Make A List And Check It Twice
Most folks know to make a checklist before they travel. Then, as they fill up their suitcase, they can just tick off the items they pack.
I take it a couple of steps further. I make separate lists for my checked baggage and my carry on backpack. Call me anal, but this really helps me bring everything that I intended to bring.
Being a frequent traveler, I just make up my list using a spreadsheet, print it out, make small modifications from trip to trip, and save it to my computer.
I also make a few lists that I bring with me to Thailand and use while I am there.
The first list I use is my “upon arrival” shopping list. This list includes items that I will immediately purchase when I arrive in Bangkok. It contains things like bottled water, phone card to recharge my SIM, and any toiletries that I will need. It used to include a cigarette lighter, but security has lightened up and I can now carry one on my person.
The next list that I use is my initial shopping trip list. I use this list when I arrive at my destination city. Bangkok is just a one-night stop over. This has my beverages, snacks, additional toiletries, and any other amenities that I will be using. I always have the bellboy clear out the refrigerator/mini-bar so that I can stock it with what I want at a much cheaper price.
One list that I use throughout the trip is my souvenir list. This has items that I want to buy for myself, family and friends. It may even include requests from co-workers. I try to get this list completed as soon as I can since I don’t like to do last minute shopping.
When it is time to return home, I sort of use my initial packing list, along with my souvenir list to make sure that I have everything. I really want to ensure that I have all of my electronics and all of the cables, wires, and plugs.
I charge all of my electronics before I pack them so that I will be able to use them on board the plane or in the terminals. I also charge any spare batteries that I have.
Making packing, shopping, upon arrival and souvenir lists really helps me get to my destination without leaving items at home. Try making these few checklists and see if it helps your travel go a bit smoother. You should find that traveling overseas isn’t as painful as you first thought it would be.
read moreHow To Cross Time Zones Without Jet Lag
Imagine counting down the days towards a great trip-that took careful planning and saving-only to step off the plane and want to sleep for three days. Or landing in Dubai and going straight to a meeting where all the participants are discussing very important deals, only to be falling asleep at the conference table.
Jet lag is a common drawback to long-distance travel; symptoms include exhaustion, dry skin, dehydration, muscle tension and time confusion. Here, associates from Marriott International-many of whom spend more than half their time traveling-offer their advice on how to fight the fatigue that comes with crossing time zones:
1. Don’t drink alcohol before or during the flight. Alcohol adds to the dehydration and fatigue.
2. Drink a significant amount of water during the flight and upon landing. Water will cut down on the dehydration and can also help with muscle fatigue.
3. As soon as you step on the plane, set your watch for the time that matches that of your destination and sleep according to the location to which you are flying. Thus, if getting on a plane in the afternoon while it is late at night in the city you are flying to, then it’s time to sleep.
4. While sleeping on the plane, sleep as long as possible to create a “nighttime” sleep experience. Use earplugs and light-reducing eye covers if needed.
5. Elevate your feet as much as possible during your flight.
6. Upon arrival, a shower will help refresh and revitalize you. Then, adhere to the local time and try to avoid napping.
7. Try to stay up as late as possible on the first night. If your schedule will require many late nights, try to stay up until at least midnight.
8. Expect the second day to be the most difficult. Remain on schedule at the time of your destination. Request a wake-up call, or set an alarm, for the morning and begin the second day.
9. Try a spa treatment for muscle fatigue and dehydrated skin.
10. If possible, try to spend an hour in sunlight and fresh air on the first day; this will help to reset your body’s internal clock to local time.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories.
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