How can we plan for less stress on our upcoming business trips?
If you’re a business leader who travels a lot just like me, then you’ll know just how stressful it can sometimes feel. Something as simple as being away from your normal business location can wear you out and make you even more tired than normal.
I do an awful lot of traveling around the world to see many of my clients. But also to attend speaking events and for my own self-development too. I’m a firm believer you have to invest in yourself if you want to teach others what you know.
TRAVEL ROUTINES
Well, of course, there has been a lot less traveling these two last years – and a lot more zoom meetings.
That has made me a little lazy and I realized the other day I need to get into my travel packing routines again. So I wrote a list for myself that I want to share with you.
A TRAVELING CORNER AT HOME
At home, I have my “traveling corner” where I store things for traveling.
I have written a general packing list that I follow – and decide for each trip what of the things I need.
The list
1. Passport
Check the dates and make sure they’re valid, it may take some time to get a new one.
2. Driver’s license
In case there comes a need to rent a car
3. Ticket
Don’t forget to look at all the details – going to the USA for example, you have to register your first night of stay.
4. Credit Cards
Which ones do you need to bring? Are they open to business in that part of the world?
5. Real Money
It is always good to have some real money and not totally rely on the cards.
6. Medications
Make sure they are safe and packed right.
7. Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, napkins, etc.
8. Small travel towel
You’ll always find it useful.
9. Nightgown
Just in case you use one.
10. Underwear
How many do you need, throw in some extras to be sure.
11. Socks and stockings
How many do you need, how thick or thin? What will help you with the temperature in the location you’re going to?
12. Clothes
Research what clothes are okay and not okay in the area you’re going to and check the expected temperature so you can be prepared.
13. Shoes
This one’s pretty much self-explanatory, but let me just remind you not to overpack and bring all your favorite shoes.
14. Work Material
Double, and even triple-check. Make sure you have everything you will need to use while you’re there. If you’re preparing for presentations, always have a backup as well.
15. Snacks for traveling
It is always good to have a small snack of nuts and dried berries in case of emergency…
16. Electric charger sockets
We know how they’re always built differently, so get ready with this one unless you want to not be able to charge.
17. Your suitcase
What kind of suitcases and bags do you need? How much can it weigh? How many hand-carry bags are allowed, and what are the things allowed to be put in the hand-carry vs. the things needed to be in the suitcase? Etc., etc.
Additionally, mark it with a name. It’s always good to have a nametag somewhere in case it gets lost.
This list has saved me a lot of time and worry. 🙂 I hope it helps you organize and prepare better too!
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Have a corner at your home where you put the things you rarely use or don’t use daily, but you know you’ll need them when you travel.
This way, it’s easier to search for things when the need arises, so you only have to sweep one corner and not the whole house when you’re soon again going to travel.
- Besides getting the right things along with you, you can also pack in a way that will benefit you on the road. Clean clothes in one end of the suitcase – plastic bag to put the laundry in – and have that in the other end.
- If you want to make it superclear, you can write a list of what you brought along and then tick it off as you use them. Some of this probably seems like overkill for many of you – but I have seen it all and know the good this can do.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT
Over the years, I have met many colleagues and clients who don’t have a ritual around their traveling and they constantly miss something.
Worst case scenario they need to buy whatever. Why let those things happen if you can prevent them by sticking to a ritual, or planning?
GET HELP IF YOU NEED
If it feels hard to decide what you want to do on your own – get a mentor. Reach out if you need help. It is always important and there will always be things that you can support.
Check HERE to see if you feel like we’re a good fit.
Want to read more like this? CLICK HERE.
If you want to start your process for less stress in your life get my free e-book and start working.
To your success and keep smiling,
