I love to travel. I’m lucky to have a family that it enjoys it as much as I do….but what they love most falls in to the ‘vacation’ category. You know, the rest, relax, rejuvenate kind of time away from home.
But I love ALL travel – the real travel I do on a regular basis – most often for work. I’ve always traveled for work (typically once or twice a month), but there have been spurts that I’m away from home even more than that. The past few months fall in to that category. I’ve been in Kansas City, Boston, Orlando (twice), Key West, and New York – also twice. It IS a lot, but I enjoy it. Mainly because I have learned what makes this kind of real travel easy and enjoyable.
Make the Most of Your Real Travel
Look up: I know it sounds simple, but that’s because it is. When was the last time you put your phone (or any device) down long enough to appreciate the city around you? Take the time to breathe in your new surroundings, check out the sights, appreciate the people and what makes them unique.
Be Kind – it sounds simple. And sometimes you are feeling anything BUT kind when you are facing disruption in your travel – whether it is a delayed flight, a flat tire or long lines and crowds. However, I can promise you, your kindness, your smile, and your patience will be refreshing to the people who are trying to serve you. And you just might find yourself getting everything you need and want – simply because THEY will want to prioritize the people who see them.
What would you add to the list? I’d love your thoughts as well.
And if you are traveling in the next few weeks – for business or for family, be safe and have fun.
Thanks for the reminder to take advantage of all the perks when we are traveling. Sometimes we’re in such a rush to get the work done that we bypass the chance to relax.
These are such great tips! The best thing you can do when you travel is to be kind. You should be kind all the time, but if you need a reason to, being kind while traveling makes people WANT to do more for you.
Business travel is ALL about the perks. Hampton Inn are one of my fave places to stay when traveling. The amenities are great. The staff is personable and the breakfast is sooooo… good. I earn points while traveling for business and use them when I travel for leisure or that occasional weekend getaway.
YES! You have travel down to an art form as well. I love it.
I try to take advantage of the perks when I travel, especially the fitness center. If the hotel/resort has a bathrobe, I’m putting it on! I love to be taken care of when I travel. The Hiltons I’ve stayed in really took care of me too.
This is a great list, I love looking at perks of places I visit and stay at before I start on my travel adventures. I’ve finally mastered packing for trips and business trips thankfully.
You are better than me 🙂 I am not sure I will ever feel as though I have fully mastered packing – I’m a chronic last minute over packer 🙂
I like to call ahead to ensure certain things, like a loaner laptop if I already have other heavy equipment I am traveling with and don’t want to lug the laptop along too. This way I can work from my room in my PJ’s and not have to go downstairs to the business center to get a few quick emails done or draft a blog post.
That is a great idea! I don’t think I even knew that was an option. Thank you for sharing.
It really is important that we make use of any perks offered when traveling. Traveling for work can be really hard to begin with, so anything that makes it easier is welcomed.
I so agree with you – ANYTHING that makes travel easier is a ‘win’ in my world.
Looks like there sure are a lot of great perks. Unfortunately I don’t travel very often, or I’d love to get these perks too. I sure wish I could travel more.
As strange as it sounds, I always bring a throw blanket and small pillow from home. It fits into carry-on and it helps keep me calm and connected.
It’s funny that you say that – I’ve started bring a throw blanket with me as well…makes me happy.
This looks like a lovely hotel to stay at. My husband loves staying at Hilton properties when he books travel through his job too.
It was lovely…we have long enjoyed staying at Hilton properties and the Hamptons are so convenient.
I liked the part about making the most out of your travel. Good to put our phones down and take it all in sometimes!
I definitely need to practice what I preach 🙂 Sometimes we forget to put them down….
We’re not going to be traveling for quite a few months, but we always over pack. We typically make sure to bring an outfit for good weather and an outfit for crappy weather….
But looking up is so important.
You are even more prepared than I am 🙂 However…I DO always over pack.
I can understand wanting to take a piece of yourself with you when you travel so you feel as comfortable as possible. I do agree how important that can be when you are away.
As I’ve traveled since my kiddos were tiny – it is as good for them as it is for me 🙂
I think I stayed in the Hampton by Hilton hotel when I was in St-Louis a few years ago. I LOVE their complimentary breakfast and the fact that you could do laundry! Felt like being home.