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Travel to any and all conferences will take a little planning for your comfort. Long ago, people dressed up for travel because it was a luxury. Now, we tend to dress for comfort, only changing into our good clothes when we are about to reach our desitnation. Whether you go by car or fly out, here are some things to check off before you leave.
By plane:
- Drink 8 ounces of water every hour you're in the air -- When you get on an airplane it is at 0% humidity. When you get off of a plane it's at 65% humidity. That only comes from the passengers -- you! Keeping hydrated will not only knock back any "bugs" you might get, you will be less likely to be ill during the conference.
- Walk around for at least two minutes every hour -- Keeping the circulation going in the legs when at cruising altitudes can be crucial to diabetics and anyone with circulation problems in the knees. If you're on a flight over 5 hours, you might consider doing a little stretching for five minutes about half-way through.
- Time Zone Awareness -- If you're crossing more than three time zones, you might have to consider the timing of your meals, snacks and medications. More than that, try to think of what you expect to be doing during your destination's time of day. Match your activity while in the air. This will prepare you mentally for the time change.
- Medications -- take them in your carry-on or purse. Luggage does get lost, and you don't want to be without your meds. Only take them in a bottle with the printed pharmacy label, in case your carry on is spot-checked. And in that vein . . .
- Important papers -- Keep all confirmations, identifications, directions, and your airline tickets in your carry-on bag. If it's something you can't get around without, don't pack it in your checked luggage.
- Luggage size and weight -- Different airline carriers have different weight and suitcase dimension limitations. These are usually on their website.
- But I need it! -- If you have any item you're taking for yourself -- special energy drinks, wines, coffee, etc. -- check with the airport you are flying out of as to the policy on packing beverages for yourself. For special foods, you'll have to double check with the destination airport -- they will be more aware of what the state allows to enter from other states or countries.
- Make time for security -- Check with the websites for the airports you will be traveling to/from. They should be able to tell you a typical wait time, some even give a range of wait time. Also, check with the airline's website, they may have boarding rules asking you to be checked in a certain amount of time in advance of take off.
- Dress for destination -- Take a look at the national forecast, make sure you know what the weather will be like when you get off the plane. If you're over or underdressed for the weather, remember, it could be as long as two hours before your ride is able to accomodate you in a busy airport.
- Boost your immunity -- I will always recommend a product called Airborne. Created by a teacher tired of catching every little virus from school kids, it's a fizzy tablet you put in a little water and drink. I've had nothing but success with it. My husband doesn't care for the taste of it, but there is orange, lemon-lime and grapefruit flavors available. If you really don't like it, try putting it in some juice. Most drug stores and pharmacies carry Airborne.
By Car:
- Don't drive straight through -- stop every two-to-three hours and get out, walk around for fifteen minutes. The circulation in your legs may not feel compromised, but when you drive for over four hours without a break, swelling in your ankles and knees can make you sitff beyond belief.
- Have water to drink -- air conditioning or 2-70 a/c (aka, the windows down) isn't just air. There are particles from the other vehicles' exhaust, dust, and the usual things from local flora that can help dry you out.
- Have snacks handy -- don't let your blood sugar dip too low. Something with a combination of carbs and protein is recommended. Crackers and peanut butter is perfect. The carbs give your blood sugar an immediate boost, while the protein will help it stay with you. This keeps you awake and mentally alert on the road.
- Got stereo? -- one way to beat highway hypnosis is having a large stock of music you love to sing to, or at least can't fall asleep to. If you prefer an audio book, go for it. Long drives are great to hear a good story. Another way to spend the hours on the road is mentally going over the details of your story, your pitch, preparing for your appointments, or that possible elevator meeting.
- Have your car serviced before you drive away -- Tell the mechanic how long a drive you're taking and you want everything looked at. A friend of mine's car blew up on her part way from L.A. to Reno last year. She needed neither the expense nor the scary hassle on the road.
- Know the type of trip you're taking -- Driving in the desert during the day is never recommended. However, if you must, plan some downtime in the middle of the day to give your car's cooling system a break. Mountain driving requires a lot of gear shifting, so be sure the transmission is in good condition. If you have to, buy new tires. Road hazards are a cliché. Bring extra water, anti-freeze, a tire repair or stop leak cannister, jumper cables, and several quarts of oil. You never know when you'll need any of it.
- Cel phone -- If you don't have a service such as OnStar, or a cellular phone, consider getting a pay-as-you-go phone, just for the trip. I know it won't help in the complete middle-of-nowhere break downs, but it is handy to have just in case. They cost about $100, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Well, you've arrived. My next article will be about how to survive a busy and overwhelming conference.
Don't Stop Writing,
Sandra
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