Photo credit: billypalooza
Sometimes I feel like Goldilocks, always trying to find the balance between too little, too much, or just right. When it comes to business travel, I am lucky to have the perfect balance. I do not travel too much to be overwhelming or too little to miss it. I fall into the just right category.
Traveling in general, and especially for business, can be overwhelming. I consulted an expert for his important tips and tricks. Dan Whitehead is the Chief Sales Officer at Proforma. He has racked up over 1 million miles of business travel. Dan’s miles are the equivalent of traveling from San Francisco to New York over 300 times. He considers the time spent at airports as part of his commute.
Here are Dan’s top 5 tips and tricks:
1. If you will be gone less than a week, take only a carry on. Shoes are the biggest space waster. Plan outfits accordingly.
2. Consider joining the TSA PreCheck program if you are a frequent traveler. Travelers are able to use dedicated screen lanes and have the benefits of keeping shoes, belts, and outerwear on. They can also leave laptops and some liquids in carry-on bags.
3. Never place bags or suitcases on the bed, furniture, or the floor to avoid unwanted pests making their way home with you. Use the luggage rack. If none are available, use hard surfaces such as the top of the dresser or desk.
4. Accept that things will not always go as planned. In the case of a canceled flight, Dan recommends NOT getting in line at the airport. Instead, find a quiet spot, get out your phone and calmly call customer service. Consider and ask for options like using a different airport or even another carrier.
5. Follow the rules and remain calm. The old adage of the squeaky wheel gets the grease does not ring true with business travel. Yelling, demanding change, or being rude is a great way to be delayed. At the airport is not the time or place to express your displeasure with having to remove your shoes or stand in line with families with young children.
Luckily I interviewed Dan just as I was preparing for some business travel. With Dan’s tips I reconsidered my outfit choices. I’m proud to report I reduced my shoe allocation from seven to five. For me, that felt just right. Clearly, I am still a work in progress!