On The Road Again

November 05, 2013

As a financial educator, I travel quite a bit in order to provide onsite workplace financial education on a variety of topics. In fact, some months I am on the road more than I am at home. I’ve been to almost every state, even including Hawaii!

While all this traveling isn’t as glamorous as it sounds, it can be quite adventurous at times. During my 8 years of visiting with employees to conduct group workshops or meet with them one-on-one to talk about their financial goals, I have walked the floor of an ice cream factory (sampling along the way of course), gone down into a gold mine (no samples unfortunately), watched cereal being made, and even spoke to a group before the first pitch of a major league baseball game on a sunny Saturday in Florida. Here are some travel tips I’ve learned along the way:

Southwest is best – I am fortunate to have two major airports within an hour drive of my home that Southwest flies from. Not only is Southwest usually the lowest cost, I also don’t get hit with a change fee if my travel plans get moved around. Some airlines charge $150 to change an itinerary, which could be almost the cost of the ticket itself. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is easy to understand and book rewards tickets with, and I usually end up qualifying each year for the Companion Pass, which allows my husband to travel with me free on any flight we take together. As an “A List” member, I get to use the Fly By express security line, saving me time at the airport. Plus, you can check two bags for free. However, that leads me to my second tip:
Carry on only – To avoid standing in line to check a bag or the aggravation of lost luggage, NEVER check your bag. I have learned to live out of a 10 x 16 x 24 suitcase for as long as a week, which enables me to easily change my flight at the airport if my plane is delayed or cancelled. Whenever my day ends earlier than expected and I want to do standby for an earlier flight, the first thing the gate representative asks me is if I checked a bag. I smile and say “carry on only” and get put on the list for an open seat.
Be loyal and get treated royal – I limit my hotel stays when possible to two major chains, Holiday Inn and Hilton. As a gold member at each, I am greeted warmly at check-in with my paperwork already done and the key waiting, along with a goodie bag and bottled water when I arrive. I usually get a free breakfast coupon, complimentary parking, and an upgraded room. By concentrating my stays, my points rack up faster to earn free nights at both of my favorite chains. I am even able to transfer my free nights to family members and friends, which can make a great birthday or Christmas gift.
Ask for discounts – You might think I am paying hefty room rates to stay at a Hilton, but I always check for discounts. Many hotels offer a military discount (my stepson is active duty), AAA and AARP rates (guess what I signed my husband up for when he turned 50?), or Entertainment Card pricing. I can usually find a room for under $100, although hotel prices have been starting to creep up a bit this year.
Print a map and directions – I know that sounds old school, but you never know when your cell phone might die or you can’t get good reception to use your navigational app, and not very many rental cars have GPS.
Do a drive by – If you have a meeting or event you are attending in an unfamiliar area, drive by the location the evening prior on your way to check into your hotel. This way, finding it will be easier in the morning and you will have a good idea of how much time you will need to get there.

Most importantly, make room in your travel plan to relax. Grab a good book to read on the plane, take a long walk outdoors around your hotel, or bring your swimsuit to take a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool. Business travel doesn’t always have to be all work and no play!