The Heirs Up There
A Travel Encyclopedia For Young Professionals
If you’re just kicking off your professional career at a national or global company, chances are that you’re going to be traveling. A LOT. When I was starting to travel on a regular basis, I quickly went from, “Free travel! Awesome!” to, “Anyone else wanna take this one?” One reason for that is that I wasn’t tripping it like a pro. As a quasi-seasoned vet, I thought I’d share some tips that I wish I’d received when I first started state-trotting.
To make it a more digestible read, I added details on each list item as a comment. Click the comment button for more info on each list item!
BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Your pre-departure preparation makes a huge difference in the efficiency and success of each trip. Take it seriously.
Packing Your Clothing
— Check the weather before packing.
— Stick with one color palate.
— Bring clothes that you can iron.
— Invest in a travel wallet.
— Pack a Tide Pen.
— Travel-Day Clothing, Accessories, and Shoes are important.
— Make a ritual.
Packing Toiletries
— Ziploc bags are your best friend- Especially if you’re bringing toiletries in your carry-on.
— When in doubt, remember that you can buy it there.
— Have a travel bundle ready to go at all times.
— Always use backpack as your second carry-on.
— If you can do a trip using only carry-ons, DO IT.
— Get the good stuff.
— Get distinctive luggage.
General
— Set an alarm to check-in online.
— Stock up on your business cards.
— Bring a book you’ve been meaning to read.
— Invest in a good pair of headphones.
— Create rewards accounts.
AT THE AIRPORT AND ON THE PLANE
There is such a thing as airport etiquette; and once you become more seasoned, you’ll become acutely aware of when people around you are not exercising it.
— FB Check-in pre-flight.
— Stay hydrated and stay medicated.
— Don’t waste all your battery before the flight.
— Don’t be that guy.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
Traveling on the company dime and company time doesn’t mean you have to be lame.
Hotel:
— Be frugal.
— Be flexible.
— Ask questions when you check-in.
— Try something new in the city you’re visiting.
General:
— Utilize Uber/Lyft where you can.