I travel a fair amount in my job and have for many years. Over that time I have picked up a few insights... I hope they can help your travel experience as well. First off, travel isn't glamorous. Weather delays, mechanical delays, packed airplanes with a kid kicking the back of your seat for three hours don't put a positive spin on your day. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to improve your life on the road:
Tip #1) Never pack your keys in a bag you check, because your bag ultimately may not go where you are going. Before car keys got as technological as they are today, you could call AAA and they would come and make you one, but not any more.
Tip #2) Don't check a bag. I can travel for a week pretty easily with my two carry on bags. One of them should roll, because it is just easier. Just about the only time I check a bag is if my golf clubs are with me, and that unfortunately isn't very often.
Tip #3) If you travel a fair amount then pick a couple of airlines that makes sense for you and where you travel from, I use Delta and Southwest. Then pick your main hotel, I use Marriott, but join each hotel or airline club. It is free and it gets little perks for you over time, even at the ones you rarely use. The ones you use often can improve your life and attitude on the road.
Tip #4) Don't wear shoes with laces when you fly. It slows you down going through the TSA checkpoint.
Tip #5) Double bag your liquids. The rule says you can only use one quart size bag. But you can put it in a gallon size Ziploc bag which greatly improves your chances of keeping the contents of a bottle with a loose cap from leaking all over your clothes.
Tip #6) Don't stress over things you can't control. It doesn't do you any good and is just a waste of time. However look for signs that a delay is looming. If you wait for the formal announcement of a delay then you will be at the end of a long line. Have your airlines phone numbers and your account number in your cell phone. What does a pending delay look like? If you see one of the mechanics coming into the pilot area and talking with the pilot.
I want to finish this blog with 3 Rules for the Road...
Rule 1. Never drink with Tim Murphy the first night of a show. Now I always blamed Murphy, but it was just as likely to be Chris Kelly or Scott Adams. We all have friends that like to have a good time and are fun to be around, but if you start your trip with a long night, then you are going to drag for a day or two.
Rule 2. Never do shots!
Rule 3. (This one is the most important!) Never leave a perfectly good bar for another bar, because nothing good will come from it. If you are thinking about doing it, then you've probably violated one of the two prior rules and you don't need more to drink. However, if you do self-inflict too much alcohol, fun, and lack of sleep on yourself, then you must answer the call the next morning. If you don't feel good, tough... gut it out. To quote the above mentioned, Scott Adams, "pro's play hurt".
