Travel Smart

 

 

According to a recent poll by Frequent Business Traveler, in association with FlyerTalk, 33% of business travelers expect to be on the road more this year than in 2013. With that in mind, Citi's Women & Co. asked travel-savvy executives and business owners to share their best tips, hacks and accessories for smart travel regardless of how arduous their schedule or challenging the situation. For a download on their secrets as to what to pack and what to never leave home without, check out:

 

• A Lifelong Quest for Good Travel Karma
• Survival Guide for Newbie Business Travelers
• 8 Business Travel Secrets Every Frequent Flyer Should Know
• Essential Accessories to Achieve Travel Zen
• Rolling, Nesting, Bug-Blasting & Other Travel Hacks
• 10 Essentials for Any Traveler
• Postcards from the Road: Best Advice from Travel Savvy Entrepreneurs
• Postcards from the Road: Best Advice from Seasoned Business Travelers

 

 

Early in my career, I used to pride myself for NOT taking a vacation. Today, I embrace vacation time with gusto. In fact, one of the first things I do each January is plan out vacations, large and small, for the entire year. Needless to say, the new "me" is much happier personally and a more productive, open-minded professional and manager. And, even in this 24/7 connected world, I've managed to disconnect while still staying connected, if it makes sense. And, if it doesn't, here are 5 must-read articles to help you leave the guilt behind and find your vacation groove:

 

• Why Travel Is Good for You - and Your Career
• Yes, You Can Take a Vacation: 5 Tools to Help You Stress Less
• Apps and Technology to Help Your Vacation Stay a Vacation
• How to "Disconnect" on Vacation - While Staying Connected
• 10 Tips to Organize Work Before Your Vacation

 

 

Wherever I travel on behalf of Citi, whether to San Francisco or Sao Paolo, conversations with clients eventually turns to travel, each of us trading stories about memorable family vacations and/or business trips. And, inevitably, at least one story is memorable because of the hassles encountered along the way. That got me thinking about ways we could help reduce the stress of traveling, beyond the travel benefits that are part of our credit card offerings. And, on that end, we reached out to colleagues and connections for their tips, tools and tricks for traveling smart, safe and stress-free. Here is a round-up of what they said:

 

• Flight Plan: Web Sites and Apps to Make Summer Air Travel a Breeze
• 7 Strategies to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality
• 4 Tips for Managing Your Finances While Abroad
• 6 Things To Do Right Away When Your Luggage Is Lost
• 4 Tips for a Successful Group Vacation
• 4 Essential Strategies for Stress-Free Travel with Kids
• 10 Essentials for Any Traveler
• Tips to Remedy Common Travel Pitfalls
• Traveling Abroad? Here's Your Global Gratuity Guide

 

For more ways to travel smart for business or pleasure, don't forget to check out Citi's Travel Smart series on Women & Co.