Road Warriors Share Their Secrets

Images

« Prev Next »

Travel can be stressful. But there are lots of little ways that you can ease the pain. We turned to our readers and asked them what secrets they have for making that trip just a bit easier.

Frank Robinson
Island Events
Hawaii

• Buy the largest bottle of water you can after you go through security. Drink gallons of water to stay hydrated. Do not drink any of the small bottles of bad wine. Stick to hard alcohol, but don’t overdo.
• Do not eat the airplane food! Buy snacks at the gift shop or newsstand before boarding.
• Wear shoes that slip on and off easily.
• Do not wear contact lenses when flying—the air is very dry on airplanes.
• If you want peace and quiet, bring an eye mask and an iPod. It doesn’t have to be on—it just needs to look on to send a do-not-disturb message.

Denise Perich
MacDonald Financial Services
Loveland, CO

• Wear flip flops—they’re easy for security—and tuck a fluffy pair of socks in your bag for the plane.
• Wear cute, comfy but fashionable sweats.
• I always bring trashy magazines on a trip. I love catching up on celebrity gossip!
• Always remember: gum, chapstick, sleep mask, tunes, neck pillow, soduku and water!

Victoria Peterson
Grant Thornton

• Bring carry-on luggage only—ship everything else.
• Apple slices and turkey jerky are great snacks for the plane and hotel room.
• Request a mini fridge to keep fruit on hand.
• Ask for a concierge upgrade so you’ll have drinks and snacks available.

Cathy Poteet
Francis Tuttle Technical Center
Oklahoma City

• Take your own toilet paper and hand soap. Seriously, some gas stations and even some restaurants (fast food and dine-in) overlook these necessities.

Lara McCulloch
Ready2spark
Ontario, Canada

• I search through my social media contacts for people who live in the city I’m travelling to.
• Good app: Tripit for my iPhone.
• I always bring earplugs—they’ve saved my life a few times when in loud hotels.
• This is kind of silly, but I bring Vitamin E oil. I use it to moisturize my skin, and I put it in my hair instead of gel. And it’s a great eye makeup remover. One small bottle goes a long way.

Marisha Morris
Done Beautifully Inc.
Los Angeles

• If you have a question, ask someone who lives in the city. You’ll find great hidden gems.

• I keep a toiletry bag packed, so I’ll never be without needed hygiene products or hard-to-find items.
• No matter how great the deal, or how much or little time you plan to spend in your room, if your room doesn’t meet the standards you’re accustomed to at home, you won’t be a happy camper.
• Be nice—smile! You’ll be surprised how far that will get you and how calm it makes your trip.