A lot has been written about the best apps for travel, how to maximize your travel packing, and how to stay fit while traveling. However, below I share a few uncommon travel tips that have saved me time and my sanity while on the road, and I know it can do the same for you.
1. Double up on device chargers.
Unplugging and packing your nightstand device chargers is cumbersome (especially if the cords are strategically hidden). Purchase extra chargers* for your travel electronics--phone, wearable, laptop, etc.--to ensure you don't ever forget them and to save you time on disconnecting and reconnecting for every trip.
2. Invest in a travel power strip.
Having a compact power strip* turns one outlet into four, saving you time and the hassle of moving hotel furniture around to find extra outlets.*
3. Pre-pack a toiletry kit.
Packing and repacking a toiletry kit is a big time waster. Purchase all the necessary travel toiletries--toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.--ahead of time and pack them into a toiletry kit that is to be used for travel only. Then simply replace or replenish the items as needed.
4. Predetermine a travel uniform.
For the frequent traveler, picking travel attire can be time-consuming and tiresome. Predetermine the attire you'll wear during travel--strike the right balance between functionality and professionalism. For example, I wear the same shoes, jeans, and cycle through the same 4-5 dress shirts that are exclusively for travel days. A sweater and/or jacket is added to the uniform depending on the destination's climate.
5. Hydrate in the hotel gym.
Staying hydrated while traveling is critical. However, finding bottled water at a hotel can be inconvenient and costly--$6 for a pre-stocked bottle in your room. Bring a water bottle or reuse a bottle that you bought during your travels and head to the hotel gym where there is typically a water cooler.
6. Replace ironing with a hot shower.
Hang any clothes that got wrinkled during the trip in the bathroom. Start the shower, put the water on hot, and ensure the bathroom door is closed. Once the bathroom is full of steam, it will take about 15 minutes to get rid of the wrinkles. In order to not waste water, use this method while you're actually taking a shower.
7. Download a white noise app.
Hotel neighbors being noisy or hotel too close to the highway? Use a "white noise" app (such as the SleepFan) to drown out the excess noise so you can get a full night's rest.
8. Carry a car mount smartphone holder.
If you're renting a car on your travels, be sure to have a small air vent car mount smartphone holder* with you to make following road directions a breeze and your travels much safer.
*Keep these items packed in your carry-on at all times.
Question: What are your travel best practices?
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This article was originally posted on Ryan's Inc.com column, Next Generation Insights.
