Airport life…eh, it’s not so appealing. Sure we all wish we could get to our special vacation spot sooner, rather than later. But when your actual travel day comes, there’s usually seven levels of crazy involved before you get to your final destination.

If you’ve ever set foot through TSA and their insane full body scan portal of invasiveness you know that traveling on an airplane can be downright aggravating.

The TSA levels of crazy never cease to amaze me – take Jim Bob in his ill-fitting uniform, who’s yelling at everyone to take OFF their shoes and jackets and take out their laptops and tablets. I mean he’s yelling at the top of his lungs! Why are you yelling man? We can all hear you. Settle down.

Then you’ve got to take off your jacket and shoes…germs anyone? I hope you’re wearing socks, because if not…that’s just gross. (Get my list of what to wear on a plane and how to pack a carry on that will change your world.)

I’ve been through several different airports across Europe and I never ever had to take off my shoes nor did I ever get screamed at by a Jim Bob.

Come on you TSA guys, you’re making the rest of us look bad. This is why people don’t like Americans. If one of the first impressions you received when visiting the U.S. was a loud, screaming red-faced chubby guy – you’d wonder what the hell is going on here too.

It doesn’t make any of us look good. Time to tighten it up people.

I’m going to assumed you’ve survived the check-in process, leaving you underwhelmed and as you mentally take a note of how much your luggage weighs, so you know how much loot you can bring back with you. You’re halfway there.

Take my advice and get TSA pre-checked. You’ll thank me later. It’s $85 and good for 5 years, you can zip through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, jackets, laptops, or liquids.

So, how can you get an international first class private lounge experience on an economy ticket budget?

One of the best airlines I recommend when flying overseas especially into the Munich Aiport is Lufthansa. Once you get on that big air bus (literally) you will have a flight experience that makes you feel like Grace Kelly instead of Martha Stewart in prison khakis.

If you’re going to fly into the Munich airport or internationally fly Lufthansa. That’s all.

Traveling on Lufthansa is exceptionally well thought-out. They’re efficient and all of the flight attendants are hella good looking.

The boarding process is easy…there are lines for each area of rows, 1-25 – you’re on your own line, 26-50, you guys get over here, 51-70, you guys queue up here…and guess what?

They board the BACK of the plane first (after first class)…yeah that’s what I’m talking about. Fill it up back to front that way everyone isn’t waiting for the one yahoo who didn’t realize he needed his headphones out of his carryon. Tim, first day traveling?

And can we talk about the airport scenery in the States? Why is everything so ugly? Why must we have fluorescent lighting and grimy walls?

The airports I’ve visited in other countries are beautiful. I mean there’s real art on the walls at the Munich International airport.

Montreal’s airport is neat as a pin, the lighting is flattering, and everything is well organized.

Zurich’s airport…Yasssss, it’s like a chocoholic timekeeper’s heaven – you’ve got walls of chocolate, watches, a Sharper Image type store at your disposal, a full scale bookstore in the airport and for crying out loud, it’s all duty-free. Two words…Swiss chocolate.

Even in smaller island airports like Kos in Greece, the airport is orderly, well planned, they have Greek coffee, spanakopita, and wine…and that’s just at the little café outside the front door of the airport!

Once you set foot inside, the security people don’t invade your headspace or pat you down like you’re packing heat…it’s all well…very civilized.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Travel is all about the journey. Make it memorable. Eat, #drinkwine, and enjoy every detour.” quote=”Travel is all about the journey. Make it memorable. Eat, #drinkwine, and enjoy every detour.”]

Meet the Munich Airport: 13 Hours on a Plane…Yes, Please.

Which brings to me to one of my favorite airports to date, Munich. Oh, dear sweet Riesling…I love this airport. It’s got everything you could ever want in a first class lounge all for a budget traveler’s wallet.

As I explored Munich airport I noticed there are massage chairs available for everyone’s use. There’s delicious gourmet food, I’m talking fresh salads, tapas, and loads of wine!

I had one of the best Gruner Veltliner’s I ever tasted was in Munich, Ecker Gruner Veltliner from Austria was crisp, with notes of lemon, candied citrus, fresh grass, white pepper and well structured. It went down smooth with our airport lunch of oh just…bacon wrapped dates, artichokes stuffed with creamy goat cheese, and roasted chicken with peppers and olives. When I’m at home I drink Domane Wachau, Grüner Veltliner, Terrassen Federspiel 2014 (Austria) $15, it’s one of the best white wine I’ve enjoyed.

For less than what it costs to get hassled at lightning speed through Chipotle…and yes dummy, I know guacamole is extra! We had lunch for 10 euros each and that included a delicious glass of wine! Do you see what I’m saying?

Not to mention there’s lounge chairs, yes lounge chairs, just lay back, put your feet up, and stare at the immaculate tarmac or better yet close your eyes and listen to Bach or the soundtrack to Hamilton.

I was so sad when we had to board our flight, but I was full, happy, relaxed, and comfortable. Thanks to the Munich Airport for making style and substance an amazing part of the travel experience.

Because if you eat well, enjoy the little layovers along the way, and get to chill with great wine and friends – what could be more enjoyable in life?