Travel Tips
Lessons learned from life on the road
Business Travel Tips
Everything I've learned from years of business travel, broken down into practical advice you can use on your next trip.
Packing Smart
Roll, don't fold
Rolling your clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles. Pack outfits in sets so you can grab and go each morning without digging through your bag.
One carry-on is all you need
For trips under 5 days, challenge yourself to carry-on only. You'll save time at baggage claim and never worry about lost luggage.
Pack a wrinkle-release spray
A small bottle of wrinkle release spray is a game changer for business clothes. Hang your shirt in the bathroom, spray it, and it's meeting-ready in minutes.
Always bring a portable charger
Your phone is your boarding pass, your GPS, your restaurant finder, and your entertainment. Keep a portable charger in your bag at all times.
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
Boots, jacket, heavy sweater - wear them on the plane instead of packing them. It frees up a surprising amount of suitcase space.
Keep a pre-packed toiletry bag
Have a dedicated travel toiletry bag that stays packed and ready. Refill it after each trip so you're always ready to go at a moment's notice.
At the Airport
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is non-negotiable
If you travel more than twice a year, get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The time saved in security lines pays for itself after one trip.
Download your airline's app
Mobile boarding passes, real-time gate changes, and rebooking options are all in the app. Don't rely on paper tickets or airport screens.
Arrive early, but not too early
90 minutes for domestic, 2.5 hours for international. Arriving too early just means more time sitting around. Use that time for something productive.
Know your lounge options
Many credit cards come with lounge access. A quiet space with free food and wifi before a flight makes a huge difference for your energy level.
Keep snacks in your bag
Airport food is expensive and the options at your gate might be limited. A few protein bars or trail mix packets can save you.
Noise-canceling headphones are essential
Whether it's a crying baby or a chatty neighbor, good noise-canceling headphones are the single best travel investment you can make.
Hotel Hacks
Join loyalty programs
Pick one or two hotel chains and stick with them. The points add up fast when you're traveling for business, and the perks (upgrades, late checkout) are worth it.
Always check the gym and pool before booking
A quick workout or swim after a long day of meetings can completely reset your energy. Make sure the hotel has facilities you'll actually use.
Request a room away from the elevator
Rooms near elevators and ice machines are noisier. A quick call to the front desk or a note in your reservation can save you a sleepless night.
Use the hotel safe
Always lock up your passport, extra cash, and electronics you're not carrying. It takes 10 seconds and gives you peace of mind.
Check in early online
Most hotels let you check in via their app. Do it the night before so you can go straight to your room when you arrive.
Tip the housekeeping staff
Leave a few dollars each day (not just at checkout) with a note. It's a small gesture that makes a big difference, and your room will be extra well taken care of.
Eating on the Road
Ask locals, not Google
Hotel staff, Uber drivers, and coworkers at the local office always know the best spots. The top Google result is usually the most touristy option.
Make reservations for client dinners early
Don't wait until the day of. Good restaurants in business districts book up fast, especially on weekday evenings. Book as soon as you know your schedule.
Eat a real breakfast
If your hotel has a breakfast buffet, use it. A solid breakfast sets you up for the day and saves you from making hangry decisions at lunch.
Keep healthy snacks in your hotel room
Hit a grocery store or convenience store when you arrive. Having fruit, nuts, and water in your room keeps you from relying on room service or vending machines.
Try one local specialty per trip
Wherever you are, try the thing that city is known for. BBQ in Texas, seafood in Miami, deep dish in Chicago. It makes each trip memorable.
Don't skip water
Flying dehydrates you, hotel air is dry, and coffee doesn't count. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink way more water than you think you need.
Staying Connected
Always have a backup wifi plan
Hotel wifi can be unreliable. Have your phone's hotspot ready as a backup, and make sure your data plan covers it.
Bring a universal power adapter
If you travel internationally, a good universal adapter is essential. Get one with USB-C ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Download offline maps
Google Maps lets you download areas for offline use. Do this before every trip in case you lose signal in an unfamiliar city.
Use a VPN on public wifi
Hotel and airport wifi networks are not secure. A simple VPN app protects your data when you're working from public networks.
Keep important documents in the cloud
Scan your passport, ID, insurance cards, and itinerary. Store them in a cloud folder you can access from any device.
Set up out-of-office replies
Even if you're working while traveling, set an out-of-office that mentions you may be slower to respond. It manages expectations and reduces stress.
Wellness on the Road
Move your body every day
Even 20 minutes in the hotel gym or a walk around the block makes a difference. Travel fatigue is real, and exercise is the best antidote.
Stick to your sleep routine
Try to go to bed and wake up at your normal times, even in a different time zone. Bring earplugs and an eye mask if you're sensitive to light and noise.
Stretch on the plane
Get up and walk the aisle every hour on long flights. Do ankle rolls and shoulder stretches in your seat. Your body will thank you when you land.
Limit alcohol on travel days
It's tempting to have a drink at the airport or on the plane, but alcohol plus altitude plus dehydration equals feeling terrible when you land.
Pack workout clothes
If they're in your bag, you're more likely to use them. Even if it's just a pair of sneakers and shorts, having the option matters.
Give yourself downtime
Don't schedule every minute. Leave gaps for rest, exploration, or just sitting in a coffee shop. Business travel burnout is real.
"Travel isn't always glamorous, but it's always worth it. The key is being prepared so you can actually enjoy the ride."
- Shaylee Morehouse