“Marguerite, I really miss my family when I travel. At first, when I was single, it was fun. But now that I have a family, travelling 3 to 4 days a week is something that I have come to hate. I know it’s necessary for my career goals, but I am resenting the precious time away from my loved ones.”
Keith (name changed), my coaching client, was bemoaning the impact that travel was having on his quality of life and home relationships. After we established that the 3 to 4 days per week were absolutely necessary for the next 6 months, we then got to discussing what would make this time away less stressful, and indeed, joyful.
We can buy into the current world view that travel is no fun anymore, or we can change the way we look at it. I travel quite a bit on business – not as much as Keith, but enough that I sometimes feel stressed. And whenever that happens, I go back to my basic question, the one that guides how I endeavour to live my life: “How can travel (or whatever situation I am in) be an experience of ease, grace and joy?”
Here are 5 ways that I have made business travel less stressful, and indeed fun and joy:
- Arrive at the airport early. I now leave a clear 2-hour window between airport arrival and flight departure. This ensures that even if there’s a long line at security, I’m not rushed. And most airports nowadays are such fun to explore, that I look forward to this as part of the adventure. It allows time for a leisurely pre-flight meal, browsing magazine racks, which I love but rarely do anymore, and even some shopping.
- Carry-on. Twice this year my luggage has been left at my departure airport. After the 2nd time, I said “ENOUGH”, and embarked on a scientific search for the best carry-on options. I intend that at least 90% of my travel will be carry-on only (including my 18-day trek to Nepal later this year). I have prepared a checklist for carryon-only travel, and have repacked my new transparent cosmetics bag with travel-size containers.
- Plan your post-work itinerary. We plan the work itinerary for our travel, but often neglect to plan for mornings and evenings. Like Keith, we are left with sauntering out at the end of the day with a group of people all asking “So, what are we doing for dinner”? The answer is rarely optimal, with much time wasted deciding, and then compromising on where to go. The solution is to plan the time outside of work – morning exercise, evening social activities, even self-care such as a massage on arrival. All these can be scheduled BEFORE you arrive.
- Personalise your hotel room – many years ago, I attended a conference overseas and roomed with a friend. Upon arrival in our hotel rooom, she opened her suitcase and unpacked a framed photograph of her son, and a few other personal items, placing them carefully on her bedside table. This is how she keeps her sense of home when she’s on the road. I suggested to Keith that he try this, and he has committed to asking his spouse to select the items. I always travel with my BeatsPill speaker, so that I can flood my room with my favourite music.
- Create a morning routine just for travel. Trying to do one’s home morning routine when travelling can be frustrating – there’s not enough time or suitable space. Create a special travel routine that takes care of mind, body and spirit. You may even begin to look forward to this as a treat when you travel!
Travelling on business can be enjoyable if you set the intention to make it so. View it as an adventure to explore wonderful new experiences, untethered by mundane home commitments such as washing dishes, doing laundry and making beds. Today, make the commitment to travel with ease, grace and joy – and do share your tips on what you do to make travel joyful.
Those are some great tips Marguerite. I can relate to the ‘where to go for dinner’ question. It not only wastes time but also, for me anyway, will result in a lack of appetite as I go along with the majority just to end the inertia!
Travel is never stressful for me as I know it’s risky but I never have a carry-on. I arrive 3 hours before departure (sometimes I’ll get there before the airline opens its counter or even before the shops open but that’s okay. My kindle and phone are both charged, but the best part for me, is just sitting and watching and listening to the airport activities. I learn a lot just watching airport staff perform their duties and observing how families deal with their traveling members – endearing and humorous.
The key to traveling is planning so you’re prepared for each day of travel, as when you’re calm and relaxed all goes smoothly – flight delays or cancellations you will be able to handle efficiently if you embrace the fact that with every flight anything is possible.
Also ALWAYS wear comfortable clothes and shoes – they help to keep the calmness needed. I know some like to dress to the nines but with a little research you can most certainly find comfortable clothes for traveling that fit your fashion sense.
Have fun traveling!
Thank you Eve. You really have pinned down “ease grace and joy” travel. Like you, I love to people-watch – especially babies – they are so aware of their surroundings and everything going on, whilst their parents are totally distracted on their phones. Thanks for the reminder about comfortable shoes and clothes – that’s another thing I marvel at in my people-watching – ladies in 4-inch high heels!!! Not me – sneakers or sandals!
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Received this lovely email in response to the blog post:
“When my wife and I worked for separate companies and travelled on business we ensured that both of us would not be away at the same time. We also ensured that we spoke every night even if there was a 6 hour time difference. In those days I always carried a picture of her and of the kids. I ensured I had good reading material and probably work so that time was not wasted. Ensured that I had time to shop for something for B and the kids. In Chicago it was usually a few hours in FAO Schwartz” – no wonder they have a long and happy marriage!