In our last post we talked about the top three things you need to do while on a trip. Now let’s talk about the things you should do before the trip.
As a certified road warrior (I am platinum on two different airlines this year), I have done my share of traveling. What are the tips and tricks I use to plan these trips efficiently?
1) Find someone you like, and use them when you can.
I am a fan of Continental Airlines, Hertz, Budget, and Alamo for rental cars, and Hilton, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn chains for travel. My preferences are saved on their airlines, I know the quality of service I will receive in advance, and I’m listed as a preferred customer with them. This means that when my flight is delayed, my hotel room isn’t ready, or I need a rental car in a sold-out city, I’ll get additional TLC. That is often the difference between a good and bad travel experience, and helps to ensure that my travel is as efficient as possible.
2) Search for the best deal.
Many times, there is little difference between preferred companies – a room at one hotel is basically the same as another. Use comparison sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, etc. to check out the best rate, and go from there. I like KAYAK – the layout lets me compare several options at once. Once I find the best price, I still check the company websites – often I can get a free upgrade, better price, etc. through their loyalty program, at the same price. If not, I book through the aggregator sites listed above.
3) Pack in a carry-on.
Several times, I’ve been able to switch flights on the go, because I had no checked luggage. If I am stranded in a strange city overnight, I have all my stuff with me. In 15 years of travel, I’ve never had lost luggage.
How can I do this? A few tricks:
a) Select a color, and go with it. I have different wardrobes based around colors – which allows me to mix and match, and also only pack 1 pair of shoes (and wear another pair in the same color). If I’m packing ‘brown’ this week, I’ll pack jackets and pants that can work together, and shirts that coordinate. There is easily enough room for everything I need.
b) Look for alternatives to liquids. Since the restriction on liquids, I’ve gone to a mineral powder base, powder eyeshadow, and stopped carrying lip gloss – I use lipstick instead. I never carry shampoo, and only carry conditioner; and carry travel size of hair spray. I carry a good moisturizer with sunscreen; and my one ‘luxury’ is a travel-sized bottle of bubble bath. The best part? All this fits easily in a sandwich-sized baggie, which can be carried on.
c) Leave some things in your suitcase on a permanent basis. In my ‘empty’ suitcase, there is always:
- an extra bathing suit
- a large plastic bag (that the wet suit can be packed in if need be for the return trip)
- a spare pair of underwear
In my years of travel, I’ve found that if these stay in the bag, I can take advantage of an indoor pool for exercising, or if there’s a need, I have a quick change (e.g. I’ve spilled something on me, on my last day of the trip, or I’m stranded overnight unexpectedly on my way home from the trip…)
d) Consider joining an airlines lounge. There is a cost associated with this; however, if you travel extensively, you will find it really helps with your productivity to have access to wi-fi, a comfortable place to work, beverages, etc. Again, I’ve found Continental’s Presidents Club to be the best value – they serve complimentary snacks and beverages (many of their competitors charge for this) and they are located worldwide. Also, if you are bumped or stranded, the customer service folks inside the lounge can usually help you more quickly than then counter folks on the concourse; there’s simply less folks inside than outside waiting in line.