… and just like that January 2019 has come to a close. How are you guys doing on your goals? I have so many personal and professional goals this year and have been so motivated to take my business to the next level.

One of my main takeaway’s from 2018 is that I need to push myself out of my comfort zone consistently in order to grow. I thrive when I have a million things going on at once, because it forces me to be very strict with my schedule and priorities. To be completely transparent, traveling for work is stressful for me. I like my routine, you know? However, I have found that complacency is an easy trap to fall into when you aren’t pushing yourself out of your comfort zone often and I have never regretted traveling to expand my knowledge and broaden my horizon. This year, I want to get out of my routine more often and be ready to GO at the drop of a hat.

10 STEPS I take to make a busy travel schedule as seamless as possible:

1. 1. GET A BACKPACK: Okay, this may seem like an odd priority but have you ever tried lugging your laptop, camera, notebooks, etc. in your cute shoulder bag and realize you need a deep tissue massage before even getting on the flight? Yep, that was me. I love this backpack from Hammitt because it is efficient without sacrificing style and I know from experience that their products will hold up. Also the color is super chic and goes with everything!
      
   2. DRINK LOTS OF WATER: Another seemingly weird step, but drinking a s*** ton of water helps you feel less bloated and less likely to eat tempting snacks/food you aren’t used to at the airport or when traveling. I aim for 4 L a day. Sure, you’ll pee a lot but I swear it is worth it.
   3. ORGANIZE YOUR LUGGAGE, GIRL: I like to keep my outfits on their hangers in my luggage so that when I reach my destination I can quickly unpack everything and hang my looks in the closet. Always organize your luggage when you first get to your hotel room. It will make everything so much easier when getting ready when you know where everything is.
   4. UNPACK RIGHT AWAY: Always, always unpack right away when you return from the trip. I am guilty of not doing this if i’ve had a long travel day, but I swear it gets harder to do the longer you put it off. Just suck it up and get it done so that you can get back into your routine as quick as possible.
   5. BRING SNACKS: What am I, 5? But really… hanger is real people and if you aren’t prepared it can make travel unenjoyable. I always pack a few healthy bars (I like ThinkThin Peanut Butter or Quest Cookie Dough) for when I’m in a pinch to keep me feeling in control.
   6. STICK TO A ROUTINE: When I am traveling I try to keep a few constants to keep me comfortable. I love to have my Venti Dark Roast from Starbucks with a splash of half-and-half first thing in the morning, I walk as much as possible when exploring for exercise if I’m unable to workout where I am and try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
   7. OOO EMAIL: I like to set up an OOO email to notify my clients that I may be slow to respond when traveling. This does not mean that I will not answer while away, but sends a quick update that I will get back to them as soon as possible.
   8. PLAN YOUR LOOKS: I take photos in each of my looks and keep them in my camera roll when traveling. This helps me remember what accessories, shoes, etc. goes with each look and I can quickly reference them to decide what to wear depending on what I have going on that day.
   9. GET BACK TO NORMAL PROGRAMING: I have found it is hard to get back to routine after traveling. The first day is always the hardest once back, so I make sure to workout first thing in the morning, stock up on healthy groceries and make a solid to-do list.
   10. PAMPER YOURSELF: Before I leave for a trip I typically get my nails done, eat really well and get a spray tan to feel my best. When I get back from a longer trip the tan is typically faded, i’ve probably splurged a bit too much on local pastries, my nails need a touch-up and let’s be honest, I don’t feel as hot as when I left. When I get back I feel sooo much better if I either get another spray tan/self-tan, fix my nails and get a bunch of fresh juices in my system. When you feel good it is much easier to get out of vacation mode and back into the daily grind.

How are you guys with traveling a lot if it is required for your work?! Does it stress you out or are you more care-free?

I hope you found some of these tips helpful! I am determined to make travel as seamless as possible because this year is all about the hustle and we’re going places, baby.

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Photos by Sarah Ching Photography

Thank you Hammitt for sponsoring this post!