The precious gift of time….

Traveling on a regular basis for work is an often a grueling and tiresome job or it can be stress free…enjoyable…ending in a sense of satisfaction. There are times when traveling becomes a lonesome job….I feel it most when I’m on the road for an extended number of days…not returning home for a quick change of clothes and a good night’s sleep in my own bed (which always makes me feel like a new woman!). If I leave the US and go where I don’t speak the language…by my little self…without a traveling buddy…..Feeling isolate is magnified.

As a woman, traveling to another country alone requires a little more planning. We are so lucky to have mobile technology today and there are so many apps available to help us lower our stress level when traveling to other countries.

Conversion Free one of many free conversion apps really help manage currency and tipping appropriately when in another country.

Airline Apps are available that allow you to know what gate you will be departing and landing from as well as making you aware of any delays.

All of these things make a difference, but the best gift of travel is someone unexpectedly extending an act of kindness. I am reluctant to ask people I am working with to show me their city or go with me to dinner….but when someone offers to take me sightseeing or out to dinner…to me that is the most gracious expression of kindness….because I know that person is giving their time to make my trip more enjoyable. IT IS THE BEST!

On a recent trip, I was blessed to have the hand of friendship extended not by one…but by FIVE amazing young men and women who made me laugh, and see sights and taste food that I would have missed had I remained in my hotel room. What a wonderful gift of time they gave!

Thought for today….Have you extended yourself to a new acquaintance? It is always easier to entertain someone you know coming in town for a visit, but how about the person who has just moved to town or someone attending a business meeting at your office? Extend yourself in friendship …you may not realize what a blessing they will become in your life as well as the blessing they will receive….you may even find a new friend(s) soooo…Look for someone who you can reach out to…”Return to the roots of giving”A mis nuevos amigos … Gracias por su mano de la amistad y el regalo de tiempo!

#kindness #lonely #giving #friendship #unexpected #planning #joy #fun #life #weary #time #sad #Travel

In case of emergency…

Being a weekly traveler has made me a very efficient packer. I do not like to travel with a good deal of luggage so I take just enough…(now this is for business travel of course) All bets are off when traveling for fun…as a girl has to have options…right?

Last week, I discovered that options on a business trip were necessary as well. It was late when I arrive at my hotel…so I was

My thought at the time…though not necessarily wise was to put on some clothes…now you remember I am an efficient packer…only the clothes for the next day….a little too professional for 2 in the morning….exercise clothes….running shorts and top not great for 35○ weather….so I put on the clothes that I had traveled in several days earlier…not great to sleep in

After solving this major problem…it was time to do something about the painful goose egg on my head. The manager, a woman…(boy was I relieved to hear a female voice answer my call…as it was a little easier to share the details of my incident) arrived to assess the situation…she left to get a bag of ice and soda crackers.

Of course like any sane woman, I accessed the internet to look up some information about the egg on my head. I decided that I did not need the EMT’s and would stay awake for a bit by keeping a bag of ice on my head. While doing this, I began to consider that they didn’t have any other information to go on if something happened to me. Not a good thing! 

Tip #3: Provide someone in your family with your hotel and flight information.while my children knew the city and state I was in…

The next day I called my physician. I know…I know…I have been fussed at by my family and friends. This is always an important thing to do sooner rather than later…(next time I will call sooner)…as I had sustained a concussion. Tip #5: Always call your physician…if he/she isn’t available, talk to the doctor on call as to what you should do.

Life continues to be a learning experience….My hard head is still sore, my suitcase will be fuller and my daughter knows where I’m staying….Like a good scout I will be prepared if I encounter another bump on the road!

#accident #notifyfamily #unexpected #aloneinthecity #itinerary #EMT #emergency #physician #Travel