Society of Women Engineers Space Coast Section Professional Development Seminar Smart Travel Tips for the Woman on the Go Eileen M. Vélez-Vega, P.E. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. May 14, 2009
Journey Background Information My Travel Map Getting Ready Travel Accessories Business Travel Personal/Leisure Travel Safety Travel Tips Search Tips
Eileen M. Vélez-Vega, Vega, P.E. Born in Puerto Rico Education: BS in Civil Engineering: University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, June 03 Civil Engineering Master Degree Candidate Mississippi State University Work Experience: US Army Corps of Engineers: Research Civil Engineer in the Airfields and Pavements Branch, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.: Aviation Engineer West Palm Beach, FL Society of Women Engineers Region D Lt Governor Southeast Florida Section St. Marteen Island Ft. Bragg, NC
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. January 2006 - Present Planning, Aviation, Civil, Transportation Group Airports Design and Construction Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Tallahassee Regional Airport Best Company for Civil Engineers to Work for in the US Civil Engineering News Magazine Fortune Magazine s 100 Best Companies To Work For
My Travel Map 160+ cities in 10 Countries
Modes of Travel Learning a little about you! How did you get here? Any anecdotes?
Women Traveler Interesting Facts: Women constitute almost % of all business travel in the USA and spend $ on trips annually. www.womentraveltips.com 70% of all travel decisions are made by women (LA Times article)
Getting Ready Make a checklist Determine your Travel Style Set aside important personal items Medicines, Personal hygiene products Think TRAVEL SIZE Special season clothing Make sure you have all the needed documents Flight itinerary Time zones Hotel Name and Contact Information RSVP Transportation Plan your arrival and departure times
Be Prepared Atlantic City, NJ Warm Weather in the Forecast!
Smart Travel Accessories
Be PREPARED! Atlanta Airport
Packing Tips Be Practical Don't Pack Your Entire Beauty Routine Over packing = $$$ Don't Pack Your Jewelry and Valuables Don't Pack More Clothes Than WHAT You Need Bring clothes in neutral colors (Mix n Match) Pack shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits Don't pack things you can buy there Packing Methods Rolling your clothes Fold clothes together Tissue paper Space Saver Bags (Vacuum sealed) A Few Tricks: Pack Wrinkle Free Fabrics (jersey, stretch microfiber materials, etc.) Wrinkle Releaser Spray Hang clothes in the bathroom
Business Travel Coordinate meeting times and locations Search for local special events Use the Concierge Services Client Lunch or Dinners Special Requests Do you know your Company s travel policy? How much travel is required? Yakima, WA Are you a Road Warrior or Stay at Home Person? Negotiate Rewards Programs (Hotels, Airlines, Car Rental, etc.) Register in your Company s Travel Programs Use laminated business cards as luggage tags Fitness on the Road
Leaving the Office Set your Outlook Out of the Office Assistant Set your voicemail message Organize your desk Designate someone to replace you at the office Inform your clients about your trip Leave Emergency contact information Group Calendar or Sign Out Sheet Gather your laptop, pin drives, reports, plans, etc. GO!
Travel Day Get enough sleep before you travel Avoid last minute packing Do not skip breakfast Be aware of time zone changes Prepare your personal emergency kit Prepare a travel schedule Have all your travel documents with you When possible, travel during the day If traveling by plane: Sleep Catch up on your reading Finish writing/reading reports Atlanta Airport
Emergency Kit Make your own personal Emergency Kit Cash Toothbrush Wet Wipes Kleenex Eye drops Hand Sanitizer Gum Granola Bars Deodorant One Change of Clothing A Light Sweater or Jacket Vitamin C Bottled Water Ear plugs Something to read, ipod, etc. Ft Bragg, NC
Airport Friendly Travel Atlanta Airport
Airport Friendly Travel Wear comfortable shoes Preferably with socks! Avoid heavy one-shoulder bags Give yourself enough time to arrive to the airport Check-In online Request an upgrade when you check in Remember TSA travel restrictions Once you re onboard, locate your exits Stay hydrated!!! Boost up your immune system with Vitamin C Walk around, stretch For long layovers, check out the airport amenities (gym, food court, duty free shops, hospitality rooms, etc.) Avoid the last flight out to your destination
Car Friendly Travel Organize yourself before you take off Cell phone within reach (Ear piece preferred) Purse within reach (Cash for tolls) Light Snacks and Drinks (within reach) SUNGLASSES Rental car agreement with company emergency phone number Locate your insurance and registration information Plan for unexpected delays (Traffic jams, accidents, flat tire, etc.) Familiarize yourself with the route Avoid reading maps while you drive (Road Navigation tools preferred) Refill your Sunpass (Quicker, cheaper trip) Loud music
Lodging Tips Select a brand name hotel Ask for a room with a view Hotels with inside entrances preferred High floor away from the elevator Prior to arrival contact the concierge Travel Rewards Program Select your lodging preferences Explore the women travel programs San Juan, PR Stay ACTIVE! Sleepwear ready for emergencies Set Wake Up Calls Adjust the time on your alarm clocks Keep your Room Number and Information PRIVATE
Personal/Leisure Travel New York City, NY
Personal/Leisure Travel Planning makes the perfect trip Plan at least one vacation per year Create your travel schedule (leave some space for surprises) Plan with a Professional Agent Ask for clear fees and for certifications Make a list of the places you would like to visit* Read current city travel guides Avoid marathon days Try to maintain a healthy diet* Don t forget your camera* Learn the language* * Also applies to business travel Atlanta, GA
Personal/Leisure Travel If you travel alone, travel happy! Travel with a tour group Meals, excursions, and stay are taken care of If your budget permits, stay at a brand name hotel Centric, safe, well known city locations When walking alone, establish landmarks to avoid getting lost Famous monuments Road and street names Always carry petty cash for a quick cab ride (if necessary) Do not carry too many bags Don't bring anything you would hate to lose
Personal/Leisure Travel Don t miss a good photo opportunity Make the best out of your trip Be adventurous Wake up early! Laptop/Blackberry/Work Phone: NOT ALLOWED Turner Field, Atlanta New Orleans, LA Willemstad Curacao
Remember the People you leave behind! Boxster
International Travel Required Documents Passport 6-8 weeks application time Work VISA s 2-3 weeks or more application time Learn about the country s culture Research Tipping Rules Abroad Travel with a friend/family member Ask for a local guide (escort) Travel with a pocket size dictionary or electronic translator Arrange transportation ahead of time If possible avoid driving Do not eat food from the local street vendors Always drink bottled water (check if it s sealed) Check the US Department of State Website Current Travel Warnings Leave Copies of Documents and Itinerary With Relatives in the U.S.
Have a Travel Buddy Atlanta Airport New York City Seoul, Korea Anaheim, CA
Safety Travel Tips Interesting Facts: Easy Targets Women on their cell phones Searching in your purse Too many bags Long hair, pony tails, buns, or braids Be aware of your surroundings at all times Act confident and alert, make EYE-CONTACT Do not walk alone at night Keep a safe distance from a stranger (at least 6 feet) Do not take unnecessary risks (Trust your instincts) Downtown Disney Avoid enclosed areas (restrooms, parking lots, staircases, ATM s etc.)
Safety Travel Tips Nobody will protect you better than yourself! 90% of the time prevention is the key to avoid becoming a victim Carry safety travel tools (i.e. Pepper spray, glass breaker in your car, flashlight, etc.) Carry an umbrella or other similar objects In case of an emergency: Act Quickly. Be LOUD Put up a fight. Practice screaming before you leave home! Invest in self-defense classes Separate your money Don t think it can t happen to you!
Safety Lodging Tips Place the Do Not Disturb Sign on your door knob Lock your door Place a chair or your suitcase against the doors Don t have your room number visible Avoid placing the room service card outside your door Do not give out your room information while talking on the cell phone Never open the door without confirming the individual s ID Locate the emergency exits
Safety Car Travel Have your car keys with you before you get to your car Never leave your purse or valuables visible Do not leave home keys in the car Avoid dark, secluded parking lots When you get into your car, immediately lock your doors Use common sense when stopping at gas stations, rest stops, etc. Rental Cars Re-fuel during the day (Or pre-pay) For night rentals, have someone escort you to your car Quick Meals (Pre-packaged, Containers with lids, Fruit, etc.) Invest in run-flat tires Traffic Lights Maintain safe distance from the car in front Safe cell phone use (Avoid texting, etc.) Roadside Safety Kit Roadside Assistance Number Emergency Kit (Toilet paper, wipes, flashlight, etc.)
Safety Bus Travel Remember: Three Rules that Could SAVE YOUR LIFE ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT - INSIST upon seat belts in any moving vehicle. AVOID NIGHT TRAVEL - and NEVER TRAVEL at NIGHT in an under-developed country. BE EMPOWERED TO SPEAK OUT - say "SLOW DOWN," "STOP," "LET ME OUT" - three of the most powerful phrases a traveler can learn. http://www.saraswish.org/travel_safety_guidelines.htm
Search Tips WomenTravelTips.com GutsyWomenTravel.com The Center for Global Education: http://www.globaled.us/ US Department of State/Bureau of Consular Affairs Website: http://travel.state.gov/ Travel search engines Travel Reward Programs Travel Magazines Condé Nast Traveler Magazine Travel & Leisure National Geographic Traveler
A Little Extra Don t be an easy target Set aside a travel budget and keep track of your expenses Don t forget the Dramamine (motion sickness) Keep a travel journal Never leave your camera Be more than a tourist Buy unique souvenirs Always have an emergency calling card Download the pictures immediately when you return Enjoy your journey!
Eileen M. VélezV lez-vega, P.E. Eileen.Velez@kimley-horn.com www.kimley-horn.com