How to Keep Calm and Jet-Set-Go?

I travel a lot, even by my standards. I’ve grown into accepting it & on some days even loving it. Of course, there are significant benefits of business travel including running to some C-Level execs, Bollywood Actors, Cricket Legends or just getting some much needed Me Time. Ask any frequent business traveler and they will tell you it’s hard, physically exhausting and mentally draining.

While I write this from some 1000s of feet up in the air trying to keep up with the deadline for my article, all I can think of is if my co-passenger will be kind enough not to drive his elbows into my laptop, as he jostles between his snack, coffee while fidgeting on his monstrous hand held phone.

So here are my top tips to Keep Calm and Jet-Set-Go

1. Stay Safe & Secure

Make your security you top most priority no matter what. Some easy to follow tips in an infographic that I hope will be a useful addition to your checklist before you start planning your travel

2. Dress for Comfort and Protection

• Women tend to always feel colder –you must have a scarf/shawl always.
• Always have a pair of flats to switch to walk fast along travellators and maybe even run
• Eye mask and ear plugs – good quality ones, one time investment but worth it

 3. Electronics For Your trip

• Before the flight: Ensure your laptop, e-book reader, tablet, phone, music player are charged and pre-loaded
• During the flight: I always carry a battery pack with me and a charging cable that allows me to charge various devices at one go
• I don’t mix my travel and non-travel electronic accessories and this means I have multiples of everything but that saves me from forgetting to pack them in while traveling

 4. Travel Smart:

• Right handed people should book F on the right of the aircraft for more space
• Flying in non-peak hours, choose the last few rows of the aircraft, chances of a vacant middle seat significantly higher
• Are you someone with an expensive handbag and want to keep it spot/dirt free, put it inside a cloth laundry bag in hand carry
• Small but handy carrier (I have a tote) for phone/battery case/book/ear plugs/hand sanitizer that can fit in seat pocket
• Pre order/pay for meals if you eat during the flight, cash management in the air is unnecessary, also you're assured a meal to your liking
• Choose a meal during web check-in especially if you have diet restrictions, more effective than calling airline customer service.
• Want to reach home on time for dinner, take 5-530pm flights, flights 6pm onwards are almost always late : incoming aircrafts/VIP movement/air traffic congestion

 5. Make the Most of Your Time Away

• Never eat alone: Cardinal sin for networkers - Make it a priority. You will be amazed at how different perspectives can enrich yours and you learn by observation and listening to diverse viewpoints
• Visit new places: If you can and want to spend the weekend in a new place, by all means extend the trip and enjoy what the place has to offer
• PreciousMe Time: How about pampering yourself in some much needed and appreciated Me time? Get a massage, spa treatment or read a book with some nice music and put your feet up and relax. Just relax. How many times do you get to do just that: RELAX?  

What do you do when you travel for business? What helps keep you calm and enjoy the travel? I would love to hear from you -Post any feedback or question you have in the comment box below, or tweet to me @jasuja on Twitter.

About the author: Monica Jasuja is a Payments Ninja specializing in Digital Payments Initiatives to further India’s progress as a less cash dependent economy. She is a Product Strategist with work experience in 4 geographies globally and brings knowledge and firsthand experience of designing, developing products with the wow factor. This article expresses her personal views, and not those of any of her employers—past, present or future. Monica is available on Twitter: @jasuja