Travel – Eat – Sleep

Everyday, people are on the move for business. Rather it is state, nation, or world wide, travel can take a toll on anyone. Here are some tips to make business travel a bit less stressful, and a bit more bearable.
First, I would, (or your assistant), book your seats as far in advance as possible, and be sure to keep a copy of the confirmation with you for the day of travel. Computers have been known to fail. In case of a downed computer system, you can verify that you did purchase a seat for your departure day.
If you are returning to a city previously traveled to, request a certain seat. If you remember an area you would have liked to have been seated at, request that seat for the upcoming trip. Even if you are not planning on using it, always carry your laptop with you, instead of sending it with your luggage. Baggage handlers can scratch, tear, dent, and damage laptops even in the most padded of cases. Planning for the worst is a good plan. Suitcases and bags do have a tendency of getting misplaced. For this reason, it is good practice to buy a lightweight bag to store a change of clothes, cell phone and laptop chargers, paper, pen, etc. For more convenience, select a backpack style with straps for easy carry. Pack a couple of extra USB memory sticks, for those times you can’t connect your laptop. This will save the presentation.
Always carry extra cash on you, as computers don’t always work, credit card machines also have their own down times. This will keep you from an embarrassing situation. Try not to work while traveling. Use the time to relax and to prepare yourself for the work needed to be done once you have arrived.
Always carry a bottle of water with you, even in the business class, they may not provide you with enough. This will keep you from becoming slightly dehydrated.
If you are staying in the same motel for two consecutive nights, take this opportunity to do some laundry, which will allow you to pack (and carry) less. The last tip in the top ten is a safety one. Never be the first, or last, person to leave a night gathering. If possible, always exit with another person.