I traveled for 50+ days last year and this is what I learned

I traveled for 50+ days brde year and this is what I learnedI traveled for 50+ days last year and this is what I learnedAt the beginning of 2017, it was safe to say I was a pretty novice traveler. Id only been on an airplane a handful of times, and most of those trips were just quick weekend getaways. But by the time I rang in 2018, Id spent mora than 50 days of the year traveling. I went to Paris (twice), Rome, New York City, Chicago, and Orlando all over the course of eight months. Im happy to report that I no longer feel like a novice traveler, and with some mora big trips coming up, Im taking time to reflect on what I learned and how I can ensure my travel experiences are as seamless and relaxing as possible.How to Stay OrganizedEven when everything goes perfectly, traveling is hectic, thats half the fun. But Ive learned some organization tips that leave me less flustered and able to travel with a little mora ease.Leave Your Wallet BehindBear with me on this one, I know it sounds reckless, but I do notlage use a wallet when traveling, I use a pouch. Before I leave, I pack a zipperedpouch with the bare necessities my leistungspunkt card, drivers license, and health insurance card. Then I add paper money to use while traveling or to swap for foreign currency. If traveling abroad. I also include my passport in this pouch. If necessary, I include any printouts of tickets, boarding passes, or booking confirmations in this pouch as well. As I travel, I stash receipts, newly purchased tickets and coupons in here too.I use thispouchfromTDE. Its big enough to hold a boarding pass and a passport, has a credit card holder, and a zippered pocket thats perfect for cash and coins. Ive even used it as a clutch when I dont want to carry a purse as it can also stash keys and a cellphone. I love that its monogrammed with my initials and that they haveveganleather options. I have my eye on the matching vegantravel casethat includes earring hooks to keep jewelry organized, plu s its the perfect size to store miscellaneous valuables and tech items you dont want floating around your bag.I keep all of my receipts in the same pouch, but when traveling for business, I take photos of receipts as soon as I make a purchase and I store the photo in a special folder dedicated to the trip on my iPhone. That way its super easy for me to submit my expenses for reimbursement or write them off when tax season comes.Keep a travel journalBefore my first trip abroad, a friend gave me thisMoleskine travel journal.It was intended to write down my memories each day of my trip, which I shamelessly didnt do. But I never travel without it because it has become indispensable in regards to staying organized. This particular journal comes with online templates you can print out and paste into your journal, so before every trip abroad I now create a couple special pages in my journal. Im always worried my phone will sie while traveling and Ill be without necessary information, so I include everything important in my journal My hotel name, address, and phone number, plus directions on how to get there from the airport the phone number and address of the closest American consulate, and other phone numbers that might be needed in an emergency. If I plan on making any day trips to other cities or attractions that might be difficult to get to, I include directions for that, too. Its also a great place to jot down notes about restaurants, shops,and attractions youd want to return to one day or recommend to friends.Use The Right TechThere are a lot of travel apps out there that claim to be life-changing, but in my opinion, they take up a lot of space on your phone and youll never use them. Do you really need an app thats a guide to what food is available in your airport terminal? Yep, that exists. But theGoogle Tripsapp is unbelievably helpful. If you book your travels using your Gmailaddress, this app pulls all of the vital information from each booking into an itin erary for your trip. All you have to do is open the app (once its been updated it can even be accessed offline) then click on your trip and youll be able to binnensee all of your transportation schedules, confirmation numbers,and tickets. Plus they include a link that takes you straight to the original email you received after booking in case you need to reference it. The app also makes suggestions for local restaurants and attractions based on your schedule.Pack SmarterLike many people, I only use a carry-on bag while traveling. I usually have no trouble fittingwhat I needinto a carry-on, but for longer trips or ones that require bulkier clothing items, I try to be strategic about how I pack. I always pick a versatile color scheme for my clothing, wear a coat on my flight to save space, and I wear my bulkiest pair of shoes while traveling.ThisAway carry-on suitcaseis a total game changer. And yes, I got the pink one. But as someone who cant easily reach the overhead compartment, it s much easier to ask for help when you can point to a very identifiable pink bag. You dont have to worry about any valuables being crushed thanks to its hard shell, it has a TSA-approved combination lock that will make you feel secure, a compression system to help you fit more clothes, and a hidden laundry bag to keep your dirty items away from your clean items. I also really love that it includes an ejectable battery that you can charge your phone with. I like to take the battery off before I board so I can use it to charge my phone in flight if needed.For my smaller personal item,I bring a backpack for longer trips simply because they can fit so much more than a purse, and they are easier to carry around with you.How to Stay HealthyWhen youre traveling, its pretty normal to feel a little off. I mean, you have jet lag and long days of sightseeing working against you. But after dragging through business trips and running myself into the ground on vacations, I realized that there wer e a few small tweaks I could make to my behavior that would help me feel my best no matter where I am. Ive found that when I follow these rules, Im less likely to get sick too. No Emergen-C required.Skip the AlcoholI like to indulge in the occasional cocktail on a Saturday night or a glass of wine when a friend comes over, but I never have an alcoholic drink multiple days in a row. During a recent business trip, each day involved an event or dinner where wine and cocktails were readily available. It was fun at first, but I realized a few days into the trip that even though I wasnt drinking that much each day, it was still too much for my body to handle. For the most part, I now skip drinking alcohol when Im traveling. Ive found that without it in my system, I sleep better, dont feel dehydrated, and have a lot more energy.Dont Eat Every Meal OutAlcohol isnt the only thing that can make your body feel off. Eating three meals a day at restaurants can really start to take its toll. I tr y not to eat out more than once a week at home, so when I travel its a pretty big adjustment. Restaurant food can be heavy, greasy, salty, and makes me feel weighed down. When Im traveling, I always pack healthy snacks with me, and as soon as I can after reaching my destination, I hit the grocery store. I never cook when Im traveling, but I get enough supplies to make some pretty solid makeshift meals. My general rule of thumb is to only eat two meals a day in restaurants. And then whichever meal I choose to not eat out, I replace with fruit, vegetables, nuts, hummus, pita bread, or other hearty yet healthy food. As a bonus, it can save me major time and money.My boyfriend and I visited the Palace of Versailles in France and we spent the entire day exploring the beautiful grounds. The lunch options were expensive, had long waits, and were probably not the best quality as tourists had no choice but to eat there. So we were super relieved that we had packed a picnic lunch that we coul d enjoy in the lovely gardens.Rest When NeededHectic business trips are a little out of my control, but even my vacations tend to be a lot of hustle and bustle. I went to Paris with my mom last year and we were so excited to explore the city that we would walk 14 miles a day without taking many breaks. There is a lot to see in Paris But by the time we finished dinner, we were ready to crash and often found ourselves settled into our hotel for the night by 6 pm. When I returned to Paris with my boyfriend four months later, I played things a little differently. It was very hot when we went and I found myself exhausted by the early afternoon. So we made a habit of going back to the hotel mid-day to shower and take a nap. We would wake a few hours later feeling refreshed and ready to head back out for many more hours of sightseeing. And our feet really appreciated the break.How to Save MoneyTheres no way to get around it no matter how savvy you are, traveling is expensive. But Ive found a few tried-and-true ways to make my trips cost less, which means I can afford to travel more than I ever thought would be possible.Fly Into a Major CityIf you can be a little flexible while traveling, you can save a lot of money. Were so lucky to live in a time where airfare is getting cheaper and cheaper, but there are exceptions to this new rule. Ive found that major European cities can have very affordable flight options and I try to cater my travel plans to those deals. For example, my boyfriend needs to go to Stockholm for work this summer, and Im planning on joining him so we can squeeze a vacation in. Unfortunately, flights to Stockholm are really expensive the week we have to go, but we realized there are plenty of other European cities that were cheaper to fly into. So were planning on making a stop in a more affordable city like Amsterdam, London, or Edinburgh for a few days and then take an inexpensive and quick flight to Stockholm for the remainder of our trip. The pla ns not foolproof, well have to pony up more money for the flight home from Stockholm, but our little detour is estimated to save us $1,500 in airfare costsYou Dont Have to Do AnythingSome people feel passionate about art. Others food. Some religion. When planning a trip, its easy for people to say you must do something, and that something can oftentimes cost money. Im so fortunate to live near Los Angeles where we have world-class art museums. Ive spent so many wonderful days at local museums like The Getty and LACMA, but when I travel I dont enjoy spending time in large museums. I love exploring new cities, and my favorite part is simply walking around outside. So Ive learned to skip museums in favor of activities that Im more drawn to. Ive made exceptions to see exhibits or artists Im very drawn to, but I no longer feel guilty about not spending half a day in a museum, even if there are some true masterpieces inside. Not only can I allocate that time to activities I care more abou t, but the ticket money can be better spent. The same concept applies to tours, expensive restaurants, and shops you dont care about.Be MindfulIn Paris, a cup of hot tea is about $5, but the Metro system is inexpensive and easy to use. In Rome, water in a restaurant would set you back $4, but a plate of pasta was cheap. Every city is different and each comes with unexpected costs. I try to be mindful when traveling of small expenses I can cut out. A two mile walk sounds far, but it only takes 30 minutes, is that worth the $10 Uber? Can you bring a water bottle with you to that restaurant? Its easy to splurge when youre on vacation, and while I would never not buy something I really wanted or needed, I try to be just as mindful of my spending as I am at home.How to Extend Your TripDo Your ResearchTraveling can be a big commitment, financially and time-wise. Ive always found it to be worth it, and there are ways Ive been able to extend the joy I get from traveling. Before a trip, I do a lot of research about my intended destination. Not just on attractions and food, but on history and culture. Ive found YouTube to be a great resource for watching travel videos. Not only does it get me excited about upcoming trips, but I feel like I learn so much and am entertained at the same time.Take Time to ReflectAfter a trip, I really take time to reflect on what I enjoyed while traveling. Was there a delicious meal I can try to master? Is there a local park I might enjoy as much as one I experienced elsewhere? Is there a custom or tradition I can try to replicate? My mom and I loved the simple French breakfasts that consisted of fresh orange juice and a toasted baguette with jam. So when we got home, I found a local French restaurant that served a similar breakfast and surprised her on Mothers Day.This article was originally published on TheEverygirl.com

How to handle a slow day at work

How to handle a slow day at workHow to handle a slow day at workWeve all been there.Some days in the office that are so hectic and fast-paced, it feels like you blink and its time to leave. There are others that go by so slowly you feel as if youll barely make it out alive. All of your deadlines are met, your inbox is organized and youve even gotten ahead on a few projects but there are mucksmuschenstill six hours left in on the clock. Its going to be a long day.The truth is, no matter how fun and engaging your job may be, no one is exempt from the occasional boring work day.Instead of falling into the black hole of endless Instagram scrolling, catching up on Netflix shows, online shopping or checking the clock every five minutes - a slow day in the office is the prime time to get ahead on some major career goals.A boring work day doesnt mean you cant get anything productive done, so Ive laid out a few tips and tricks to help you successfully cross the finish line of a slow day.Work on your side hustleWe all have one And since your workload is light, what better time than while youre already up and active. A boring work day is the ideal time to finish your business plan, brainstorm new ideas or create content for your your passion project. Use the down time to research industry-specific news and trends, and hone in your your goals Youll thank yourself for using your time wisely.Listen to Podcasts or an AudiobookPodcasts are my new favorite thing, and there are so many to choose from that cater to your interests. Whether you like news and politics, murder mysteries, or even if you just want to learn something new theres a podcast to meet your desires.TheWorkParty podcastwill arrive in August 2018 Hosted by Create Cultivate CEO and author of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson, this weekly podcast will break down the business of being a modern working woman. Be sure to tune inAudiobooks are growing in popularity and are another fantastic way to stay mentally engaged duri ng a slow day. Audiobooks are awesome because they allow you to multitask while listening to a story, and is a lot faster than reading a regular book. A great narrator will enthrall you into the story and bring the characters to life. Listening to good audiobook will definitely help a boring day fly by.BudgetAdmittedly, this is probably not the first thing you want to do when it comes to making a boring day mora entertaining, but its a good idea if you want to take control of your cash Creating a monthly or weekly budget will help you understand your cash flow and see whats coming in and leaving your accounts, and will help you save more and spend less. A great way to feel like youre reallyadulting.Update your resume and LinkedIn profileUpdating your resume isnt just for when youre looking for a new job. In fact, according toCareerCast, keeping your resume current is part of a smart long-term career management strategy. Its recommended that working professionals update their resumes several times throughout the year.Did you just complete a major project? Earn a certificate? Learn a new skill? Add it to your resume and LinkedIn Profile.You may not be looking for a new job, but someone could be looking for you. LinkedIn is one of the most popular networking platforms, and whether youre in the market for a new job or not, its always advantageous to keep your career profiles updated. Its a great way to show potential employers and business partners what youre made of.NetworkRemember the person you said you wanted to schedule a coffee meeting with, but never got around to doing it? Do it now Networking is essential and there is never a bad time to reach out. Use a slow work day to look through your contacts and schedule meetings or phone calls to expand your network. You never know what new doors can open after a friendly interaction.Its hard to predict the ebbs and flows of work life. But when things in the office slow down, that doesnt mean you dont have to. Lets keep pushing, weve got thisThis article was originally published on CreateCultivate.com.

Stedman Graham on how to have your own identity when dating Oprah

Stedman Graham on how to have your own identity when dating OprahStedman Graham on how to have your own identity when dating OprahThe concept of identity best defines Stedman Grahams body of work. Asa man that came of age during the 1960s and 1970s, he struggled to find his voice in a society that was eager to reduce him to stigmas and statistics. As the partner of perhaps the most celebrated television personality in the world, for the better part of three decades, he had work to secure a legacy that survives on its own.The New York Times bestselling authors latest, book, Identity Leadership, which ishis twelfth publication, feels very much like an intimate culmination of the ones that came before it. It details all of the things that animated Grahams passion for self-actualization, effectively widdling down his belief system to the key ingredients.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and m oreA foundation for thinking and deloping and improving your lifeIn celebration of the release of Identity Leadership, Graham spoke at Thrive Global in New York City. While stressing the importance of self-worth, the prolific author recalled the frustration he once felt about how frequently his achievements were condensed in print to the significant otherbei of the beloved talk show host. Graham has never thought meanly of Oprahs notoriety, in fact, the shadow itprovided him with the necessary pressure to motivate him to define himself.If identity is the protagonist of Grahams bibliography, comfort is certainly the villain. Comfort is addictive it lulls into a state of stasis and dims the roads to progress. Graham elaborated on this in a recent interview with Jenny Mccarthy. Being able to walk out the door and be defined as Oprahs man, and losing your identity was necessary for me to be able to figure out how to discover mine, he said.Graham went on to talk about having to use all of his emotional strength to empower himself in Oprahs World, making all of the anxieties that accompany being associated with a high-profile figure work for him as opposed to letting it destroy him.This concept speaks to another theme featured in Grahams book, the idea that people are constantly seeking freedom externally. In his opinion, no one can give you empowerment, authority is achieved through resilience and rumination.Grahams own journey of self-actualization accents the necessity of learning how to define yourself independent from external factors, like the color of your skin or your professional success.When you know who you are, you become immune to limitations. At 68, the educator and businessman enjoys the fruits of his accomplishments and the accomplishments of his partner, without any sort of internal conflict.As Graham explainedonthe Oprah Winfrey show We want each other to succeed. I want her to succeed and be as successful as she possibly can. So, I encourage that . Thats not always an easy thing to do whenyoure a man in a relationship with a very powerful woman.Im not threatened by her fame or her success or her money or all of that. Thats who she is. That doesnt have anything to do with how I define myself.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people