A Publication of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

KARYN PAGE

is probably on a flight right now. Somewhere high above a warm ocean, or the Alps maybe. Page is an international business adviser. In land-locked Kansas, that doesn’t sound like a thing. But as the CEO and president of Kansas Global Trade Services, where she has been off and on since 1992, she knows how important her work is, and how lucky she is to be doing it.

“There are international consultants on the coast and in D.C., but in the middle of the country, there is basically just us,” she says. “Doing this job is a rarity and a treat and getting to have these experiences is amazing.”

When we spoke to Page, she had just returned from Washington, D.C., where she travels six or more times a year in pursuit of her MBA from Georgetown University. In between, she’s boarding planes in Wichita along with clients setting out for Brazil, or Beijing, or Spain or Austria.

She called traveling out of Eisenhower Airport a comfort, perhaps one of the few she would find on her long journey.

“Getting in and out of Wichita is so easy,” she says. “It’s just unbelievable, especially when I hear the trials and tribulations of other people getting in and out of their airports.”

She has a few routines she sticks to, no matter where she is in the world.

“Wherever I land, whether it is Spain or Brazil or China, if the sun is up, I’m awake. I do not allow myself to rest, to put my head on the pillow until the sun goes down,” she says. “I don’t think about what time it is in Wichita.”

Often, she says, she and her clients hit the ground running. It’s a business trip, and Page sticks to the agenda.

“When we go on a trip, we use every possible minute. If we’re in China for 10 days, we may be in seven cities,” she says. “We work during the day, and we travel during the night and get up in a different city.”

Wherever I land, whether it is Spain or Brazil or China, if the sun is up, I’m awake.

There’s hardly time for sightseeing, but Page says she’ll sneak a peek out the window when she can.

“Even if it is only seeing the architecture from the taxi cab, I’ll still do that,” she says. “I’ll question the cabbies, ask about the art scene, architecture, where to go eat. I don’t get to do all of those things, but I learn a little along the way.”

She’s seen enough of Geneva to declare it among her favorite cities in the world. And she did find a few days during a recent two-week trip to Spain where she dined well, saw the countryside and learned to dance the Flamenco.

“People were asking me, How was Spain? I would say, the only problem was that I had to come home,” she recalls. “It was so awesome. It’s beautiful. Great food. So much culture and color.”

She’s not looking for souvenirs, she's looking for perspective.

“The perspective you get when you travel, it expands you,” she says. “It makes you a more well-rounded person. When I land, I take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned, what is my takeaway, what positive lesson I am going to take back to my job to be more successful.”

She should be landing back in Wichita with a fresh perspective any day now.

Barcelona, Spain

How to pack like page

When a seasoned traveler like Karyn Page packs a bag, it stays packed. Here’s how she does it.

“I won’t go without my laptop or iPad for sure,” Page says. “And I won’t go on an international flight without a toothbrush and toothpaste. I also don’t travel without a cashmere shawl that you can wear as a scarf or blanket. And, of course, reading glasses. I take two pairs with me.

“Everything goes in my leather briefcase. Most people think it is a large purse, but it is my briefcase.

“O BEAUTIFUL

for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain…” You know the rest. America is awesome. Vast. It’s not possible to take it all in during a single trip, short of a months’ long Lewis & Clark-like excursion. But you can explore the best of America — its history, monuments, art and architecture — in a single place: Washington, D.C.

Spring break is a good time to go. The cherry blossoms are in bloom. Several airlines offer flights to Washington, D.C., out of Wichita, some of them early flights with connections so quick you’ll be in the nation’s capital by lunch.

U.S. Capitol Building Interior Dome

Flights from ICT to D.C.

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

United Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Hit the Museums

AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Like airplanes? They’ve got quite the collection.

National Air and Space Museum

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Way better than any textbook. There’s no test at the end.

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN HISTORY & CULTURE

A new museum — be the first in your district to see it — dedicated to a unique American experience.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

Masterpieces from every era in every medium. Make a beautiful day of it.

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

A haunting must-see for all Americans.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The first Americans were dinosaurs. See them here, and other natural things great and small.

National Museum of Natural History

“I love you.” Three little words you’ve said to your sweetheart, time and again. They’re in the card, attached to the flowers, dressed up for special occasions on anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. You mean them and they’re nice to hear, a real comfort, but actions speak louder than words.

So this Valentine’s Day, here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to surprise your loved one with a getaway trip that shows that you’re still up for adventure, still down for dinner and a show and maybe a nightcap and then who knows, maybe breakfast? You’re going to go out and get a little sun together in the places where it doesn’t usually shine. You’re going to make some new memories, lose yourselves, and maybe win a little money together at the tables.

There is always a show to catch in Vegas.

A couple of airline tickets tucked into a card is the gift of a good time. Maybe the card still contains those three little words, but there’s two more, and they're magical, meant to be read aloud like a spell. Lean in real close and whisper them: “Vegas, baby.”

SOME THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE

Absinthe

And you thought the infamous green-hued drink was unique. Described as the world’s only acro-cabaret, Absinthe truly has it all. Audience members are treated to feats of strength, balance and danger by world-class artists in an intimate setting at the Roman Plaza in front of Caesars Palace.

THE EIFFEL TOWER EXPERIENCE AT PARIS LAS VEGAS

It’s not the real deal, but it comes close. Several couples have used the spot as a proposal setting. Book a reservation, find the secret elevator and dine at the exclusive Eiffel Tower Restaurant. No matter how you spend your time at the top, you’ll always have Paris – Vegas style.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Cirque Du Soleil’s mystifying productions never disappoint. Whether it’s LOVE. Or Zumanity. Or Kà. Or Michael Jackson – ONE. The world-renowned troupe’s passionate, sensual performances stir the imagination and elevate the soul.

Graceland Wedding Chapel

Red Rock Canyon

Grab those Shades

Allegiant to resume seasonal service

Blast winter’s monochromatic haze with a brilliant ray of sunshine. Book an affordable family summer vacation with Allegiant’s seasonal service to Orlando or L.A. Soak up the sun, see the sights and head to the beach. Choose either East or West Coast. Flights are nonstop to both, easing the toll on tiny travelers – and big ones, too.

Los Angeles: Seasonal nonstop service to LAX begins May 31 and ends Aug. 12. Service will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Orlando: The Orlando-Sanford nonstop service will resume May 17 and end August 12. Service will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Wichita to Los Angeles Nonstop

Wichita to Orlando-Sanford