By Grace Belangia — Guest Blogger
Grace Belangia
If you have to get on an airplane these days for work, you might as well make yourself comfortable because so many things are out of your control when you travel.
I travel every month by airplane, train, bus or ferryboat, and here are some stress-relieving tips I use to make the trip more enjoyable.
- Plan as far in advance as possible. Book the ticket. You will have a better chance at a good seat assignment, now that airlines charge more for certain seats. I always favor the window facing the sun. I like to see sunshine. If you’re planning to attend a conference or trade show, you usually have at least six months to plan for hotel and transportation.
- Give yourself an extra hour to get to the airport. You can always use the extra time in the airport to freshen up, get a snack or enjoy the gift shop. You cannot control traffic, bad parking spots or long lines in security. Once you get settled into the airport lounge, you can relax a little.
- Wear something comfortable but not too sloppy. I am always amazed at the flip-flop crowd and tight clothing in the airport. Comfortable shoes are key. Dark clothing covers spills and, between sitting and walking for a whole day, this is not the time to try out the new high heels or a winter white mini-skirt.
- Bring a colorful pashima or scarf. It covers your cold arms, doubles as a pillow or blanket and, if you are wearing dark clothing, it will not look like you are headed to a funeral.
- Make sure all the electronic equipment that you need is charged and ready to go. Perhaps surprisingly, I get a lot of work done, both personal and professional, on trips. Lots of waiting gives me time to catch up on email, photo management, the endless to-do list for on-line ordering or just surfing the Web.
- Splurge on a light read. It will distract you from late planes and will keep you from checking your watch every five minutes. Plus, worst-case situation — if your electronics fail, your mind will be pleased.
- Bring an empty water bottle, and fill it once you get through security. I always pack a few powder drink packets, and I stay hydrated when I fill it up at the water faucet. It’s cheaper, too.
- Keep your luggage to a minimum. If you are taking a nonstop, consider a gate check for your bag. You do not have to worry about overhead space, and you won’t be charged a luggage fee. I take one rolling luggage and one large shoulder bag, enough for a four-day trip.
- Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more money on transportation to avoid extra stress. If I am in an unfamiliar city, I like to take a taxi straight to my destination. It is not worth the hassle after a long day of travel to try to coordinate bus routes, travel times, luggage, transfers, etc. Just get in a taxi: Let the driver deal with traffic and get you to your destination – assuming it is reasonable, of course.
- And finally — I cannot stress this enough — de-stress. Enjoy yourself; relax. There are so many interesting places on Earth and amazing people to meet. Try a local restaurant, seek out a cool souvenir and visit the community art museum. Take in at least one sight when you travel. Ever city is memorable, so make it a priority to give yourself permission to have a “momen.t” The laundry, dirty dishes and homework will be there when you get home.
Here are some website links to help you take advantage of some of the tips above:
Grace Belangia is a freelance writer who has been traveling since she was 6 months old. Planes, trains, boats and bikes, her bags are always packed for her next travel adventure.
