Healthcare Traveler - June 2008 - (Page 52)

Travel Tips HELPFUL HINTS AND RESOURCES Seeing a favorite band solo Bobbi Harrison T he moments of anticipation before the group takes to the stage. Singing along as you sway to the beat with fellow fans. The pounding bass permeating your body, making you feel as if you’ve swallowed an amp (in a good way, of course). Even the overzealous, big-haired groupie who blocks your view with GPS-like precision. There is just no substitute for seeing a favorite band live. As a mobile provider, you might be in a new city and looking for something fun to do on your own. Or, even if a spouse travels with you, maybe you and your partner have different tastes in music. Then again, if you’re like me, you may want to see a particular group several times during a given tour—with or without the company of family or friends. Last summer, I had the opportunity to see Squeeze on three occasions. Since they hadn’t toured in roughly 10 years, I was excited about seeing them again and didn’t want to miss any of the gigs. So, I treated a few girlfriends to two of the concerts and took one lucky pal to a “meet and greet,” where we had the chance to chat with the guys, get autographs, and take pictures. But I also saw Squeeze by myself at New York’s Beacon Theatre. And the latter ranks among my best concert experiences to date. Photo: Getty Images/Bennett Raglin/WireImage GLENN TILBROOK, CHRIS DIFFORD, and JOHN BENTLEY of SQUEEZE performing live at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on August 3, 2007, where I saw them on my own and enjoyed the show from the second row. Ticket for one, please Choosing to go to a show alone is quite liberating. You’re not relying on anyone Travel Resources Travel Tips… Tax Facts… Big Deals… 52 Healthcare Traveler June 2008 52 55 56 else and won’t have to sacrifice something you’ll really enjoy just because you will be doing it solo. Here, I’m pleased to highlight the plus side of a ticket for one. For a start, it can be easier to get a better seat. Because it may be challenging for a venue to sell a single seat in the middle or even at the end of a row, you will have more options than someone who wants two or more situated next to each other. Moreover, you’re in charge. As soon as tickets go on sale, you can buy yours since you won’t have to coordinate plans or discuss seating and ticket price options. Going to a concert by yourself can help build your confidence, too, and you don’t have to worry about another person’s contentment. You can stay as long as you wish, relish the encores, and find out if it’s possible to wait for the muscians’ autographs or snap a few photos. Since nobody will know you, you get to be the cool, mysterious stranger. So, sing your heart out with abandon. Or, if it’s permitted and you prefer, dance in the aisles or in front of your seat. If you look around, you’re apt to see other concertgoers doing the same. One of the greatest perks: You have the opportunity to meet like-minded people in your assignment locale. Talk to those around you before and/or after the show. Because you have a love of the band in common, you can chat about the group’s music and other shows you’ve attended. Another good conversation starter: The interesting career alternative that enables you to travel to distant places and experience a variety of things, with new friends and on your own. HT Bobbi Harrison is managing editor of Healthcare Traveler. www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

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Healthcare Traveler - June 2008 Editor's Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes You Said It Cover Story: Day Trippin' A Matter of Choice Clinical Highlights Drug Update When In... On Assignment Name It Advertisers' Index Travel Tips Tax Facts Big Deals Contest Rules Going the Distance Starter's Kit Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - June 2008

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