4.9.18

TRAVEL SURVIVAL GUIDE



Hi friends! Dropping in with a different kind of post today- one that is centered around traveling (particularly, business travel). I'm working in Colorado until Thursday, and today I figured out that from June-September, I’ll have traveled a total of 67 days 😯 (it doesn't seem that its been that many, but my suitcase handle says otherwise). I wanted to share few tips on what to bring and what to download prior to traveling that are super simple (and small) but will make the travel grind a lot easier, more comfortable, and maximize your rewards points.


WHAT TO DOWNLOAD/DO BEFORE TRAVELING:


1.       DOWNLOAD AIRLINE APP
If you haven’t ever downloaded an airline app (or haven’t recently), they are a HUGE help and have come a long way in what they offer. In the most basic terms, they will allow you to check into your flight, add the boarding pass to your Apple Wallet, change your seat assignment if needed, and track the status of your flight. Once you log in once, the app will remember your frequent flyer number, have all of your reservations available, and allow you to do these basic tasks much faster than logging into the website (or checking in at the airport).

One of my favorite features of the airline app is the ability to track luggage. Have you ever had a layover and wondered if your checked bag even made it on the plane with you? Airline apps now automatically add the bag tracking number to your app as soon as they scan it, and it will tell you where your bag is at all times. Hallelujah for more information and less time spent worrying!

Another main reason to have the airline app downloaded is to have access to the free in-flight entertainment. Every airline is slightly different, but most now allow you to access movies, TV shows, and music free through the app if the plane doesn’t have a built in TV in front of each chair. It can be difficult to have enough service/speed to download the app while waiting for take off, so do this in advance so you are set up and ready to go if you find yourself on an old plane without entertainment. 

Most importantly, try to stick to one airline if you can for travel, and create the free frequent flyer number. You will earn miles for free flights and gain status by doing so (and can access this information through the app). Even if you don’t fly much, still do your best to stick to the same airline to build up those miles! Eventually, it'll be a free flight.


2.       DOWNLOAD HOTEL APP
Like the airline apps, hotel apps (I use Marriott) allow you to check into the hotel through your device. Log in once, and the app will remember your rewards number and pull up all upcoming reservations. It’ll also allow you to see your past stays and confirm you received points for past stays. This is a super easy way to double check this and reach out to the hotel if anything is missing. 

The Marriott app in particular also allows you to make additional requests on the app, such as getting extra towels, changing housekeeping preferences, or requesting other amenities and alerts the front desk. For instance, this week when I checked in, I forgot to tell them I’d like to opt out of housekeeping to earn extra points (500 extra per night). I was able to jump into the app and make this request in 10 seconds without having to go back down.
3.       GET CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE CREDIT CARD
If you are a frequent traveler (for personal travel), this is the best credit card I’ve found so far. The main benefits of this card are $300 free travel voucher each year, free TSA precheck/global entry (which is lifechanging and allows you to breeze through security + customs), access to all priority pass airport lounges worldwide (think free wifi, free food, free drinks, and a comfortable place to wait for your flight to take off), travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, 3X points on travel and dining, 50% more value in travel rewards (meaning if you redeem your points for something travel related, you get 50% more points), and more. The annual fee for the card is $450, but when you factor in the free travel voucher and free TSA precheck, you net out for a $70 annual fee. If you take advantage of the points back, free food/drink/wifi at airport lounges, and free travel insurance, it is definitely worth the $70.   


4.       DOWNLOAD A FOOD/FITNESS APP
When traveling, it is very hard to stick to our normal eating habits and fitness routines. I also find that I spend a lot more time sitting, between long flights and driving to and from the airport. Downloading a fitness app, such as My Fitness Pal, allows you to track your calories and workouts and increase overall awareness of how much/what you are eating and drinking. Tracking steps on a Fitbit or even just the default Health app on the iPhone will also keep your own health at the top of mind and motivate you to stay moving. 


WHAT TO BRING: 

 
1.       PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER
In your personal item you bring on the plane, include a charged portable phone charger. Between using your phone to make phone calls in the airport, send work emails, as a boarding pass, for in-flight entertainment, for hotel check in, and for uber, it will probably need some extra juice. Many airplanes now have a place to charge your phone in your seat, but I like to have the backup charger just in case I end up on an old plane.
  
2.       REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Flying is extremely dehydrating to the body, so I try to drink as much water as possible while traveling. Buying water bottles at the airport can be expensive, so I bring my own and fill it up at a water bottle filling station, which are now at most airports. It also comes in handy to use in the hotel room instead of the tiny glass cups and while in the office.


This water bottle below can collapse once it is emptied, freeing up more space in your bag:  https://www.quebottle.com/
3.       CARD PHONE CASE 
I’ve found that having a phone case on the back of my phone that can hold two to three cards makes for a much easier time getting through security and the airport. Rather than fumbling through your bag and wallet to find your ID to get through security or to buy a meal in the airport, your most frequently used cards while traveling are in the back of your phone. You most likely have your phone in an easy-to-reach place anyway, so tag on your cards to it for less to keep up with.
4.       GINGER TURMERIC TEA
I always bring a few bags of ginger turmeric tea for the plane. Turmeric boosts the immune system and is a natural anti-inflammatory, and ginger settles the stomach. The combination of these two ingredients is helpful for swelling that occurs when flying and any motion sickness or nausea. This blend of tea is also caffeine free, so it also helps with hydration.


5.       ESSENTIAL OILS
I’m a huge fan of essential oils, and typically bring 3 with me when traveling. The first is a lavender room spray, which is 35 drops of lavender in 3oz spray bottle plus water. It can be hard to sleep in hotel rooms, so this makes the hotel feel like my room at home where I have a diffuser without having to pack the whole thing. The second is the Doterra's Deep Blue oil, which is a natural muscle relaxer. After flying, it does wonders for my neck and shoulders. The third I bring is Doterra’s Melaluca (Tea Tree Oil), which has antibacterial and antiviral properties. I use this as a “first aid” oil for cuts, dry skin, blemishes, etc.


I buy mine through my wholesale membership account: https://www.doterra.com/US/en
Happy traveling, and hope this helps!

LB

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