For a team and company that is used to working trade show floors and large events, 2020 was a harsh blow. But we made it through that year…and made it through 2021, in fact- we even grew the team! However the real test on what life was going to look like after…(or truthfully…during) Covid, was always going to be the first in-person event, the first real work trip that was more than the walk from our bedroom to our home office desk. Thankfully- after being grounded for over a year, we’re back in action! Victoria was off to Las Vegas in December 2021 for co-located events (aka…a lot of things happening at the same time!)
Reminder- The Pandemic isn’t over just because you’re over it. But yeah- we’re all over it.
First things- assume you need to be the smarter person when in public. Freemind Seattle and most of its clients have mandated vaccines as a condition of employment (much to this employee’s joy & relief), but while traveling, you can’t trust everyone to be as dedicated to keeping those around them healthy and safe. Keep your distance as best as you can, wear your mask, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. The 6ft social distancing guideline is very hard to stick to when traveling, especially in an airport.
The Pandemic Packing & Travel Plan
No matter if you are checking a bag or just taking a carry on:
Pack lots of masks, both cloth and disposable, you will sweat, you will need a break, switching up the masks during the day, or even just each day, can really help your skin, your mind and your body adjust and get through the day.
There are so many types of masks, you can find the perfect one for you. There is no excuse to not have a mask or a face guard.
First Aid kits- have always been my ‘must-have’ when I travel, but it’s even more important now. Hand sanitizer, band aids, blister pads, pain killers, tummy settlers…hard work and stress can make you feel like crap, so be prepared.
When booking your room- aim for 2 queen beds rather than a single king. This way you have one bed to sleep on (…and eat in…) and one bed to lay out all your stuff and clothes so you can see it all and not have to riffle through a suitcase of messiness
Air compression bags aren’t just a space saver…they also help you keep clothes and things separated as needed.
Perfect for keeping dirty clothes away from clean clothes, no residual smells.
When you come home, simply empty out the ‘dirty clothes’ bag into your hamper.
First class- upgrade if you can, the extra space really helped me ease my mind. For me, it was worth it.
Security at the airports is just as annoying as before…it’s probably time to sign up for Pre-Check or Clear.
But some airports have a priority line for First Class tickets- check on that! (Seattle & Vegas are two such airports-FYI)
Once you go noise cancelling headphones, you’ll never go back
HUGE thanks to our fearless Freemind leaders, Melissa & Kori, for the early Christmas gift to the team :)
Love when the early morning flight has fantastic ambiance! <3
Conference Days during a Pandemic:
DRINK WATER
No excuses.
Different Day- Different Shoes. Socks are your friends; blisters are the worst.
Double up on (thin) socks in shoes, when your feet start to swell halfway through the day, take off a pair. It will give you a little extra space and ease up on the pressure.
Masks plus a crowd act like blinders on a horse…Make sure you check your surroundings before moving quickly. Especially if you have a backpack on.
Bring your tech (laptop, charger, phone charger, USB stick)- you’ll never know when you, your client or a speaker will need something.
You will forget to put your mask on after eating or drinking and get up to walk away and freak out once you realize. It’s ok!
USE HAND SANITIZER
Sit when you can. Just. Sit.
If you missed Victoria’s adventure as it unfolded on our Instagram Stories- you can catch up on the highlights HERE. Until next time- we’ll be re-stocking our travel sizes, shopping for new shoes (and a *slightly* bigger carry on) and staying safe with masks, social distancing & vaccines. We wish you all the best and can’t wait to see you at the next event. We’re adaptable! We’ll get to your audience, no matter what is going on in the world.
P.S. Victoria’s Random Thoughts:
Why do hotels never have a diffuser for the hair dryer?
Or a steamer? Who irons anymore?
How is Vegas not the “City that Never Sleeps”? - The casino floor was just as busy at 4:30 am when I left for my flight home as it was at 8:00 pm the night before…on a Thursday…