I have something to share with you.

If you are a frequent traveler, you know this story.

Headed out to DFW around 11am. Parked and stopped by the Centurion Club to eat. By 3pm, I still hadn’t boarded my flight. The reason? Not really sure. Each gate agent had a different answer. One- no plane from Austin. Two- air traffic control. Three- weather in Chicago. I’m Platinum so I tried standby. No such luck. I finally arrived at my hotel around 8pm and the Conrad had my relaxation pillows waiting for me!  Finally, I get to smile!

Fast forward not even 24 hours later and I am back at the airport. At 2pm the AA app said I was delayed so no need to rush to the airport after the meeting. We end at 4pm and slowly the app continues to show delays. It’s now 8pm as I start to write this post and I am waiting for the flight to push from the gate. At least I got my upgrade.

It’s not the delays that are so frustrating but the lack of communication and accurate information.  The trick to making travel easier is to keep your briefcase packed and ready to go.

So what are my most important travel essentials?

• Multi-outlet charger:
  One charger for my iPhone, my iPad, my MiFi and my laptop.  Plus, if someone is using the one available plug at the airport, they usually don’t mind sharing since I have multiple outlets. I use the Belkin 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports.
• Pashmina:
  Neutral colors work well for fashion reasons but it keeps me warm with the always changing weather when I travel North and on the plane, doubles as a blanket if I have the opportunity to take a short nap.  Nordstrom offers a variety of colors.
• A packable lightweight weather-friendly raincoat:
  During a visit to Chicago it was a bit chilly and started to drizzle.  My umbrella was in my hotel room but it was September so I didn’t bring a jacket.  On my way back to my hotel, there was a Nordstrom Rack and I found a great deal on this Cole Haan jacket.  It folds into a small travel bag and fits easily in my briefcase or suitcase.
• A Snack:
  I always enjoy trying new restaurants on the road but when I need a quick snack to keep me going or I get stuck at the airport due to delays, I always grab a KIND bar. My two favorites:  the KIND Healthy Grains Vanilla Blueberry bar and the KIND Blueberry Vanilla & Cashew Fruit and Nut bar.
• Spare iPhone headphones with a microphone and volume control
• Antibacterial Wipes:
  These are a must for wiping down the tray table on the plane and for the remote in the hotel room!  The individually wrapped ones are really convenient and they fit in my briefcase and my suitcase.
• The Purple Stick:
  The main reason that my heels can stay on for the whole day! Read my post about one of my must have items!

What do you make sure is always with you while you are on the road?