Charge the Night Before!
There is nothing worse than getting through security, sitting down at your gate, getting an important business call, answering your phone only to hear that annoying low-battery-beep five minutes into the conversation.
Now, you have to do the airport shuffle. You have to grab all of your luggage and carry-on baggage, try and sound as if you are not hurried, and run around the terminal looking for an open electrical outlet. However, finding one is only half the battle.
Once you find one, you must dig through your laptop bag, purse, planner, etc. to find a charging cable. Again, all of this while trying sound calm, cool, and collected to your phone audience.
Next, your phone corespondent will ask you to pull up your email so you can look at the spreadsheet they just sent over.....here we go again!
All of this grief can be saved by spending two minutes to plug everything in the night before your flight and making sure everything is charged 100%.
Difference Between Direct and Non-Stop Flights
Here is a lesson I learned the hard way while trying to save a few dollars on a plane ticket: there is a difference in direct flight versus a non stop-flight.
When booking your airline travel, you will notice the direct flights are less expensive than the non-stop flights. This is because there is a major difference.
When an itinerary states "direct flight," it means you will be on the same plane from when you depart until you land. However, it does not mean you will not make additional stops along the way.
For instance, hypothetically, I booked a direct flight from Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ. We left Charlotte, flew to Atlanta, unloaded and picked up more passengers; then on to Dallas, again dropping off and picking up additional passengers; finally on to Phoenix.
I saved $50 on a plane ticket, but it took almost 12 hours to make the journey.
Now, had I of booked the same flight non-stop, we would have left Charlotte and flown directly to Phoenix. This would be a 3 hour flight and would have saved me 9 hours; in my opinion, worth the extra $50.
My tip, pay attention to the details when booking your flight, there is a huge difference between direct and non-stop.
When booking your airline travel, you will notice the direct flights are less expensive than the non-stop flights. This is because there is a major difference.
When an itinerary states "direct flight," it means you will be on the same plane from when you depart until you land. However, it does not mean you will not make additional stops along the way.
For instance, hypothetically, I booked a direct flight from Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ. We left Charlotte, flew to Atlanta, unloaded and picked up more passengers; then on to Dallas, again dropping off and picking up additional passengers; finally on to Phoenix.
I saved $50 on a plane ticket, but it took almost 12 hours to make the journey.
Now, had I of booked the same flight non-stop, we would have left Charlotte and flown directly to Phoenix. This would be a 3 hour flight and would have saved me 9 hours; in my opinion, worth the extra $50.
My tip, pay attention to the details when booking your flight, there is a huge difference between direct and non-stop.
Ask for the Upgrade!
Anytime I am checking in for anything, I always ask for an upgrade. Whether it be the airport, rental car desk, hotel desk, anything, I always ask. However, you must have the right personality when doing this.
Most check-in personnel hear upgrade requests all day, so you have to make yourself stand out. Flirt a little bit, make a joke, find some common ground, etc., but somehow, make yourself memorable and unique to others. Then, once you have the person smiling, time to pounce!
When checking into a hotel, I will usually joke and ask if the presidential suite is available, this generally gets a laugh. Then, I start a little conversation, and ask if there are any empty upgrades available. Honestly, about 7 out of 10 times this works.
I have found the best luck for upgrades with rental car companies. This has, however, bitten me a few times. One trick I implore is booking the "economy" or "compact" car online. Then, when you show up with luggage in tow, usually they will offer to upgrade you for a small fee. This is where you state that you are on a company expense account and can't push the limit. Generally, they will offer you the upgrade for free at this point. However, like I said though, this has bitten me a few times. I am a little over 6' and have had to spend a week and 1500 miles in a compact, not fun to say the least.
In the end, always ask for an upgrade, everywhere, and always be in a great mood when you do so!
Don't be the Drunk!
When entertaining business acquaintances on the road, it is always good to leave an impression and make sure you are remembered. However, do NOT be remembered as the drunk who loves to party.
I know we all like to have a good time, and it will seem like everyone laughs about those nights, but I can also guarantee you that as hard as they are laughing with you, they are laughing harder at you.
The best way I have found to not get intoxicated when my customers want to is a very new solution that many people may have not heard of; it is simply not drinking alcohol, pretty novel idea, huh?
There are a few ways to do this. First, if you must have a drink, go with beer, and pace your self. For every 2 or 3 your customer is drinking, you drink one. Or, if they are not big drinkers, then set time limits. For instance, allow yourself one beer every 40 minutes, or one an hour, etc.
As I said, the best way to avoid a bad reputation is to simply not drink. If you are concerned with offending your company, try this. Go to the bar and order a cola or diet cola, whichever you prefer. Have the bartender put the drink in a mixed drink glass, and put a lime on the side of the glass. Everyone will think you are having a drink, you can sip all night long, and no one will be any the wiser.
As I said, make sure you leave an impression, but make sure it is a good one. You do not want to be remembered as the wild party animal by your business community.
Remembering the Little Things
There are several little things you must remember when traveling. Some examples include: where you parked at the airport, where you parked in a hotel parking garage, what is you room number, etc.
To someone who does not travel much, these can seem obvious and easy to remember. However, for those of us that travel extensively, these things are easily forgotten from city to city.
A very wise person once said, "the dullest pencil is better that the sharpest mind." In other words, write everything down; either electronically or physically, either way will work.
When I park at an airport, I immediately send myself a text upon exiting the car before I head to the shuttle with my parking location listed. For instance, if I am flying out of Charlotte Douglas airport and I park in the west daily lot, 3rd level, row E. I will send myself simple text that may say something like, "CLT W-daily, lvl-3, row E." Now when I land a week later, I will know exactly where to go.
Another way to remember is to physically write down the information. This can also be dangerous as pieces of paper have a tendency to get lost, and most people do not want to take time to pull out their planner to write a quick note when trying to make a flight. My suggestion is business cards.
When traveling for business, it is highly likely that you will have a business card holder in your pocket or purse that will remain with you the entire duration of the trip. Pull out one of your business cards and write down a little message on the back, and put it back in the holder. Make sure you put it in the opposite end of where you generally pull your cards from to avoid giving it away accidentally.
These same suggestions work great for any numbers or locations you may need to remember such as mentioned before. Again, always remember, the dullest pencil is better than the sharpest mind.
Hotel Key Card Storage
One of the things most frustrating about traveling, is when your hotel key card stops working. Of course, this never happens at a convenient time. It is usually when you check in and carry all of your luggage and laptop bag through the lobby, into the elevator, through the hallway, and just when you think you are going to relax, your key doesn't work.
Now, you have to lug everything back downstairs, stand in line to see the check-in clerk, and go through the whole process again.
Another popular time is after business dinner when all you want to do is get in your room and go to bed after a long day. You pull your card out, and, surprise surprise, it fails to unlock your door. Once again, you are headed back down to the lobby and getting another card.
The key cards could be demagnetized for several reasons, however, the most popular is your cell phone. There have been numerous times I have just slid my key in my pocket without thinking about it with my cell phone, this always ends badly as far as the room door unlocking.
The best trick I have found is putting the room key in my business card carrier. This has not failed me yet! As soon as I receive the key, I immediately pull out my business card holder and insert the key card in there.
Another advantage; chances are if you are on a business trip you will always have your business card holder on your person. If this is the case, you avoid another annoying situation of traveling: locking yourself out of your hotel room. Since your hotel key card is in your business card case, and your business card case is always with you, then you are never locked out.
Make a Mental Check List
One habit that has been drilled into me throughout the years is making a mental checklist to go over when leaving my hotel room to checkout.
We have all been there, and I have referenced it in previous posts, you leave your hotel room and get to the next one only to realize your phone charger is in the previous night's room. Or, even worse, you try and pull out your tablet to relax a little before bed, and realize the same thing.
This can be solved by going through a mental checklist that never changes. However, do not try and make this list the night before you are checking out, something will inevitably be overlooked. The best time is before your trip when you are at home and relaxed. Write down the things you will want to remember when you check out.
Now, use this list every time you travel; add to it if you need to, but use the written list. Once you have been using the list long enough, it will become lodged in your mind and you will find yourself running through it as a habit every time you are checking out of a hotel.
My list is simple: planner, phone, charger, laptop, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and finally, water bottle. I can practically recite this list in my sleep.
Using this simple tip of making a checklist will save you many headaches while on the road!
Get Out!!
When traveling for business, it is very easy to go stir-crazy. At a certain point, it does not matter how nice the hotel you are staying in is, they will all begin to look and feel the same. Sometimes, the TV may only have 12 channels, or the sound goes in and out, etc. This can drive you absolutely nuts!
This is why you should get out of your room. Make yourself go to a local restaurant instead of the hotel bar for dinner. Ask the check-in person if there are any interesting attractions around your hotel, or within local driving distance.
You will be amazed how much more fun traveling is when you are able to see the sights where you are staying.
I understand that sometimes there will be late night business dinners. or late night project completions, or late night catching up on emails, etc. Obviously, you will not be able to spend every night on the road after 5 exploring fun new cities, but when you do have a few hours of down time, get out and see some new things.
On a side note, this should go without saying, but also use common sense. If there is a full time police officer stationed at the entrance of your hotel, you probably should stay in your room and enjoy your 12 channel TV. But, again, ask your check-in personnel, they will tell you if it is safe, or if you should drive a little further away.
When you start feeling claustrophobic and feel as if the walls in your hotel room are closing in on you, make yourself get out, life will be much better when you are traveling.
I Can't Sleep!
One of the most frustrating things about traveling is not being able to fall asleep in a strange hotel room. This drives me crazy! There are a few options that can help with this.
The first option, which I do NOT recommend, is drinking yourself to sleep. While this technically will put you to sleep, it will not by a restful sleep. There are hundreds of studies out there which show a "drunk" sleep is not a "restful" sleep. Also, you risk the chance of waking up with a bad headache and bloodshot eyes. Not exactly the best first impression to leave on a new customer.
The next option, again I do NOT recommend this one either, is over the counter sleeping pills. Yes, they are effective, but they often leave me feeling groggy for the first few hours after I wake up in the morning regardless of how many hours I slept. Again, if you are meeting a new customer for the first time, this is not a great first impression.
The option that I have found to work the best is a half dose of Nyquil. Notice I said HALF dose, very important. No, I am not a paid spokesperson for the Niquil folks, but I have experienced great results with this product.
I usually take my half dose about 30 minutes before I want to fall asleep. Then, I turn on the TV, and let my mind just relax for a few minutes. The next thing I know, my alarm is going off and I feel great!
In case you did not know, I am NOT a doctor, so please do not take my tips for a good night's sleep as proven medical facts. Also, if you have never tried Nyquil, then don't make your first time be when you are in a strange city by yourself, use common sense. But, I have been on the road for many years, and, for me, this is the most effective way I have found to fall asleep in a strange hotel room.
Pack to Relax and Unwind
When you are on the road for what seems like weeks at a time, always remember to pack to relax and unwind. By this, I mean you should include some "relaxing" clothes.
Such outfits represent different things to different people. For myself, I enjoy getting at least a little exercise for decompression and stress relief purposes. Whether it is walking around a city, or hitting the fitness facility, either way, I cannot do this in my suit.....well, I guess technically I can, but it would be very uncomfortable. Therefore, I always make sure to include a pair of athletic sneakers, some gym shorts or pants, depending on the time of year, and a tee shirt or two. Now, when it is time to unwind for the day, I simply change my clothes and let the stress float away.
Other folks may have a completely different idea of "relaxing" clothes. Maybe a pair of cargo shorts and some flops. Or perhaps some sleep pants and an old tee shirt. Whatever works best for you, do it!
As with other posts, use common sense; you are on a business trip. Do not immediately hit your hotel room, change clothes, and forget about work, unless you have one of those dream jobs that will allow you to do this. The majority of us, however, will have emails to respond to, or presentations to prepare, or reports to work, etc. The last thing I want is to get an angry email from someone who told their boss they read a blog that told them to relax when they got to their hotel room and got fired for not doing their work. Complete your work tasks, then change into some relaxing clothes. Or, change into your "relax" clothes, then finish work stuff, then do something relaxing. Just make sure all work is done first so you can truly relax.
I am not a scientist or behavioral therapist, but I know first hand that by getting into something comfortable after a long day of travel is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Even if you do not leave your hotel room, make sure you change your clothes.
Pack a "Go Bag!"
Ideally, we would all have a two week notice when we have to travel. Along with the two week notice, we would be leaving on a Monday, mid-morning, with the whole weekend before hand to plan and pack. However, in reality, seldom does our business travel ever work out this way.
In my case, several trips are planned 2 to 3 days in advance, unfortunately, and always seem to fall on the busiest days of the week. Generally, I will be at the office until 7 or 8, then by the time I get home, have a late dinner, see the kids briefly, etc., the last thing I want to do is try and remember what all I need to pack for my trip the next day.
In previous posts, I have suggested to make a list of things to remember. Another tip would be to have a "go bag" ready at all times.
A "go bag" is just as it sounds; a bag you keep ready for travel to grab when you need to "go" quickly. Obviously if your trip is going to be for several days, then this may not be an option. But, if you are required to do frequent quick 1 or 2 night trips, then a "go bag" is a great idea.
When packing your "go bag," keep it simple. A set or two of business clothes, an extra toiletry bag with all the necessary extra toiletries, an extra cell phone charger, etc. In other words, things that will not be necessary in your normal day-to-day living. Otherwise, you will find yourself using them, then when you grab your bag and finally get to the hotel, the those objects will be sitting back at home. Then, you have to try and find replacements and can't relax as quickly as you had planned.
I have heard this suggestion from others, and recently started keeping one ready to go, WOW, it took a ton of stress and preparation time off of my shoulders. I should mention though, if you forget to unpack and repack, the results are not ideal.
Just last week, I found out I had to be on a plane the next morning at 7, and this was 4:30 the afternoon before. Now, I had to set up my out of office, make sure there were no issues that could not wait until I got back in 3 days, make sure I had my hotel confirmed, follow up and close all projects planned for the next day, etc.
When I got home, FINALLY, it was great being able to grab my "go bag" and laptop bag, place them by the front door, and relax for a couple of hours with my family. Since that point, I have been sold on the "go bag" idea.
Remembering the Little Things
There are several little things you must remember when traveling. Some examples include: where you parked at the airport, where you parked in a hotel parking garage, what is you room number, etc.
To someone who does not travel much, these can seem obvious and easy to remember. However, for those of us that travel extensively, these things are easily forgotten from city to city.
A very wise person once said, "the dullest pencil is better that the sharpest mind." In other words, write everything down; either electronically or physically, either way will work.
When I park at an airport, I immediately send myself a text upon exiting the car before I head to the shuttle with my parking location listed. For instance, if I am flying out of Charlotte Douglas airport and I park in the west daily lot, 3rd level, row E. I will send myself simple text that may say something like, "CLT W-daily, lvl-3, row E." Now when I land a week later, I will know exactly where to go.
Another way to remember is to physically write down the information. This can also be dangerous as pieces of paper have a tendency to get lost, and most people do not want to take time to pull out their planner to write a quick note when trying to make a flight. My suggestion is business cards.
When traveling for business, it is highly likely that you will have a business card holder in your pocket or purse that will remain with you the entire duration of the trip. Pull out one of your business cards and write down a little message on the back, and put it back in the holder. Make sure you put it in the opposite end of where you generally pull your cards from to avoid giving it away accidentally.
These same suggestions work great for any numbers or locations you may need to remember such as mentioned before. Again, always remember, the dullest pencil is better than the sharpest mind.
To someone who does not travel much, these can seem obvious and easy to remember. However, for those of us that travel extensively, these things are easily forgotten from city to city.
A very wise person once said, "the dullest pencil is better that the sharpest mind." In other words, write everything down; either electronically or physically, either way will work.
When I park at an airport, I immediately send myself a text upon exiting the car before I head to the shuttle with my parking location listed. For instance, if I am flying out of Charlotte Douglas airport and I park in the west daily lot, 3rd level, row E. I will send myself simple text that may say something like, "CLT W-daily, lvl-3, row E." Now when I land a week later, I will know exactly where to go.
Another way to remember is to physically write down the information. This can also be dangerous as pieces of paper have a tendency to get lost, and most people do not want to take time to pull out their planner to write a quick note when trying to make a flight. My suggestion is business cards.
When traveling for business, it is highly likely that you will have a business card holder in your pocket or purse that will remain with you the entire duration of the trip. Pull out one of your business cards and write down a little message on the back, and put it back in the holder. Make sure you put it in the opposite end of where you generally pull your cards from to avoid giving it away accidentally.
These same suggestions work great for any numbers or locations you may need to remember such as mentioned before. Again, always remember, the dullest pencil is better than the sharpest mind.
Hotel Key Card Storage
One of the things most frustrating about traveling, is when your hotel key card stops working. Of course, this never happens at a convenient time. It is usually when you check in and carry all of your luggage and laptop bag through the lobby, into the elevator, through the hallway, and just when you think you are going to relax, your key doesn't work.
Now, you have to lug everything back downstairs, stand in line to see the check-in clerk, and go through the whole process again.
Another popular time is after business dinner when all you want to do is get in your room and go to bed after a long day. You pull your card out, and, surprise surprise, it fails to unlock your door. Once again, you are headed back down to the lobby and getting another card.
The key cards could be demagnetized for several reasons, however, the most popular is your cell phone. There have been numerous times I have just slid my key in my pocket without thinking about it with my cell phone, this always ends badly as far as the room door unlocking.
The best trick I have found is putting the room key in my business card carrier. This has not failed me yet! As soon as I receive the key, I immediately pull out my business card holder and insert the key card in there.
Another advantage; chances are if you are on a business trip you will always have your business card holder on your person. If this is the case, you avoid another annoying situation of traveling: locking yourself out of your hotel room. Since your hotel key card is in your business card case, and your business card case is always with you, then you are never locked out.
Now, you have to lug everything back downstairs, stand in line to see the check-in clerk, and go through the whole process again.
Another popular time is after business dinner when all you want to do is get in your room and go to bed after a long day. You pull your card out, and, surprise surprise, it fails to unlock your door. Once again, you are headed back down to the lobby and getting another card.
The key cards could be demagnetized for several reasons, however, the most popular is your cell phone. There have been numerous times I have just slid my key in my pocket without thinking about it with my cell phone, this always ends badly as far as the room door unlocking.
The best trick I have found is putting the room key in my business card carrier. This has not failed me yet! As soon as I receive the key, I immediately pull out my business card holder and insert the key card in there.
Another advantage; chances are if you are on a business trip you will always have your business card holder on your person. If this is the case, you avoid another annoying situation of traveling: locking yourself out of your hotel room. Since your hotel key card is in your business card case, and your business card case is always with you, then you are never locked out.
Make a Mental Check List
We have all been there, and I have referenced it in previous posts, you leave your hotel room and get to the next one only to realize your phone charger is in the previous night's room. Or, even worse, you try and pull out your tablet to relax a little before bed, and realize the same thing.
This can be solved by going through a mental checklist that never changes. However, do not try and make this list the night before you are checking out, something will inevitably be overlooked. The best time is before your trip when you are at home and relaxed. Write down the things you will want to remember when you check out.
Now, use this list every time you travel; add to it if you need to, but use the written list. Once you have been using the list long enough, it will become lodged in your mind and you will find yourself running through it as a habit every time you are checking out of a hotel.
My list is simple: planner, phone, charger, laptop, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and finally, water bottle. I can practically recite this list in my sleep.
Using this simple tip of making a checklist will save you many headaches while on the road!
Get Out!!
This is why you should get out of your room. Make yourself go to a local restaurant instead of the hotel bar for dinner. Ask the check-in person if there are any interesting attractions around your hotel, or within local driving distance.
You will be amazed how much more fun traveling is when you are able to see the sights where you are staying.
I understand that sometimes there will be late night business dinners. or late night project completions, or late night catching up on emails, etc. Obviously, you will not be able to spend every night on the road after 5 exploring fun new cities, but when you do have a few hours of down time, get out and see some new things.
On a side note, this should go without saying, but also use common sense. If there is a full time police officer stationed at the entrance of your hotel, you probably should stay in your room and enjoy your 12 channel TV. But, again, ask your check-in personnel, they will tell you if it is safe, or if you should drive a little further away.
When you start feeling claustrophobic and feel as if the walls in your hotel room are closing in on you, make yourself get out, life will be much better when you are traveling.
I Can't Sleep!
The first option, which I do NOT recommend, is drinking yourself to sleep. While this technically will put you to sleep, it will not by a restful sleep. There are hundreds of studies out there which show a "drunk" sleep is not a "restful" sleep. Also, you risk the chance of waking up with a bad headache and bloodshot eyes. Not exactly the best first impression to leave on a new customer.
The next option, again I do NOT recommend this one either, is over the counter sleeping pills. Yes, they are effective, but they often leave me feeling groggy for the first few hours after I wake up in the morning regardless of how many hours I slept. Again, if you are meeting a new customer for the first time, this is not a great first impression.
The option that I have found to work the best is a half dose of Nyquil. Notice I said HALF dose, very important. No, I am not a paid spokesperson for the Niquil folks, but I have experienced great results with this product.
I usually take my half dose about 30 minutes before I want to fall asleep. Then, I turn on the TV, and let my mind just relax for a few minutes. The next thing I know, my alarm is going off and I feel great!
In case you did not know, I am NOT a doctor, so please do not take my tips for a good night's sleep as proven medical facts. Also, if you have never tried Nyquil, then don't make your first time be when you are in a strange city by yourself, use common sense. But, I have been on the road for many years, and, for me, this is the most effective way I have found to fall asleep in a strange hotel room.
Pack to Relax and Unwind
When you are on the road for what seems like weeks at a time, always remember to pack to relax and unwind. By this, I mean you should include some "relaxing" clothes.
Such outfits represent different things to different people. For myself, I enjoy getting at least a little exercise for decompression and stress relief purposes. Whether it is walking around a city, or hitting the fitness facility, either way, I cannot do this in my suit.....well, I guess technically I can, but it would be very uncomfortable. Therefore, I always make sure to include a pair of athletic sneakers, some gym shorts or pants, depending on the time of year, and a tee shirt or two. Now, when it is time to unwind for the day, I simply change my clothes and let the stress float away.
Other folks may have a completely different idea of "relaxing" clothes. Maybe a pair of cargo shorts and some flops. Or perhaps some sleep pants and an old tee shirt. Whatever works best for you, do it!
As with other posts, use common sense; you are on a business trip. Do not immediately hit your hotel room, change clothes, and forget about work, unless you have one of those dream jobs that will allow you to do this. The majority of us, however, will have emails to respond to, or presentations to prepare, or reports to work, etc. The last thing I want is to get an angry email from someone who told their boss they read a blog that told them to relax when they got to their hotel room and got fired for not doing their work. Complete your work tasks, then change into some relaxing clothes. Or, change into your "relax" clothes, then finish work stuff, then do something relaxing. Just make sure all work is done first so you can truly relax.
I am not a scientist or behavioral therapist, but I know first hand that by getting into something comfortable after a long day of travel is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Even if you do not leave your hotel room, make sure you change your clothes.
Ideally, we would all have a two week notice when we have to travel. Along with the two week notice, we would be leaving on a Monday, mid-morning, with the whole weekend before hand to plan and pack. However, in reality, seldom does our business travel ever work out this way.
In my case, several trips are planned 2 to 3 days in advance, unfortunately, and always seem to fall on the busiest days of the week. Generally, I will be at the office until 7 or 8, then by the time I get home, have a late dinner, see the kids briefly, etc., the last thing I want to do is try and remember what all I need to pack for my trip the next day.
In previous posts, I have suggested to make a list of things to remember. Another tip would be to have a "go bag" ready at all times.
A "go bag" is just as it sounds; a bag you keep ready for travel to grab when you need to "go" quickly. Obviously if your trip is going to be for several days, then this may not be an option. But, if you are required to do frequent quick 1 or 2 night trips, then a "go bag" is a great idea.
When packing your "go bag," keep it simple. A set or two of business clothes, an extra toiletry bag with all the necessary extra toiletries, an extra cell phone charger, etc. In other words, things that will not be necessary in your normal day-to-day living. Otherwise, you will find yourself using them, then when you grab your bag and finally get to the hotel, the those objects will be sitting back at home. Then, you have to try and find replacements and can't relax as quickly as you had planned.
I have heard this suggestion from others, and recently started keeping one ready to go, WOW, it took a ton of stress and preparation time off of my shoulders. I should mention though, if you forget to unpack and repack, the results are not ideal.
Just last week, I found out I had to be on a plane the next morning at 7, and this was 4:30 the afternoon before. Now, I had to set up my out of office, make sure there were no issues that could not wait until I got back in 3 days, make sure I had my hotel confirmed, follow up and close all projects planned for the next day, etc.
When I got home, FINALLY, it was great being able to grab my "go bag" and laptop bag, place them by the front door, and relax for a couple of hours with my family. Since that point, I have been sold on the "go bag" idea.
Such outfits represent different things to different people. For myself, I enjoy getting at least a little exercise for decompression and stress relief purposes. Whether it is walking around a city, or hitting the fitness facility, either way, I cannot do this in my suit.....well, I guess technically I can, but it would be very uncomfortable. Therefore, I always make sure to include a pair of athletic sneakers, some gym shorts or pants, depending on the time of year, and a tee shirt or two. Now, when it is time to unwind for the day, I simply change my clothes and let the stress float away.
Other folks may have a completely different idea of "relaxing" clothes. Maybe a pair of cargo shorts and some flops. Or perhaps some sleep pants and an old tee shirt. Whatever works best for you, do it!
As with other posts, use common sense; you are on a business trip. Do not immediately hit your hotel room, change clothes, and forget about work, unless you have one of those dream jobs that will allow you to do this. The majority of us, however, will have emails to respond to, or presentations to prepare, or reports to work, etc. The last thing I want is to get an angry email from someone who told their boss they read a blog that told them to relax when they got to their hotel room and got fired for not doing their work. Complete your work tasks, then change into some relaxing clothes. Or, change into your "relax" clothes, then finish work stuff, then do something relaxing. Just make sure all work is done first so you can truly relax.
I am not a scientist or behavioral therapist, but I know first hand that by getting into something comfortable after a long day of travel is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Even if you do not leave your hotel room, make sure you change your clothes.
Pack a "Go Bag!"
Ideally, we would all have a two week notice when we have to travel. Along with the two week notice, we would be leaving on a Monday, mid-morning, with the whole weekend before hand to plan and pack. However, in reality, seldom does our business travel ever work out this way.
In my case, several trips are planned 2 to 3 days in advance, unfortunately, and always seem to fall on the busiest days of the week. Generally, I will be at the office until 7 or 8, then by the time I get home, have a late dinner, see the kids briefly, etc., the last thing I want to do is try and remember what all I need to pack for my trip the next day.
In previous posts, I have suggested to make a list of things to remember. Another tip would be to have a "go bag" ready at all times.
A "go bag" is just as it sounds; a bag you keep ready for travel to grab when you need to "go" quickly. Obviously if your trip is going to be for several days, then this may not be an option. But, if you are required to do frequent quick 1 or 2 night trips, then a "go bag" is a great idea.
When packing your "go bag," keep it simple. A set or two of business clothes, an extra toiletry bag with all the necessary extra toiletries, an extra cell phone charger, etc. In other words, things that will not be necessary in your normal day-to-day living. Otherwise, you will find yourself using them, then when you grab your bag and finally get to the hotel, the those objects will be sitting back at home. Then, you have to try and find replacements and can't relax as quickly as you had planned.
I have heard this suggestion from others, and recently started keeping one ready to go, WOW, it took a ton of stress and preparation time off of my shoulders. I should mention though, if you forget to unpack and repack, the results are not ideal.
Just last week, I found out I had to be on a plane the next morning at 7, and this was 4:30 the afternoon before. Now, I had to set up my out of office, make sure there were no issues that could not wait until I got back in 3 days, make sure I had my hotel confirmed, follow up and close all projects planned for the next day, etc.
When I got home, FINALLY, it was great being able to grab my "go bag" and laptop bag, place them by the front door, and relax for a couple of hours with my family. Since that point, I have been sold on the "go bag" idea.
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Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a post! -Franklin