I recently had the honor of receiving second place for my article, "Reeve Union Gets Connected," in the 2010 Outstanding Articles for College Services magazine contest. If that wasn't enough, shortly after learning about the award, my boss informed me that she was sending me to Colorado Springs, CO to accept the award at the 42nd-annual conference of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services!
As excited as I was to travel to such a beautiful area of the country and accept an award, I was a little nervous when I saw my travel itinerary. I was scheduled to fly out of the Milwaukee airport on the morning of Sunday, November 7 and fly back into Milwaukee by 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 8. You do the math - that's less than 20 hours of being in Colorado. I had to plan ahead, be prepared and pack light. I rarely have to travel for my job but when I do, I need to be on top of my game because there is just no room for errors when you are traveling on a tight turnaround and you're on your own.
My first impression of Colorado was memorable - to say the least. The unseasonably warm weather coupled with the luxurious hotel accommodations made my short, business trip refreshing and relaxing. Although trips like this can be fun, you are traveling for business and there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Pack light and smart.
When you are traveling for just a few days at a time, it's best to pack light so you can move quickly if you need to and save the extra money so you don't have to check your luggage. If you choose not to check your bags, make sure you follow the 311 rule for carry ons. I made sure to pack wardrobe staples like dark-wash jeans, solid colored shirts and cardigans for layering in varying temperatures, my LBD (little black dress) and two pair of shoes that are both comfortable and professional for different occasions and events.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I know it sounds silly but when traveling by plane, all that recycled air takes a toll on your skin, hair, eyes, sinuses, etc. Be sure to drink a ton of water and pack facial moisturizer as well as body lotion and some sort of eye lubricant like Visine in your purse or carry on. This will make it easy for you to stop in a restroom and freshen up on your way to the baggage claim.
Don't forget your business cards.
You always want to have your business cards on hand but when traveling for work, make sure you have them stored in an easy-to-reach location so you don't look unorganized when you're meeting someone for the first time.
Do your research.
Regardless if you book your own flight or the office manager does, you need to know what the layout of the airport looks like, what the address of your hotel is and how you're going to get from point A to point B when your plane has landed. Understanding all of these things upfront makes you more observant when traveling alone and a much more informed person. Take a few minutes before you leave and figure these things out.
Carry rations.
You never know how your schedule will change or when you'll be able to eat your next meal. I prepared for this by making sure to pack ZonePerfect bars, almonds, fruit and water. Be aware of what you can take through security and plan ahead for what you should purchase after you pass through it.
Have you recently traveled for work? What worked well for you as you prepared for your trip? Leave a comment and let me know!
As excited as I was to travel to such a beautiful area of the country and accept an award, I was a little nervous when I saw my travel itinerary. I was scheduled to fly out of the Milwaukee airport on the morning of Sunday, November 7 and fly back into Milwaukee by 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 8. You do the math - that's less than 20 hours of being in Colorado. I had to plan ahead, be prepared and pack light. I rarely have to travel for my job but when I do, I need to be on top of my game because there is just no room for errors when you are traveling on a tight turnaround and you're on your own.
My first impression of Colorado was memorable - to say the least. The unseasonably warm weather coupled with the luxurious hotel accommodations made my short, business trip refreshing and relaxing. Although trips like this can be fun, you are traveling for business and there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Pack light and smart.
When you are traveling for just a few days at a time, it's best to pack light so you can move quickly if you need to and save the extra money so you don't have to check your luggage. If you choose not to check your bags, make sure you follow the 311 rule for carry ons. I made sure to pack wardrobe staples like dark-wash jeans, solid colored shirts and cardigans for layering in varying temperatures, my LBD (little black dress) and two pair of shoes that are both comfortable and professional for different occasions and events.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I know it sounds silly but when traveling by plane, all that recycled air takes a toll on your skin, hair, eyes, sinuses, etc. Be sure to drink a ton of water and pack facial moisturizer as well as body lotion and some sort of eye lubricant like Visine in your purse or carry on. This will make it easy for you to stop in a restroom and freshen up on your way to the baggage claim.
Don't forget your business cards.
You always want to have your business cards on hand but when traveling for work, make sure you have them stored in an easy-to-reach location so you don't look unorganized when you're meeting someone for the first time.
Do your research.
Regardless if you book your own flight or the office manager does, you need to know what the layout of the airport looks like, what the address of your hotel is and how you're going to get from point A to point B when your plane has landed. Understanding all of these things upfront makes you more observant when traveling alone and a much more informed person. Take a few minutes before you leave and figure these things out.
Carry rations.
You never know how your schedule will change or when you'll be able to eat your next meal. I prepared for this by making sure to pack ZonePerfect bars, almonds, fruit and water. Be aware of what you can take through security and plan ahead for what you should purchase after you pass through it.
Have you recently traveled for work? What worked well for you as you prepared for your trip? Leave a comment and let me know!
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