Travel Tips for New Business Travelers
Our economy has had quite the journey the last few years, and for many professionals that may have entered the workforce during Covid-19 shutdowns, travel might be a newer part of the job description. Even airports seem like they can’t quite get the hang of it (ask me sometime about my trip to Orlando and the missing checked bag that was waiting on my step when I got home a week later).
That being said, I have worked on hacking the airport travel experience lately (no more missing bags for me!) and wanted to provide my tips for a smooth journey, whether you are new to business travel, or you are, like me, learning to travel in a world full of oopsies as we get used to semi-normalcy again.
Don’t Check Your Bag (unless you have to). For short trips of 1-3 days, most airlines allow a carry-on as well as a personal item (check your airline requirements well in advance). As I alluded to, the last trip I undertook resulted in a lost checked bag with a 50% success rate on checked bags. Nothing ruins a mood more than sitting in baggage claim, looking over a sea of other people’s luggage, and realizing a few hours later that your stuff is, indeed, lost. If you are traveling for fewer than four (4) days you can probably survive with a carry-on, a personal item (I use a backpack and a travel purse inside it), and some smart thinking.
Invest in some good carry-on equipment. I own an Away carry-on that I purchased at the suggestion of a friend. While it is pricier than I would usually go, the compartments, built-in charger, and zipper lock have been a huge timesaver and value-add. I’m sure there are other great bags, but if you want to check mine out, just check out the Away website here. Away luggage is built to be fully compliant with major airline guidelines, but I did notice that the larger carry-on option will not meet American Airlines guidelines if expanded, so I would stick with the regular carry-on.
In addition to my new favorite piece of luggage, I also purchased packing cubes. What are these little do-dads? Well, exactly what they sound like. They are little zip-up packages, kind of miniature versions of what your bedspreads come in, that can segment and organize your stuff like little Legos. I bought this set from Amazon.
Lastly, I’m a purse lady, but for trips, I switch to my handy backpack, and I have a travel purse I keep inside it while on the plane, so I can use my backpack as my personal item.
Get your Known Traveler Number. Hate walking through TSA and taking your shoes off? Try wearing all your favorite jewelry and forgetting (completely) about TSA until you are in line, trying desperately to remove your sneakers, while everyone rolls their eyes. Yup, been there. Almost lost my favorite necklace, which a very nice TSA lady found for me in the lost and found. Don’t wear jewelry through TSA, wear your slip-on shoes, and if you have time, get your Known Traveler Number. It does take a little preparation, but I did my interview in a local Staples, and they make it as easy as possible. Not only that, but it lasts for five years, so once you have it you are good for a while and get to sashay through the pre-check line like a (Girl) boss. Learn more and apply here: What is a Known Traveler Number (KTN)? | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov).
Be brutal in what you bring. Don’t want to lose your favorite book, iPad, etc.? Don’t bring it. Not even kidding. If you aren’t prepared to lose it, don’t bring it. True story – I once brought a salt lamp to a business trip for the “ambiance.” Don’t be like me. Nowadays, I pack exactly what I must have, and if I can live without it, it stays home. Bonus – makes keeping your stuff in that carry-on a lot easier. I promise you there will be a Walgreens, CVS, mall, or another retailer there that will love to take your money if you forget something (at a nice little resort upcharge). Pro tip: Call ahead or google and see where said merchant is to give yourself some comfort. One thing I always bring? A small first aid kit with band-aids, sinus meds, and the rest. I don’t know what it is about hotels, but I always get sinus-y when I stay overnight somewhere. Do yourself a favor and pack a few sinus meds.
Check the Covid restrictions and make sure you have a travel plan from the airport. Yes, this is a thing now, but much more lax than it used to be. Certain countries will require proof of vaccination, so check ahead with your carrier.
Take a picture of your parking spot. Ever get home a few weeks later and totally forget where you were in long-term parking? Yes, you can pin it, but the last time I did that Siri brought me a block and a half away from the parking garage I was (actually) parked in. Do yourself a favor and take a photo of your car with the aisle marker in the background, or you, too, could join the aimless zombie-parker club, where we walk listlessly through the garage, luggage in tow, wondering why our car is not where we left it.
Travel used to be something I dreaded as much as having my wisdom tooth pulled, but now I see it as a game to see how efficiently I can manage my time, luggage, and the rest. For those new to traveling altogether (I see you, my Covid friends), give yourself plenty of time before your flight, I always recommend the travel insurance and a good travel credit card for the miles (if you travel more than a few times a year).
Have some great tips to add? Let me know by commenting on our YouTube video, or emailing me at kbunschoten@certumsolutions.com.
