Well friends, I am gearing up for my busiest travel season yet! Over the next 6 weeks, I will be taking 6 trips around the US for a total of 10 flights, 7 hotels, and multiple time zone changes. Let me tell you, I’m excited and exhausted just thinking out it.
For those who have always wished they could travel more, the thrill of jet-setting to multiple destinations back-to-back may seem like a luxury, but unless you have a travel planning team or personal assistant at your disposal, trip stacking does require a bit of finesse to do it seamlessly. And in my case, when those trips involve a mix of business and personal travel, it takes more than a minute in my head to plan in order to ensure I’m not carrying baggage (ie stress) from one trip to the next. Whether you’re hopping from a business meeting in San Francisco to a leisure vacation in Orlando or just stacking up weekend getaways, there’s a method to my madness. Here’s how to prepare like a seasoned traveler and keep your energy (and sanity) intact.
1. Pack Smart: Plan Your Travel Wardrobe in Advance – When your schedule is packed, a last-minute wardrobe panic can throw everything off. Take the time to plan your travel wardrobe a few weeks before your trip. Consider outfits that work for multiple occasions, and make sure your shoes and accessories are as versatile as your clothing. Lay out your outfits in advance and be sure each piece can serve double duty. If you’re like me and will have the luxury of coming home for a few days in between trips, be sure to carefully plan out each trip’s packing list. This will help you understand what common items you need for all trips (like workout closes, shoes, etc), what you will need for your first trip, what you can set aside in packing cubes for subsequent trips, and what might need to be cleaned (or sent to the cleaners) in between trips. A little thoughtful and advanced planning will not only save you time, but it’ll also make packing easier for each trip.
2. Plan Your Travel Essentials Ahead of Time – When you’re traveling back-to-back, staying organized is key. Make a checklist of the essentials: passport, chargers, travel adapters, and your favorite snacks to purchase in advance. Pre-load your phone with entertainment like podcasts, books, and music to keep yourself entertained during long flights. Having all your documents in one handy folder (physical or digital) will keep stress at bay.
3. Maintain Your Routine (-ish) – Trying to stick to your regular workout and self-care routine while traveling might feel like a distant dream, but a few strategic moves can help. If you’re hopping between cities, try to book hotels that have gyms, or at the very least, offer a nearby running/walking trail to get your steps in. If you have a certain routine you follow in the morning or evening, consider how you might be able to bring some of these familiar behaviors into your travel. You may not be able to fully engage in your morning run, but a 15-minute morning stretch followed by a cup of your favorite tea can keep your body from feeling like it’s been through a washing machine.
4. Stay Hydrated & Eat Smart – Dehydration is a silent killer when you’re traveling back-to-back. It can make you feel sluggish, foggy, irritable and may even trigger a bad headache. On a plane, the dry air can leave you feeling uncomfortable, while eating airport food or skipping meals can slow you down. Keep a refillable water bottle with you, and opt for healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or protein bars. Drinking lots of water and eating light, balanced meals will help you avoid the heavy, post-travel slump and
5. Simplify Your Travel Day Logistics – Your itinerary may look packed, but with a little prep, you can make it flow. Book transportation ahead of time, like a reliable airport transfer or rideshare app. For longer layovers, find out if your airport has lounges where you can relax between flights. The fewer logistical hiccups you face, the more you can focus on enjoying the journey.
6. Give Yourself Some Downtime (Yes, Really) – It may seem counterintuitive when you’re hopping from one place to another, but downtime is crucial. Schedule a day in your itinerary with minimal activities, where you can recharge or just explore the local culture at a leisurely pace. This will prevent burnout and help you enjoy each destination more fully without feeling rushed.
7. Stay Flexible: Embrace the Unexpected – As much as you plan, travel is unpredictable. Flights get delayed, meetings run long, or weather shifts can throw a wrench into your perfectly laid plans. Instead of stressing over what you can’t control, embrace the unexpected. Keep a positive attitude and remember that sometimes, the best experiences come from the detours.
8. Don’t Forget to Have Fun! – Lastly, remember why you’re traveling in the first place – to experience something new, to discover, and to have fun! Yes, back-to-back trips can be tiring, but the rewards are well worth it. Take in the sights, try new foods, and most importantly, savor the adventure.
With a bit of preparation, a dash of flexibility, and an adventurous spirit, back-to-back travel can be your new favorite way to explore the world.
Cheers and Safe travels!
Jennifer
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