Uplevel Your Business… and Your Whole Life
When you travel, much of your time is spent reacting.
Regular business travelers know this all too well.
“Annoying Thing A” happens.
“Business Traveler B” decides what to do.
Some days are a constant impetus/response pattern. Some of us get good at it. Some of us pride ourselves on our inner peace in spite of Annoying Things A, B and C.
But here’s the kicker:
Even if we learn how to react well, we’re still reacting!
That’s why your choice of how to use your non-reactive time is a key to unwavering happiness when you travel.
It’s about getting pro-active.
So, here are 10 tips for ANY traveler seeking unwavering happiness…
Tip #1 – Simple Self-Care.
No, I won’t tell you to go to a spa in your spare time.
However, I will tell you to…
…sleep when you’re tired.
…pull off at the next exit when you have to pee instead of making yourself hold it.
…allow extra time to get places.
Travel takes energy. When people don’t practice self-care in healthy ways, they reach for it in unhealthy ways. They eat hub-cap-sized plates of pasta and grease, claiming they “deserve it.” They drink alcohol. They watch TV to numb out.
This isn’t self-care. This is self-medicating.
One is pro-active. The other is reactive.
Tip #2 – Discover Audiobooks.
Many years ago, I decided to turn my vehicle into a “school.” I started listening to books on business, coaching, and spirituality. Not only am I always learning, but it makes a huge difference in how I show up to my destination.
Tip #3 – Use Intention
Before any new segment of travel, set an intention for your travel. You’ll be surprised how your intention determines your outcomes.
Tip #4 – Make Mantra.
Create a simple affirmation. Say it often. Say it when you’re waiting in line. Say it when the plane gets delayed. Use it to center yourself. Challenge yourself to say it a thousand times in one day.
Tip #5 – Board the Plane Last.
When the gate agent calls the zones, let everyone else trip over each other so they can then stand in the hot jet way punching their cell phones.
Give inner peace a chance. Wait until the final boarding call to board.
Tip #6 – Work out.
Nothing uplevels your mood like a great heart-thumpin’ work-out! Wake up a little earlier, or find the hotel gym after you check into your room.
Tip #7 – Get Help.
I used to lug around my suitcases, and my computer bag. I rented the cheapest cars and dragged my butt all over the place to save a few extra bucks per day. I prided myself on my thrifty stamina.
Now, I pride myself on hiring a car service to pick me up at baggage claim. I’m not into struggle anymore.
Get massive support when you travel. The extra $50 you might spend costs less than a visit to the chiropractor when you get home!
Tip #8 – Wash off your travel
If I have the opportunity, I always take a shower after I fly. I call it “washing off the travel.” If nothing else, shower before you climb into bed. Try not to sleep with your travel still on you.
Tip #9 – Forgive unexpected expenses
You rush to the airport in your rental car after the conference. There’s no time to fill the tank. You end up paying $45 for a teaspoon of gas at the Hertz desk. Argh!
Travel expenses like this can make you crazy. You can spend the day beating yourself up or criticizing the world for its unfair policies.
Don’t waste your precious creative energy!
Travel is filled with lots of unexpected expenses. Your money will get spent because of A) stupid things you did, B) unforeseen situations, or C) the fine print.
Do yourself a big favor. Breathe and let it go because A) you’re traveling, B) you’re wealthy, and C) you’re worth it.
Tip #10 – Think Ritual
A business trip is not the time to start a new diet or yoga practice.
You can, however, keep small daily rituals. Write in your gratitude journal, even if you feel tired. Wake up 15 minutes early and remind yourself of your intentions for the day. Personal rituals put you in charge of your day.
Got a favorite travel tip? Share it below please! We UPLEVELERS love each other’s wisdom!
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tip #11 ^^ I always take some time to snap a few photos of the beauty on the way to wherever I’m going.
I do that too, Inge! I have some amazing photos of some of the coolest houses off the beaten path that you’d never find in any travel brochures!
Board the plane last is a GREAT one! I don’t know why everyone jumps up and is in such a rush to stand around waiting and pushing and shoving. I relax in a seat with my book until I can get up and walk right on – and if there’s no room for my carry on its even better, because the flight attendants take it and I don’t have to worry about lifting it into a compartment! Also, why does everyone jump up as soon as the Fasten Seatbelt sign turns off after landing? Then you’re standing around, AND trying to duck under the overheads. Relax!
“why does everyone jump up as soon as the Fasten Seatbelt sign turns off after landing? Then you’re standing around, AND trying to duck under the overheads. Relax!”
LOL
I’m also astonished about that. The boarding door isn’t even open.
I disagree with boarding last though. I like to board first, slide into my window seat, close my eyes and go night-night
You tell ’em, Devon!!!
Thanks for the tips.
Travel tips to share:
essential oil…I put some peace and calming on, sometimes rescue remedy
take some favorite tea bags for soothing liquid and relaxation.
cut out some articles in a magazine to read, the leave it or pass it on to others..don’t have to carry the whole magazine.
happy travels.
aloha
kia
Kia – Wow — you must be totally blissed out when you travel! Love these.
Great tips Christine, thanks for sharing. I might add take a pashmina scarf along. Versatile stylish item to have in the car or in the air for comfort.
Ciao~
Gail
Ooooo. Can’t believe I forgot to put that one on here Gail. Great tip for everyone! The last plane I was on was freezing!
Awesome Christine… I’m on the road now and flying home Friday so I will now be boarding last, and relaxing until the off-loading is actually happening! Brilliant.
My 3 tips…
1. Do all your ironing or pressing immediately you hit the hotel room – the event/conference is so much more relaxed when that is all done for the entire stay… or upgrade to a room package which includes laundry of 2 items per day… (I’m worth it!)
2. For the frequent traveler… my suitcase stays semi-packed with regular items etc… I only need to add a few clothing items and I am on my way.
3. Have a NOW centering ritual on the plane – I say to myself ‘How good is this – 3 hours of time all to myself to think, plan, ponder and groom myself for success… no e-mails – no phone… I am totally in the now and present and loving this’. Flying is no longer a chore.
All the best
Ian
Thanks Ian. Knowing how much you travel, I’ll bet you could do an entire workshop on this stuff!
Such great tips, especially the Forgive Unexpected Expenses. I’ve actually left my packed suitcase on the bed at home and was 2 hours into the drive before I realized it. Sometimes ya just gotta roll with it!
Thanks Paula — Yup. I’ve paid many fedex charges for stupid things I left behind!
I would add: Use smaller airports for connections.
I travel every week to work. While my colleagues choose to go through major airline hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami) and commute to the larger airport. I chose the smaller hub (Memphis) and I fly into the smaller airport. Less bustle, more on time flights, friendlier more intimate service.
I think of travel as a system, rather than a chain of reactions. If this happens, then I do this. It’s on auto-pilot for me. I created the system consciously. It helps me to use my focus for more soul serving activities.
Yes, the less busy connections are great, particularly if I’m feeling more contemplative that day. I like the Memphis airport, too!
I always try to remember to take some Airborne and vitamins. Coming in contact with so many people means nasty viruses somewhere along the line. They may not prevent a cold, but they can certainly lessen the impact. Personally I take Echinacea and Goldenseal which work great for me. Recently I took a big trip that was exhausting where I did not follow my own advice and ended up with the worst cold I have had in 12 years. That will not happen on my next trip.
The teaspoon of gas for $45 happened recently and I can’t deny I was pissed! But then I remembered that it saved me time, energy and after a while I let it go. The shower things is really important to me- I usually shower as soon as I get to the hotel or back home. Great tips- thanks!!
Great tips! I too have always taken a shower which washes off the travel and “stray energies” I’ve picked up along the way!
Great tips Christine! Especially like the “shower off your travel”! So many of your tips involve a bigger and better way of thinking about self and money-love that!
Great tips…I’ll add that I use no make-up while flying and apply face cream often in those moisture sucking, dehydrating airplanes.
On my last trip to Asheville, I downloaded some of your trainings so that I didn’t have to access the internet to listen to. I just pushed “play”. It really helped set my on ramp!
I was going to lug my massage table to Florida until I found out it costs $200 each way! I just discovered that I can rent a professional, luxury table from a reputable place that will deliver for $65 a week (+ $49 to deliver). Yeah! No lugging…;-)
Tomorrow we leave for a 3 day family wedding. Monday I leave for a 4 day cross country business trip. Thanks Christine. Your timing is impeccable as always!!! Really appreciating you. Love other suggestions above too!! Doesn’t have to be so hellish, does it?
My travel trick was developed while traveling with children – but it is excellent self-care too… ALWAYS pack snacks – preferably fresh veggie sticks and/or high protein stuff (like nuts).
Great tips Christine, After booking both road tours and flying tours for my artists when I was an agent, I saw tons of travel craziness. One of my artists toured in a vehicle that allowed them to carry their own Nordic Trac which they carrtel each day. Kept them healthy!
I’m a foodie and always make sure I have prepared good, healthy meals to take along whether flying or driving so I don’t have to eat fast food along the way. One of my road recipes is to use rice wrappers to roll either egg salad or scrabled eggs or chicken salad and store in my fridge overnight before traveling. They are easy to hold in your hand and are not sloppy like a sandwich since everything is wrapped up tight in the rice wrapper. It’s also fun to eat.
So Christine, if you’re driving on this totally Do-able Tour and want to stop at Lake Monticello for some kayaking and gourmet dinner, you can meet my new dog, Ripley as Sandy has been gone for some time time now. Lake Monticello is 25 minutes outside of Charlottesville towards Richond and on the way to DC or from DC to Charlotte. Excellent routing! Let me know dates if your up for it.
Thanks for the offer Jeri! We’re flying right into BWI and back out again. But NEXT TIME!
Awesome tips! Because I’m gluten-free, I also pack food with me when I travel. It can be as simple as raisins and nuts, but it’s a huge help during flights where there are no gluten-free options available.
Janelle – yes, the gluten free thing can be challenging ESPECIALLY in airports! avocados make for good travel food (provided they’re not too ripe!)
When traveling I always look for a few hours (and maybe even a whole day) to do something local. Something great in the area where I am traveling that I could not do at home. A few of my faves have been the troll in Seattle (really short time), yoga in San Diego, running the lakes in Minneapolis, and whiskey tasting E Town Kentucky.
Christy – well, you sound like you’d be quite the fun travel companion!
Love these tips! Personally, I never get on a plane without a big bottle of water (which I’ve paid dearly for at O’Hare when I forget to bring my own empty), a fully charged iPod loaded with my favorite music and podcasts, a snack and a pashmina. Sometimes an eyeshade depending on the time of travel. And I happily share my mantra for flight delays: “I can’t change the weather, and they won’t let me fly the plane, so I might as well read.” I also get tons of writing done on planes.
And so much of this article could be applied to life in general. What can really help us get ahead is self-care. I should know.
Very true, Imogen!