Retire in Paradise

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As a sometimes travel weary business woman I can tell you that business travel can be a real hassle. For one thing it never seems to ‘fit in’ well with my personal schedule which right away adds a negative hue to the event. Now more than ever, any travel that forces you to catch a plane is now more time consuming and tedious. More flights than ever are running late and airport security can add an easy hour to your schedule. But fear not, read on for a few tips to make the process easier.

Cut your time down dramatically by avoiding long check in lines. Pack a small bag that can be carried on. Check in online and assign your own seat before you even leave for the airport. Be sure to ask about basic business services at your hotel when you check in so you can perform the same process before you have to leave.

The first tip is to pack only what you really need, not what you want. Most hotels will provide many essentials like shampoo and conditioner and a hair dryer. No need to lug any of that from home. I like to pack sample sizes of other things like toothpaste and I buy a travel toothbrush for the trip - the one that folds up and takes virtually no room. Then I toss it and don’t worry about trying to pack a soggy toothbrush to take home. If you work at this you can reduce your packing to no more than an overnight sized bag and PC case (get a big one where you can stuff more items in it).

Once you arrive at your destination there are some things you can do to make your stay more pleasant. Before you go, research the location. Get the lay of the land and take a map with you. Better yet, get directions on-line, and take that information with you.

Even if it’s a business trip - it doesn’t need to be all business. Enjoy a good dinner or two while you are there. Ask a the hotel front desk about good restaurants. Another idea is to indulge yourself in things that you usually don’t. For example, sometimes I spring for a massage which seems so decadent but if fun and takes a lot of the stress of travel away.

If you don’t have someone to escort you around town, don’t just have dinner in the hotel. Ask the hotel employees for suggestions, hail a cab, and get out on the town. Seeing the local sights and tasting the local fare can be once in a lifetime events.

Business travel can be a trial but it can also have its fun moments. Plan well to keep the hassle minimized and try to work in some fun personal experiences and you may find that you don’t object quite so vehemently the next time your boss informs you of an upcoming trip.