While the jet-setting professional lifestyle looks pretty glamorous, there are lots of ways it can go wrong. From snack attacks to lost luggage, your trip can turn into a nightmare. Thankfully, the event professionals at Omnience are no strangers to taking their work on the road, so they have compiled their best tips for staying happy, healthy, and productive while traveling.
Smart Packing for a Smooth Trip
While some of us are tempted to throw our whole closets into our suitcases, having that much stuff with us can be overwhelming. A travel professional capsule wardrobe made up of a few basics and statement pieces that you can mix and match will make it easier to look polished at each event.
That sinking feeling when you forgot to pack something is the worst, so avoid it at all costs when you will already be busy focusing on executing an event! Don’t wing it; refer to a checklist to make sure you have all the travel essentials.
Prepare for the Worst
If you are ready for the inevitable lost baggage or misplaced wallet, you’ll never be caught off guard. Consider packing your must-haves in your carry-on bag, including a change of clothes. Invest in a portable phone charger in case you get stuck somewhere with a drained battery. Take pictures of important documents on your phone and upload them to the cloud. This way, you have the information, even if you don’t have the document in hand.
You Can’t Work Hangry
No one likes a hungry event planner! Pack lots of snacks, or visit a grocery near the venue if space is tight. Remember, lots of sugar might make you crash and overly processed food can make travel fatigue worse. Choose portable, nutrient-dense snacks with protein when possible. These are our favorites:
- Nitrite-free jerky
- Vegetable sticks and guacamole or hummus
- Almonds
- Cheese
- Smoothies
Day to Night Is in the Details
No one likes to lug a duffel bag to a trade show and find a place to change before slipping out to an upscale event that night. Avoid the extra steps by wearing the right foundation and switching out the details. For men, this could mean wearing a dark suit and shirt and bringing a jacket and tie to throw on later. Women can elevate their look by choosing more formal fabrics for their staple pieces, such as a silk blouse. Rock a little black dress with flats and a jacket during conferences, then change into heels, ditch the top layer, and add a statement necklace to wow them in the evening.
Treat Yourself to Self Care
Event planning is stressful, especially when you throw in traveling as well! Adjust your lifestyle for professional travel by planning ahead, focusing on wellness, and embracing easy tricks for smoother transitions between events. Making it a point to be prepared and organized will keep you calm and confident while getting your job done—which will benefit everyone!
