips across all types of industries, including financial firms, media and communications companies, and technology agencies. Here travelers can enjoy several popular attractions, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is the birthplace of America. The nation’s first capital, Philadelphia houses many historic attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center. Philadelphia is a prime location for several industries, including bio-science, finance and tourism.

Phoenix

As a hot spot for the technology and tourism industries, Phoenix is a great location for business trips. The city is nestled at the base of the McDowell Mountains, offering a warm desert escape for travelers in the winter months. Travelers can also experience the Desert Botanical Gardens, Heard Museum, and phoenix Museum.

If you travel frequently for business, then you know how exhausting business travel can be. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make it less grueling and stressful. Consider these business travel tips from Hussain al Nowais, and you’ll see a big difference in the quality of your experience.

Maintain a packing checklist

Even for veteran business travelers like Hussain al Nowais, it’s easy to leave something behind. To keep yourself from forgetting something, maintain a travel checklist with everything you need for your trip, including clothing, toiletries, and travel documents. As you pack your bag, check the items off your list, so you know they’re accounted for. This will give you peace of mind knowing you have all that you need.

Sign up for a frequent fliers program

Joining a frequent fliers program offers numerous benefits. First, you can accumulate miles every time you travel to save on your next trip. Additionally, by showing loyalty to a specific airline, you are often given better treatment. You can usually receive early boarding on flights, free upgrades, and just better service overall.

Stick to a carry-on

Stick to a carry-on bag so you can check in online and head straight to security at the airport. When you don’t check your luggage, you don’t have to stand in a long check in line or wait for your bag to come through after you land. There’s no more worrying about lost luggage or missing that important meeting.

Dress nicely

Travelers often get better service when they dress well. If you appear professional, you can get better service during your travels, plus be ready to go for your meeting once you land.

While the thought of being on a plane for 10+ hours may sound like an uncomfortable experience, long-haul flights can actually be relaxing and enjoyable. As an international traveling salesman, Hussain al Nowais has a great deal of experience with long-haul flights. He’s flown from North America to the UAE, South Africa, China and Australia countless times. Here’s his advice for having a pleasant long-haul flight:

1. Dress comfortably – You’re going to be sitting on the plane for a long time, so make sure you dress comfortably. If you don’t want to be caught in your loungewear at the airport, pack a set of comfortable sweats in your carry on and put them on during the flight. You can change back into your original outfit before you land.
2. Stay hydrated – The lack of humidity in the air cabin can lead to dehydration, which can result in discomfort and fatigue. Be sure to drink plenty of water the day of your trip, and take frequent sips of water throughout the flight to keep hydrated. While you can’t bring a bottle of water through security, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up once you’ve passed the security checkpoint. Also avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol or caffeine (or keep it to a minimum), as they promote dehydration.
3. Stretch – Sitting for many hours without stretching can lead to muscle cramping and pain. Every few hours, get up and stretch and take a walk to the rest room. At times when you need to remain seated, you can do stretches in your chair. Occasionally stretch your arms and legs, twist your torso and do neck rolls.
4. Bring entertainment – Many long international flights have a small TV on the back of the seat in front of you for you to watch movies and TV shows, play games and listen to music. However, not all flights offer this so be sure to bring your own entertainment. Consider bringing a book or two and a charged iPod and tablet. Don’t forget to bring portable chargers and cables to ensure your electronics don’t die and leave you hanging during the flight.
5. Pack light – Most international flights allow one carry-on per person. Bring a carry-on that’s roomy enough to fit all your traveling essentials, but small enough to be stored under the seat. This way you’re your belongings are easily accessible during the flight, and you don’t have to keep turning to the overhead compartment.

What tips do you recommend for surviving a long-haul flight?

Which food fads have peaked your interest recently? Healthy lifestyle enthusiast Hussain al Nowais actively assesses food trends and finds that while there are many trends worth overlooking—simply because they’re not as healthy as believed—other trends are worth considering and provide real health benefits. Current food fads that are actually healthy include:

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich with fiber and nutrients, and are known for being able to keep eaters full for longer. Chia seeds make for great additions to a host of foods, such as yogurt, oatmeal, salads, and grilled vegetables. If you’re looking to add an extra crunch to your dish, chia seeds are a much healthier alternative than other salted nuts or crisps. Nutritionists recommend that individuals purchase quantities of whole chia seeds, rather than packaged chia seeds, as packaged seeds often contain less nutrients.

Fermented Foods (Yogurt, Kimchee, Kefir)

The Greek yogurt trend is definitely here to stay, given that this fermented food does in fact maintain significant health benefits. Rich with protein and bacteria that’s good for the gut, yogurt can be a great choice for a healthful, filling snack that aids the digestive system. Other fermented foods like kimchee (spicy pickled cabbage) and kefir (a fermented milk drink) are also rich with good gut bacteria!

Grass-Fed Beef

Shoppers are definitely moving toward ethical, high-quality meats, which is why grass-fed beef has emerged as a popular food fad of late. The good news is that it’s actually a more healthful choice than purchasing beef that was fed on grains. Grass-fed beef contains fewer calories and less saturated fat, yet features the healthy CLA fat.  Note though that grass-fed beef does come at a higher cost than grain-fed beef (at least for now) so be sure that beef is actually certified as grass-fed.

Beet Greens

Just what are beet greens? For those unfamiliar, beet greens are the long leafy tops of beets, and they’re emerging as a popular alternative to other nutritious greens like kale. Beet greens contain high amounts of Vitamin A—which is good for bone health and the immune system—and can be easily incorporated into soups and smoothies, and can serve as a seamless substitute for spinach and kale.

Food Fads to Avoid

Which food fads might you want to avoid? Don’t put much stock in:

• Massive cleanses
• Juicing
• Raw Diets

Be sure to check back in with Hussain al Nowais for more healthy eating tips!