Whether I’m packing for a business or leisure trip, my soft-sided briefcase is always close by. Different from my carry-on (roller) and my checked luggage, my briefcase is essentially my man-purse and an extension of what I keep literally on my person (in my pockets). I’m not the most organized person in the world, but I have learned (over time and through trial and error), these are the items most-needed on my travels. 

The bag itself. My briefcase is black, soft faux leather. I travel a lot so my luggage gets used and I usually go through about one briefcase every two to three years. I do not use expensive luggage when I travel (or in my personal life for that matter). My briefcase has a strap on the exterior so it can slip over the handle of my carry-on roller. Attached to the handle is an “Erik The Travel Guy” luggage tag. 
  
Regardless of where I’m going, these are essentially what you will find in my briefcase: 

Relevant file folders from my office
Laptop with my travel power supply and a wireless mouse (I’m a little old school) 
iPhone (when going through airport security)
iPad (long haul flights) with downloaded books and movies
Earbuds
Sunglasses in case with alcohol wipes
Wallet (when going through security) 
Passport (international travel and some domestic)
Boarding pass (if applicable...I usually use an airline app)  
iPhone charging cable
Portable power supply (emergencies) 
Pens, sharpie and business cards
Pad of paper
One magazine
Breath mints
Chewing gum
Raw almonds
Two organic tea bags
Hand Sanitizer and travel antibacterial wipes
Travel-size Advil, Rolaids & Cough drops

So there you have it. The idea here is to spark thought on what works for you, but that’s what I’m working with…

Happy Travels!  

Happy New Year! Hopefully you’ve made a commitment to include MORE travel in 2018. And in doing so, perhaps you’ve noticed people breezing through airport security in a TSA PreCheck line and wondered if that’s the right option for you. I will do my best to define this program and share my thoughts to help in your personal evaluation. More than five million people are already enrolled in this program. 

Definition
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program in the United States created by the Transportation Security Administration (a department under the Department of Homeland Security). 

In general, TSA PreCheck is appropriate for passengers who intend to take more than two trips annually within the US. Currently 200 airports and 42 US airlines in the program. Here is a map of airports and airlines. 

The application process begins online, their is a cost to enroll in the program and you must provide valid photo identification. Currently the fee is $85.00 per person for five years. You must include your Known traveler number when making your airline reservation. 

All of the carriers I fly in the U.S. participate and I am a member of their frequent flier programs. Therefore, I entered my Known Traveler Number in my airline profile and the information is automatically included on every reservation. No fuss, no muss. 

Positives

• Expedited screening process for air passengers at select airports in the US.  No need to remove laptops, shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. 
• Children under the age of 12 can participate without membership) when traveling with a TSA Pre Check adult. 
• Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck

Negatives

• Membership fee
• Not all airports participate 
• Surrender personal information to a govt. agency    

In short, I love TSA PreCheck because I travel a lot within the U.S. (as you can imagine). I especially love the faster (shorter) lines at airports with my children. The application process was easy. If you’re planning on taking two or more air trips within the US, then I suggest becoming a member of the program. 

More detailed information can be found here on TSA PreCheck from the official TSA website.  
  

Am I the only person who sees some folks rely on electronic communication a wee bit more than ACTUAL human contact? Let’s discuss. As I continue my travels all over this world, I’m alarmed at how much “device staring” I see. I notice that friends and family members sitting RIGHT NEXT to each other can stare at their beloved screens for hours.  

Don’t misunderstand: I am a big believer in modern communication technology. I love that we have the world at our fingertips and all we need is a cellular or WiFi connection. Yet when we’re out to dinner and the conversation dips into a lull, that is not the appropriate time to check Facebook or Instagram. I’m talking to you, my Millennial and Generation Z friends.

So, what to do? Sometimes a little forced human interaction is a good thing. Often, I write about where to go and what to do when you get there. Yet, I see people looking down at their phones when they’re standing on a beautiful beach. Seriously? Look up! Whatever it is (unless you’re taking an obligatory selfie or video), it can wait.

Let’s get back to forced human interaction...I recommend a deck of cards. That’s right, bring a deck of cards on your next vacation. Suggest to your travel mates that rather than staring at their phones, you all join in a spirited game of Poker, Black Jack, Crazy 8’s, etc. Forgot how to play? THAT, my friend is where technology should play a role in social interaction.

So go travel, and remember to always bring a deck of playing cards.

Top ten travel tips is not my favorite subject because as far as I can tell, it matters to WHOM the top ten list is intended. 

Travel is an odds game with so many factors working (or not working) at the same time, it’s impossible to have an end-all list. The ideas here are not hard and fast RULES, just my top ten suggestions that I follow when planning and taking a trip. 

Go someplace you want to go
I love to explore new places, but don’t plan a trip (or agree to go on one with someone else) just because you find a cheap fare or a great hotel. Be sure to travel to places you personally think you would find interesting, stimulating or fulfilling. At the same time, manage your expectations and the expectations of others on your trip. Destinations always look better in print or online. No matter what, the place you’re traveling to will, in fact, be a little rough around the edges.

Plan Ahead
An ounce of planning goes a long way. That means, when you’re shopping for travel, look at travel websites, ask your friends, read the newspaper and listen to The Travel Show (of course). But, to the best of your ability, get educated about your destination selections and then narrow them down.  

Make a “Leaving Home” checklist
On a recent trip overseas, I packed all my broadcast equipment and no microphone. This could have been avoided if I had made a list. Now, I have a packing list and an “on the ranch” checklist. Items like “stop newspaper delivery” are on the list.

Pack light
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to only pack only what you can carry by yourself. Also, be aware of weight restrictions of the airline in which you are flying. Also, you may want to bring home souvenirs, so leave room in your checked luggage. I never pack valuables in my checked luggage and I always have bag tags on the outside and business cards with the phrase written on the back: “if this bag is found, please call the number on this business card”.  

Arrive at the airport EARLY
I follow the general rule of arriving at least 90 minutes for domestic flights 2 and ½ hours for international departures. I know it seems excessive, but missing your flight or stressing through the entire airport process can really do a number on your mood. Al so be sure to have all of your documents…passport, frequent flier number etc. Also, use the automated kiosks (if possible). Once you’re all checked in, you can wade through the security procedure with ease.

At the gate, ask for your preferred seats
If you are not happy with your seat or think you have a better chance of getting a different one (window…isle…exit row etc) then ask when you arrive at the gate.

Buy a bottle of water after security-trail mix-mints or gum
Staying hydrated is very important on airplanes. I always buy a small bottle of water (in the terminal (after security), some almonds and some gum. This way, I am prepared for whatever PANG hits me while confined to my cramped coach seat.

Plan to have something go wrong and set your positive mind set in advance
With more planes in the sky, antiquated air traffic control equipment, more people flying, the high cost of fuel and the weather, something is bound to get all fouled up on your next airport experience. 

Don’t plan a set schedule on your air travel days
Because there are so many things that can go wrong, it’s a good idea to not schedule appointments on your travel days. Always try for the earliest flight of the day and then leave it nice and (fluid) upon your arrival.

Splurge
Vacation is a time to spend an extra couple of dollars guilt-free. I’m not suggesting you go into bankruptcy, but you’ve earned the privilege of ordering the steak instead of the chopped steak. One caution, don’t “charge” your vacation. Any good financial analyst will tell you no vacation is worth digging yourself into a larger hole. Be sure you can afford the trip and then, have a great time!

​Erik