Chances are you’ve already logged some miles. After all, wearing the uniform isn’t for sedentary types. For some, traveling in service isn’t enough. They get out, hit the civilian world and promptly enter into travel-heavy jobs. Some appreciate the change of scenery. Others need to travel to get ahead in their chosen careers.
The lifestyle comes with challenges: Jet lag, family far away, lousy hotel linens and a diet of peanuts sucked from tiny plastic packets. Those who have done it know that a few simple tricks can make a travel job a lot easier, and maybe even a lot more fun.
1. Tackling the hurdles
Retired Marine Staff Sgt. Johnny “Joey” Jones, 28, has been on the move nonstop since losing his legs to an improvised explosive device. As chief operating officer of the nonprofit Boot Campaign, he travels the nation raising awareness of the challenges veterans face.
He spends a hefty 10 to 15 days a month on the road. In the busiest times he’ll be away from home three weeks out of the month.
His travel tip: Not every place will be as accessible as promised for the handicapped. “What different hotels and airlines consider handicap accessible is almost hilarious,” Jones said. “It’s everything from not being able to fit a wheelchair through your door, to finding a tub that has no hand bar. It means I don’t have a way to get myself into the bath. It means not being able to get into the room in my wheelchair.”
Plan ahead. Call the hotel, check with the airlines, know as much as you can so that when you get there, there will be no surprises.
2. Watch your waist
Want to know why business travel makes you fat? It’s because the travel industry shows its love by throwing food at you.
“The more you travel, the more you get free stuff, and a lot of it is food,” said Kristina Portillo, founder of Business Travel Life, a nationwide organization that provides support services to frequent fliers.
“Being able to say no is really important,” Portillo said. “You are not on vacation. You don’t need a whole plate of bacon for breakfast.”
3. Get organized
Opportunity abounds for those who want to travel. Once you take the job, things will go a lot more smoothly if you can keep yourself organized.
“Spend a little bit of time getting all your travel documents in order in advance,” said Katie DeCecco, director of experiential opportunities at the Niagara University College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “Make sure you have the proper currency, the proper identification. Know what clothes travel well, what is appropriate in different settings.”
4. Prepare to unplug
If you’re the type who hyperventilates without an Internet connection, plan for the worst.
Kelly Reppart, a Fort Worth, Texas-based executive director for Epic Health Services, learned this the hard way. He spends two to three days a week on the road, driving hundreds of miles to visit clients. In Texas, that can put you a long way from the nearest cell tower.
Reppart, who left the Marine Corps as a corporal in 2007, recalls a particular event. “I was on my way to a patient’s house, and I had the address on my phone, and I hit a dead zone. My GPS stopped working. I had no idea what to do, so I just drove around until I finally got service,” he said.
Now he leaves the house prepared, with every necessary document in a folder, in hard copy. He’s got patient records, case management tools. “Now I even print the directions, just so I can get to someone’s home,” he said.
5. Family first
Troops may be used to spending time away from family, but that doesn’t make it any easier. For the road warrior, missing birthdays, anniversaries and school plays simply sucks. But with a little planning, you can make it suck a little less.
“Include family events and birthdays on your calendar, even if you’re not going to make it, so you have a reminder to support before and after the event,” Portillo said. “If your child is in a play, wish them good luck before and ask for pictures after.”
