@carlrobbins – sorry bro, dont agree on luggage. I have BURNED through bag after bag, good solid, well made / high end luggage can last you many many years. I agree with you if you traveling a handful of times a year. But if you are like me, your in an airport several times per month. You need good luggage, even if its carry on.

I do agree with the airline food comment where do they get that stuff?

I highly recommend Emirates airlines for middle east travel – if any of y'all go out there.

I have a 18in smaller sized roll-on and a soft carry bag for both international and domestic travel. Never use checked bags. Travel light, to me, means a briefcase only trip and buy the small things you need on the road.

I follow the rule of thirds. Travel one third, sleep one third, relax one third. Travel like you live.

Never eat airline food.

- Have the phone number for the airline programmed into your phone. If your flight is cancelled, calling them right away is much better than waiting in line (with everyone else from your cancelled flight) for rebooking.

- Always join airline and hotel frequent traveler programs, even if you think you’ll only book with them that one time. It's free, and members (even if not elite) tend to be treated better if problems arise.

- I have Boyt luggage – not as stylish as Tumi, but bulletproof and lifetime warrantee that is honored even if the airline kills your bag. Agree fully that cheap bags are no bargain.

- Keep up to date on TSA and airport security regs. Don't be surprised by new/modified regulations.

- Invest in a small multiple-outlet power strip or plug. Many hotel rooms (and conference rooms, etc) don't have enough outlets for all of our electronics. I have a very compact 3-outlet strip that I couldn’t part with.

- Finally, please offer me a nice job in Baltimore so I don't have to travel so much.

Cheers, and happy and afe travels,

Chris Maddox
@chrismaddox

Great post (and great comments from others). You've captured most of what I'd say. I travel 75,000+ air miles per year and the toughest part for me is generally #10 (which goes along with #9). A few other notes:

- I agree completely on beds – this should be the top criteria for choosing a hotel. Marriott does this right also.

- If you travel a lot, stick to one airline as much as you can – elite status makes a difference in lines, boarding priority, rebooking priority, and upgrades.

- During your flight, get up once an hour for a short walk in the aisle. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) kills, and air travelers are at risk.

- If you travel often, get a membership in one of the airport lounges. Travel 4 times/year, it’s an expensive indulgence. Travel 40 times/year, it’s a small investment in your sanity. Note an AmEx platinum card gets you into some without a membership.

- Allow yourself too much time to get to the airport and to your gate. Then (see above) go to the lounge and relax or get some work done when you are there too early. Missing flights is the worst.

(continued!)

@dave totally agree the ULTIMATE zen is LESS biz travel

@djwaldow – EXCELLENT #11, I should have also mentioned that if you are married or married and have children than make sure you have a webcam set up! I just finished a 20 minute video skype chat with my wife and 5 month old and that makes a BIG difference when you are away! Thanks again for commenting.

G

I'll add a few:

#11 – Make time to speak with your significant other (or another loved one).
#12 – Learn a bit about the city you are traveling to. Besides just the restaurants, read up on some of the culture, the history…

Thanks for the list!

DJ Waldow
@djwaldow