Barbara Walters Price

Social Media and Travel - A Marriage Made in Heaven

In case you missed this article in Inc., check out "How Social Media Has Changed Business Travel." 

This is not just an article about which site helps you find the best deals (although that information is included). Instead this piece explores how to leverage social media to make your travel more productive and enjoyable. From expanding your network to finding cool places to eat, this is a great article not only for road-warriors but also for those that don't travel that often.

The article has three major sections: 

1. How Social Media Has Changed Business Travel: Before You Leave (with a sub-section on social media tools that are helpful before you travel)
2. How Social Media Has Changed Business Travel: While You're Away (with a sub-section on social media tools that are helpful while on the road)
3. How Social Media Has Changed Business Travel: After You Return Home

Before you leave on your next trip, take a few minutes to read.

 

 

Happy Monday

The Longest Way 1.0 - one year walk/beard grow time lapse from Christoph Rehage on Vimeo.

From the blog, Lighter Footsteps, information about this video:

Christoph Rehage’s birthday present to himself in November, 2007, was to go for a long walk. The plan was to walk from Beijing, China — where Rehage was a student — to his home in Bad Nenndorf, Germany. An amazing proposition, when you consider the vastness of China.

Along the way, he photographed himself. We’ve all seen those “picture a day” time lapse videos. But the five minute version of Rehage’s epic walkabout, eventually covering over 4,000 kilometers, is in a league of its own.

We see a young, clean shaven man being changed by his adventure.

How to Sleep in Airports

Did you know that there is a website called The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.  According to the homepage:

For travellers who are REALLY on a budget and are looking for a way to skim a few bucks off their travel expenses, why not consider sleeping in an airport?  Many airports are actually better than local lodging.  And to top it off - IT'S FREE! 

Okaaaaay.

They have 15 tips for successfully surviving the experience.  Here is #2:

"2. Expect your flight to be cancelled and be prepared:  If weather or a schedule delay cause you to sit in the airport for longer than you had hoped, it would have been better to have been prepared.  Wouldn't it have been?  Your emergency airport survival kit should include: 

• a cheap inflatable pool raft (they fold up nicely and make the hard floor a lot more comfortable).  Keep in mind that in some airports sleeping on the floor is a no-no.
• eye shades
• ear plugs
• bottled water
• snacks
• books/magazines
• personal music device with large headphones.  You'll want full coverage to block out loud announcements.
• an alarm clock or a pen and post-it pad.  If you are travelling solo, write a "Wake me at 5:00 AM" note and stick a few on and around you -- it works.  People will wake you.
• an airline blanket and/or pillow (borrowed - NOT STOLEN!!!).
• disinfectant wipes.  Cleanliness is a problem in some airports, so these handy wipes will make your "bed" for the night a little less germ and grease covered.
• tissue/toilet paper.  Remember, in some third world airport bathrooms, you will be forced to pay a King's ransom for two single ply sheets of toilet paper.
• tipping money if you forgot to pack aforementioned toilet paper
• Vick Vapour rub.  Place a dab of this under your nose to block out bad terminal odours.
• Your camera to document your stay.
• Entertain yourselves.  A Twister mat and spin card are light and take up little room in your carry on.  Cards always come in handy.  If these are unavailable to you, luggage carts and airport wheelchairs have also brightened a few faces around here."

I especially love the Vick's Vapour rub and Twister mat.  And to think I've never, ever packed a Twister mat! 

I pray that the recession doesn't make this an option.