How do you pick a topic for your “first” official blog?? This one was easy once I thought about it.
There will be longer blogs (and pictures!) forthcoming on some of the topics included below . . . in the meantime I have been asked numerous times “How do you do it???” I also notice the lack of women business travelers who board with me in my “Zone”. For so many reasons, there are less of us out there than there are men.
So for the above reasons I have collected my top 10 recommendations for TravelerMamas and Travelerfriends.
You CAN do it. Here’s how.
#1 - Use your resources. Not everyone has the financial resources to pay for extra help. However, for those you can fit into your budget – do it.
· Have someone clean your house. Mine comes every week, perhaps you could do every other or once per month.
· Use Peapod. I don’t use this too regularly (I’m a loyal Woodmans girl). However, for those weeks when I have a crazy schedule, extra travel, less time on the weekend, etc. I use it. I also used Peapod during the first few weeks of my maternity leave . . . . yes it cost more however having someone bring my groceries to me was invaluable.
· Use your family/friends/neighbors. For those weeks when your spouse/partner has meetings, parent teacher conferences, social events, etc. ask for help. Don’t be shy about this and don’t be afraid to ask. The saying is “It takes a village” . . .
#2 - A former colleague and manager gave me this advice when I first entered “the industry”. It is some of the most valuable advice I have receiving for traveling. Find those brands which work best for you and use them as often as you can. Period. Those who know me know that I am a loyal United, Marriott, and National girl. I also frequently use Southwest and Hilton. Having “status” makes all the difference in the world, which you probably already know if you are a fellow road-warrior. Getting home earlier/faster/quicker, having access to the concierge lounge, boarding the plane before everyone else, and racking up points/miles to redeem for personal use are probably the top benefits I have found. This topic alone deserves its own blog . . . so I’ll say it once and you’ll hear me say it again. Get your FF# . . . and use it.
#3 - It is very easy to spend “special time” with your kiddos when you are home on the weekends or after long work trips. Don’t forget to find time to spend alone with your spouse/partner. That is just as important . . . but is the first to slide when you have a crazy household with kiddos. Create time to do fun things together . . . even if that means something as simple as ice-cream & Big Bang Theory reruns once the kiddos are asleep.
