Tag: Travel

So it’s been more than a year in my current role, and I’d like to share my views on my current jet-setting lifestyle. Looking back, since I took on this role back in August last year, I’ve traveled to more places within this one year alone, than all my other travels put together in my life! That’s pretty amazing, and I’ve learned a little about how to cope with hectic travel lifestyles.

Firstly, I’ve learned that a good piece of luggage will work wonders for you. I started my travels to nearby places within the region, and the weather isn’t usually much of an issue. I even had my first overseas holiday since I graduated within this window, and experienced my first autumn in Japan. That was an interesting experience although I didn’t have much in terms of luggage then. I got a pretty good piece on sale a couple of months back, and it hasn’t been the same since.

One of the biggest things to note is that checking in luggage is a must when travelling for work. I used to try and squeeze a lot into a small hand-carry sized bag, but that’s absolutely horrible when you have to bring a suit. You should fold it only once, meaning you need a luggage big enough for that. Moreover, it’s pretty convenient to hit the gym while travelling as most hotels have a pretty well equipped fitness centre. With a bigger bag, it’s become the norm for me to bring my gym clothes and shoes so I can work out even while travelling – if I can squeeze in the time that is.

Secondly, credit cards are very important, and since it is on company expense, it makes a lot more sense to use it than paying cash for everything. My claim amounts are done based off statements in my bill, allowing me to ensure I am reimbursed at the same rate I paid out, effectively reducing it to a single currency. This applies much more to more advanced nations which has more services (taxis etc) that accept credit cards. Of course, most big ticket items like your hotel will accept cards, and using it there should be a given. Understandably, places like Bangkok, Manila, Indonesia and KL require carrying more cash around, but the amounts are usually small enough that its fine to just exchange upon arrival at the airport.

I use a single credit card for my overseas trip expenditures, ensuring I have a good view of my expenses. I even use the bill as part of my expenses receipts to show the exchange rate value. There is, however, one issue that I’m still trying to find the best solution to. My expenses vary depending on the place I am going to. A trip to Australia costs significantly more than a trip to Bangkok, and the difference in my claim amounts can at times cause some cash flow issues for me, as I try to set aside a certain amount each month for savings, which makes it hard to track if your savings account is fluid. One potential workaround is to have a buffer in my spending account in the amounts of my highest travel so far (thanks to my sis for the suggestion), and I’m thinking of trying it out to see if that works.

Travel insurance is another thing that’s important. I had the unfortunate experience of having my luggage misplaced on connecting flights, and this has happened more than once! I’ve learned to make it a point to get travel insurance whenever taking more than one flight as there is actually quite high a risk that you will land without your luggage. On my last trip to Montreal, when I had two transfers to make, my luggage was actually stuck in Hong Kong, and it took more than 72 hours to get it delivered to me. Thankfully, the airline was kind enough to authorize me a reimbursement of USD300 for my troubles, but it was a very VERY tedious process. I could have easily made that claim and avoided all that hassle had I got travel insurance (something my HR / Admin staff neglected to purchase together with my flight). Of course it may not happen to you, but it is a crappy feeling to arrive at your destination, half way around the globe, only to find you do not have your luggage with you. I was there for two weeks, and thank GOD it wasn’t winter!

Related to this, is the advice to also ensure you have a hand carry luggage with you that has at least one to two sets of changing clothes with you that isn’t checked in. I was saved because I actually DID have an extra hand carry with two sets of clothes, allowing me to last for 2 days (three because I did my laundry) before my luggage arrived. Of course, once I knew they were going to compensate me for losing my luggage, I went shopping knowing I had just “earned” USD300.

I think I’ll stop here. There are some other things to consider including having medication and managing jet-lag, but I’ll save it for another time. Trips, even if it’s for work, don’t have to be a harrowing experience, and can even be fun and exciting, but only if you learn how to manage it well. Now, if only I can travel more often for leisure… 🙂