"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." ~Henry Miller


Given that summer is upon us and conference season is heating up, it might be wise to brush up on some travel time management tips. Many may be gearing up to attend the Kennedy Recruiting Conference in Las Vegas this week or others may be prepping for an annual family vacation. Whatever your destination, travel can be either restful and relaxing or filled with anxiety and bursts of frustration and anger. Avoid the latter by proper preparation; the R & R will naturally come.

1. Do Not Overbook Your Schedule. Don't fall victim to the age-old plot of scheduling every minute of every day while traveling. Air, Rail, or Auto travel takes its toll on the body. Some are energized by travel but most fall prey to the fatigue that comes along with extensive preparation and thought, jumping time zones, and the increased interaction with others who are also a bit stressed due to their own travel agendas. Allow for some down time in your schedule to rest, catch up on some zzz's, visit exhibits or landmarks in the area, or just enjoy a leisurely meal and some interesting conversation. The key word here is "enjoy."



2. Knowledge. Investigate the airline you are using or the roads you'll be taking. Air travel still has many restrictions, follow the rules and boarding will go more smoothly. You'd be surprised how many travelers still have items confiscated at security or hold up the lines because of not "dressing" for travel. Be prepared to place your computer in its own bin and remove your shoes EVERY TIME. Road construction adds not only time but also strain to travel plans; prepare alternate routes or changes drive times to avoid unnecessary hassle. Know what amenities are available at your lodgings, you may be able to not only pack better but also less.

3. Make a Checklist. Seems juvenile but this simple step will save you added expense on the road. Include on the list necessary chargers (phone, computer, pda, iPod), razor, toothbrush, thumb drive, ancillary/marketing materials, passport, directions or navigation device, batteries, reservation info/numbers..., etc.

4. Check flight times and reservations 24 hours in advance. Check again four to six hours in advance. Eliminate needless wait times at the airport or hotel/car rental check-in.

5. See a Bathroom, Use a Bathroom. This rule has saved me many times. Especially when traveling with children or for long distances. You never know when you won't have access, so when you do, take advantage of it - every time!

6. Always Learn. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, make the trip more memorable and worthwhile by committing to learning something new about the culture or location you are visiting. Knowledge is power and can come in handy during a meeting with a potential business associate or client.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~Mark Twain



by rayannethorn