New Year’s Travel Resolutions

Times Square in a Confetti Shower by Carol Tsang

Times Square in a Confetti Shower by Carol Tsang

I’ve never been a big New Year’s Resolution guy.  Mine seem to have a 3-week half-life — they don’t even last to February.  However, in the spirit of “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” (a quote which has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein), here are the resolutions I’ll be taking into the O’Hare TSA security line with me next week:

  1. Plan Further Ahead — If for no other reason than to avoid frustration.  The travel industry is recovering after two tough years.  2010 ended with US domestic airlines pushing through two price increases and data showing business travel bookings increasing 30%.  Booking my travel earlier may not save me any more money, but at least I’ll have a better shot at a plane seat and hotel bed.
  2. Unpack/Repack My Briefcase — I keep putting more things into my briefcase, but rarely pull things out.  Do I really need 5 pens or a half-dozen Tazo Zen teabags? When I add the Bluetooth headphones I got for Christmas, do I need to keep the two pair that are already there?  I only slightly comforted that I’m not alone in this OCD.
  3. Take More Quick Breaks — In 2010, I took just three quick breaks during business trips — a walk along the beach in Naples, FL a hike up Phoenix’s Squaw Peak, and a side trip to see the Taj Mahal while in India.  I have to grab a bit more time for myself — maybe a bit more advanced planning (see #1) will help.
  4. Take more pictures — In 2008, I made a resolution to take at least one picture a day.  A simple enough resolution — it lasted 3 days.  Maybe I need more inspiration (see #3).  And to carry a real camera with me more often.
  5. Be nicer to TSA agents — Repeat to the mantra — They’re just doing their job, they’re just doing their job.  Even when they’re feeling me up.

2 comments on “New Year’s Travel Resolutions

  1. Steve Frick says:

    2. Unpack/Repack My Briefcase – I did that this weekend. 3 pairs of headphones, approx 2 lbs of loose change, 50+ business cards and at least 15 hotel room keys. No wonder my laptop bag was so heavy.
    4. Take more pictures – between the iPhone & Blackberry I have been doing this, it’s great.
    5. Be nicer to TSA agents – this I am trying to do, trying and trying to do…..

Comments are closed.