Hi everyone!
I have wanted to start a blog to write about my work traveling experience. As some of you already knew, I work in public accounting and my job requires me to travel wherever my clients are. At one point last year, I was in one location for 6 months in a row, which meant I was flying back and forth every weekend. Every Monday I woke up at 4 to get ready then left home at about 5 to catch my flight at 7:30. Every Sunday I flew back around 5. This eventually wore me out at the end but I found ways to make these trips a little bit more tolerable. Today I am going to share them with you guys and hopefully you can utilize them when you travel.
A. Pack light (for carry-on luggage)
Dragging a huge suitcase back and forth every weekend is NOT fun. It makes packing AND unpacking both harder. So skip all the unnecessary and stick with the basics. Below are what you will find in my suitcase:
1. A zip lock bag with all my make up and skin care essentials: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, night cream, eye cream, foundation, concealer, eye liner, a palette of eye shadow, mascara, and a couple of lip sticks. Sounds like a lot but I buy things in set so they are all tiny (I buy multiple travel sets for my skin care products so each is less than 3.4 oz). I start using them all at the same time so they are out at approximately the same time and I can then just replace them all with another set.
2. Check the weather beforehand.
3. Clothes for the week (depending on how long your stay is but the rule is 1 set for each day). Then 2 sets of pajamas (if its a five day trip). Then depending on how the weather is at step 2, bring a jacket/ an umbrella.
4. Bring a jewelry box with compartments to separate rings, earrings and necklace (make the compartments yourself or just get one on Amazon).
5. Ditch the tooth brush, tooth paste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand wash, mouth wash, Q-tips, shower cover, blow dryer and make up remover cotton pads. Unless you are particular about them, almost any hotel will supply these items for free :)
6. Finally, shoes. Only pack 1 pair of tennis shoes if you plan on going to the gym/running. I swim so I skip them. Two pair of heels that go with all the outfits in step 3. Ditch the flip flops because the hotel will provide them as well if you request.
If you are checking in your bag, there is usually a fee (unless you're a status member or flying internationally you get first two free). Just keep in mind to keep each bag under maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum size of 62 inches (holds true for most airlines). Also I always prefer carry-on as I don't want to deal with lost/ misplaced/ delayed luggage.
B. Skip the online check-in
People always tell me to do online check-in. I find that a hassle. You have to find your confirmation # or flight #, check in & save the boarding pass to your phone. Then what? If you are going to check in your bag, you are going to have to go through this process all over again at the airport. If you are not checking in your bag - good for you! But now you are going to have to wait in line with your phone and ID ready. And comes the time when it's your turn and the phone malfunctions and you will have to go get another boarding pass. Seriously I could count on my hands the number of times that has happened to me when I first started traveling. And isn't carrying a piece of paper much lighter than carrying your phone and having to deal with pulling it up and scanning it anyway?
My point is that airports have those self check-in kiosks that literally take 3 minutes to check yourself in, pay for your bag and get a printed copy of your boarding pass. You don't have to talk to anybody, show any ID or searching around for your flight confirmation (You can search by your name and flight destination). Much easier.
C. Take advantage of TSA Pre✓™
If you are traveling for work, take advantage of the TSA Pre program that most airlines offer nowadays. In fact, go ahead and get one for youself right here.
The website states: "TSA Pre✓™ allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more
efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints." Basically, it means you have your own line at security (this proves especially useful at busy airports like JFK or DCA), you do not have to take off your belt, shoes, jacket and no more sweat digging out your laptop and liquid bag, just slide your suitcase in and you're out.
I believe the application fee now is $85. Check with your company to see if you can get that reimbursed. Even if you're not, the frequency of your travel will pay for it.
Equivalently, if you're not a US Citizen, check out the Global Entry program.
D. Be a loyal customer
Pick an airline and stick with it. Also apply for a credit card with that airline if you can. If you have to fly every weekend like I do, it is going to pump up your status real fast. I know Delta Airlines now determine your status by how much you pay for your flights instead of the traditional mileage add-up or required flight segments. I do appraise this approach because I believe if you pay more, you should also get more out of it.
And what does flying with status mean? A lot of people can testify to this for me: you get through security line faster, you get complimentary first class upgrades (if there is availability), which also means you get on board before everyone else does and do not have to fight for baggage space.
E. Keep yourself hydrated during the flight
If you can tolerate/ like the flavor, drink lots of tomato juice. If it's not your thing, you can stick with water. Also keep a hydrating toner in your hand bag and apply to your face every now and then when you feel stuffy. What I am using is the Multi-Active Dermalogica. It keeps my skin hydrated and clean all day long. For longer flights, keep a mask handy. Focus on the kind that hydrates and relaxes your skin. Right now I am using Dermalogica Hydrating Masque. One great thing about this product is they are clear liquid gel so it looks like I am just applying lotion to my face as opposed to wearing a mask and scaring off people. Also it's not at all messy - you can rinse it off after half an hour if you're bothered by the residual layer on your face. I usually just left it on/ wiped it off with a tissue.
Alternatively, if you prefer something tangible that you can just put on your face, you can check out the Skinfood Gold Caviar Collagen Mask Sheets.
And finally, if you're not tired, try striking a conversation or two with those next to you and time will pass much faster :)
So thanks for tuning in - I think that's all the tips I have for now. Feel free to comment and share your flying tips with everyone.
