Vermilk’s Depot

Conference Travel Tips

I’ve been inspired by Shoemoney’s Conference Travel Tips, so I thought I would add some of my own. As you can see by my photo, I’ve attended a few conferences.

Tip #1: Check your luggage – Everyone will not agree with this tip but this is my opinion. By checking my luggage I can take a bigger bag than I need for all that conference booty that I like o pick up (pens, shirts, hats, CDs, etc…). I used to pack a carry-on size bag and no checked luggage but I found my self needing more room on the way back. I do suggest packing a small carry-on bag that contains toiletries and an extra change of clothes just in case the big bag goes missing. Also, don’t overpack or you will pay dearly at the check-in counter.

Tip #2: Hang out in the back of the plane – On a long flight, forget sitting the whole way. Get up and go to the back where the stewardess sits. My legs are a little long and its hard for me to sit for more than a couple of hours. The flight crew are people too and they get about as bored as you do. Usually they enjoy the conversation. My last flight the stewardess shared her magazines with a couple of us. Don’t forget the back of the plane is where all the food is stored – all you have to do is ask!

Tip #3: Use public transportation and save money – I have used public transportation in many of the big cities and it truly offers a cheaper alternative than taxis and rental cars. I rarely rent cars and taxi drivers don’t like credit cards (not that I trust them with my cards). If you’re concerned with safety, call the hotel and ask them about the local public transportation and it’s safety. I have found hotel staff very helpful in this area. I must admit that I haven’t mastered buses and I don’t like to take them but I have. Stay away from the St. Louis subway/train unless you feel really comfortable in big cities – scary ride. Practice situational awareness at all times!

Tip #4: Down time / find things to do – There are times when conferences get really boring and I can no longer stomach stepping foot on the floor. When this happens, you need an alternative. I have recently found geocaching to be a great way to see the “city” and have some fun! It’s amazing what can be found right next to ya – and you never knew it was there. If geocaching doesn’t grab you, try looking in the local phone book. Its full of history, site seeing info, maps and my favorite – discount coupons!

Tip #5: Early departure times – I like to leave early. This allows me to get to my destination in time to check the area out before it gets dark. It also allows time to change flights if some unforeseen event occurs that prevents immediate travel. What I really like is getting back home in time to sit and decompress before real life sets in again.

Tip #6 (Last one): Home is home, treat it like so – Travel has a way of changing my outlook. It’s almost like I’m living two lives – conference life and real life. When traveling you eat different foods, you hang out with different people, you stay in hotels that you might not be familiar with, you do totally different things than when at home. When I get home from travel, it’s hard to break out of that mode. The kicker is that your family expects you back the same way you were when you left. You have to find your own process for getting back to normal but of all the tips this is one you have to try and master.

I hope you enjoyed my tips. Pleas add your own. Maybe the rest of us can learn something new!