Tips for the Frequent Traveler

Frequent travelers have brought preparation of travel to an art form or even a second nature to them. However, it always helps to share thoughts and tips for travel. Here is one way to organize thoughts for travel (most relevant to travel by air).

Before Travel ::: Research and Visa
If you have the freedom, request the travel agent to try different routes. Sometimes, you can realize substantial savings with a slight adjustment of airlines.
If you are traveling to popular tourist destination place for business, try to look for packages rather than an airline ticket and a reservation. Note, that you can loose a bit of flexibility or choice of hotel. For example I did Amman/Beirut for JD199 ($300) with a 2-night stay in a 5-star hotel. The ticket alone was JD150.
For first time destinations, do the basic research on the country: visa requirements, currency restrictions, admittance of tobacco/alcohol, safety tips… etc. Some good sources of info:
http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness/
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp
Ensure the validity of your passport. Most countries require at least 6-months, others may require up to 12-months validity.
Observe visa requirements and plan well ahead of time. A schengen visa may take up to 14 days (www.eurovisa.info/). Be prepared to show supporting documents of your current job, bank accounts, or an invitation letter from a party in the destination country for business travel purposes.
In urgent cases where you have to attend a short-notice meeting, do not hesitate to clearly explain and document the urgent need for your travel to the Ambassador / Council / Commercial Attaché. In many cases they can accommodate you and expedite the process. An associate of mine managed to get a visit visa to Poland in 4 days as opposed to the official 2 weeks, just because he made a good case of it (and he listened to me: )

Packing ::: Essentials

• Passport + Tickets (I know it is too obvious, nevertheless!)
• Money (local currency and/or $US)
• Credit cards
• Emergency numbers to call
• Frequent Flyer / Hote
• l Privilage / Calling Cards [thanks Lana!]
• Mobile phone charger Personal Care Items
• Toothpaste + brush
• Shaving set + cream (I recommend the gel in clear plastic tubes over pressurized cans
• Your favorite shampoo and conditioner (do not trust the quality of the hotel supplies, except for the Four Seasons, they have L’occitane brand which is fabulous!)
• Hair brush + gel / wax / cream
• Deodorant (important for hotter countries in summer times! Think Riyadh orDubai in July!)
• Safety pins

Clothes

• A business suit or more depending on the number of meetings. It is a good impression to show a different attire with the same people. You still can do that with a change of shirts and/or ties.
• 1 dress shirt per day of travel
• 1-2 ties per shirt in case you have a number of meetings in the same day
• Belts ensure that you take belts that match your shoes’ colors
• Socks, shoes and express sponge for shoe care (http://www.kiwicare.com)
• Under garments (I leave the style and number to your own judgment)
• Casual clothes for going out at night and “unwinding”
• Gym shorts and shoes if your trip is longer than a few days and you need to remain in shape.

Miscellaneous

• Universal power adopter / Mobile phone charger
• Digital camera, not only for tourist purposes, but also can be important in documenting important notes on whiteboards.
• Multivitamins – Important to supplement the diet in travel which may not be always healthy.
• Power bar or snack bar – For quick on the go energy boost. Avoid chocolates and sugary items.

Business-Related

• Business cards (try and keep some in your wallet and jackets when needed on the spot)
  Writing note pad
• USB
• General purpose felt-tip pen to make notes on items
• A highlight pen
• Safety scissors
• Post-it notes
• Scotch tape

Other Sources:
http://www.freetraveltips.com/Packing/
Note: I'll try to make this a live document and updating as I get more ideas, so I highly welcome others' experiences.