Preparing for (and Surviving) GDC

As with all business trips, I now have an almost ritualistic approach to planning, and what to take. GDC is slightly different, as it's longer, busier and unpredictable! Anyway, here's a few things I've learnt..

Before you leave: download the Jetlag Rooster app. You can enter details of your trip and it will set up alerts before you leave to get you used to the time-zone.

Airport Security - get everything metal out of your bag when you're about 3 people from the trays. I see so many people stand there and take off watches, root around for devices and toiletries right in front of the security staff!

LoungeBuddy - this useful app helps you locate Airport lounges that you can visit and pay a fee to stay in whilst you wait. Good if you need to get work done but don't have some executive clubcard or are a frequent traveller.

The Flight - it's a long one, and if you're flying economy, quite an endurance test. These days I take on board noise-cancelling headphones, an Ipad loaded with films, books and (offline) games and maybe something analog like a book or magazine. Have a pen and your trip details stored on your phone so you can fill in the immigration form without panicking at the last minute.

I use the Tripit app. If you link it with Flight Tracker it will notify of flight delays and Gate numbers. The Tripit app can also include details of your hotel - ideal if you need to show the cab driver an address. Once registered, if you make any kind of booking just forward the email confirmation to [email protected] and it takes care of your itinerary.

This year, I'm going to try out Revolut. It's a credit card app that will find you the best currency rates and convert to sterling, USD or Euro too. Wads of cash are no longer essential now that we have contactless payment and things like Uber. But bring some notes for tips.

The hotel - for GDC, I tend to stay around Union Square, it's a 15 minute walk from there to the Moscone. I use Booking.com for hotels - if you use it enough you'll be able to request early check-ins, late check-outs and a city guide gets sent to your device too. Once in my room, I pick up all the promotional cards, flyers, brochures, etc. and hide them in a drawer. Suddenly my room looks less cluttered! I also put tape over any red lights that will blink in the room at night, such as the TV.

Survival: I don't need to suggest comfy shoes, we've all been there. Alka-seltzer is my chosen hangover cure, I always buy a load of water and store it in my room too. Another option is to keep boiling water from your kettle and fill up empty glasses/cups so once cooled, you've always got water to drink in the room. Good for when you stagger in at 3.am! Hand sanitiser is a good idea, unless you're a "hugger"

Missing home? I use the Miranda app to tell me what time it is back in the UK, it's got a nice wheel-spinner design to it.

Anyway, I hope this has helped, enjoy your next trip!