Authored by Linda Naugle, TJCC Contributor
I would venture to guess that most of you like to travel. Who doesn’t enjoy having a little change of pace every once in a while? Even if you aren’t enchanted by your destination, it’s likely that you appreciate home that much more.
My name is Linda and I am a road warrior. My job has evolved into one that requires more travel than I ever thought possible. I love to travel, don’t get me wrong, but as I kill time in between meetings for work while I’m on the road, I may or may not find interesting things to do.
Sightseeing can be fun for a day or 2, depending on where you are, but what happens when the weather stinks, you’ve exhausted the intriguing scenery and you’re ready to appreciate home again?
I am currently in Alaska and before I came here, I was bubbling with excitement. I still am as I gaze at Mendenhall Glacier and learn more about the stories behind the totem poles. The humpback whales are feeding in their bubbling fashion and emerge from the ocean with such tremendous force, trumpeting loudly, I’m left speechless. Bald eagles lurk in a tree far in the distance – closer than I’ve ever been, or will likely ever be again.
I’ve been to a few museums, and have shopped a little and helped the Alaskan economy and have really enjoyed my time here. Plus I’ve had great meetings to boot!
But I sit here in a coffee shop exercising my thumbs to share my story via Blackberry. Do you recall, I am in Alaska, for the love of god!
So why the whiney prose? It’s all about how much money one has that enables exciting jaunts around a touristy locale. If I travel every other week, say, I need to have some expendable funds to enjoy some of these places that I may never see again. Perhaps I should consider a permanent vacation fund?
Further, I am also a bit of a shopaholic. I hate to admit it and honestly try to keep my purchases small (to fit in my carry on) and on sale (to fit my budget), but discipline is not one of my strong points. Plus, I often “need” something I didn’t bring.
So I reach out to you, fellow travelers. I need perspective and advice. What do you do when you’re traveling for work while on a personal budget? And to the very practical women, what do pack to keep the suitcase light with outfits that work in a variety of climates? Thanks for offering your tips and tricks!
Off to the meeting that brought me here!
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Linda Naugle works for a nonprofit organization in New York City and has traveled the world. Stay tuned for more of Linda’s adventures here at TJCC.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I adore Alaska. I went once when I was a little younger, and you're there for the perfect time of year, in my opinion.
My advice: ask the baristas in the coffee shop for advice. They're locals, and they have to enjoy their town on the cheap.
Hope it helps! :)
Linda – thank you for taking the time to write, even while on your trip and while shuffling to meetings – amazing! True definition of a road warrior, in my humble opinion.
Greg – great advice! The locals are always the best tour guides. I haven't yet been to Alaska, but am dying to go.
Hi Linda! I am so glad you got to these places in Alaska. It is such a beautiful state and it's changing so fast. I think of it as the Wild West of our time.
Here are some tips that might be helpful:
When traveling, I only pack clothes that don't wrinkle. I refuse to iron while traveling. I also try to buy my traveling type clothes in a single color palette so that I can mix and match very easily. I also try to bring only 1 or 2 pairs of shoes that can go with everything. (Shoes are heavy.)
On personal budgeting while traveling: I can be the cheapest person alive, serious. So for a week I can eat peanut butter sandwiches and ramen if it helps me to budget for an upcoming trip. It's a matter of trade-offs and taking the long view: what can I give up now to have something great (like a glacier tour!) later.
So glad you wrote this piece and look forward to your future posts!
Thanks for your tips everyone!
Alaska is a fascinating place and truly the Wild West of our time, as Christa mentions.