Executive Travel

* Names: Sheldon and Barbara Mars

* Positions: Store owners, California Map Center, Santa Monica

In our travels, which sometimes allow us to combine business and pleasure, we always try to discover and develop new products for our retail and wholesale business. We have found that it is important to maximize time and still be comfortable. Take time before your trip to map out the itinerary, then be flexible. We have also found it very helpful to read a book on the area and find out weather conditions and visa and health requirements.

A good example of being prepared was when we traveled to India with a group of travel professionals and the unexpected happened. We were at the Varanasi airport when we were suddenly unable to fly on to Katmandu. All visas were canceled due to a Third World conference. The flights from Varanasi back to Delhi, about 1,200 miles, were filled for the next four days. But by using our maps and travel books, we found another airport in a distant farming area. There were seats on planes from there and we were able to reach that town, although only after four hours on a bouncy bus. Our inflatable neck rests, which we brought for the long plane flight, also saved us from stiff necks on the bus.

Do you have advice for fellow business travelers or a travel-related experience you would like to share? Please mail your typewritten contribution to Executive Travel, Los Angeles Times--Business News, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles CA 90053. Or fax it to (213) 237-7837. Or send it electronically to 3666973@mcimail.com on the Internet. Please be as detailed as possible and include your name, title, company and a daytime phone number.