8 Work Travel Hacks

 

Over the past two years I’ve lived in four different states, earned roughly 90,000 miles on Delta, 30,000 miles on American Airlines, and 25,000 miles on United Airlines. I have spent plenty of time thinking of what I forgot to bring, missing connections, and other wonderful travel experiences. Those experiences helped create a list of 8 things crucial to making your work travel experience better.

1. Why don’t you have TSA precheck?

This shouldn’t be a question. If settlers on the Oregon Trail were able to teleport across rivers instead of tying up their oxen and fording them, would they continue to choose the latter? The answer would have been an astounding no.

This elite group allows you to leave everything on your body and in your bags while watching hundreds of other travelers stress over something they can’t control. Or can they? At $85 dollars over 5 years ($17/year), you can walk right to your gate. International travelers should look into Global Entry at 100 dollars, including all of the precheck benefits and more perks aligned with world travel. Quartz has a great article for you to dig into if you are interested in more info on the application and benefits.

2. Reward yourself with rewards programs 

This is all based on preference, your job limitations, and where you are traveling, but you can still make a conscious effort to join rewards programs. My portfolio includes Delta, a Delta American Express, Marriott, and Enterprise. After my first year embracing this strategy, I have received two free flights, priority boarding, first class upgrades, free checked bags, and much more. I am able to create a more predictable experience in the ever-changing world of travel.

If sticking with one rewards program isn’t possible, I suggest checking out points.com to trade and consolidate your miles to one airline.

3. Know the 7-day forecast

Weather is almost as unpredictable as travel itself. But you would be surprised with how many people fail to check out the weather forecast before a trip.

When traveling through time zones, it is almost a guarantee the weather will be different. Don’t be that guy showing up to a meeting  in 20-degree weather wearing a golf polo, or soaked head-to-toe because you forgot a raincoat. This has the potential to ruin a whole trip, or worse force you to shop! If you are strapped for space, check out the airport for some great lightweight down jackets.  Tumi has one that folds up into a neck pillow while on the plane.

4. Become a carry-on king

Learning from failures is a cornerstone in the business world, and is also true when traveling. People don’t forget the time spent waiting in the security line behind “that lady” removing ten pounds worth of jewelry, or having to sprint across the Detroit airport when your luggage has a broken wheel. A carry-on that moves smoothly in your stride, allows for compact interior storage, and the ability to protect your valuables is key. I was recently given a Samsonite that meets all of those needs and some. It’s the little things that make the biggest differences in your travel.

5. Reading isn’t dead

It’s hard to be a productive member of society with all of the airport distractions. Vast amounts of unhealthy food, expensive gadgets, and hordes of people. Reading has never been my strong suit, but continuous learning is the only way to keep up in today’s fast-paced world. My reading hack is to wear over-ear, sound proof headphones so I can focus my attention on literature. Plan a dedicated amount of time to read and you will thank me for it.

6. Rise up to a routine

I won’t lie to you, I am a “snooze 5 times” before I wake up kind of guy. The only solution to this is planning and following through with a routine. Whether you work out, grab breakfast, or prepare for the day ahead you will never look back. The wake up last minute and chug a coffee method doesn’t work in the corporate world.

7. Don’t get caught in the chains

College taught me that excessive drinking and taco bell were the cornerstone of a healthy diet. I still find myself craving a Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Mountain Dew Baja Blast on a weekly basis. And work travel can force you into situations where you think chains/fast food are the best options. They are not! This is your chance to embrace the culture and try new things. My only exceptions are local chains or time sensitive situations. As hard as this is to say, I recommend you substitute one of your fast-food burgers for a salad.

8. Pre-flight parties a no-no

What’s worse than a Sunday morning after the party got the best of you? Being forced into a small space, surrounded by screaming babies, while traveling 30,000 feet above the ground after too many fireball shots. I’m warning you now, control yourself if you have a flight out in the morning.

I could spend hours talking about traveling and the many experiences that led to this list, but I wanted to keep it as basic as possible. I would love to hear your travel horror stories and what your hacks are for work travel. Please comment below or reach out directly!

Keep it casual until next Tuesday!

EVB