Traveling.

While I was driving to Shreveport today, I started thinking about the things I consider to be ‘must haves’ during my travels. During about 10-15 minutes of my 6 hour journey, this is what I came up with:

1. A fuel efficient car – there are times I travel every other week out of town and I am constantly in the car. One thing I have learned to appreciate is the decreased stops for gas with a fuel efficient car, allowing me to get to my destination sooner. Also, with the cost of gas– I prefer to expense $25 versus $50 to fill up the tank. Driving a Dodge Avenger with Flex Fuel has allowed me to save money and time while traveling.

 

2. Sirius radio – When I am renting a car, the car MUST have Sirius radio. If I cannot find that little sticker with the doggie on it slapped on a window, I move onto the next car. The array of entertainment on a Sirius radio is endless from current events to comedy stations.

 

3. Aux output and cord – another MUST when choosing a rental. Although Sirius radio is entertaining, sometimes the stations are redundant and I want to listen to something a little different. Which leads to my next traveling staple…

 

4. iPhone – do I really need to explain? I am able to check the weather, my emails, local restaurants, tweet, Sudoku and most importantly – with the Aux option in my rental, I can listen to my personal choosing of music or to a podcast (I’m in Sales – podcasts are wonderful).

 

5. Garmin – How can I get to where I want to go, if I don’t know where I’m going? I am also able to save my favorite places and find stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.

 

6. Computer – for work and leisure. Who needs television? I can watch DVDs, compile reports…work on anything I may have brainstormed during my driving excursion J

 

7. Dark Denim jeans – (sorry, I am a woman) perfect for heading out to dinner and a night cap without having to change my entire outfit. After working a long day, I want to be efficient as possible to enjoy my leisure time with co-workers and bosses.

 

8. A Book or two – some entertaining in the quietness of my hotel room. Again, who needs television?

 

9. Bottled water – Goodness, the cost for purchasing a soda, bottled water or have a drink delivered to your room is too expensive. I will just head to a local grocery store or Target (love that place) pick-up a 6 or 8-pack of bottled water for just a couple of dollars. And voila, water in my hotel room and in my car anytime I want something to drink. Side note: If you stay at a Hilton they usually provide a couple of bottled waters

 

10. POINTS!!!! – I am enrolled in every point membership program affiliation (whatever they may be called) for every hotel, airline, car rental company I use. In less than a year, I have earned a free roundtrip ticket, free car rentals and a two night hotel stay. Capitalize on the point system it is worth it.

 

11. An imagination – If you are on the road as long as I am and the music or podcasts are too much. Just turn everything off, enjoy the scenery and open your mind. This is where the voice recorder on an iPhone or Blackberry (haven’t owned any other phone in years, so can’t vouch for other brands) come into play. Especially when I have a presentation, I can record my thoughts while I am driving. Then when I arrive home or at the hotel room I can type key points from my recording.

 

Happy and safe travels!

M