Now that #ConferenceSeason is here, it’s time to start going through my mental checklists to make sure that no matter what happens, I’m ready for it. I was not always like this though! In the last few years, attending the numerous conferences with ShareASale I have lost luggage (twice), been a victim of food poisoning (twice), gotten incredibly sunburned (to the point where it hurt to bend my arms), and have forgotten a few important articles of clothing (belt, shoes – yeah…shoes). I have since learned that I simply need to prepare for the absolute worst case scenario. I imagine that most people are similar in that they often have the “I forgot something” feeling. I hope that after reading this #FunFriday post, you will say that no more!
Scenario #1: The Lost Luggage
Have you ever been sitting in the window seat of a plane and been able to watch the baggage handler load the luggage? What is your first thought when the plane starts to taxi and you realize that you never saw your bag get loaded? Most of the time, the luggage arrives safely and on time. There is always that one time though…or in my case, two times with ShareASale and three times without ShareASale.
How to Prepare
It seems obvious enough, that after having luggage lost 5 times one would learn how to prepare for that. Unfortunately, it has taken me quite a while to learn! NOW, to prepare for the inevitable lost luggage, I pack two FULL days worth of clothes in my carry-on/backpack. Usually, a nice pair of jeans and a shirt or two will suffice. Additionally, I always pack my toiletries in my backpack as well. This way, worst-case scenario, I can be clean for two days!
Scenario #2: The Stomach Bug
Have you even been in a new city with colleagues, and been told that a particular local food (street meat) is legendary and that you NEED to have it? Or, have you been at a conference party and stopped by said local street vendor (street meat) on the way back to the hotel? I have, and I paid for it!
How to Prepare
Unfortunately, the only thing you can do to prepare for this one is make sure you pack any and all possible over the counter stomach medicines (i.e. Imodium, ibuprofen, Pepto, etc). Often times at conferences I feel like a walking over-the-counter pharmacy, but at least I know that no matter what bug comes my way, I will be armed and ready.
Scenario #3: The Forgotten Articles
Most of us have probably seen “Home Alone”, more notably the scene with Kate and Peter McCallister where they are on the plane and she feels as though she forgot something. It’s also probably safe to assume that most of us have had that feeling at least once. Usually, when I travel that feeling is almost a guarantee. You might be asking, “WHY” and “HOW”. It’s because usually I do forget something.
There have been times when I somehow forget to bring shoes, a belt, or an additional pair of pants.
How to Prepare
Again, a lesson that I’ve not learned until recently. After having this happen a few different times, I have a new method to packing. For my toiletries, I actually have all travel sized things, i.e. toothbrush, deodorant, etc. After traveling, I simply do not unpack my toiletries bag . I leave it in my suitcase for the next trip. That way, I know at all times that if I have to leave on a whim, I’m set to go.
Clothes are a different story though. I’ve now turned into an “over-packer”. I literally write down a checklist for each day and each possible scenario…then pack from there.
It is always better to be over prepared than under prepared. That way, I ready to combat the next unexpected hurdle that might come my way at future conferences.
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