After more than two decades criss-crossing the globe for interpreting jobs, I’ve developed my own system for stress-free travel. As summer gets underway, I thought I’d share my best tips for business travel:
I keep scanned copies of important documents securely stored in the cloud. I always pack my passport in the same pocket of my tote, and put it away in the same spot as soon as I get home.
I try to travel the night before an assignment so I can start fresh the next day, but if I need to take an early flight, I skip breakfast and bring a protein bar to eat after I’m through security.
I use my time at the airport to catch up on admin. Fast-track lanes and priority boarding are small extras that pay big dividends in saved time and energy.
I always keep a mini glam-recovery kit close — my secret for arriving fresh-faced, even after a 5 a.m. flight. It includes soothing under-eye patches (a must before high-stakes meetings), hydrating lip balm, and my go-to: a peppermint roll-on oil for an instant sensory reset. Add a touch of tinted moisturiser and a spritz of fragrance, and I’m ready to go from gate to great in minutes.
Instead of a handbag, I carry a tote. It’s structured so I can put it down on the ground without it falling over, and it has a luggage sleeve that fits securely on my suitcase handle.
I always pack a lavender-scented pillow mist spray to help me get to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings after a long day.
I take ten minutes to reset post-flight and refocus. When I jump in a taxi from the airport, I close my eyes, pop in my headphones and listen to binaural beats. Try this playlist on Spotify
Unless it’s midwinter, I leave bulky coats at home and instead bring lots of layers so I can stay comfortable in all settings, from air-conditioned meeting rooms to sweltering al fresco drinks receptions.
I pack a capsule wardrobe in complementary colours so I can mix and match. I use packing cubes to keep shoes, toiletries, underwear and accessories organised.