For the first time in my professional career, traveling is a required part of my job. At first I thought, “How tough can it be?” I travel quite a bit in my personal life for fun. Traveling is traveling, right? Wrong! Business travel is different from personal travel. To make matters worse, something strange happens to me when I travel for work. When I enter airports, “laid-back Lynne” disappears and “crabby Koltookian” takes over! My evil twin!
My colleague José talked about preventing burnout in an earlier blog post. He mentioned business travel as one item that contributes to instructor burnout. I know that many trainers travel for work so I thought I might share some of my travel survival tips with you!
Tip #1 – Fly the Same Airline.
When you rack up frequent flyer miles with the same airline you can often avoid those annoying baggage fees and sometimes you can even get upgraded to first class for free.
Tip #2 – Eat Healthy While Traveling.
This is difficult, but with a little planning and creativity, it can be done. I try to skip eating at airports altogether. At hotels I ask for a refrigerator in my room (they all have them). I stock up on fresh fruit and milk for cereal so I can enjoy a healthy breakfast in the morning.
Tip #3 – Get Plenty of Sleep.
It is difficult to sleep while staying in hotels but there are some things you can do to help. Avoid working out strenuously in the evenings and try not to eat large meals before bedtime. Do some simple yoga or other relaxation exercises to help you sleep.
Tip #4 – Leave Plenty of Extra Time.
If possible, leave yourself plenty of extra time to get to your business destination and also to get to the airport when it’s time to return home. There is nothing more stressful than getting stuck in an unexpected traffic jam when you need to catch a flight.
Tip #5 – Expect the Unexpected!
Delays and unexpected things are inevitable, so plan for them! Bring a good book, your iPod, or a portable DVD player with you to keep you busy in airports. You can also network with the person sitting next to you at the airport pub. You never know who you might meet!
Tip #6 – Sit up Front on the Airplane.
This tip has many advantages. The best one is that you get off quicker when you arrive at your destination. Also, you have a better view of the cute airline pilot!
Tip #7 – Make Friends not Enemies.
This can be challenging when you’re tired but it is wise to be friendly and respectful with hotel staff, taxi drivers, and yes, even airline ticket agents because when the unexpected happens they are more apt to help a friendly person than a grouchy one!
Tip #8 – Pay Taxi Drivers with Cash.
Many taxi companies have credit machines in their cabs these days but I find that some cab companies may not accept the credit card I wish to use, or any credit card, for that matter. So, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash for cab fares!
Tip #9 – Beware of the Carry-On Baggage Screeners!
Remember to avoid packing liquids over 3 oz and sharp items in your carry-on luggage so that you are not the one holding up the security screening lines! It is also a great idea to wear shoes without laces!
Tip #10 – Have Some Fun!
If time permits, have some fun when you travel for work. See the local sites, try the local eateries, and catch a sporting event! Make sure that work comes first but have some fun too! And, if you travel internationally for your job, check out Ron’s blog post for some great tips.
So if you’re like me and your evil twin appears while traveling for work, try some of these tried-and-true tips. Hopefully they will help you to be at your best for your learners and customers. Best of luck!
Lynne
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Hey Lynne, this top ten list is fantastic. Leaving enough extra time is very good advice, travel is always prone to unexpected events. I just bring a good book and it helps me pass the time in a enjoyable manner. Paying cash is also a good tip, especially when you are not to sure about the person you would be handing your credit card information over to.
Hello Vince,
I am pleased that you find my tips helpful. I just recently returned home from an overnight flight from Seattle. After a long week of training, I decided to push the button to recline my airplane seat so that I could sleep. Immediately upon doing so an impolite lady sitting behind me literally wacked my arm and exclaimed, “Could you put your seat back up, my seat (she was sitting in the last row) cannot recline so your seat is in my lap!” Needless to say, I was in a quandry…do I argue with her about my right to push my seat back if I want to and risk chaos in the skies or do I just appease her and move my seat back up!” Well, being the non-confrontational person that I am, I just put my seat back up and spent the entire flight home being steamed! My next blog should be about how to survive impolite airline passengers! What do you think?
Thanks Lynne. I wish this list was available when I first became a trainer! Adjusting to business travel — usually alone — was one of the most difficult things to accomplish when I started training. Like Vince, I take at least one good book with me to pass the time. I always plan to travel a full day prior to my training schedule and include one full day after. This gives me time to relax and enjoy the local sights. After all, I may never be in that city again. Thanks for the tips.
How appropriate! I’m in the 2nd week of an 8 week travel, back and forth between Montreal and Toronto. You have some great advice, some of which I’ve already followed, others I will be sure to do.
I’ve been able to request the hotel get me a room with a refrigerator, and I’ve bought myself some fruit and yogourt to snack on. I find the food situation the biggest challenge, as I have to eat in restaurants 3 times a day, 5 days a week. It’s difficult to stay healthy. But with the fridge, it gives me a few options. Also, this hotel has a gym and a pool, and I take advantage of it.
Thanks
Hello Joyce,
Thank you for your comment. I love your thoughts about giving yourself the proper time to prepare before you train and to give yourself time after the training to recharge your batteries! Also, kudos to you for living in the moment and seeing the sights when visiting a city!
Safe travels!
Hello Sylvie,
Major kudos to you if you can eat healthy AND workout while traveling for business!
Best of luck and safe travels!