TraveLuxe

Tired of Traveling?

Wait, what?? This is a travel blog, written for a travel planning company, by someone who feels more at home in hotels than in people’s homes!

I’ve been traveling for work like crazy this summer. Unfortunately, it’s not been to exotic far off lands to check out luxury hotels for my clients. Mostly, I’ve been traveling domestically to conferences and events. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved the speaking engagements, conferences, networking opportunities, and business inspiration – truly. I wouldn’t trade any of it. But the other day I found myself uttering a phrase that I never, ever thought I’d hear come out of my mouth…. “I can’t wait to just have some time home from traveling.”

The thing is, business travel isn’t like vacation travel. Yes, I get to stay in some awesome hotels, learn a lot, make new contacts, and I know people a lot of people are envious of my travels. Still, it’s hard work. It’s up at 5:30 or 6 AM, nonstop events and meetings right through the networking reception at night, go to bed at 11:30 or midnight, get up, and start all over.

I think that even for the ecstatic traveler, balance is important to keep from wearing out. I’ve learned a few tips for this travel that’s helped me immensely.

1. Take the plane ride as down time. Sleep, read, listen to music, meditate, journal, watch a movie, chat with your travel companion if you both want. But give yourself a rest. I think wifi on flights is cool in theory. But to be honest, it’s traditionally been the only time we are ever able to truly take a break and be unreachable, and soon (if not already) people are going to expect us to be answering emails in flight. Resist it. If it’s a 21 hour flight to Australia, then maybe. But on an hour an a half flight to Chicago, give yourself a break! It may be the only time you get one.

2. I meditate at night after the day’s meetings and events. It centers me, helps to remove my brain from all of the information absorbed, and actually allows me to process things better. If meditation isn’t for you (though I do urge you to give it a go, even for five minutes), find something else that relaxes you and takes your mind off of things.

3. If not ungodly expensive, upgrade your room. I am sure company managers and finance departments are cringing right now. But honestly, if it’s a matter of $20 per night for a three night stay, and you get a larger room where you don’t feel cluttered, with a soaker tub where you can relax at the end of the day, I think that $60 is worth the ability to function better during the day and be more efficient.

4. Pace yourself. I know it’s tempting, but you do not need to stay out until 3 AM “networking” over drinks every single night. I agree it’s important to be out and about, because they say that most business is conducted after the work day, but there’s a difference between being antisocial and completely wearing yourself out every night. In the long run, you’re better off taking an earlier evening one night and getting your strength back.

5. When you get home, enjoy some down time. I’ve had to be a little more low key in between trips this summer. It’s not that I’m ignoring my friends and family, but I’m more up for a happy hour or dinner out, then a long night of partying (not that I do that all that often anyways). If you’re traveling constantly, it’s important to recharge your batteries when home.

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