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In less than a week, I’ll beflying to
Many Seekers andSeekervillagers plan to attend, and seeing everyone will be the highlight ofthe week. Most evenings, we’ll gather inthe hotel lobby/common area to recap the day's events. Follow the laughter andyou’ll be sure to find us. Rememberwe’re all family so don’t hole up in your room. Instead join in the Seekervillefun.
You’ve never flown? You’venever been to a conference? You don’t know what to expect or what to pack orwhat to wear? Today’s blog is foryou. Ask questions, voice your concerns,offer advice, and we’ll all be better prepared for this year’s conference.
Two years ago, I posted ablog on “Packing Tips—Seeker Style.” I’ve included a few pointsfrom that article in the blog today, but refer back to that 2010 post for additionalinformation.
Now grab a cup of coffee andlet’s talk about the upcoming conference.
Here are some of my tips:
Ensure you have plenty of $1bills so you can say thank-you to the many service workers who make your staymore pleasant. Curbside check-in at theairport? The going rate is $2 per checkedbag. The shuttle driver who whisks youfrom the airport to the hotel gets a tip as well. The bell boy who carts your luggage to yourroom, the housekeeping staff who answer your requests for more coffee packetsor the maid who cleans your room—all of them deserve to be thanked.
Research how you will travelto and from the airport ahead of time. Often shuttle services require advance reservations and cash payment. Save some dollars totip those who help you on your trip home and cash on hand for your shuttle ortaxi ride back to the airport.
Carry Wet Wipes in yourpurse for quick clean ups. I often findcrumbs from the previous passenger’s meal on the fold-down airplane tray. Callme a germaphobe, but I wipe the tray as soon as I board.
Tie a bright ribbon aroundyour luggage handle to quickly identify your bag in the crowd of suitcases thatoften look alike.
Prior to going throughsecurity, take off all jewelry and belts and store them in your carryontote. Before being scanned, you’ll needto remove your shoes. If you’re wearing sandals, take socks to slip on so yourfeet stay clean. Thousands of passengerspass through security each day…athlete’s foot…you get the idea, right?
After going throughsecurity, buy a bottle of water so you’ll have something to drink in case of longdelays on the tarmac.
Be sure to check yourairline’s suitcase weight requirements, and weigh your luggage at home so youcan shift heavy items into a second bag if you’re over the maximum weightallowance. Hotel fitness centers oftenhave a scale that you can use to weigh your luggage for the return flight.
I usually fly Delta, whichhas a 50 lb. maximum for each checked bag. To keep my larger suitcaseunderweight, I pack heavy items, such as promotional products and books, in mycarryon.
A word ofcaution: A few years ago, my roommate packed powered Coffee-mate in a plasticbaggie. TSA opened her suitcase and sliced through the baggie. Coffee-matespilled all over her clothes. What a mess! To keep agents from wondering aboutany white powder I might be carrying, I try to keep dry products, such assweeteners or Coffee-mate, in their original containers.
To lower theodds of having TSA rummage through my suitcase, I pack electrical cords, batterychargers, umbrellas and curling irons—items that could look suspicious whenscanned--in my carryon bag. Going through security, I place those types ofitems in a plastic bin to be screened separately.
I use TSAapproved locks to keep my suitcases from opening en route. They can be purchased anywhere luggage issold. The agents have a master key so they can check the luggage, but the lockskeep the cases secure during the flight.
Now thatairlines charge for checked luggage, most folks travel with carryon bags. Theoverhead bins fill quickly so board as soon as possible to ensure you can find spacefor your bag.
When I traveledto RWA this summer, I paid the extra $25 and checked a second bag filled with my promotional items. It wouldhave been heavy to lift into the overhead compartment if I had taken it on board. Plus, I wanted to use my briefcase on wheels, which was my main carryon. In spite of the extra charge, I found thetrip less stressful because I didn’t have to haul the heavy bag around the airport and to and from my gate.
Some folks mailitems to the hotel and have them held until their arrival. Be sure to check thefees first. The RWA hotel charged $50 a day for each box held for incomingguests. One woman, flying internationally, mailed boxes that arrived earlierthan expected, and she ended up with a $1000 holding fee.
If you enjoy listening tomusic, take your own earphones so you can tune into the airplane’s sound systemimmediately upon boarding.
Grab an airline blanket whenyou board. They can be used as lapblankets if the temperature drops or used as a lumbar roll to ease back strain.
Wear layers. Some airplanes can be extremelycold; others—especially while waiting for takeoff—can be the exactopposite. Layering is an easy way tohelp regulate your body temperature.
Food on board flights—evencross-country flights—is limited. Fix asandwich or snack at home or grab a pre-made meal at the airport before yourboard. Remember liquids must bepurchased after you pass through security. Even if the airline sells sandwiches andsnacks during the flight, the supply often runs low. I’m not sure about other airlines, but Deltawill not accept cash so have your credit card handy.
I pulled amuscle at a conference a number of years ago and now pack muscle relaxers, justin case. Extra reading glasses and a second pair of contacts are a must as wellas a night reading light that could double as a flashlight in case ofemergency.
Pam Hillman’s an organized travelerwho provided the following tips.“I have a small toiletriesbag in my purse for Band-Aids, ibuprofen, peppermint, gum, lotion,clippers, etc. When I travel, I make sure the bag is stocked (esp. the ibuprofen)and transfer it to my carryon luggage. That way I have all those littleessentials I need on the plane.”She suggests minimizing thenumber of items you have to lug through the airport. “I have ONE bag. PERIOD,”says Pam. “I don't even carry a purse. I have a rolling backpack that I got atWalmart for about $30.00. It holds my laptop and everything else I need. I'mnot concerned about an extra set of clothes. If my luggage is lost, I'll makedo until I can pick up an outfit.”
Pam also suggests wearing ablouse or top with a front pocket for your ID and ticket. “Until you're safelythrough check-in,” she says, “keep your important documents in that pocket.When you no longer need your ID, STOP and put it BACK in your wallet/purseimmediately. You will thank yourself later.”
Another great tip from Pam:“Use your smart phone to take pictures of your hotel room number, the streetyour hotel is on, etc. If you drive to the airport, leave your airport parkingticket on the visor of your car. Place your car keys in a safe, zipperedlocation in your carryon bag or purse. Oh, and as you walk away from yourcar in the airport, snap a picture of the parking lot section you're in. Justsayin'.”Pam plans to buya lot of books at the conference and will pack a USPS Flat-rate box and a tapegun in her suitcase so she can mail her purchases home.
Missy recommends packingclothing in plastic compression bags. “I always packa huge amount for each conference and will do anything to squeeze it all in! Iusually use three of these bags. Plus, I like the idea that if myluggage gets checked by the TSA, all my stuff won't fall out or get wrinkled.” She adds, “Packa black skirt and one or two pairs of black pants. Then just switch out topsand take one black cardigan sweater.” (Missy, if that’s all you’re taking, whythe need for the compression bags? <grin>)
Janet Dean and her hubby often drive to conferences. “When we’re taking a long trip with lots ofluggage and changing motels every night, we try to pack the small suitcaseswith the things we need for that night and the next morning,” she says. “Thatway we don’t have to haul all the luggage inside unless we’re staying forseveral days. We try to pack our clothes in order, with things we’llwear later in the trip on the bottom. I’ve used the large zip lock plastic bagsto coordinate outfits and minimize wrinkles. We put shoes, daub kit andcosmetic bag in plastic bags to protect our clothes. I keep items in my make-upbag all the time, even soap, lotion and shampoo since I’m sensitive tofragrances. Thankfully most motels/hotels use unscented detergent. We stockpiledollar bills and coins to tip maids and pay tolls. We take a small cooler forwater/pop and a stash of snacks in the car. We also take a Garmin, chargercords and camera batteries, OTC and prescription meds, band aids, antibioticointment and doctor’s phone numbers. No matter how hard I try, I usually forgetsomething.”
Mary Connealy says, “I neverever check the bag with my computer in it. Instead I ALWAYS keep it with me toavoid damage and to have it close in case there's a chance to write. I stick twoor three copies of my books in my computer bag, and if the opportunity arises,I give them to people I meet or seatmates on a plane. I also keep a stack ofbookmarks in a pocket of my purse and some Seekerville pens to 'share.' Itry not to be obnoxious about the marketing with people trapped beside me, Iswear.”
She adds, “I always carry my Kindle, phone and computer charger cords in mycomputer bag so if I'm stuck in an airport I can keep working or phoning orreading. I usually carry a book with me that I SHOULD read but don'tparticularly WANT to read, because being trapped on an airplane will force youto open that book.”
Myra Johnson suggestspacking an extra pair of comfortable shoes. “After a day of hiking thecorridors of a huge hotel, your feet will thank you. Plan ahead what you will(most likely) wear each day and evening of the conference, along with an extraoutfit or two just in case. Try everything on before you pack to double-checkfit, look for missing buttons, etc., and make sure you have all the parts ofthe outfit you'll need, including accessories. Throw in a shawl or lightsweater in case meeting rooms are chilly.”
In addition,
Cara Lynn Jamesalways brings her health insurance cards just in case. A list of prescriptiondrugs and the dosage is also a good idea as well as an emergency point ofcontact.
Say goodbye to ironing with Glynna Kaye’s packing tip. “I've been doing this Ziplocthing ever since I took a trip to
For fabrics that are easily wrinkled, Glynna folds the garment around a Ziplocbag and offers the following instructions. “I place a blouse face down on thebed and then lay an appropriately sized Ziploc bag on top of the back of themain body of the garment, below the shoulders and above the hem. I fold thesides in toward the middle of the garment first and then the sleeves. Finally,I fold the bottom up. That way the front of the garment isn't rubbing againstthe back.” And for quick cleans ups for her wrinkle-free clothing, Glynna packsa Tide To Go stick.
Grab a cup ofcoffee and some breakfast – scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and grits—and let’sswap ideas on how to make conference travel easy peasy!
Can’t wait tosee you in
Wishing you abundantblessings,
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