learning and revelations

What to do when travelling!

Planning

• Make a check list of every last detail of where, when and how things are done/have been arranged and then get one/several others to check it to make sure you have everything sorted. ie; make bookings.
• Keep a list of contacts of agencies, accommodation etc that you have dealt with/have bookings with
• Keep a list and tick off who has been paid, do it by VISA before you go if possible or pay as soon as you get there
• Make bookings through a person not via the internet. Get someone who has travelled to advise you on the booking process or go through a travel agent and pay the extra cost.
• Make a budget and compare approximate costs to real costs when you get back
• Have a mobile phone so that you can be contacted and contact others
• If you are travelling mostly for business then have a diary/schedule of times for meetings, keep things structured

Accommodation

• Always try and have more space in motel/accommodation rooms then you think you’ll need. (This helps preserve everyone’s sanity and ability to get sleep) ie; make sure there are multiple bedrooms.
• Get photos, video, measurements or personal trusted witness to standards of accommodation and amounts of space. ie; turning spaces outside and inside doorways, size of steps, doorway widths, open floor space, parking.
• Get a room with a kitchen or at least easy access to a cook top with bench space
• Check out size and layout of bathroom and shower cubicle

Support Staff

• Have more then one person who is able to be listed and is listed to drive on any appropriate documents ie: rental car agreements, insurance forms.
• Make roster for support staff but ensure that people are willing to help out each other if necessary/have similar work ethic
• If possible for the health and safety of everyone, keep the trip to a week in length at maximum, shorter is best

Packing

• Take a set of travel knife and fork for day pack and plastic mug for bathroom
• Have a designated place where important documents are kept ie; passports, tickets, contact numbers, maps.(keep these as close as possible to you, don’t have them in a bag that requires lots of hunting through to get to them)

Food

• If you are at a conference or event that asks if you have any specific dietary requirements say yes. If they don’t ask but you know there will be food provided then ask them what will be on the menu.
• Eat healthily as this helps to keep your energy up, brain working and ability to cope with stress or exposure to bugs better