The portable computer has become a staple for many business travelers. If you are planning to travel with yours here are some things to check before you go.
–You will be required to pass your computer through the hand carry baggage X-ray scanner. The X-ray machine will not harm your disk drive although some travelers prefer to carry their floppy diskettes around the X-ray and hand to the guard for review.
- Carry your computer separately from your luggage so that you can easily present it to airport security.
Expect to be stopped at the airport by security. You may be asked to power up your computer to ensure that it is not a security threat. Make sure the computer has enough battery charge to do this multiple times.
Keep your eye on the portable computer while on the belt lest someone picks it up in error or intended theft.
If you plan to work on the plane you will not be allowed to power up until the airplane is at cruising altitude and you will need to turn off during the airplane descent.
Check to see if your portable computer has an international power supply so that you can plug in to various outlets. Bring adapters for the different countries you will visit.
- Most business travelers suggest to carry at least two batteries with you for back up and to upgrade your batteries where possible to longer life batteries.
Check with your International hotel in advance to find out if your room will have a data line and a telephone line so you can plug in your computer and use the phone at the same time. Some hotels now offer in- room PC’s so you can just bring diskettes etc.
Make sure you pack all necessary items to create an international connection such as a small screwdriver, adaptor jacks, security password cards etc.
Make sure you get all necessary phone numbers and set up information in advance.
If you work for a large firm you should confirm in advance all necessary phone numbers and make any necessary changes before you leave. Print out phone numbers for multiple cities and locations that you might possibly be in.
If you work for a small firm, or you own your own firm call your ISP (internet service provider) before you go and make sure they have international connections and phone numbers where you are traveling. Some do not.
Check your email software package. Some will allow you to put in your own phone calling card. This will be cheaper than using the hotel phone line.
Make sure you test your connection before you go. It is worth the long distance call to ensure that a connection can be made.
Make sure you bring all necessary files with you and have them loaded on the portable computer before you go.
Dr. Tracey Wilen (www.globalwomen.biz) is the author of International Business: A Basic Guide for Women (2001), ($16.00 USD) , Europe for Women in Business, ($12.95 USD) and co-author of Asia for Woman in Business, ($15.00 USD) Doing Business with Japanese Men, ($9.95 USD) and Doing Business with Western Women (Tokyo Only). Well known to the media, she has been on major television and radio network programs and has published numerous in major newspapers worldwide as well. She is a frequent speaker at major business and women’s conferences and corporations on this subject. She is currently working at Cisco Systems in business management and is an adjunct professor at local universities. Books are available at www.amazon.com, www.xlibris.com, www.bn.com, and www.borders.com.
Tracey Wilen is Author at http://www.globalwomen.biz/
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Houston has its share of exciting attractions. You have fantastic museums, city parks and much much more. But what if you want to do something different? Well if you want to do something different, something off of the beaten path, you can visit the Orange Show Monument.
The Orange Show Monument was created by a postman named Jeff McCissack. The monument uses castaway materials to pay tribute to his favorite fruit , the orange. McCissack started work on the monument in 1956 and finally finished it in 1979. He would pass away only a few months later. The monument was saved in 1980 when a group of citizens formed a non profit group to purchase and maintain it.
So what will you find at the Orange Show Monument. The monument is a multi level structure made from just about everything including bricks, tiles and assorted junk. As you tour the monument you will run into handmade signs and handcrafted statues and characters made from junk. Its quite a unique structure that will definitely give you something to talk about.
If you would like to visit the monument you can view it every weekend from the middle of March to the middle of December from 12 to 5. The monument is located at 2401 Munger Street and you can call 713-926-6368 for more information.
Learn about Houston Dry Carpet Cleaners at the authors website on carpet cleeaning.
Tags: houston, texas, tourism, tourist, travel, vacation destinationshouston, texas, tourism, tourist, travel, vacation destinationsShare This
We often hear “less is more” - and certainly that is the case when you’re on the road. According to Consumer Reports 8% of passengers who check luggage report something lost or stolen, so if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t check it.
As a professional speaker and professional organizing consultant, I spend 80% of my time on the road, so having what I need - and getting it there as easily as possible is essential. Here are six things I’ve learned:
1. Choose your travel bag carefully. Some are heavy before you even start packing - and lifting them over your head after you’ve packed them requires a weight lifter.
2. If looking good when you get there is important, wearing something that travels well and is still suitable for the occasion will save valuable luggage space, and if bag is lost, you can go “as is.”
3. If you’re going to be in the same hotel for several days, consider sending ahead bulky items, such as exercise clothes or reading material, to arrive before you do. (If you require a signature on the recipient end, you can easily trace the package when you arrive if necessary.)
4. Choose clothes with lots of flexibility - for example, a pair of flattering slacks, which will work with a casual sweater during the day or a dressy jacket for evening.
5. Shoes take up lots of packing space, so when making wardrobe choices, minimize the number of colors you need.
6. Get travel sizes of toiletry items. Carry them in a hanging bag with clear plastic dividers so you can see in a moment’s notice what’s missing. If you travel frequently, always keep this bag packed and ready to go.
The most important thing to take when you travel is a good attitude. Spend less time fretting about the frustrations, and more time enjoying the opportunities, such as a time to read without interruption or a fabulous meal at a local restaurant. Keep your sense of humor and happy traveling!
© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger’s Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com
Tags: organizing, packing, travelorganizing, packing, travelShare This