| You have seen them, they all look alike, the | | | | you have pre-packed a book or magazine you |
| regular ‘road warrior’ with their | | | | can use that 30 minutes to read or to connect |
| determined expression, wrinkle proof suit and | | | | with a friend or client. |
| pulling a beaten up carry on bag…whether | | | | Know the Parking Garage – if you regularly |
| you travel a little or a lot with your company | | | | travel on the same airline, know the shuttle |
| there are many ways you can boost your | | | | system or design of the car park so you can get |
| personal productivity when you travel. These | | | | in and out quickly. |
| before, during and after strategies will help you | | | | Take your ticket – when you receive a |
| maximise your time, limit your stress and overall | | | | parking receipt/ticket on your arrival place it in the |
| increase your travel productivity. | | | | same compartment of your bag or briefcase so |
| Before You Travel | | | | you know where to find it upon your return. |
| Buy the tools – you wouldn’t build a | | | | Write the parking space on your ticket – in |
| house without the right tools, travel is no | | | | the US the parking garages are so big that I |
| different. To be a productive traveler you want | | | | always write the colour and space on my parking |
| to ensure you have a variety of tools to assist | | | | receipt so that when I arrive back after a few |
| the comfort and productivity of your trip. Tools | | | | days away (often late at night), I can quickly find |
| to consider purchasing are quality luggage, Ipod, | | | | my car and not waste time wandering around the |
| noise cancelling earphones, soft briefcase and GPS | | | | parking garage. |
| system. | | | | Ground transport notice – when you enter |
| 20-22 inch Carry On expandable luggage – I | | | | an airport, notice where the taxis, rental car |
| like Briggs and Riley, it is durable, light weight, | | | | shuttles or parking garages are. This will save you |
| expandable, self healing and well made. Check out | | | | time when you return and allow you to quickly |
| These are allowed in the US and other countries | | | | make your way to the next place. |
| as carry on baggage. When you are buying | | | | Regular rental – Use the same rental |
| luggage look for features such as pull along, | | | | company each time you travel will also boost |
| strong wheels, stability foot on the bottom (in | | | | your productivity because you will expect a |
| case it gets too heavy), external zippers (to hold | | | | certain standard each time you fly. You might also |
| travel documentation and the Ziploc toiletry bag) | | | | consider joining their frequent customer program |
| and also make sure the pop up handle is a | | | | too. I like using Enterprise because they are |
| ‘one pull’ action. | | | | affordable and also each time you arrive they |
| IPOD or MP3 – this is not a luxury, this is a | | | | look so happy to see you and they pay attention |
| requirement for any travel. I have a created a | | | | to small details including water bottles in the car |
| selection of play lists, including one with very | | | | and also pre-printed local lists of radio stations and |
| relaxing music so that when it is time to sleep I | | | | areas of interest. |
| can turn to this group and fall asleep. | | | | Play music – by creating different play lists |
| Noise canceling earphones – these are a | | | | on your IPOD you will enjoy your travel more if |
| little bit of a luxury, but I wouldn’t travel | | | | you can listen to music and block out the noise |
| anywhere without them. My husband previously | | | | around you. This is effective in the airport lounge, |
| flew many long international flights and he turned | | | | at the gate and on the plane. You might also like |
| me onto this great invention. I prefer the Sony | | | | to include a CD in your packing checklist for the |
| small ear bud type and take them where ever I | | | | rental car. |
| go | | | | Getting through security – there are several |
| Briefcase – I like a soft tote briefcase that | | | | tips to help you get through the line faster: |
| allows me to include personal and work related | | | | Wear an outfit that doesn’t |
| items. My favourite is from Coakley Business | | | | require any removal of items or have any metal. |
| Class (sorry guys these are just for women) and | | | | Place your cell phone and keys into |
| they are the best travel briefcase I have ever | | | | your briefcase or purse before entering the |
| found (and you can use it everyday!) [ For the | | | | security line. |
| gentleman, try the soft Samsonite one, it has | | | | Keep your Ziploc bag of toiletries in an |
| great suspension in the shoulder strap. When | | | | outside zippered compartment for quick access. |
| looking for a brief case also make sure it has the | | | | Get your laptop out of your briefcase |
| feature to be able to slide it over your carry on | | | | before you reach your place in line. |
| luggage (many have a soft strap or a zippered | | | | Place your laptop, shoes and toiletries in |
| section to allow you to do this). | | | | one container on the security screen belt. |
| GPS (Global Positioning System) – this was | | | | Keep your boarding pass and photo |
| the best gift I ever got! They are now getting | | | | identification in your hands. |
| smaller and smaller and are perfect to plug into | | | | Check in or carry on – I always carry on |
| your rental car when you arrive in another city. | | | | luggage (up to a five day business trip), I have |
| Also when we were in Italy last year we | | | | learnt to pack well and have invested in a |
| downloaded the European maps and it was great | | | | minimum number of outfits. I think there is so |
| fun to get around tiny little towns. I have named | | | | much time wasted waiting for luggage (not to |
| mine ‘Bella’ – she keeps me | | | | mention the concern it may not arrive with you!) |
| company when I am driving late at night or in a | | | | wherever possible try and carry on luggage for |
| city where I don’t know my way. | | | | your business travel. |
| Consider clothing – When you are regularly | | | | Laptop … or not – if your trip |
| on the road I suggest a few strategies to help | | | | doesn’t require you to take your laptop, |
| make your life easier for both packing and arriving | | | | leave it at home. It is one less thing to juggle |
| looking together. | | | | through security and some laptops add significant |
| Travel Outfit – Create your own travel | | | | weight to your briefcase. Leave it behind if you |
| outfit, yes it can be the same every time. Mine is | | | | can. If you have to take it with you consider |
| a pair of black pants, black top (I have a short | | | | buying a smaller, light weight model one that is |
| sleeve one for summer and a long sleeve one for | | | | easy to use and you can balance in small places. |
| cooler months), pantyhose and a pair of black | | | | You do pay more for smaller, lighter models but it |
| patent leather flat slip on shoes. I wear the same | | | | is money well spent. |
| silver jewellery with it all and I know when I arrive | | | | Keep a reading file – as you collect articles, |
| at the security line I don’t have to remove | | | | newspapers or journals you want to read, take |
| anything (except my shoes) – that is why | | | | them with you when you travel. Each week I |
| pantyhose (or socks) are good when you have to | | | | receive the Philadelphia Business Journal and I take |
| take off your shoes. The fabric of this outfit | | | | it with me on the plane to read and enjoy. It is a |
| doesn’t crease and is comfortable (which | | | | paper that keeps my interest and small enough it |
| makes a huge different on those long flights). | | | | doesn’t crowd the person beside me. |
| Airport shoes – think about the quality and | | | | Buy bottled water – part of my routine as |
| make of the shoes you wear to the airport. I | | | | soon as I get through the security line is to head |
| suggest slip ons of some description so you are | | | | to the nearest store to buy 2 bottles of water. |
| not awkwardly trying to tie up laces or straps. | | | | During the flight it is essential to drink water to |
| Also ensure they are comfortable and well made | | | | keep you hydrated, two bottles allows me to |
| as you often have to walk long distances | | | | drink before the plane arrives (has been helpful |
| between gates or to the parking area. | | | | when there are large delays) and during the flight. |
| Carry a pashmina – for the ladies, I | | | | Eat healthy – many airlines don’t |
| recommend you invest in a dark coloured | | | | supply quality food on board so try to find healthy |
| pashmina that has many uses. On the plane it is a | | | | solutions within the airport to satisfy your hunger. |
| great blanket (and so many airlines in the US | | | | You may also like to buy something to eat on |
| don’t supply pillows and blankets). When I | | | | board for longer flights so you are snacking on |
| rent a car it becomes a booster seat for me (he | | | | healthy items. I like to travel with a bag of |
| he). When I have to sit on an airport floor (yes I | | | | almonds and pecans so that I always have a |
| have done that living here in the US) it is great to | | | | yummy (and healthy) snack available. AS you are |
| place on the floor … oh and yes I can wear | | | | flying from the same airport each week, become |
| it if I need to keep warm. | | | | familiar with the food offerings inside the terminal |
| Jewellery – wearing the same silver | | | | so you can quickly find something you enjoy |
| jewellery when I travel I know I can wear it the | | | | eating. |
| next day and I can walk through the screening | | | | Hotel routine – no matter what time I |
| area without having to remove it. It simplifies the | | | | arrive at a new hotel I have the same routine. I |
| process and speeds up the line. | | | | open my suitcase, remove my suit and hang it on |
| Belts – if possible, don’t wear an | | | | a hanger. If it has gathered small creases in the |
| outfit that requires a belt as it is only one more | | | | travel I take it into the bathroom, hang it up and |
| item of clothing you have to remove at the | | | | turn on the hot shower to create a ‘steam |
| airport line. | | | | room effect’ and this removes any |
| Productive Packing – there are many | | | | creases. Now for my Australian readers who are |
| opinions on what to pack and I find the most | | | | experiencing a drought right now that seems |
| productive way for me is having a series of | | | | very wasteful so you may want to hang these |
| pre-packed bags. This includes luggage, carry on | | | | clothes while you are showering the next day to |
| plane survival kit, brief case, make up and toiletry | | | | avoid water waste. You might like to take this |
| bags. | | | | opportunity to iron your clothes instead. I then |
| Pre-packed luggage contents includes: | | | | plug in my laptop, set up my cell phone charger, |
| Ziploc toiletry bag | | | | set my alarm and pull out the documents or |
| Underwear | | | | reading for the next day. By having the same |
| First aid items (band aids, safety pins | | | | routine each time you will be productive and not |
| and head ache tablets) | | | | forget important details (and you save time in the |
| Make up bag | | | | morning also). |
| Gym gear | | | | Exercise – if you don’t have a gym |
| Clothes brush (I have a long haired cat | | | | in the hotel consider either taking a walk outside |
| and her fur seems to make its way across the | | | | at the beginning of your day or exercising in your |
| world with me) | | | | room. I often place a towel on the floor and then |
| Book of interest | | | | do a series of stretches, yoga, sit ups and push |
| Cell Phone charger | | | | ups. You can establish a routine especially for |
| Laptop power pack | | | | travel that doesn’t require any equipment |
| Stamped stationery (note cards and | | | | i.e. push ups, sit ups, squats and any yoga. |
| envelopes) | | | | Call a client – you often have down time in |
| Carry on plane survival kit contents include: | | | | the airport so it is a great time to reconnect with |
| Ipod | | | | a client or colleague. I use this time to touch base |
| Noise cancelling earphones | | | | with important people in my life and it becomes |
| Spare battery for noise cancelling | | | | part of my business development time. |
| earphones | | | | Be strategic – time in hotel rooms can be |
| Lip balm | | | | lonely or unproductive so I use this time to design |
| Eye mask (for those long flights) | | | | new products, review my business plan, catch up |
| Pen | | | | on reading and design new models or programs |
| Eye drops | | | | for my business. Some of my best ideas have |
| Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste | | | | come while sitting in my hotel room – use |
| Breath mints | | | | this time for strategy and thought space instead |
| Make up kit – ladies if you travel a lot I | | | | of turning on the TV to keep your company. |
| suggest you buy a full set of make up and make | | | | Stay connected – when you arrive at your |
| up brushes and tools and keep them in a | | | | location notify someone important to you. I like to |
| separate make up bag so you never have to go | | | | call my husband when I have arrived in my hotel |
| looking for something and you never forget | | | | so he knows I am safe and sound and I get to |
| something on your trips. | | | | hear his voice. Calling your family or friend is a |
| Ziploc Toiletry Bag contents include travel sized: | | | | great way for you to keep connected on the |
| Decanted shower gel | | | | road. |
| Skin care | | | | Write thank you notes – because I carry |
| Hair care products | | | | stamped stationery with me when I travel, I use |
| Travel sized perfume or aftershave | | | | the flight home to write notes to people I met |
| (most brands now supply a smaller size compliant | | | | during my trip. When I arrive my next destination |
| with airline safety standards) | | | | I post them. It is a great way to reconnect with |
| Toothpaste | | | | people after you have met them and is a |
| Spare contact lenses | | | | productive use of flight time. |
| Many department stores and pharmacies carry a | | | | After Your Travel |
| range of travel sized products. I was fascinated | | | | Know the quickest route home – |
| when I was in Sephoria in Times Square recently | | | | understand the quickest and least traffic |
| that the merchandising near the payment counter | | | | congested way to get out of the airport so you |
| had changed significantly and provided 50+ choices | | | | can be home with those you care for in the |
| of regular band products in travel sized convenient | | | | smallest amount of time. Where I live there are 2 |
| containers. | | | | major ways home and if you take the wrong one |
| Plastic helps – My friend Camille was an | | | | at some particular times during the day it can add |
| airline goddess for many years and gave me this | | | | up to an hour to your ride home (not so much |
| great tip, using the plastic you receive from your | | | | fun after a long flight) so know which ways are |
| dry cleaners around your clothes helps avoid | | | | best at different times during the day. |
| creases. | | | | Unpack quickly – if you arrive home early |
| Duplicate copies – to be more productive | | | | enough, unpack your bag, refill any necessary |
| (and for a few extra dollars) consider investing in | | | | toiletry items and allocate clothes for washing or |
| duplicates of everything you travel with. If you | | | | dry cleaning. |
| are a regular traveler, having a pre-packed bag will | | | | Refill and replace – update any items in your |
| allow you to leave with minimum notice and save | | | | ‘pre-packed’ toiletries or luggage |
| time and stress before any trip. On your list of | | | | that need attention to save you time for future |
| items to buy you could include: | | | | trips. Note any additional items you may have |
| Toiletries available in travel size | | | | forgotten on this trip and place them in your |
| Brushes – make up brushes, hair | | | | luggage so you don’t forget them next |
| brushes or combs | | | | time. |
| Cell phone charger | | | | Debrief your trip – recall any items you |
| Laptop power pack | | | | missed, notice things that you enjoyed or |
| Make up | | | | frustrated you and make the changes that are |
| Stamps and stationery | | | | within your control. Each time you travel you may |
| Spare items i.e. pantyhose, clothing | | | | learn something new that will help you save time |
| brush. | | | | or save you frustration for your next travel |
| Choose your seat – I like to sit in an aisle | | | | experience. |
| seat so I can get in and out and I don’t | | | | Thank your team – if you have an |
| feel cramped by others. For longer flights | | | | assistant, let them know what went well about |
| (especially the red eye), my friend Shawn books | | | | the trip and any enhancements you would like to |
| the window seat so you can lean against the | | | | make for your next trip. Thank your travel agent |
| window to sleep, choose your seat wisely. If you | | | | for the trip planning and also let them know if |
| have an option of an exit row choose this seat as | | | | something didn’t go well and discuss how |
| it gives you more leg room. You may like to | | | | to fix it for the next trip. Thank your client for |
| check out – it is a great website to see | | | | the opportunity to work with them. If you |
| exactly what your seat will be on most major | | | | experienced great service at some point in the |
| airlines. | | | | trip take the time to email or write a thank you |
| Pre-print your boarding pass – whenever | | | | note to that organisation. The simple art of |
| possible go online 24 hours before you fly and | | | | thanking people is often overlooked but is one of |
| select your seat and print your boarding pass. | | | | the most powerful things you can do to boost |
| This will save you time in the long lines at the | | | | your productivity and make someone |
| airport check in and also help you find the seat | | | | else’s day! |
| you want. | | | | Gather your receipts – there is so much |
| Join airline clubs – if you fly frequently to | | | | paperwork collected on trips including boarding |
| same cities join the airline programs of those | | | | passes, rental agreements, and food and hotel |
| major airlines so you can also gather frequent | | | | receipts. Keep this in a central place when you |
| flyer miles for all your travels. You may be able | | | | travel (I take a clear plastic folder for this very |
| to use them for a fun trip with those you care | | | | purpose each time I travel). When you arrive |
| for later on. | | | | home quickly sort through the paper, action |
| Join airline lounges – if you fly with the | | | | business cards and file any receipts or keep them |
| same carrier regularly to invest in a membership | | | | aside for your clients. Process all your paper within |
| for that lounge so you have a quiet place to | | | | 24 hours. |
| snack, get changed or to catch up on reading. I | | | | Action business cards – if you have met |
| noticed in Australia this was a great use of | | | | new people during your productive trip take the |
| money and well worth it however in the US the | | | | time to now action those cards. You might like to |
| gates and lounges are so spread out and there | | | | write a ‘nice to meet you’ note, |
| are so many options to travel with different | | | | scan them and add them to your database and |
| airlines this hasn’t been a worthwhile | | | | write a note for any follow up action required. |
| investment for me here, however if you fly the | | | | Following this process diligently each time you |
| same airline every time it might be worth it for | | | | travel will avoid piles of business cards gathering |
| you. | | | | on your desk (reminding you of action you |
| Create a one page itinerary – create a one | | | | haven’t taken!) |
| page template that includes your confirmation | | | | Be grateful – if you are travelling for |
| codes of all flight details, hotel and rental car | | | | business it means you have a successful job that |
| information. Include on this template all your | | | | is supporting you and your family. Stop hating it |
| frequent flyer clubs and associations also so that | | | | and start enjoying it. Giving thanks for the |
| if you arrive and they haven’t included this | | | | opportunity to see new places, meet new people |
| in your booking you can quickly get credit for | | | | and share your experience is a privilege. |
| your travel. | | | | Change your language around travel, enjoy it, |
| During Your Travel | | | | embrace it and you will be more productive! Next |
| Allow extra 30 minutes – add at least 30 | | | | time you see another road warrior smile at them |
| minutes onto any amount of time you think it will | | | | and let them know you understand. You can be |
| take you to get to the airport or park. This | | | | more productive every time you travel by |
| additional time will save you stress if you are | | | | applying these before, during and after you travel |
| stuck in traffic, can’t find a car space or | | | | strategies… now where am I off to |
| the security line is longer than you expected. If | | | | tomorrow? |