So after taking 16 flights already in 2012 I feel I’m a bonnifide expert and extremely qualified to give tips on what the Biz woman needs stay healthy, organized and above all- prepared as she takes her business global. 

So I have a little cold now and it’s my own fault. I drank about 20 cokes while in Greece last week and about 10 more while in New York this week. I seem to drink more of them especially while traveling internationally, because no matter what language you speak or don’t speak- everyone understands “ coke with ice”. Tip 1: Drink water instead and cut back on coke, caffeine (coffee) and some strong teas. Also try green tea with lemon (lemon to keep you flushed). This will keep you hydrated, keep your skin clear and looking fresh and help you not to feel so sluggish.

Tip 2: Take your vitamins before you actually start traveling and while you travel, basically take them all month. I suggest vitamin C & B12 at a minimum. This will keep your immune system strong, help you get the nutrients you need- and keep you from getting really sick- as you probably won’t eat so well on the road and cannot always monitor how much salt, oil, and fat you are taking in. Also, try Airborne packets that you just add to water- these are a really great defense for plane germs and getting colds. 

Tip 3: Check the weather before you leave. No brainer eh? Check the weather and pack accordingly. Don’t assume you will be able to buy a scarf, coat, gloves or umbrella when you arrive. I have been unhappily surprised to find out certain cities in certain countries don’t keep these types of items on stock any time of the year. Also, pack things that can be mixed and matched. This is my TOP piece of advice for traveling a lot. You not wear all of those clothes you packed and you will get tired of lugging around your own bag. Pack leggings, a blazer, tee-shirts, 2 pair of jeans, 1 pair of heels (dressy) possibly 1 pair of pumps ( if it’s hot, my dressy heels and pumps will be the same pair) 1 pair of sneakers, a swimsuit, some socks and a scarf, and possibly a coat- I have covered just about every country and a week’s worth of outfits. 

Tip 4: It’s very difficult when traveling a lot, but try to eat as healthy as possible. Drink at least 4 bottles a day- if you can fit in more- that’s sprinkles 🙂 Eat something green at least once per day ( I’m being realistic) twice if you’re lucky and not so much bread and sugar. You DO NOT have to try a dessert everyday just because you are in France ……The vitamins will help-but nothing can combat a system chocked full of sugar, fat and grease- international grease at that. 

Tip 5: Keep all that expensive jewelry at home, but the jewelry you do bring, your laptop and 1 small change of clothes ( if you can) keep this on you on the plane. This will save you if your luggage is temporarily lost or there is some weird layover, you can still function at least semi-normally, and you will not loose your mind if your lucky ring and your whole presentation is gone forever. You may want to consider ( if you have it) booking your trip on an American Express card. In the case there is some sort of layover or cancellation- AmEx will give you some money to spend to get a hotel- a change of clothes etc. 

BONUS: Condense your technology. Consider getting a MacAir- yep I’m a part of the cult but for good reason. The MacAir is almost as light as a Ipad2 and is skinny enough to fit in a purse and does ALL of the computing I need to do. Also, having a tablet- I won’t say what brand- will also keep you traveling light when you have presentations on the go or need to do a bit of work unexceptionally. 

My TOP Travel Tools:

• www.expedia.com
• www.bookit.com
• My own scarf which could double as a blanket
• A European plug if going to Europe ( just ask them at RadioShack- they’ll know) 
• www.skype.com – Saves me tons of money

Lastly, I’m really not an expert – only feel like it- but this woman is- check out her site and get ALL of the best advice for a traveling entrepreneur www.suitcaseentrepreneur.com