Traveling for work while you’re pregnant is tough. Oh, right. You might be wondering how I know. Well…..I have some news. The Home Warrior and I will welcome our little bundle of mini-warrior joy in August! We are very excited, and can’t wait to meet our baby. As you can imagine, being pregnant has meant a lot of adjustments travel-wise. Some women don’t have any issues in their first trimester of pregnancy, and I say more power to them! Unfortunately, I was not those women. I felt terrible my first tri, nauseous and exhausted virtually all the time. There were a few things I learned that made it easier, if not fun. Here are my tips:

Adjust your schedule as needed. One thing I learned early on is that day trips were just not going to work. It was too exhausting to only get 4-5 hours of sleep and then be gone for 18 hours. Flying in the night before meant I was well-rested, which meant an easier work day. I would still fly home in the evening after my meetings, which was tough, but doable. If you are really sick or exhausted, it may be better to fly home the next day. Also, if it’s available to you, think about spacing out your meetings more than you would otherwise. Again, it made me able to do quality work, instead of being a zombie.

Plan food ahead of time. During the first tri I had to be eating constantly, as often as every thirty minutes. I brought a lot of stuff from home (pretzels, crackers, fig Newtons, fruit), and some things I made sure I could get on the road. Sometimes I needed a certain food. For about six weeks, I had to munch constantly on Hot Tamales (the candy). For a while it was lemonade. Then it was sandwiches. The most important thing was to make sure I had food All. The. Time. This involved a lot of prep work, whether it was bringing food from home or knowing what the food options around the hotel and office were.

Stay hydrated. I preach about this a lot in general, but hydration is so important when you’re pregnant. If you can’t handle water, try Gatorade or juice. Just make sure that you are drinking at least 64 oz of fluid a day, and more if your doctor tells you more. For the first few weeks, water, normally my favorite beverage, tasted terrible to me, and I got so dehydrated I nearly passed out. I don’t recommend that!

Sit in the aisle. Whether it’s because you need to use the restroom, are feeling sick, or can’t handle being crowded in, I recommend sitting in the aisle if you can. It made me feel so much better when flying. Also, wear comfy clothes while flying. I actually started flying in dresses or yoga pants because it made me nauseous to have anything constrictive around my middle.

Check your bags. Again, this is something I don’t usually push, but it may be easier if you go ahead and check your bags. This way you won’t have to carry heavy things around the airport when you’re already feeling terrible.

Sea bands. They don’t work for everyone, but sea bands really helped me feel better and less nauseous. Of course it meant I had to wear long sleeves, since I was still hiding my pregnancy at that point…..

Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay that you can’t do everything the way you could before—your body is working really hard to build that baby! Give yourself extra time, since you may be moving more slowly than normal. Do whatever you have to do to feel better. The first trimester is all about survival!

One last note—there is a lot of different information out there about safe levels of caffeine intake. My doctor was perfectly fine with me having 200mg per day, which seems to be a common recommendation. There is only 35mg of caffeine in a can of Coke, and Coke made me feel SO much better when I felt sick. (Or had a headache. Or was tired. Okay it was kind of like the miracle beverage….) So if your doctor is cool with you having a limited amount of caffeine, don’t be afraid to drink a soda if it makes you feel better.

I am almost done with my second trimester, and I have to say I feel TONS better. I will post later about traveling during the middle of pregnancy, and once I have experience with it, traveling during the third tri. The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to take longer to do stuff, it’s okay not to feel awesome, it’s okay to need naps. Just build time for that stuff into your schedule, do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and you will be just fine. And know that you WILL feel better!

Readers, have you had to travel while pregnant? What made it easier for you?

(Don’t forget about our awesome contest!! Win a vacation for two from Home2 Suites by Hilton!! Open for one more week.)

Can I fit it all in my carry-on??

A few months ago, I ran a post about how much I stressed about what to pack for Blog World. I feel like I ended up doing pretty well, and was happy with my choices. In two weeks I leave to go to a regular work conference. Should be simple to pack, right? Normally, yes. But this time I will be conferencing elevendays. That’s right, I will be in conference from a Tuesday until the next Friday, and traveling home on Saturday. Oy. Talk about tricky packing!! And of course, I want to carry on. A list like this requires some major planning and editing!! Here are the steps I am following as I put together my packing list:

1. First, I need to remember the cardinal rules of conference clothes: comfortable, professional, with shoes you can walk in. I’m going to add one more: layers. Because the conference is in Florida, I’m assuming it will be warm outside and cold inside, and I want to be able to adjust as necessary.
2. Figure out the different occasions. How many conference days are there? Will you want to change for dinner? Will there be any free time? Will there be a chance to swim? In my case, I will have ten conference days, one free day, and two travel days. The conference days are looong, so I may not have the energy to eat dinner, much less change for it. Just in case, I’ll bring a couple of cute, non work items.
3. Plan to wear items more than once. Since I really want to avoid checking my bag, I will need to wear my itemsmultiple times. I will just assume I need to wear everything 2-3 times, changing accessories as needed to keep things fresh. In fact, if I don’t think I can wear something at least twice, it won’t make the cut and it will stay home. This also means I’ll need to spend some extra time planning outfits, and bring more accessories (primarily necklaces and scarves, and maybe an extra pair of shoes) than normal.
4. Think about toiletries. Since almost two weeks is far longer than my normal 3-4 day trip, I will need to make sure I have enough of my everyday toiletries. Some of my grooming items are kept in 3 oz bottles (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion) so I should be good with those as long as the bottles are full. But I may need to increase items I carry in smaller amounts (face wash, moisturizer, makeup remover, and hair products).
5. Make a preliminary list. On the first list, I’ll just write down everything I think I should take, no matter what. Also, at this point I will start figuring out what I need to get for my trip (yay shopping!) Then I’ll start figuring out outfits, and adding and removing as necessary. Finally, I’ll get everything out and try to fit it in my suitcase, just to make sure I’m being realistic about what will fit, and what I can actually lift.
6. Buy the missing items. Starting early on planning for a major trip gives you plenty of time to fill in the gaps. For this trip, I will need to get some new mascara, some more razor blades, and possibly a new pair of flats.

At this point, I plan to utilize my travel workhorses—jersey dresses, cardigans, slacks, and flats—just in larger quantities. My goal is to stick to my three pairs of shoes rule, but we’ll see how that goes. I’ve got just under two weeks—I hope I can figure it all out by then!

Readers, have any of you been to a two week conference before? What did you take? Any recommendations?

One thing I get a lot of questions about is dining alone. If you travel for work, chances are you are going to spend a fair amount of meals by yourself. At first it’s a bit daunting, if not outright depressing, to go to a restaurant and ask for a table for one. But after a few times, it gets much easier. Now I actually look forward to it! No one to judge what I eat or drink, no one to have to entertain, and some quiet time where I can get stuff done or take it easy, while someone brings me whatever I want. Doesn’t that sound fun? Here are a few suggestions for getting you from uncomfortable to happy dining alone. (Pictured: My awesome meal at the Angus Barn in Raleigh.)

• Don’t worry about others. One of the fears I hear often is that people feel sorry for people eating by themselves. But I promise—no one is looking at you, thinking, “That poor person is all alone!”  Chances are, they’re too involved with their own dinner companions to worry about anyone else, much less a single diner in the corner. If they do notice you, it’s probably because they’re not having too much fun themselves, and they envy your solitude!
• Make it fun. Yes, you have to eat. But that doesn’t mean dinner out has to be a chore, to be finished as quickly as possible. Enjoy yourself! Order something delicious, try a new type of wine, taste a decadent dessert. With constant meetings, delayed flights, and never-ending emails, this may be the only down time you get during your trip! One of my favorite things to do on a trip is try local restaurants, especially ones well known for local specialties.
• Bring something to do. For some, the worst part of eating dinner on your own is the discomfort of sitting at a table with no one to talk to. Well, if you bring work or something to read, that issue is eliminated. It can be hard to work on a computer once your food comes, but while you’re waiting is a great time to get a few things done. I also often bring my Kindle, and enjoy reading something fun while I’m out. If magazines are more your style, that works too. Just turn a dinner alone into time to do what you want. Enjoy it!

Yes, you can order room service and eat in your room, avoiding dining alone. But you’re missing out on the opportunity to try something new, get away from work for a little while, be around others, and enjoy yourself!

Readers, what are your best tips for surviving eating alone?

This is one of my favorite posts to do all year. I get to spend time searching the internet for the most fun, interesting, and useful gifts. And boy did I find some! Bring on the shopping.

Flight Comfort

The Cabin Cuddler is a great gift for anyone who travels long distances! It’s super warm and cozy, is easy to pack, and includes a pillow. Travel slippers would also be great on a long haul trip, plus they would be nice to wear around the hotel room during the winter. Eye masks are great for helping travelers sleep on planes or in a hotel room, and this one is super cute! Finally, compression socks are a must have for long flights. Keep your loved one’s ankles and feet from swelling and reduce their risk of DVT.

Passport cover

Give your favorite road warriorette a passport overhaul. A fun passport cover can liven up boring travel docs. Love this one from Ruche.

Fun travel toiletries

A little pampering makes frequent business travel more bearable, and this Oatmeal Whoopie Pie scented body wash sounds verrry luxurious. And tasty.  Another option is this Travel Spa in a Box. It includes anti-bacterial aroma mist, anti-bacterial hand oil, a lavender flax eye pillow, lip balm, and others. Fabulous. Not only is this little bag from Etsy shop Aunt Meep’s Attic very cute, it’s made of oilcloth so it’s easy to clean, and can be used for makeup or non-liquid toiletries.

Luggage tag

Help your favorite traveler keep track of their bag with these brightly colored, fun luggage tags.

Kindle/iPad case

Seriously I am putting this on my list. I didn’t even know they made Kindle cases this pretty!!! And don’t forget a Kindle or iPad to go inside of it

Travel mug

Travel mugs keep your beverage warm and reduce trash. This clever mug from Mighty Leaf is made specifically for tea drinkers, and would be a great gift for the traveler in your life! (Enter our contest, and you could win one!)

Readers, what are you shopping for this holiday season?

Aliza and Danielle being interviewed for .tv

You guys have heard a lot from my experience at Blog World, but I haven’t shared everything. One of the best workshops I attended was about empowering women to be public speakers, run by Aliza Sherman, Jill Foster, and Danielle Smith. Aliza and Danielle recently wrote MOM, Incorporated, about how to have a family and start your own business (which I bought, am currently in the middle of, and loving. I will review soon!). When I spoke to them, they were wrapping up a six week book tour. Of course I had to take the opportunity to ask these accomplished road warriorettes a few questions!

RW: You’ve been on the road for six weeks. What are your tips for being on the road a long time?

Aliza: I learned that it would be so nice to be independently wealthy. To have an entourage, Sherpa included. (laughs) Here’s a good tip: Amtrak has something called red-cap service. You can call in advance and tell them what train you’re on, and they will wait for you and be there ready to get your stuff.

RW: So it’s like an entourage!

A: Yes!

Danielle: That’s where the joke about having an entourage came from, because we had so much trouble with all of our bags. Our bags were packed with books, so they were extremely heavy. We had a red-cap help us in New York, and when we told him we were going to Philadelphia he called ahead and had someone waiting to help us.

A: He came onto the train and helped us with all of our stuff! It was a great thing that we had no idea existed.

D: Sometimes they don’t wear their red caps, and that can be highly confusing. Go to the information desk if you don’t see one and they will help you find them.

A: Another tip: travel with someone who has a great accessories bag. Then they can decorate with you with bracelets and necklaces and you look totally awesome.

RW: So find a friend with good taste and travel with them.

A: Yes! That’s the best tip ever. Read more of this article »

I have a new obsession, and its name is navy. Beautiful, beautiful navy. Three months ago I would never have believed that the pants I am drawn to all the time are navy pinstripes. Sounds stuffy! Boring! But three months ago I was wrong. Everything changed at a bridal shower for a friend. Now, a navy pencil skirt and navy polka-dotted blouse may not sound like traditional attire for a bride, but she looked amazing–pulled together, chic, and classic. And it started my new-found goal of finding the perfect navy pants. Not only are they gorgeous, but navy pants go with all colors–purple, yellow, turquoise, green….. This weekend I will be checking out a few pairs–the Ann Taylor Curvy Pinstripe Trousers in Navy and the Gap Perfect trouser pants in Navy. Hopefully next week I will sporting a brand new pair! Here is the entire outfit. Love!!

The Banana Republic Lourdes Pleated Blouse was not at all what I had in mind when I started looking, but as soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. This would be beautiful with navy slacks (as well as gray, brown, or taupe).

Love the cut of these navy Gap Perfect trouser pants. They look comfortable, classic, and best of all the reviews say you can throw them in the washer. Win!

I would finish off the outfit with shoes in a deep plum and a bracelet in a contrasting color, maybe yellow. If you think you’ll get cold, a plum colored cardigan would top it off nicely.

ETA: The comment below makes a good point. I don’t think wearing an entire navy suit is a great idea, as the potential for being mistaken for a flight attendant is pretty high. But navy slacks with a colorful or printed top can work beautifully. The trick, in this instance, is using color to keep your outfit from being too serious.

Safety is so important when traveling alone. As more and more women are traveling for business, some hotels are creating special programs to keep women safe. However, there are a great number of safety precautions we can take, regardless of where we’re staying. I have compiled a list of tips for being safe in a hotel, and will follow it up in the next few weeks with tips for other situations. This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if I missed one of your favorites, please put it in the comments! Travel safely, friends.

Before you go:

• If possible, choose national hotel chains with indoor room entrances.
• Don’t put your home address on your luggage tags. Put your business address.
• Make sure you have directions to your hotel. Also have their phone number and address handy. (This sounds obvious, but the last time I went to Salt Lake City I went to the wrong location of Hampton Inn, and then couldn’t find the correct location and drove around lost for thirty minutes. I finally found the phone number on my iPhone and the very nice man stayed on the phone with me until I got there. I should know better than this!!)

When you arrive:

• Use valet parking if it’s available. It may cost more but it’s much safer then wandering around a parking garage
• If the desk person says your room number aloud, ask for a different room.
• Ask for two keys—otherwise people will know you’re traveling alone.
• Avoid staying on the first floor whenever possible, especially if there is outside access to your room.

In your room:

• Make sure you have a deadbolt, and keep your deadbolt locked whenever you’re in the room.
• Make sure there is no door connecting to another room.
• Never put the “Please Clean My Room” sign on the door. It’s an open invitation to thieves! Call housekeeping instead.
• Don’t use the door sign provided for ordering breakfast. This alerts anyone who looks at it that you are ordering for one. When they knock, make sure the person with your food is a hotel employee.
• If someone knocks on your door without you requesting anything, check to see who it is. If it’s a hotel employee, call the front desk to find out if it’s legit. If it’s not, speak through the door without opening it.
• When you leave your hotel for the evening put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. This makes it look like someone is there.

Readers, what are your best hotel safety tips?

Last weekend, yet another friend told me a story about checking a bag that the airline then lost. Of course, this friend was on his way to Mexico for vacation, not on a business trip. When he asked me how to avoid this being a problem in the future, I realized that the principles are the same, no matter the type of trip. So here are my tips for minimizing the impact of the an airline losing your suitcase, regardless of whether you are traveling for work or fun.

1. Pack the necessities in your carry-on. For a work trip, that might be your chargers, files, and laptop. For a vacation, could be your swimsuit and sunscreen. Whatever the most important items are for your trip–make sure you’ve got them with you!
2. Wear work clothes. If you’re traveling on a non-work day and checking your bag, it’s better to wear something work appropriate just in case. Don’t worry, work clothes can be comfortable, so find something you can sit in for hours on a flight.
3. Keep your toiletries with you. Most hotels have basic toiletries in case you forget something. Some don’t, though, and my experience has been those are in the towns where nothing is open past 10pm. And good luck finding contact solution at a gas station! I’ve found it’s just easier to keep my toiletries with me when I check my bag.
4. Clearly label suitcase inside and out. Make sure your name, phone number, and address are on the outside and inside of your suitcase. If you have an unusual or hard to describe suitcase, it may even help to take photos of it on your phone.
5. List of internal contents. Should the worst happen, and the bag is lost forever, it will help you get reimbursed more quickly if you know exactly what was in your bag. If you are carrying something very expensive or unusual, take a photo. Having the original sales receipt is a bonus.

You all know that the number one strategy to keep the airline from losing your suitcase is to carry on. But that’s not always an option. With a little preparation, you can keep the damage to a minimum if your bag is misplaced.

Readers, what are your tips for minimizing impact should the airline lose your bag?

Reader M is possibly a genius. She has put together a personal amenities kit that would thrill any frequent flier. When she sent me the incredible list of what is included, I didn’t believe that she could fit it together in a way that was practical for travel. Then she sent me pictures, and I became a believer. While it would take a while to put together, this kit  would make you feel like you’re in first class even in the last row of coach. And it is more compact than you would believe.  She said flight attendants’ eyes “bug out” when she unpacks it, because of the amount of things that come out of this plastic case and because of how cool it is.

M starts with a plastic case, like what you get when you buy a sheet. Then she includes:

1. White linen napkin
2. Silver napkin ring
3. Placemat (made out of lovely cloth so it’s foldable, and altered with elastic to grab the airplane tray)
4. Silver-coated plastic fork, knife and spoon
5. Chopsticks (in case she finds sushi in the airport)
6. Tin of tiger balm
7. Packet of Advil
8. Lip balm
9. Small toothbrush (Colgate wisp)
10. Eyeshades
11. Cucumber eye pads, and fragrant moisturizing face wipes, in a ziplock
12. Eye drops
13. Comb
14. A suction cup clip, for the window ( to hold your reading material - more accessible than the pocket)
15. Earplugs
16. Soft socks (or compression socks)
17. Inflatable pillow
18. Small pashmina
19. Ginger candies/raisins/other dried fruit, in a ziplock
20. Fancy tea bags (ask the flight attendant for hot water only)
21. Energy bar

Here is what it looks like all spread out:

And here it is packed:

So far everything has gotten through TSA just fine, even the eye drops. I can’t imagine what else I would add-maybe gum? or my hydrating face spray? If you add a pashmina, you would be good to go for just about any length of trip. This list is pretty darn comprehensive, and the suction cup for reading material is brilliant.

Readers, what would you add?

ETA: Unfortunately, this kit is not something that M is selling, it is just something she put together for herself. Sorry to get your hopes up! Although I would certainly buy one if it were available….

Wow, July just flew by. Can’t believe it will be August next week! Looking back at posts from a year ago, it’s pretty obvious what was on my mind…..food, etiquette, and clothes!

I was in the middle of my healthy eating “life change” and struggling to figure out how to eat well while traveling. Even though it’s been a year, I’m still working on this…..guess that’s why it’s a “life change”…..

One of my most popular and controversial posts ever asked “Is It Rude to Recline Your Seat While Flying?”

There were a few posts about shoes, clothes, makeup, and bags, including a teeny tiny rant about TSA and how many bags you can take through security.

And from two years ago……

A very important post about travel safety.

My first packing list! Ah, memories……

Last June, I celebrated my first blogiversary, went to Vegas, attended my first blogger conference, and had some crazy flying days. Makes me feel busy just thinking about it!! Here is what I wrote about, as a result of that craziness…..

Lots of etiquette! A list of carry-on etiquette, plus reminding passengers to please not grab the seat in front of them.

With several friends taking long trips, I revived my long flight survival guide.

The summer was HOT, so I tried to figure out how to beat the heat and still look professional.

Finally, I realized that it’s not just me: sitting in the back of the plane is actually worse for motion sickness.

And TWO years ago (it amazes me that I can say that) I wrote about my love affair with the pashmina. And this love  continues today!

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great, safe 4th of July weekend.