Hi friends - I'm back from yet another business trip, this one several days on the not so sunny west coast. I had headed out hoping for warmer temperatures than the O-town but instead back here they had record highs. In any case, the trip went well, had some productive meetings and got to stay in a hotel for more than one night. I got to unpack - a luxury! Anyways, with a number of recent trips and more to come, I've learned some lessons I'd like to pass on to my dear readers. And you'd better listen or I may take you down if you're slowing down the security line.
1. Thou shalt pack in colour schemes
This trip I based around my current favourite flats - blue suede with tassels and these brown snake ones from Old Navy. So everything I brought coordinated with both shoes, including two pairs of dress pants (brown and black), one black skirt, one brown and black tweed blazer, one blue and brown blouse, one formal yet comfortable/flowy navy cardigan, and t-shirts/tank tops to match. I also had simple yet formal enough jewelry. Please note that I brought flats - unless you are really, really, really good in heels, they are more likely to be a hindrance in the airport and are way bulkier to pack.
2. Thou shalt pack for surprises
I had never attended this conference before and thus was prepared for scale of formalities all the way from business casual to full on suit. Most of the attendees ended up on the casual side but when my regional director showed up in a shirt and jacket I was happy to have my blazer and other more formal clothes as I was representing my Depatment. I also packed one extra outfit that was suitable for going out to dinner/just in case.
3. Thou shalt be nice to people in the airport
Yes going through security is a pain and often the agents aren't the friendlist, but that doesn't mean you should be mean in return. Say 'thank you', smile and nod. Even more important, be nice to the people at the counters, gates, attendants, etc. They can make your trip super smooth and give you a whole bottle of sparkling water or they can 'forget' to give you your mini cookies and send your bags to Saskatchewan.
4. Thou shalt look cute
I know that sneakers and a pair of lulus are the most comfortable thing to travel in but I just can't. I wear either my super comfy dress pants that feel like lulus that look way better, or a pair of nice straight jeans, always with flats just in case I have to take them off. I also layer - you never know what temperatures you will encounter, or more importantly, what kind of fascinating man you may be sitting next to.
5. Thou shalt moisturize
The flights over the past few weeks, as well as sleeping on sheets likely not washed
with my hypoallergenic detergent, have been hell on my skin. So before I took off I went and invested in some really good moisture creams which were applied morning than night and made a big difference. Lip gloss and drinking only water/juice on the plane versus soda or alcohol are also important.
6. Thou shalt snack smart
Most carriers in this country now offer barely any food or drink and airports are PRICEY so I had a bunch of bags of trail mix in my suitcase and picked up cheese/other allowable options before heading over whenever I could. Made a big difference both in dollah bills spent and my overall mood.
7. Thou shalt not get bored
I probably over prepare for flights/lay overs but it means that even in my most ADD states I always can keep myself occupied, essential for a slightly nervous flyer and type A personality who hates delays. I had with me my own i.Pad with lots of books and movies on it, a work laptop with actual work to do, a book/magazine for when I got tired of that work/while taking off or landing, and headphones to take advantage of the inflight entertainment while working. I tend to be productive for about half a flight and then need other things to do. As well, while I love watching TV in the hotel beds before falling asleep, I still sleep best reading for a bit before turning out the light.
8. Thou shalt bring your own alarm
Rarely are those clock radios anywhere near reliable so I set my crackberry as I do most mornings I am home, I know it works and it will get me up.
9. Thou shalt spoil yourself
This week I worked really long hours, the time delay meaning that when I woke up around 6 I usually had at least 15 e-mails already to start responding to before my meetings and sessions started, then picked up whatever I had missed at the end of the day, as well as doing any real work I had to do. I have realized that taking advantage of room service, with either a glass of wine or a sundae (below) makes a big difference.
10. Thou shalt take a walk
At least once a day, get the hell out of whatever conference rooms you've been immured in. Even if its just around the block, over to that interesting store or cafe across the street - getting out and clearing your head will make a big difference. If you're somewhere where you don't get a lot or have never been, ask if there is somewhere near by to check out. Who knows what kind of cool souvenirs you may find!
I know there are usually ten of these but here is the most important commandment
11. Thou shalt follow the rules and GET OVER YOURSELF
Your liquid foundation is more than 100 mL but you really really want to keep it along with your four carry ons? You really need to keep texting despite us being ready for take off? Um, no. You are not a super special snowflake and as annoying as the rules may be these days they are there for a reason and we all have to abide by them. If you are blocking the aisle of the plane trying to lift your way too big and heavy carry on into the bin I am not going to be sympathetic unless you're over 75 and STILL. Travelling is not a rocket science but it does require you to be aware of what's going on around you, and realizing that your own incompetence doesn't make you endearing and one of the 'people' to your fellow passengers as you protest well publicized and very clear rules, but rather the person we all bond in hating. Just an FYI.
I hope that you will also take these commandments to heart and are all able to become efficient and happy travellers. I hope we can all share in a drink at an airport bar someday.
6 comments:
You will take my lulus over my cold. dead. body. They are the only thing that makes air travel even remotely comfortable. PLUS, as long as you have a stylish, long top and the plain black lulus no one has to know.
Other than that, hear hear!
Excellent list! And if I may emphasize:
3. Thou shalt be nice to people in the airport
- particularly in a challenging situation, and yes you will likely reap benefits of your kindness, I can attest.
Also, commandment 3 coupled with 4 can come in handy for your point of: what kind of fascinating man you may be sitting next to.
There are abundant benefits of a positive disposition. In addition, #11 - enough said. It can be hard being above the curve.
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