Travel Tips

This is a big travel week. Thanksgiving is a moment each year when many of us travel to be with our loved ones. It’s a time of recalibrating and refreshing. It’s a time to allow ourselves to have that extra piece of cake or pie. And, if nothing else, it’s a time for us to be thankful for our life, even if things aren’t going exactly the way we want ??

I try?not?to travel on Thanksgiving if I can help it because… You guessed it, I travel a lot, and mostly for business. Staying home is the real treat. After many, many years of travel, I’ve learned a few things. Here are a few tips that might make your next experience on the road a bit more enjoyable.

AM Pick-Me-Up.

Ok, unless you are able to travel in luxury, and if you’re traveling for a client it’s not likely that this is the case, you can be assured that the coffee where you’re going isn’t going to be as good as the one you can get at home. Here’s what I do:

• Pack a high-grade instant (they are available!) coffee that you can either use on its own or add in to make whatever swill you get that much more potent
• Bring your own creamer - I travel with Nutpods
• Bring your own sweetener - I like sugar-free vanilla syrup

Lost Bag No More.

Ok, this isn’t true, lost bags happen. But consider picking up an Apple AirTag just to help you keep a tab on your bag.?

Traveling Coach? Know Thyself.

If you get cold, bring a little crushable blanket. Oh, and fluffy socks are awesome. I use a backpack for travel, so much easier than lugging something over my shoulder. And you can slip on your snuggly socks and prop them up on your backpack under your seat like a footrest. I like a window seat so I can lean against the wall for a snooze. Although the easy access to an aisle seat is handy. Be sure to bring a yummy-smelling sanitizer (cloths are good) and wipe down your area - all of it.

Transportation.

If you’re not renting a car, be sure to do a tiny bit of research to understand what is available to you on the other end. I remember flying into LAX after they changed over from curbside cabs to a bus hub and not only was it confusing, it was annoying. Good to know what’s waiting on the other end.?

Water, the Elixir of Travel.

I always bring an empty Yeti so I can fill it up at the airport. Basically, I drink a ton of water on the other side of security and make sure I get on the plane with something cold and fizzy tucked inside. And when it’s gone, I fill it up on board.?

What to Watch? What to Listen To?

Most likely you’ve got this covered, but make sure to download your fav shows and tunes before you get on board. Faster, easier, cheaper.

Join a Lounge!

It’s worth the investment, although most lounges aren’t so great - unless they are Virgin Atlantic (love them!). If you have a Platinum Am Ex they have some pretty decent lounges. And a Priority Pass is good for Europe. You can’t always fly on your carrier of choice.

Shower to the Rescue.

If you’re doing international and you have a layover I can’t recommend a refreshing shower more. My husband turned me onto this when we started flying from London to Sydney. It really gives you that little boost for the next 13 hours. Ha ha!

And if you’re doing long haul here’s what I always have on board - this all fits in a small little bag in my backpack:

• All-natural sleeping pills
• Eyedrops
• Earplugs
• Lemony spray (it can get smelly up there)
• Eyemask
• Face mist
• Mini face wash, toner, moisturizer
• Gum or mints
• Instant coffee
• Cough drops
• Dental floss or picks
• Mini brush
• Under eye patches
• Concealer/lipgloss
• Hand cream
• Deodorant
• Mask
• Sanitizer

Oh, That Bed!

Even the nicest of hotels can feel a bit creepy at times. Bringing along a sleeping bag that you can curl into will keep you one layer of silk away from hotel sheets. Worth a try!

I’m sure you’ve already got most of this covered, but it’s a good reminder!