Tips of the Road, Adapting to being a Road Warrior

Living life in the fast lane, or on the road for that matter, can be a lucrative way to make a living.  Consultants, outside sale managers, or implementation managers may find themselves logging many miles, either in the car or the air, resulting in many nights away from the comforts of their own home.  What are some best practices or tricks of the trade to maintain a somewhat normal lifestyle, and maybe enjoy some added perks along the way?

Pre-Trip Planning

• To check your bag, or not to check your bag, that is the question.  Checking a bag is often associated with consuming more time, but if you are a true Road Warrior, you have probably reached the highest level of status and checking your bag is probably free.  Checking your bag saves you from the hassle of abiding by the 3-3-3 rule and frees up a little more leg room on your flight.   

At the Airport

• If you classify yourself as a Road Warrior and you don’t already have TSA Pre-Check, get it, now.  For a nominal fee of $75, that your employer could cover, you can skip the long security lines, keep your shoes on, and keep your laptop in your bag, saving you a few precious moments you can spend at home with your loved ones, or Fido the dog. Being a Road Warrior is tough on pets too, they miss you! 

At the Hotel

• Ask and you may receive; an upgrade that is.  Unless a hotel is sold out, there is no reason why you, the Road Warrior, shouldn’t receive a nicer hotel room for the week.  As long as the hotel has one available, most front desk associates are happy to oblige and treat you like the true VIP you are.     
• Sign up for loyalty programs.  You are traveling a lot for work; wouldn’t it be nice to travel, even if it is just a little bit, for pleasure?  With the competitive loyalty programs that hotel brands offer, it is easy to rack up free nights stays or complimentary drink vouchers that can be redeemed for personal travel.  This applies to airline and rental car companies as well.  Just make sure you check with your company’s policies to be sure you aren’t breaking any rules.
• Leave a tip on your pillow for the guest room attendant.  You’ll be surprised the nice things you will receive in return when you get to know the staff and show them your appreciation for keeping your “house” clean while you are at work.    

Bonus Tip

• Embrace the travel, instead of ordering takeout food into your lonely hotel room at night, get out there and explore!  Ask your Uber Driver or the front desk associate where they go to grab a drink with friends or pick up some food when they get off work.  Sit at the bar, talk to the locals, not many people have the opportunity to explore new cities or towns every week.  Try not to think about what you may be missing out on at home, rater think about the great possibilities and experiences that lie ahead.