5 Ways to Make Business Travel Easier for Athletes- Emily Constantini
Posted onJuly 1, 2014bykenlubin
Some people love business travel and some loathe it. As a 15 year sales person whose been on the road for most of that time, I tend to waffle between “gotta have it!” and “meh.” When I’m home, I get bored and anxious to get on the road again where I find I get instilled with energy, ideas and my productivity skyrockets (including my sales J). When I’m heading out for a trip, I find myself longing to be back home with my family, my dogs and of course my treasured workout schedule.
Back when I used to be involved in triathlon, I would plan my hotels and meetings around where the available workouts were. I knew all the pools, spin classes and running routes in my territory and managed to keep up a 12 – 20 hour/week training schedule. I even took my killer Quintana Roo time-trial bike with me on several occasions! Of course, that was ten years ago and I often wonder how I had the energy to do all of that and still pull a 60 hour work week peddling mutual funds in New England.
These days, being based out of Southern California and having developed a triathlon-inhibiting appreciation for fine wine and an addiction to surfing, I’m happy to just keep up an hour-a-day workout habit while on the road. Since I can’t take the waves with me, I’ve found other ways to stay organized, efficient and primed to take advantage of a good sweat on the road.
Use Technology to Lay Out Your Trip
Being on the road is stressful enough, and there are so many elements you can’t control (delayed flights, smelly cabs, last minute meeting cancellations). It took me years to manage my stress level by applying a pragmatic view to the wild and crazy things that happen on the road for business travelers – like the time United lost my luggage on a flight to Toronto (which United had made me gate check). My meeting was at 8am the next day, no time to buy new clothes. Or the other time I paid for extra leg room and got seated next to a person who was morbidly obese and wearing a diaper. I got some free wine on that flight!
These days, as much as I can control the start times of my meeting I set them so that I have enough time to get up, have coffee and get in a workout. I use apps likeMindBodyConnect and Gymsurfing to find a workout and sign up. Then I place the workout in my calendar with the address in the location bar, which then syncs to all my devices and I can just Google Map it when the time comes. Boom – easy! Simplifies my life and reserves my energy for more important things (like my workout).
Plan Ahead for Nutrition
Being on the road usually means a poor diet. Even if you try your hardest, it’s hard to resist gourmet meals with clients and tasty treats from hotels. When I travel by myself, I scope out the local health food markets and not only keep my T&E down, but maintain my California healthy lifestyle J I also make all my own energy bars and bring them with me for healthy, substantive snacks to tide me over before my next meal. Check out this bookfor a plethora of homemade energy bars based on popular products on the shelves. Lastly, keep up your defenses by bringing along a liquid vitamin called BUICED that is conveniently packaged for travel.
Workout with Your Clients!
I have clients all across the country, and many times instead of doing dinner or breakfast, we go for a workout together. I have one client in Santa Monica that we go open water swimming. Several here in San Diego that I surf with, another in Austin that we meet for the 6am hot yoga each time I’m there – Soul Cycle class in NYC with another. Again, you keep your T&E down, get to know your clients on a personal level and have some fun too! An added bonus – motivation to keep your physique slim so as to look as good as possible when you show up in your lycra J
Invest in Videos
If you don’t have time to get anywhere for your workout, or none of your clients are interested in seeing you sweaty and salty (it’s embarrassing how much I sweat when I workout), invest in some videos you can play from your computer. I’m in love with theBeachbody videos – particularly the set that goes with the 21day Fix program. They are 30 minutes, and if you do the cardio based ones you can get in a really good intense workout – perfect if you are time crunched. Other online resources like My Yoga Online give options for maintaining your yoga or Pilates practice and not having to worry about finding a studio. You just have to worry about the ick factor of the hotel room carpet.
Stay Organized!
Plan ahead with the exact workout clothes you’ll need. Map out your schedule to accommodate getting it in and not being late for your meeting. If you’re going from west to east, get up at 4am a day or two before you go so you can adjust to the time zone and not miss a workout. Organize your suitcase so all the workout gear and shoes live on one side, and your dress clothes and toiletry items live on the other. Check out cool products like this bag. If you have everything you need, you’re more likely to keep up your workouts and not kick yourself later.
Business travel is a lot of fun, and you get to see some really neat places and make some great memories. I still remember a beautiful run along Lake Onondaga in Syracuse, getting lost at Stone Mountain in Atlanta, CrossFit with a tough instructor in Palo Alto, surfing with my business partner in Cabo, early morning beach run in Fort Lauderdale, cycling around Lake Tahoe on a Thursday, running through the streets of Buenos Aires one early Sunday morning….making money, staying fit and seeing some beautiful places…all part of the good life!
There are some big changes brewing in the horizon for travel this year. Choice Hotels International, one of the world's largest hotel companies, just released the top ten summer travel trends from its 2014 Summer Travel Survey. According to their survey, travelers want free-wifi, a travel rewards program and to drive to their destination. Here’s how you will be traveling in 2014.
1. More Trips, But Fewer Nights Away There will be a 17.2 percent increase in the number of leisure trips taken this summer, but travelers will spend fewer nights away, with a decrease of 9.4 percent.
2. The Beach in August August will be the busiest month for leisure travel this summer. When asked about their preferred leisure travel destination, 43.1 percent of respondents said they would most enjoy a beach, followed by mountains at 12.3 percent and a city at 10.4 percent.
3. Travelers Prefer Driving The survey found that 75.3 percent of summer travelers are planning to drive to their leisure travel destination this summer, driving an average of 689 miles round-trip. Fifty percent of respondents also said that they would prefer a two-hour drive compared to a flight, bus or train ride to get to their summer vacation.
4. Free High-Speed Internet Most Important Free high-speed Internet was selected by 65.5 percent of respondents as the "must-have" amenity when selecting a hotel or resort for summer travel. Following free high-speed internet, free continental breakfast and an in-room refrigerator polled highest for needed amenities at 54.5 and 49.6 percent, respectively.
5. Loyalty Programs Influence Travelers' Booking Decisions The survey also showed that 34.6 percent of travelers say that loyalty and incentive programs influence where, how and when they travel, and over 53 percent of respondents are enrolled in travel rewards programs.
6. Travelers Would Rather Lose Their Luggage Than Their Phone In this increasingly digital world, survey results showed that Millennials and parents with children under 12 years of age would rather lose their luggage than their mobile phone when travelling.
7. Camping Is the Least Favorite Vacation Nearly 40 percent of travelers (38.2 percent) said that camping was the least desirable type of summer vacation.
8. New Locations Trump Old Favorites Almost 70 percent of respondents (66.8 percent) would prefer to visit somewhere new over returning to a favorite vacation destination this summer.
9. Travelers Want to Explore Cuisines, Unless They Have Kids When on summer vacation, 28.9 percent of respondents choose to dine at restaurants they can't find at home, unless they are traveling with children. If travelers have children under 12 years of age, 24.5 percent most often visit casual dining restaurants, like TGI Friday's and Applebee's.
10. Millennials Are Travelling With Pets The survey found that Millennials are 21.7 percent more likely than older generations to be traveling with a pet this summer. Correlatively, 34.2 percent said locating a place to stay was the greatest inconvenience when travelling with a pet.
Bring your EMME bag on your travels! Its optimized design makes frequent travel simple. If you don't have one, you can purchase one here.
It's that time of year again; road trips, cruises, resorts and all types of summer getaway adventures! Traveling can be stressful not only for you, but your skin and body, too. It’s easy to find yourself unpacking at your beautiful beach bungalow and realize you forgot that one coveted item that you just don’t feel beautiful without. Don’t get caught not feeling confident miles away from home! That’s why we’ve put together this travel beauty essentials guide, so you know exactly what you’ll need while escaping your day- to-day routine.
1. Tinted Moisturizer With the summer weather approaching us less is more! Swap your current foundation for a tinted moisturizer and let your skin breathe easier this season. Be sure it has SPF to protect that pretty face of yours as well.
2. Waterproof Mascara To ensure that you don't have raccoon eyes during these hot summer months, opt for waterproof mascara. It will stay on lashes all day and even last through the water sports.
3. Lip & Cheek Stain Swap your powder blush for a multitasking lip and cheek stain this summer. Stains are lighter on the skin and will give you that instant summer glow. Instead of packing lipstick, you can use a stain to ensure your pout is long lasting and kissable all day.
4. Eye Brow Gel Since makeup is applied at a minimum during the summer heat, be sure to pay your brows some special attention. Keeping your brows bold is a great way to keep your overall look polished, even when you’re under the sun. If you weren't blessed with full brows, opt for a tinted brow gel to fill in any sparse hairs and keep everything in place.
5. Facial Cleanser To wash off all of that makeup, sand, and sweat, be sure to bring your favorite cleanser (in a travel size bottle of course) to prevent any clogged pores. It's sometimes difficult to remember to take care of your skin when you're away from home, so buy a pack of portable bottles to fill with your favorite products.
6. Bronzing Body Oil Don’t you just love the look of dewy skin in the summer months? So be sure to pack your favorite bronzing oil to glisten your skin. Make sure it contains SPF!
7. Leave-In Hair Conditioner To ensure that your tresses don't dry out, be sure to add some leave-in conditioner to your damp hair. Not only will it keep your hair hydrated, but it will also tame down any frizzes that pop up with the heat.
8. Lip Balm Your lips need some protection too! Be sure to pack a couple of your favorite lips balms that contain SPF to prevent sunburn and keep lips moist.
9. Nail Polish You may not have time to get a manicure while on vacation. The mix of salt water, rough sands, and scorching hot temperatures makes nail polish even more prone to chipping. Be sure to bring your favorite nail polish to give yourself a touch-up whenever needed.
10. Summer Fragrance Like most people, you may not even think twice about which perfume to pack for your getaway. Now that the season is changing, it's the perfect time to experiment with different fragrances! Opt for something crisp and clean or even citrus that will leave a pleasant aroma while you’re under the sun.
Purchase our EMME bag to keep your summer beauty essentials safely stored and neatly organized, and then embark on an easy trip!
If you're a last-minute shopper, don't worry, we have put together for you an awesome Father's Day gift guide for the Dad with personality. Read on!
FOR THE ULTIMATE SPORTS DAD: Sure to be on every dad’s wish list – the new iHip NFL and MLB Team headphones are perfect for the gym or bringing to your favorite team’s game for the play-by-play update! Specially designed to meet the listening needs of sports fans, you can enjoy not only its style and comfort, but unparalleled ear opening sound as well. The booming bass and noise cancelling effect delivers high quality sound for iPods, cell phones and MP3 player laptops. I-pod speakers, branded TV remote controls, and computer buds also make the perfect gift for the dad who has everything!$15-30 - www.ihipus.com
FOR NATURE LOVING DADS: Book a safari to Tswalu Kalahari. It is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares. No more than thirty guests at a time can discover the beauty of this landscape, its diverse wildlife, and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness.
FOR THE JETSETTER DAD: If your dad racks up more miles for work than an airline pilot get him an EMME bag. The optimized design of the original EMME bag makes frequent travel simple by allowing him to easily access his travel liquids while going through airport security, organize all his sundries in clear toxic-free pouches, stored his laptop & devices, but also stay organized. Trust us your dad will thank you for making his travel experience easier and he’ll think of you no matter where he is. Additionally, he can take the bag to the beach, or on his next camping trip.$90 -www.emmebag.com- 50% off through June 16th with discount code DAD
FOR THE LAGER LOVER: For the lager lover, ale aficionado or any beer drinker who enjoys trying new brews, would be instantly attracted to this gift! By entering your Dad in the Micro Brew of the Month Club, they'll receive a new beer sampler of 12 bottles from an award-winning American microbrewery each month. Your dad will be so excited to see what comes to the door each month!
3 month membership starts at $35.95 a month/$107.85 -www.amazingbeerclub.com
FOR THE MAN WITH THE NEED FOR SPEED: For dads that are obsessed with hot cars and the thrill of driving them. We found just the right program that can make his dreams a reality this Father’s Day from Cloud9 Living! Throughout the country, Cloud9 offers the most elite driving experiences allowing your dad to race a Ferrari, an actual stock car or dragster- as if he in taking part in the Indy 500!
Packages start at $99 and depend on the region/type of car - www.cloud9living.com/race-car-driving
Father's Day for most dads isn't really about the gifts, but is instead an opportunity to say, "Thanks for being such a great dad!"
If you're thinking of getting an EMME bag for your dad, save 50% off through June 16th with discount code DAD
Getting through airport security can be one of the most frustrating parts of traveling. Slow, long lines, grouchy TSA officers, and impatient flyers make the airport security checkpoint the least glamorous experience of your trip. Don’t fret, because we have a few simple strategies to help you get through airport security faster. Here are 4 tips to make the screening process go by in a flash.
1. Visit TSA’s site before you fly. If you haven’t travel in a while (before 2008) check The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines on boththeir website and ontheir mobileapps. Their site has tons of information on what to bring and how, but also on how to keep the process simple and streamlined.
2. Join TSA Precheck. This initiative started in 2011 and eligible flyers are able to bypass some of the traditional TSA procedures and can get through the system a lot faster. The expedited security isn't guaranteed, but for the most part the process will be smoother and faster at select domestic airports.
If you travel with the same airlines frequently you’ll receive a special invitation for TSA PreCheck and if you don’t, joining a Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry or NEXUS can sign you up for PreCheck as well. Be ready to share A LOT of personal information when applying, since you are essentially being pre-screened. But just think about what you’re trading, tons of info one time for the privilege of less time spent in the airport security line.
3. Be prepared. Pack your belongings in an organized way, so that if the TSA wants to open your bag, they can open it, check things out and move on. You don’t want to be that one person with an overflowing bag that won’t close, holding up the security line, while a crowd of impatient passengers looks on. If your bag is organized properly, it will cause less confusion when going through the scanner, too.
Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule: liquids and gels must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) container; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. Place it in the front pocket of your carry-on luggage. When you go through security, you can easily access it from the front pocket of your carry-on bag, allowing you to get through the process more quickly.
This is why we developed The Original EMME Bag. The clear pouch on our bag allows you to get through security at the airport easily AND still have all the liquid items you need.
4. Don’t over think the experience. You only need to remember a few key details to make the process go smoother.
Keep your ID and boarding pass in your hand or pocket.
Dress appropriately! Wear comfortable shoes that you can take off easily and an outfit that allows you to bend over, and lift things.
Have your liquids bags handy and follow the 3-1-1 rule we mentioned above.
Don’t make inappropriate jokes about explosives or blowing up the plane. The TSA takes everything you say very seriously
Above all have tons patience and arrive early. Think about your destination to keep you smiling through the long waits.
Remember that TSA agents are just doing their job and have the right to browse through your belongings, so don’t lose your cool if you get randomly selected for a search. Greet them with a friendly hello and politely answer all the questions. This will get you much further than losing your temper.
Summer has finally arrived! It’s a great time for you to take a much-deserved vacation with your girlfriends or family. Planning your trip can be a tad overwhelming, but the key to having an amazing trip is research, timing, budgeting and travel method. When you take care of those tasks, you increase your chances of having an enjoyable vacation. Set your mind at ease and follow our quick and simple vacation planning tips.
Brainstorm vacation ideas. This is the funnest part of planning. Allow yourself to daydream and think of places you always wanted to explore. While you're dreaming and brainstorming, write down your favorite season, activities you want to do, people to visit, dates, and how you want to get to your destination.
Do tons of research. The key to a stress-free vacation is knowing as much as possible about your destination. The more you research the better you can plan and work on setting a budget. Try to find three or four potential itineraries that go with your desires and budget.
Set a budget. The sooner you determine your budget, the more money you can save. Consider adding travel costs to your budget for example, ticket fees, car rental, how much you want to spend on food and attraction entry fees. You might also need new clothes for where you’re going, a new camera, travel insurance and other expenses. Make a list of everything you need and want for your trip, so that you’re not surprised by fees/misc. expenses at the last minute.
Write out your options. Add to your notes all the info you found interesting while researching like possible activities to do while you’re there, places to stay, dates and times. Don’t rush to book your trip. Sleep on it and talk to your friends and family before making a decision. If you’re traveling with other people or a significant other share what you’ve learned. Give it time and the best option will present itself at the right moment. If it doesn't, do more research.
Time to book it! You made up your mind and know where your dream vacation is taking place. Well then book your vacation and make sure that your hotel reservation and transportation tickets are on the same day. Create a packing list based on your destination's weather and your preferred activities.
Don’t forget to bring your EMME bag to stored your most loved travel-sized treasures!
Packing toiletries can be a daunting task, and probably doesn't make it into the category of "fun." Plus, if you're packing a toiletry bag for business travel it means you're going to be away from home, and sometimes that is even less fun. Compounded with a trip where your bag is poorly packed and missing critical items, suddenly your stress level is elevated and you're spending unnecessary money on extra items.
This is why we developed The Original EMME Bag. To literally find a way to increase leisure time while at home, and still be ready for business or personal travel without unnecessary added stress. Having everything you need at your fingertips can really help lend to a successful, organized and stress free traveling experience!
We designed it so you can easily remove the clear zip-out pouch, and the opaque nylon pouch. The clear pouch allows you to get through security at the airport easily AND still have all the liquid items you need. When you get to your destination, you can zip it back in, saving room on your bathroom vanity and keeping all your items together. If you're traveling with someone, they'll appreciate the extra space :)
With all that in mind, we've compiled some useful ways to pack a toiletry bag for your next trip. Be creative! Tell us how you're using your EMME bag - we're constantly amazed at all the different ways people are using it.
Build a Toiletries Kit. For frequent travelers, having a toiletry bag ready-to-go when you find yourself jetting off constantly makes the packing process much easier. It may cost more, since you have to double-stock on some items, but the convenience is worth it. By having this pre-made toiletry bag that is filled with items you already use, it's simple to pull it out of the closet and put it in your suitcase. We’ll show you below what to add to your EMME bag, so you can build your own customized and stocked toiletries kit.
1. Packing Before the Trip: If you don’t travel often or like to pack before your trip, you'll be saving on space by only packing the things you need. Try to figure out what you can get from your hotel, so that you can save time and money by using the items they're willing to provide to you at no charge. The downside to packing at the last-minute is that you are likely to forget something.
Memorial Day weekend is here! Whether you’re staying put or traveling to an exotic locale, you’re going to need a couple of go-to outfit ideas to get you through the long weekend ahead. Lucky for you, we have six outfits to make you look and feel your best.
For the Beach: Keep it simple with a fun and colorful swimsuit. What’s hot now? Retro styles in bold colors and patterns. Complete your look with hat and some fun shades.
For a BBQ: Memorial Day weekend is all about eating and drinking, so a light and flowy dress is perfect to hide a multitude of sins. Wear the dress with a straw hat, sneakers and with laid-back accessories because, after all, comfort is key.
Source: agogofashion.blogspot.com
For Traveling: Wear an easy and comfy outfit to the airport. A comfy tee, ankle jeans, a jacket or cardigan in case you get cold and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Don’t forget to bring your EMME bag!
Source: brooklynblonde.com
What are you guys doing this weekend? Any major plans? What will you wear? Discuss at our Facebook page!
The Perfect Travel Bag
EMME was created because there was is a need for the perfect toiletry and cosmetic bag, designed for frequent travelers who want to stay organized with toiletries and cosmetics. Our bag is designed to maximize what you can take on a trip, store it in one bag, easily find everything you need and still save room in your suitcase. Created with premium quality materials, the EMME bag is designed to last you a very long time, and help you stay organized while traveling!