Whether you like to travel often with your friends and family, or you’re always jetting off to a new locale for corporate meetings, it’s helpful to know some tips that can get you through the rigors of frequent travel. From booking DTW parking valet service early to packing lighter, here are some tips for frequent business and pleasure travelers.
Traveling For Business
Before you head to your next business meeting across the country, read up on these tips for a better experience.
1. Purchase Tickets Early
Vow not to procrastinate this year. Buy your tickets as soon as you know when and where you’re going. Getting tickets early means you don’t have to stress about getting stuck with off-peak travel times that put a dent in your sleep schedule. And you know how important sleep is when you’re trying to close a deal with a new client!
2. Go Light on the Packing
As a veteran business traveler, you may already have mastered the art of packing light, but there is always room for improvement. It’s easy to take too many things, especially for a multi-day trip, which then requires you to check your bags. As you know, baggage claim can seem like forever when you’re trying to catch an Uber to your first business meeting of the day. Invest in a good carry-on, spacious but within airline limits, fold by rolling, and use accessories to switch up basic outfits.
3. Incorporate Exercise Routines
Yes, you’re on a business trip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in some fitness while there. If you travel for business frequently, this can really mess with your exercise schedule. So hit the hotel gym, even for a half hour, take the stairs to your next meeting, and get some fresh air when you get breaks.
4. Have a Healthy Eating Plan in Place
It’s easy when on a business trip to let healthy eating go by the wayside. After all, you’re staying in hotels, you’re on the go, you’re attending corporate luncheons, and taking clients out to eat and drink at night. Stock snacks in your purse to stave off hunger between meals and make healthier choices when at restaurants.
5. Plan Your Parking in Advance
Nothing is more stressful than arriving to the airport late and scrambling for parking at the last minute. Instead, book DTW airport parking and let a valet take your car to a secure spot. Arrive at the terminal refreshed instead of stressed this year!
Traveling For Pleasure
Heading to Florida with the kiddos? Planning a honeymoon getaway? No matter where you’re going, it’s always easier to pack light so you can get in and out quickly. Here are some tips for packing light before you head to the airport for a pleasant vacation while still having all the essentials you’ll need for your trip.
1. Make a List
Packing light is an art that you’ll soon master if you take the time to get it right. With every trip you take, you’ll quickly learn what you really need to take with you and what you should stay home. Break out your list into four main categories:
- Travel outfit
- Carry-on bag or purse items
- Checked luggage
- Liquids bag
Under each category, further, break out the list into the specific items you will need to bring. Consider your destination, which will impact what you bring with you and what you leave behind.
2. Follow Size and Weight Requirements
That luggage scale at airport check-in is brutally honest. And no, they won’t be forgiving if your suitcase is “just a couple of pounds over.” Check all carry-on and checked luggage restrictions for the airline you’ll be using, as each one varies a bit, especially overseas. For example, European-based airlines typically have stricter weight and size limits.
You may assume too, that your “standard” carry-on bag will fit seamlessly in the overhead bins, but this is not always true. Every overhead bin is different, so ask beforehand. Some people can place a carry-on duffel and laptop up there no problem, while others have a problem cramming one small bag.
If you own a luggage scale at home, use it. Pack your bag, then weigh the luggage till you get it under the maximum weight. It’s a good idea to leave yourself a few extra pounds for souvenirs you’ll be picking up on vacation. Also, check the weight of your luggage when you buy it. They’re not all as light as you think. Some weigh up to 10 pounds empty!
3. Practice Packing
If you’re new to all this, practice packing beforehand, including all your liquids. Weight the bag and make adjustments as needed. Remove unnecessary items, replacing essentials with smaller versions. You may choose a small foldable brush or comb instead of your mega styling brush, for instance. And no, you don’t need five pairs of shoes. Pick one or two pairs and be done with it.
4. Pack Approved Toiletries
In most cases, you’ll need a one-quart plastic bag for all your essential liquids, such as moisturizer, face wash, sunscreen, and aftershave. If you run out of shampoo or conditioner on vacation, just buy more there or use whatever the hotel provides. Check your airline’s policies on what they approve for plastic bags and liquids.
5. Maximize Your Outfits
Bring clothes that complement each other. This way, you can mix and match as you see fit and not have to bring several complete outfits from top to bottom. Don’t be afraid to repeat outfits. Unless you’re vacationing in the jungle, there will be a washing machine on site.
6. Layer Up
The temperature on a plane can go to extremes. It may be 90 degrees outside but as soon as you hit that cabin and the AC turns on, you’ll be freezing. And vice versa. Combat these uncomfortable situations by dressing in layers. This way, you can add and remove articles of clothing as needed. Bonus: by wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane, you can pack more in your carry-on or checked luggage.
When packing for a trip to the airport, remember less is more. If you don’t use it daily, you don’t need to bring it with you. But whether you tend to under-pack or over-pack, we can always accommodate you here at Valet Connections DTW Parking. We’ll take you and your luggage (no matter how heavy) in our complimentary shuttle and bring you right to your terminal.
Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking
Valet Connections wants to make your frequent business or pleasure travel easier. Try our easy app to see where your shuttle is in real-time or to book weekly valet reservations. Just contact us at (734) 992-4946.