7 Tips to Travel & Work with Confidence On the Road

So what can we do to make our lives easier? How can we be confident enough in traveling, that we can free ourselves to work as comfortably and effectively as we do at home? Here are some of the things that I think about when traveling for work, which have helped me be more prepared and confident over the years.

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1- Travel Light:

The idea that you shouldn’t check luggage because it will get lost is silly – the odds are squarely in your favor of your bags getting to your destination with no major drama (assuming you pack accordingly in a case that can properly protect it’s contents). My reasons for not checking luggage are a bit more practical. Often times when traveling for work, you will have to navigate any number of shuttle busses, trams, trains, taxis and watercraft – often times while traveling in a group of your co-workers. Keeping my luggage to a small roller bag and a backpack, ensures that I can always easily navigate stairs, tiny taxis and other obstacles without slowing down to heft a suitcase around.

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2- Layers / rolling & stuffing:

Comfort is key when you’re traveling. While I pack light, I don’t want to be caught in a situation where I am expected to work in poor weather, without the necessary gear. Rain jackets and winter layers that stuff into their own pockets for storage are a critical part of my gear list when traveling. Simple layers like a versatile cotton button down and quick dry shirts pack small and can be used in many situations. These types of clothes also tend to be of higher quality, and having your favorite winter jacket on hand at all times is a small but welcome comfort away from home.

 

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3- Laundry / Packing cubes:

 The length of your trip should not dictate your pack – there is almost nowhere I can think of where I have traveled and not had access to some type of laundry. I pack for one week, regardless of the length of the trip. I do my best to investigate the laundry situation at my destinations, bring quarters when they’re needed, or simply use the hotel laundry service mid-way through my trip. You’ll be hard pressed to run up a laundry bill that will compete with some of the checked bag fees we’re seeing these days from the airlines.

4- Wallet / Passport control:

Attached to you – at all times – no exceptions. I recommend and use these CLC bags that fit into a pocket and clip onto my belt-loop. You can go the whole money-belt route, but this is far more practical and gives you the piece of mind that once you close that zipper your documents are securely attached to you and not going to fall out on a bus. This pouch also gives you a great place to collect receipts from a trip in one simple location. NEVER leave your valuables in the room safe… keep anything you want to keep secure, with you at all times.

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While you can’t bring liquids through airport security – you absolutely can bring a quality mug and fill up on your drink of choice once your are through security. In countries where you cannot carry on drinks at all, you can still carry on a mug. Having a drink that will last the whole flight and a Cliff Bar or other small snack in your bag, you can forget about the in-flight services and focus on either getting work done, relaxing with a book or watch a movie on your iPad as needed. While you’re at it, carrying a battery pack gives you the confidence to use your electronics as you would normally, without stressing over weather your plane will have USB charging ports in working order.

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6- Free Time:
One of the best bang for your buck activities you can do when you are traveling is to get out on a boat. No matter where I travel, I always take the opportunity if it arises, to get out on whatever water may be nearby. If you’re on a budget or pressed for time, a water taxi or ferry boat can be a great and cheap way to spend an hour or two getting to see the area from a different perspective. The fresh air and sun can also be a pleasant change from dark venues and cold airports.

 

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When disaster strikes, or you simply get caught in a downpour, dry socks and underwear can be the difference between you keeping or loosing your patience. I always keep a fresh pair of each, flat-packed and vacuum sealed by a Food Saver machine in my backpack. You can let your imagination run with the possibilities of what emergency items you would want to keep in a vacuum sealed pouch, and with a simple food saver, it’s easy to make custom packets for all sorts of supplies.