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Fun Travel Tips for the Business Traveler & Jet Set

My mom and I recently spent two weeks together traveling for work where we had plenty of time to talk, reminisce, and be goofy. We both flew to New York where I was able to attend a webinar in flight via Wi-Fi, rent a car with my National Car Rental App, and pop from Manhattan to Brooklyn to New Jersey to Connecticut while never needing to ask for directions thanks to my BFF, Mr. GPS.

If you think about it, the evolution of travel in the last 10 year is truly incredible. Gotta love how technology can simplify the travel process! If you haven’t met my mom Cindi, she is a frequent guest on, “The Chelsea Krost Show,” and also happens to be one of the coolest and most hilarious human beings I know.

With summer right around the corner we began to talk about upcoming business and pleasure travel, packing, and enjoying travel while staying bikini body-ready. Cindi is quite the traveler and definitely has some quirky travel habits that crack me up, but really are pretty useful. With all the changes in travel regulations I’m sure today’s business travelers can learn a thing or two from Cindi. See what she had to say below and be sure to leave a comment below to be qualified for an awesome giveaway pack.

A Chelsea & Cindi Kind-a- Convo:

Chelsea: What are your biggest packing tips when trying to pack a carry on size bag only?

Cindi: “Choose one color story and one pop of color this way you can mix and match clothes easily. Also they say one bag, but you are allowed one rolling carry-on and one other bag, which could be a duffle that goes under the feet or a computer bag for business. AND always wear your heaviest shoes on the plane!

Chelsea: What do you do with your cosmetics to keep them 3oz?

Cindi: “Simple, go to a drug store and get the travel bottles for shampoo, face wash, and moisturizer. Always re-fill the travel bottles when you get home and keep a travel cosmetic bag ready at all times. I also leave a spare pair of contacts and travel size solution in there as well.” (Why didn’t I think of this?)

Chelsea: Did you know that you don’t have to call National Car Rental – they now have an App. For business travelers, the National Car Rental app lets you make a reservation, choose your vehicle, check the status of your rental and access your profile for the Emerald Club loyalty program. It’s ideal for business travelers who can’t afford to be bogged down by long waits at the rental counter.”

Cindi: “No **** I can’t stand waiting in lines after a long flight. How do I get the App?” (Her mind was blown!)

Chelsea: What are your road trip essentials?

Cindi: “I have to sit in the front seat so I don’t get car sick; I need ample amount of magazines; I must have my arm bands, healthy snacks, and you know the 2 hour rule.” Snacks include: Think creamy peanut butter bars, kale chips, apples, coconut crisps, dehydrated fruit, water, and coconut water. The 2 Hour Rule: Every 2 hours the car needs to stop and everyone needs to get out of the car and stretch and jog around the car a few times. (My Dad and Brother tend to cheat this rule)

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Chelsea: How do you enjoy your travel and avoid gaining weight?

Cindi: “I mean vacations are supposed to be fun and a time where you indulge. However, I always bring my armbands with me; I pack healthy snacks; I eat more seafood when eating out, and I drink in moderation. Alcohol = Empty Calories.”

Chelsea: How do you choose your next travel destination?

Cindi: “It definitely depends on budget and how much time you have.” 10 days or more -International Travel. A week or less – Somewhere beachy with site seeing “I am a bit of a travel magazine hoarder. When I like a destination I will fold the page and then Google more information about it later.

Chelsea: What are your hotel tips?

Cindi: “I always bring a pillow-case because of allergies – allergy free is the way to be! Call the hotel you’re staying at to see if they have a blow dryer, many do. This way it doesn’t take up room in your carry on. If I don’t have to bring a blow dryer I will bring a small set of hot rollers.” (Fabulous for volume and big waves!)

Chelsea: One of my favorite trips was to Peru where it was a mix of business and pleasure. I went to Peru with my family as the UbyKotex ambassador where we distributed feminine hygiene products to women who had little access to any female products high up in the mountains. It was incredibly rewarding to see how thankful the women were to receive products that we take for granted here in the states.

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Cindi Favorite Trip: Thailand

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Leave a comment on the blog post below and share your tips and pics with me at @chelseaKrost and @NationalPro. Share what tips millennials need to know when it comes to business travel and you can be entered to win a giveaway pack valued at ~$400! The winner will be chosen by July 3rd! YOu MUST enter your email address or Twitter Id below too for Contact Info!!

(Giveaway includes:  Elleven Techtrap, Zoom Energy Pack Rechargeable Battery, Colorplay Leather Luggage Tag, Camelbak Groove Stainless .6L, $100 Amex Gift Card, $50 Starbucks Gift Card)

 

*I worked with National Car Rental to create this fun blog on the evolution of travel. For more information on National Car Rental visit : https://www.nationalcar.com

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19 Responses

  1. 1) My sister gave me this tip – Be sure to snap a picture with your cell phone of both your Driver’s License and Passports as well as your checked Luggage

    2) I strongly recommend utilizing your ATM card when changing currency abroad, it provides the Best Exchange rates and is available 24 hours

    3) Prior to traveling always consult your cell phone carrier for the best Call, Data & Texting plans for your destination. (I learned this lesson the hard way, after I received my cell phone bill from my trip to Portugal.)

    4) Remember to have plan “B” – because plan “B” can happen and in many cases may turn out to be the Highlight of your adventure!!!

  2. I want to thank Chelsea for selecting me, her
    Mother, to do the interview with. Because now I
    Know that National Car Rental has an app and I
    Am going to look into the Emerald Club Loyalty
    Program. It seems like finally a car rental company
    Is making it easier to rent a car!!!!
    For my next road trip I will definitely go
    To National Car Rental!!!

  3. Great post! I travel a lot for my business and rely on the TripIt App to keep track of my travel information. Just forward travel confirmations from airlines, hotels, car rentals to TripIt and it organizes it for you in the app.

    I also like the iFly app which tells you what restaurants, stores and services are available at specific airports.

    I always bring a packet of disinfecting wipes to wipe down everything! Airplane tray tables, armrests, hotel TV remote controls, coffee makers, desks etc. Those things rarely get disinfected and you just never know!

  4. Everyone has such great tips and I will definitely use National Car rental! Thank you! Every summer, I would always take an adventure to some place, and tried to pack lightly. I usually pack a pair or jeans, leggings, and a nice dress w/ a few nice blouses. My mantra: If I ever need anything, I can just charge it! 😉
    PS: Always good to pack medicine and hand sanitizer too… Be safe everyone!

  5. Be careful about posting information and images about your trip while on your trip. Doing so, especially on Facebook and Twitter, can tip-off burglars that your house is vacant. If posting is necessary during the trip, have someone house-sit.

  6. My Favorite Traveling Tips-
    I always seem to travel with kids as a nanny so here are some excellent travel tips for anyone with little ones too!

    Band-Aids – always have a first aid kid handy for anyone in the car! Remember to carry a few in your wallet, they can be a life saver for an uncomfortable shoe is encountered. Antiseptic hand gel, pre-packaged hand wipes, and tissues and/or napkins stored in a ziplock work too. Bring Sun screen, Chap stick, insect repellent – depending on where your day takes you.

    Ziplock Baggies – there are so many uses for them! For wet clothes, keeping phones dry during a rain storm, storing leftover food or snacks too!

    Photos- Remember to keep a good clear photo of your child on your phone, just in case you get separated from them in a crowed area.

    Games and a Frisbee- for stopping quickly to run around the car with and they make a great plate when eating in the car!

    Clean water – Several bottles of water work best for drinking, a quick wash up, cleaning a scrape and so on.

    Lightweight blanket – Pack a Small blanket for cuddling with and naps. Also great for a chilly restaurant.

    Traveling with little ones can be challenging but remembering these few simple things can really help!

  7. Traveling is for sure an adventure so go out and take the risk with a few tips:
    If traveling abroad,
    1. Do research on that specific country. Get acquainted with the culture, tradition, lifestyle, etc.
    2. Learn some new language or phrases that would be useful if you happen to be lost or alone.
    3.Blend in with the people of that country. Spice up your closet. Along with that, do not fill your luggage with home clothes. Leave some space for shopping overseas.
    4.Take a picture or two and turn off your phone. Do some networking and gain some knowledge from the residents. Engage and ask questions. They value people who are interested.
    5. Be safe and always bring a buddy.
    6. Try something new. You never know if you like it if you don’t try it!
    7. Lastly get lost and experience the beauty and nature of the scenery and whereabouts, safely of course.

    Twitter: @arosa21
    Email: arosa328@uwsp.edu

  8. My traveling tip is to prepare by doing lots of research. Research prices, reviews, ratings. Listen to what others who have went on a certain trip have said about where they’ve stayed, dined at, rented a car from. Find out others experiences.

  9. My traveling tip –
    In order to avoid carrying a big luggage , choose interchangeable outfits. Pick a few staple pieces , mix and match them and switch them up a little bit with the help of accesories .

  10. I spent a LOT of time living on the road while out storm chasing (2 months!), which, at the time, WAS my business. I still managed to live out of a carry on and a large purse.

    Access to hotels with at least somewhat legitimate laundry facilities was a must. Also, for U.S. travel, check the National Bed Bug Registry to make sure your hotel destination isn’t on the list! I loved Go Go Squeez squeezable apple sauce and Justin’s Nut Butter individual packets for portability AND healthiness. Don’t forget less commonly used essentials like a mini umbrella either! If you’ll be gone for awhile, pack workout gear too.

  11. When traveling with kids, always try to have their favorite toys or snacks for the trip. If they use an iPad or other device have their favorite games or videos already downloaded and ready to go just in case there is no wi-fi available where you are.
    I also recommend bringing a light sweater just in case it gets chilly and if you or a family member takes medication or has a special diagnosis, have extra copies of the prescription script or a doctor’s note explaining the condition on hand and keep an extra copy on your phone and in a cloud based app as well for back up.
    Twitter: @angelinasimms

  12. These tips came in handy just in time! I’m travelling next week and these are so helpful.

    I’ve always worn my heaviest shoes. The thing I learned the last time I traveled home from school is trying to keep as few things in your hands at once. I was walking through Atlanta with a backpack on my back, my purse on my shoulder, my purse flung over my arm, carrying a bag of food in one hand and a drink in the other. I was a little overwhelmed.

    The thing I do to pack as much in my suitcase as I can is roll my clothes. They don’t wrinkle as much and you can fit way more in the suitcase. If you have anything that you don’t want wrinkles in, before you fold them, put tissue paper over the item of clothing. I do this with my professional attire and it came out wrinkle-free.

    My favorite trip was my 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. Not only was it a beautiful trip where I learned more about the history of America but I realized that’s where my heart belonged.

    Twitter: @MKRenton38
    Email: MKRenton38@gmail.com

  13. Make a checklist of the things you will need for the next day the night before so there’s no panic/scramble in the morning! Helps the trip and each day start out smoothly 🙂

  14. It’s easy to have a schedule for trips that feel like business, but it takes a truly brave person to get away from the schedule and enjoy where they are! With your schedule you’ll find that its easy to fit in small enjoyable activities, or even rearrange some.
    Email: lcant020@fiu.edu
    Twitter: bbbellecanto

  15. Thank you for sharing your travel tips! I know some of them did and will come in handy in future travels. A few things I always recommend when traveling are: 1-If you are traveling via airplane be sure to bring gum or something to chew on so your ears dont pop. 2-For some reason I am always stuck on a very cold plane. Make sure to dress in layers that are easy on and off. This is where I love my yoga pants and shorts (perfect for hot or cold weather) and a shirt/jacket. Be careful wearing jeans with large buttons in airports they sometimes set off the alarm. 3- Carry an empty water bottle; you can fill it up when you are in the airport after security. 4- Traveling in general is best when you are prepared. This includes being very organized to ensure the best trip possible. Make sure you check your flights 24-hours before you leave, schedule any transportation to and from the airport, make sure you have flight numbers, hotel confirmation, and back up phone numbers in case you have any questions. 5-Prepare in advance and get excited! It is ok to make lists of what you may need. Ask your friends, search online and dont be ashamed of that new beach dress. Spoil yourself. Before you leave do a google search to make sure you have everything on your list, you may see something you forgot.

    Happy Travels!! 🙂

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