Emily Parks' Travel Tips

After 8 full weeks of counting down to Memorial Day with interviews highlighting the preferences and best practices of several superstars who travel quite frequently (Laura Doerre, Geralin Thomas, Coach Dave Clawson, Olalah Njenga, Natalie Perkins, Coach Jay Vidovich, David Glenn and Ashley Christensen), giving you tidbits about what works for them as well as takeaways to try for your next trip, I have been asked to share my own answers to those same questions. Therefore, today, I bring you my travel hacks:

Q: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

A: Usually, I travel for business; however, I make it a point to incorporate some fun along the way, whether it's a concert, sporting event, sightseeing, trying a highly recommended restaurant or catching up with friends in the area.

Q: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

A: I've never really tried traveling by train or boat, and I'm not a fan of driving; hence, I'd have to say plane. It takes me out of the driver's seat and lets me use that time however I choose.

Q: What is your favorite destination and why?

A: These days, my favorite destination city is a three-way tie between Nashville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and San Antonio, Texas. For more on what I like best about those destinations, check out my "Top Ten Favorite Cities" blog post.

Q: What is your preference for airlines?

A: I prefer to fly on Southwest Airlines. It matters to me that they don't nickel and dime you with added fees for anything and everything you could want. When I buy a ticket from Southwest Airlines, it includes 2 checked bags as well as a complimentary beverage and snack; plus, there is no charge to make changes to my reservation as long as I stay within the same level of ticket purchase, like Wanna Get Away or Business Select. Further, I really like how the employees of Southwest Airlines seem to enjoy their jobs more than what I've experienced with employees of other airlines. They make flying more enjoyable overall!

Q: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

A: Although I take advantage of my memberships in loyalty programs for Hilton, Kimpton, Marriott and Starwood Hotels whenever possible, for me, it's more important to make sure I'm staying at a hotel that is convenient to what I'll be doing when in that city. Further, I look for accommodations that are clean, safe and include complimentary WiFi as much as I can.

Q: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

A: I usually book my own travel. Between Expedia, Google Trips, Hopper, Skiplagged and each airline's or hotel's own app, there are so many tools to make booking my own travel easier, particularly empowering me to get the best deal while allowing me to travel whenever it works best for my own schedule restrictions. I like to travel at random times, like nights, so I can utilize all my daylight hours to their fullest, and I can finagle travel around my unique preferences most easily on my own. Still, if I'm looking for some help, the Lola app is an on-demand, personal travel service to assist me in booking flights, travel or whatever I might need.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

A: Know what is included in your membership because you can't utilize benefits about which you are unaware. For example, with the Starwood Preferred Guest program, I get complimentary in-room Internet access when I book through their websites or mobile app as well as complimentary in-room bottled water. Marriott Rewards provides complimentary in-room Internet access when I book direct through any of their own channels. Best yet, Kimpton Karma Rewards provides free WiFi, a "raid the bar" or happy hour option, in-room spa credit, the ability to maintain a record of my custom stay preferences and a complimentary room stay during my birthday month no matter how many credits I've accumulated towards a free night stay. Keep your email address on record with your account up-to-date so you can be notified of changes to your benefits or birthday rewards when they roll around.

Q: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

A: It's important to me that all my tech tools (MacBook Air, iPad and iPhone) as well as corresponding charging cords are safely with me in my carry-on throughout my travels. I have a Leather Charger Roll Up from Mark And Graham that includes my ESP initials which I use to keep organized an extra cord and plug for my smartphone and tablet, earbuds and cord for charging my iPad keyboard; additionally, I have Zippered Cable Tie Wraps from Neet Products that protect each of my cords while keeping them securely rolled up. Beyond that, I like to have a printed magazine to peruse during takeoff and landing, an empty S'well® bottle that I can fill up as needed along the way, IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow, my Total Pillow microbead portable pillow, extra cardigan or sweater, meds, BandAids, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Q: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

A: Absolutely! It makes it so much simpler to ensure I don't forget any of my necessities, particularly for my skincare routine.

Q: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

A: I've learned to do as much prep-work as possible beforehand, meaning I'll investigate what I want to accomplish before leaving Raleigh (restaurants where I want to eat, attractions to visit, details to cover during scheduled meetings) and note as much as possible in an Evernote notebook dedicated to that trip. Then, I put as many details as I can into my electronic calendar for all my commitments, whether for conference sessions, hotel / restaurant reservations or events to which I've purchased tickets.

Q: What tools or tactics do you use to keep your accommodations organized while traveling?

A: There seems to be a trend amongst hotels, especially those that haven't been updated recently, to not have enough electrical outlets, particularly near the bed where you need to easily access phones and tablets; therefore, I make sure to take my Audiovox multi-plug surge protector. Further, I pack with all the details of what outfits I'll wear in mind so, upon arrival at the hotel, I try to unpack quickly, hanging up my apparel with all elements of each outfit grouped together on the hangers. That way, I can more easily get ready each morning, grabbing all I need at once.

Q: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

A: Very much so! My favorites for maintaining my sanity while traveling are Evernote, Calendar, The Weather Channel, Dialpad, Reminders and Morning Kit. Before leaving, I like PackPoint for helping make sure I pack whatever I'll need, and, while traversing the country, I prefer using Lyft or Citymapper for on-demand transportation. Meanwhile, I depend on AroundMe, CurEat, Detour, Field Trip, Find. Eat. Drink., Offline, Peek, RootsRated, Spot, The Scoop, Time Out, Trip.com and Viator to find the hidden gems no matter what is my destination. Finally, if I need a place to work, I peruse the local options via Breather, LiquidSpace and WeWork.

Q: Across all your travels, which restaurants did you enjoy most and why were they your favorites?

A: In Nashville, my friend Beth and I enjoyed a delicious Sunday brunch at Adele's, which is housed in the old Universal Tire Center; with my background in the automotive industry, I was enthused by reusing this old service center for such a nice restaurant. Then, in Pittsburgh, I joined fellow members of the National Association of Professional Organizers Deb and Kathy for an amazing dinner that exceeded expectations at the highly-recommended Butcher and the Rye, following which we were rescued from a downpour of rain by the wonderful Coach Jay Vidovich, which certainly made for a memorable experience as Kathy watched the dramatic storm coming our way while we ate outside. Finally, in San Antonio, my friend Heather and I enjoyed a tasty Italian meal while overlooking the beautiful riverfront along the sidewalk of the riverwalk. Overall, I find it much easier to associate magical memories with dining experiences since they incorporate so many of our senses, especially pairing incredible food with wonderful dining companions. For more on which restaurants I've liked best, check out my "Top Ten Favorite Restaurants" blog post.

Q: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

A: As I've always envied Dorothy's ability to click her heels together and immediately return home in The Wizard of Oz, I would love the super power of teleportation. Eliminate wasted time!

Readers, do your preferences mirror mine? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that I've learned over my many travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Ashley Christensen’s Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day is only one week away! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the eighth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We're covering their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Ashley Christensen

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Ashley Christensen, who is the chef and proprietor of the six entities within the AC Restaurants group: Beasley's Chicken + Honey, Bridge Club, Chuck's Burgers + Frites, Death & Taxes, Fox Liquor Bar and, her original, Poole's Diner, where the Macaroni Au Gratin is life-changing. Since moving from our shared hometown of Kernersville and making Raleigh her home, Ms. Christensen has sought to foster community through food, philanthropy and the stimulation of the city's downtown neighborhood. She focuses much of her time outside the kitchen with a number of charities, including the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center, Raleigh's Contemporary Art Museum, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Southern Foodways Alliance. Ms. Christensen's work has garnered national attention from various print publications as well as the Food Network and MSNBC; plus, she was awarded the very prestigious James Beard Award for "Best Chef: Southeast" in 2014. Click here to purchase her first cookbook, Poole's: Recipes and Stories from a Modern Diner, and, then, visit this site to learn more about all that Ms. Christensen has accomplished or is currently doing. With the work she does nationwide and beyond, there is much traveling in her life so read on for Ms. Christensen's many travel insights to use over your next adventure.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

AC: Mainly for business, but my business is also pretty packed with pleasure-filled experiences. I'm in the hospitality industry so most of my trips are rounded out with adventure in food and all the different ways in which hospitality can be expressed.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

AC: I travel mostly by plane. I really like to take the train, but there are few situations where I have the time or where the route to my destination is available. I don't care much for driving as I like to make the most of my travel time by working and researching on my laptop or iPad.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

AC: Rome... It's an amazing place filled with such rich history and incredible food. When I'm there, I just like to imagine that I live there, finding the perfect cafe in whatever neighborhood I'm staying in for a morning espresso or an afternoon Aperol Spritz.

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

AC: I fly Delta. I love their frequent flyer programs and airport lounges. When I'm on a layover, I can sit in the lounge and catch up on work while enjoying the free Internet, decent coffee, snacks and a complimentary bar. These trimmings take the stress out of the occasional delayed flight or long layover. Also, from RDU, I can fly direct to Paris. That's pretty cool!

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

AC: When traveling, I like to stay in hotels for the most part. Whenever it's an option, my preference is the 21C Museum Hotel. They're a great group; I love their support of contemporary art.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

AC: I book my own, with the occasional assistance of American Express' Platinum Services Travel Team.

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

AC: I use my American Express (AmEx) points to buy Delta tickets. I have all of my AmEx points from the businesses pour into one Membership Rewards account; then, when I buy flights, I still get Medallion Qualifying Miles, which I wouldn't get by buying with Delta miles. Instead, I use my miles for an end-of-year trip. I encourage everyone to compare which of their options gives the greatest benefit. I have a Membership Rewards AmEx and a Delta AmEx. I get miles and points from the Delta AmEx so it kind of doubles down.

EP: Are you loyal to any particular brands?

AC: I love Kiehl's, Apple, Tito's vodka and Vans shoes.

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

AC: Mild face wash + lotion, one BandAid, a small mending kit, floss, toothbrush, sensitive toothpaste, peppermint mouthwash and my favorite orange flower-based fragrance from Le Labo.

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

AC: Absolutely. I have 2 each of all of my basic stuff, including make-up.

EP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

AC: I organize my travel and busy times as much as possible, but I always leave a little room to be in the moment. I try not to make too many appointments in one day, and I don't partake in meetings longer than 2 hours; in anything longer than that, I find that I lose focus and effectiveness around the 2-hour point.

EP: What tools or tactics do you use to keep your accommodations organized while traveling?

AC: I have an awesome assistant who does this for me. We use Google Calendar, and we just load as many details as possible in a consistent format.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

AC: Google Calendar is what I access most consistently. As a company, we use Basecamp for company-wide communication. Technology moves and changes so quickly these days so we're always keeping our ear to the ground on what tools might be helpful to us, but we tend to make those kinds of platform changes slowly and only after lots of careful vetting.

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

AC: Of all the places I've been in the world, I'd have to say the FIG in Charleston makes the top of my list. I'm not a fan of picking favorites (it just feels limiting), but I think about that place a lot. It's timeless, classic and delicious... truly a living, breathing and constantly evolving place. I just love it. As for the best food there in the moment... Whatever they put in front of you!

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

AC: I think I would want to freeze time... Simply to be able to catch my breath every now and then when life is flying by.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Christensen!

Readers, do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that she's mastered over her countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Countdown to Memorial Day: David Glenn's Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the seventh in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Mr. David Glenn

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with David Glenn, who hosts The David Glenn Show, one of the largest regionally syndicated sports radio programs in the nation, and is the Founding Editor of ACCSports.com as well as the ACC Sports Journal, the best-selling college sports magazine in history. Mr. Glenn has covered the Atlantic Coast Conference for almost 30 years with articles appearing in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, the Durham Herald-Sun and dozens of other newspapers, magazines and websites. In 2014, he helped launch and serves as game-day host for the Big Tailgate Tour, which brings a unique brand of fun, contests, excitement and prizes to universities and fans across North Carolina for football games and special events. Amidst more than 500 radio and television appearances each year, Mr. Glenn serves as a popular emcee and / or speaker at dozens of sports clubs, civic groups and other organizations. To learn more about his background, 17-year legal career, family and associations, click here for David Glenn's full biography, and read on for travel insights to use over your next adventure.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

DG: Both.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

DG: Mostly by automobile, but I choose plane for longer distances.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

DG: Hawaii because it's tropical, beautiful, peaceful and fun.

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

DG: I prefer Southwest Airlines because of its reasonable prices and good service.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

DG: Marriott properties offer safe, clean and reliable options.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

DG: I usually book my own travel.

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

DG: Research all your options, be sure to read the fine print so you know all the details, and do not buy points.

EP: Are you loyal to any particular brands?

DG: I'm not really loyal to any specific brands; instead, I seek the best deals from those I trust.

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

DG: My computer, a new paperback book and tissues (just in case).

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

DG: Yes! I make sure it includes my deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shave kit, etc.

EP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

DG: I make sure to minimize stress by not over-scheduling myself.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

DG: I don't use technology much for staying organized. I still use an old-school desk calendar! My calendar actually is custom-made each year by a listener who became a friend; he takes photos from his international travels, copyrights the photos / calendar and gives his calendars to a handful of friends / colleagues each year. I do, however, keep track of my accommodations by adding all the details and confirmation numbers to my smartphone. And I like using the Notes app, which may qualify as productivity technology.

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

DG: Le Belvedere in Tahiti due to its breathtaking view in an incredible setting, and the mahi mahi was delicious.

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

DG: Flying like Superman!

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Mr. Glenn!

Readers, do your preferences mirror his? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that he's mastered over his countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Top Ten Favorite Apps

Organize for Success® Turns 10

In honor of 10 years of business for Organize for Success®, I will be posting a "top 10" list to this blog each day through Wednesday, May 31st. Each Sunday, my team will randomly select from those who commented on the prior week's "top 10" blog posts for a gift card giveaway and free download of one eBook from OrganizeForSuccess.biz/shop. The grand prize package for celebrating Organize for Success, LLC's 10 years in business will be awarded on Thursday, June 1st, randomly selecting from all those who commented on any of the month's "top 10" blog posts as well as those who have subscribed to my eNewsletter for a winner to receive downloads of all 5 eBooks, a pass for my Stress and Time Management online video course as well as a 60-minute productivity consultation via video conference.

As a bit of a techie, narrowing down my favorite tech tools to only 10 is quite a challenge, but, today, here are my top 10 apps:

10. AroundMe - With all my traveling locally or nationwide, this app helps me quickly locate the closest coffee shop, gas station, movie theatre, parking deck, restaurant, grocery store or bank, allows me to search for specific businesses by name and shows the local weather report for wherever I might be located. Although there are separate apps I use for finding hidden treasures while traveling (like Along The Way, CurEat, Detour, Field Trip, Find. Eat. Drink., Gas Buddy, iExit, Offline, Peek and Roots Rated), this tool helps me easily find what I'm seeking amidst my surroundings no matter where I might be when doing the searching.

9. Doodle - Committee meetings, client sessions with corporate teams, planning appointments with those supporting my business efforts, getting my friends together for a girls' night out... There are countless times I need to schedule face-to-face commitments with groups of people. With Doodle, folks vote for which suggested option works best, and we schedule the meeting for whatever time works best for most, eliminating all the back-and-forth emailing.

8. Dropbox - Whether it's a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation or PDF image, when I'm on-the-go, I must be able to quickly and easily access from any of my devices what files are needed; plus, many files are too large to email while a growing number of recipients are frightful to open unexpected attachments. Dropbox solves each of those issues: I can store files in the cloud to share between devices and easily share links for others to download items I'm trying to share with them.

7. Evernote - Online research, articles to review, training notes, ideas for upcoming workshops, checklists, client session summaries and much, much more... There's simply too much for my little brain to track, particularly since "Our brains are meant for thinking, not remembering", which is why Evernote's ability to help me "remember everything" is vital. My information syncs real-time between all my devices, organization is streamlined through notebooks and tags, I can quickly locate what I need when I need it, and I can easily collaborate with others. Amazing tool!

6. Facebook / Instagram - I am a big fan of the visual impact from scrolling through my Instagram feed; however, it's super frustrating to not be able to hyperlink those images directly to their related content. Facebook answers that quandary by allowing links alongside images, but it can get a bit cluttered at times. Both of these apps are owned by Facebook and make it difficult to see all the content shared by those you are following due to using algorithms; still, they offer great ways to stay connected with my favorite sources for up-to-date information as well as my friends.

5. PaperKarma - Want to cut down on the mail coming into your home or business? No need to go through the hassle of Catalog Choice. With this app, scan your address on the mailing label of what snail mail you've received; it'll block those future mailings. Although this app is on a brief hiatus right now, click on over to its website to be notified when it relaunches soon.

4. Scannable - There are many times I need to convert paper to an electronic file; this app easily captures the paper in my life quickly and beautifully, turning one page or multiple pages into high-quality scans that I can save to the photos on my phone, add to my account in Evernote, put in an online file repository, email someone or include in a text message. A great example is with magazine articles because I prefer reading my magazines in their printed forms but like to retain articles for later reference in an electronic form. Plus, if I use Scannable to scan business cards, the images become rich contacts with LinkedIn details, photos and the ability to add them to my phone's contacts.

3. Venmo - I'm often meeting clients in their offices or out at a public location, making it imperative to have this tool for collecting payments while out and about. Additionally, it's great for repaying friends for ticket purchases or splitting meals at restaurants. It pulls funds from the payee's Venmo account, bank account or debit account, moves money directly to the destination bank account in as little as one business day and is free unless the payment comes from a credit card, when it adds the standard 3% fee to the person making the payment, not whoever receives the money.

2. WRAL's Sports Fan - As a fan of the David Glenn Radio Show, which broadcasts noon - 3pm weekdays statewide across North Carolina, I like to catch what portions I can between appointments or while working on my Mac. Sometimes, I'm not in a position to listen to it on the radio, and this app makes it possible to catch the broadcast from wherever I'm working.

1. Zoom - Meeting virtually with clients nationwide requires a tool for face-to-face connections without having to travel any further than the screen of my tech tool. For 1-to-1 meetings, Zoom is quick, easy and free to use for video conferencing or screen-sharing, which is an awesome combo; then, for events with multiple participants, there are tiered pricing options.

Bonus - MusicID - I enjoy many different kinds of music but often hear a tune I like and wonder about the title / artist. When in doubt, I open MusicID, tap the circle for "Identify" and hold the phone near my speakers. Very quickly, all my questions about the song are answered, and I can hop to iTunes if I want to buy it.

Which apps are your favorites and why? Are there any on this list you'd like to check into further? 

Countdown to Memorial Day: Jay Vidovich's Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the sixth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Coach Jay M. Vidovich

This week, I am honored to share my interview with Jay Vidovich, who brought me onto his staff in the Wake Forest University men's soccer office back in the spring of 1997. After 21 years as the head men's soccer coach for my Demon Deacons as well as a year coaching the Portland Timbers 2 team of the USL Pro, now, Coach Vidovich coaches the University of Pittsburgh's men's soccer team. Widely considered one of the best men's soccer coaches in the entire National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Coach Vidovich led Wake Forest's men's soccer team to the 2007 NCAA championship with a 22-2-1 final season-long record and has the Pittsburgh Panthers poised for great progress in their year-over-year improvements. With all that soccer success, Coach Vidovich faces a tremendous amount of traveling, whether for recruiting or simply getting to game day. Add to that traveling with his wife, Julie, as well as two daughters, Zoe and Tess, and Coach Vidovich has plenty of travel experience to share. For more on Coach Vidovich, please visit his Wikipedia page here or view his professional bio here, and continue reading for travel insights to use over your next adventure.

ESP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

JMV: Mainly business but prefer pleasure.

ESP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

JMV: Plane or automobile.

ESP: What is your preference for airlines?

JMV: American Airlines because I have a frequent flyer membership with them and have been able to earn significant rewards.

ESP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

JMV: For business travel, I prefer Marriott because they more easily accommodate team traveling.

ESP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

JMV: My business traveling requires the use of a travel agency so I can seamlessly get where I need to when I need to be there; however, "pleasure" traveling can be a combination of both, depending on where I'm traveling.

ESP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

JMV: Familiarize yourself with what benefits are offered by any program you join. Often times, you can save money on baggage fees, get complimentary upgrades and are offered greater flexibility when issues arise, but you can't take advantage of benefits unless you know they exist.

ESP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

JMV: My carry-on bag must have my computer, all chargers for the devices I'm taking (both car chargers as well as wall chargers), whatever fitness gear will be needed and my rain gear.

ESP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

JMV: Yes! My dopp kit is always pre-packed, including extra cash for emergencies.

ESP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

JMV: I keep all the information for where I need to be in my phone. Then, I find it's easier to stay on track with what's planned while I'm on the road because there are no distractions.

ESP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

JMV: Absolutely! I depend heavily on my phone and use several apps to stay organized: iCalendar, Google Maps, Waze, Uber or Lyft, the app for whichever hotel I'm staying in, the app for whichever airline I'm flying and the app for the rental car company I'm using. The TripCase app syncs seamlessly with our travel agencies so I can more easily deal with changes for airline and hotel reservations. Having it all in one place is helpful.

ESP: What do you find most valuable throughout your traveling?

JMV: To survive, I must have fitness, whether running, a bike ride or something else. That is a must!

ESP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

JMV: Ze do Peixe Assado on a beach in Portugal, just south of Setubal - I got lost and, then, got lucky stumbling across this. Basically, it's a fish market on the beach and absolutely incredible.

ESP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

JMV: Patience.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Coach Vidovich!

Readers, do your preferences mirror his? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that he's mastered over his countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Top Ten Favorite Cities

Organize for Success® Turns 10

In honor of 10 years of business for Organize for Success®, I will be posting a "top 10" list to this blog each day through Wednesday, May 31st. Each Sunday, my team will randomly select from those who commented on the prior week's "top 10" blog posts for a gift card giveaway and free download of one eBook from OrganizeForSuccess.biz/shop. The grand prize package for celebrating Organize for Success, LLC's 10 years in business will be awarded on Thursday, June 1st, randomly selecting from all those who commented on any of the month's "top 10" blog posts as well as those who have subscribed to my eNewsletter for a winner to receive downloads of all 5 eBooks, a pass for my Stress and Time Management online video course as well as a 60-minute productivity consultation via video conference.

Today, let's cover my top ten favorite cities (or towns):

10. San Francisco, California - The Golden Gate Bridge isn't the only amazing view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Add to those breath-taking visuals some of our country's greatest restaurants as well as the home of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and Evernote, one of my favorite tech tools, and there are plenty of reasons to visit the San Francisco Bay area. As one of the last places to which I traveled with Dad, San Francisco will always hold a special place in my heart.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana - It's easy to customize your experience in New Orleans to exactly what you desire, making it a perfect city in the rotation of hosts for the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention. For the party animals, there is always Mardi Gras. For the thrill seekers, you can get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and take a lap around the track at NOLA Motorsports Park with Xtreme Xperience. I like the jazz music around almost every corner, the many varied museum options and, of course, beignets from Cafe Du Monde. My mouth is watering!

8. St. Louis, Missouri - When my aunt and uncle lived in Ballwin and, then, St. Charles, both just outside of St. Louis, my mom, grandmother, younger brother and I took a road trip up to visit them. While I could write a book about the drive itself, it's the city of St. Louis that everyone can and should enjoy. Our fun-filled adventure included the Gateway Arch, the Saint Louis Zoo, delicious fudge boiled in copper kettles from The Fudgery at the depot in downtown and absolutely a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to meet the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales.

7. New York, New York - After graduating from Princeton University, one of my older brothers lived in Manhattan working as an architect for about 15 years, and I was blessed to be able to visit him at least once a year throughout that time period. We delighted in amazing theatrical productions, engaging museum exhibits (especially at my favorite museum, which is the Metropolitan Museum of Art) and more delicious meals than I could ever list out, including steak from Smith and Wollensky as well as Italian from Frutti Di Mare, which has since closed. After many a stay in the Waldorf Astoria New York, I cannot wait to see what it will be like following the renovation happening now.

6. San Antonio, Texas - I've been a San Antonio Spurs' fan since back when David Robinson was wearing jersey number 50; however, when the incredible Tim Duncan arrived there from my Wake Forest University, it simply cemented my fandom. Therefore, when I got the opportunity to attend an NBA Finals game in San Antonio on Sunday, July 21, 2013, I absolutely jumped at the chance to see my Spurs in person, especially in the AT&T Center. As getting to the game on time and cheering through every minute of the action was my only focus, I'm extremely grateful that I was traveling with my friend Heather Hooper, who made sure I enjoyed all the city had to offer: tasty treats along the river walk, Rio San Antonio Cruises, Market Square, shopping at Rivercenter and touring The Alamo. Did you know that current TSA rules prohibit taking hot sauce in your carry-on? For real!

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Having recently been introduced to Pittsburgh, I can't believe I didn't make it there sooner. From Pirates baseball to Steelers football and all sorts of sports options from the University of Pittsburgh, entertainment abounds; then, there are the beautiful views from all the bridges and up the incline of Mt. Washington. Ranking well in Zagat's best US cities for food, Pittsburgh offers plenty of outstanding, locally-owned restaurants, like Butcher and the Rye, Morcilla, Sienna Mercato, Ten Penny and Vallozzi's. I enjoyed Market Square and how eco-friendly the convention center was with its green roof.

4. Nashville, Tennessee - This might be the most perfect mix of all my favorites in one city! There are musicians on almost every corner, and you can fully indulge in legendary country music at the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe as well as the Ryman Auditorium, learning even more than imaginable at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sports are covered with the Tennessee Titans, the Nashville Predators and Vanderbilt University's many athletics teams. Plus, the tasty treats are endless at local restaurants, including ACME Feed and Seed, Adele's (which is built in what used to be a car dealership), Biscuit Love, Husk, Puckett's and The Southern. We enjoyed staying at the Gaylord Opryland, strolling through the farmers' market and views of the Cumberland River.

3. Winston-Salem, North Carolina - Growing up about 20 minutes from downtown Winston meant that we spent a good deal of time heading into this city for everything from movies to restaurants to the mall, even attending Centenary United Methodist Church. I'm a proud Demon Deacon graduate of Wake Forest University, which is located in Winston, and I'm amazed at how this city continues to grow at such a rapid rate. Must-try restaurants here now include Crafted: The Art of the Taco, Fabian's Restaurant, Fratelli's Italian Steakhouse, Meridian Restaurant, Milner's American Southern Cuisine and Cocktails, Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro, Paul's Fine Italian Dining, Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen, Ryan's Restaurant, Spring House Restaurant and Village Tavern. For a great jolt of caffeine, I highly recommend Camino Bakery. From the bar scene, you might want to consider Burke Street Pub, Foothills Brewing, Tavern in Old Salem, Tate's Craft Cocktails and Wise Man Brewing. Finally, for attractions, make time for Historic Bethabara Park, Old Salem, Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art.

2. Kernersville, North Carolina - I truly appreciate having been born and raised in this town that is smack-dab in the middle of our great state. With equally easy drives from this town to the beach or the mountains, it is one of the few places that actually experiences all 4 seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall). There are great parks, charming boutiques and plenty of options for supporting local restaurants, like Giada's Trattoria, J Pepper's, Outwest Steakhouse, Plaza Restaurant, Prissy Polly's Pig Pickin' BBQ as well as Sixty Six Pizzeria Grill and Bar; however, it's the annual events that really make this town special and memorable: Spring Folly is coming up this weekend, Oktoberfest at Historic Korner's Folly and The Honeybee Festival each August.

1. Raleigh, North Carolina - My home is Raleigh, where we are blessed with something happening all the time, from the Carolina Ballet to Broadway shows at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. I absolutely love attending concerts in Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, but it's also only a short drive to the Durham Performing Arts Center or Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Raleigh is part of the Triangle region in North Carolina, where college sports are plentiful with the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University; yet, there are plenty of professional sports' options, too, including the Carolina Hurricanes, the Durham Bulls, the Carolina Mudcats and a reasonable drive to the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Plus, Raleigh is definitely one of the best cities for food, including an abundance of locally-owned and -operated restaurants (Beasley's Chicken + Honey, Cafe Carolina, Cafe Luna, Cave 1912, Chuck's, Coquette, Death and Taxes, Driftwood Southern Kitchen, Irregardless Cafe, Nantucket Grill, NOFO at the Pig, Poole's Diner, Relish Craft Restaurant and Bourbon Bar, The Pit Authentic Barbecue, Village Grill, Winston's Grille and Zest Cafe) as well as coffee shops (42 and Lawrence, Benelux Coffee, Bittersweet, Brew Coffee Bar, Jubala Village Coffee, Liquid State Coffee + Wine + Beer, Lucette Grace, Sir Walter Coffee, Sola Coffee Cafe, Videri Chocolate Factory and Yellow Dog Bread Company). If you'd like to be a little more active, Raleigh offers plenty of parks for outdoor adventures, the Triangle Rock Club and museums for growth or learning. Don't forget Raleigh's craft beer industry, spotlighted in the Brewgaloo festival.

Bonus - Chattanooga, Tennessee - Back when my nephew graduated from The McCallie School, all my siblings and parents trekked up to this fair city; luckily, I was in the half of us that flew there instead of the half that apparently almost drove off the side of the mountain, but I digress. Chattanooga offers simply magnificent mountainside views from atop Lookout Mountain, Rembrandt's Coffee has the most delicious dessert options, and there's plenty to do or see along its revitalized riverwalk.

Which locations have been your favorites to live in or visit? Are there any on your bucket list that you have yet to go see? Boston is still on my list, and I'm always searching for additional suggestions of ideal destinations. Looks like I need a warm, tropical city on this list, right?!?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Natalie Perkins' Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the fifth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Natalie Perkins

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Natalie Perkins, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Design, an award-winning brand + advertising agency that she has grown over 300% since joining in 2007. Ms. Perkins' invaluable industry expertise comes from over 25 years of industry experience, including market research, integrated marketing, graphic design, brand awareness and digital strategy. She leads business development for the agency and has played an integral role in recruiting major clients, such as Lenovo, Red Hat and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to traveling for Clean Design clients, Ms. Perkins' civic and charitable leadership takes her statewide across North Carolina, a state she is proud to represent as a 2015 graduate of the acclaimed Leadership North Carolina program. Most recently, Ms. Perkins received the 2016 Triangle Advertising Federation Industry Career Achievement Award, a lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals for their dedication to the industry and the community, and Clean Design has been named "Best Places to Work" three years in a row by Triangle Business Journal. For more about her work as well as the multiple personal and team honors she has received, click here.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

NP: I've been a heavy traveler all my career, and, for 2 years not long ago, I flew every week for my job, leaving out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Atlanta, DC or Pittsburgh. Most of my travel has been for business.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

NP: I prefer to travel by car because I'm in control, but that's just not always feasible. But, if you mean a cruise ship for traveling by boat, I'll go with that option.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

NP: My husband and I love to travel throughout Europe. Everywhere we go is special in its own way. Last year, we took the Orient Express train journey from Venice to London. It was absolutely amazing!

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

NP: Domestically, they are all equally awful. I hate to say it, but it's true. Just look at the news over the past few weeks. I wish I could say that recent occurrences happening with United Airlines and, now, American Airlines are isolated events, but it is time for passengers to demand a new passenger bill of rights, requiring the airlines to treat us with dignity.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

NP: I have traveled so much that, when I travel now, I look for unique experiences.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

NP: Domestically, I book my own using an online travel service; internationally, we use a travel agent.

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

NP: My points are scattered across many brands and programs so I have options.

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

NP: Anything I can't live without for 24 hours. Essential toiletries, make-up, medications, chargers, etc. On our honeymoon to Paris and Venice, the airlines lost our checked luggage for 2 weeks so we lived out of our carry-on bags for our entire honeymoon!

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

NP: Absolutely! I hate to pack so this is the only way I make it bearable.

EP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

NP: You have to be careful not to overcommit yourself. When traveling, you're always trying to find time to catch up on what's going on back home so it's best to just schedule that time.

EP: What tools or tactics do you use to keep your accommodations organized while traveling?

NP: I love those zipper organizers. They help keep me from forgetting anything.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

NP: Only the airline apps... I'm sure you can help make me more productive, Emily!

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

NP: A delicious Italian restaurant in Venice. I think we ate everything on the menu.

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

NP: A time travel portal so I never have to get on another plane!

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Perkins!

Readers, do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that she's mastered over her countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Olalah Njenga's Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the fourth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Olalah Njenga

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Olalah Njenga, who is an award-winning strategist. As CEO, Ms. Njenga leads a strategy consulting company that helps business owners and business leaders transform dreams and goals into plans and outcomes. She shares her unique perspective about strategy, leadership and the small business economy by presenting to audiences across the United States. Working with Ms. Njenga is high-impact and results-oriented, leading to clients' greater success. Ms. Njenga's career highlights include the distinction of being a Forbes Braintrust® Member as well as a featured small business expert for the Washington Post. She serves as a trusted resource for major media outlets, including The New York Times, the BBC, NPR, Marketplace, Fox News and local affiliates for ABC, NBC and CBS. A Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, Ms. Njenga is appointed to hold the designated seat for Small Business on the NCWorks Commission, where she advocates for initiatives that impact North Carolina's small business economy. Ms. Njenga serves as the Commission's Vice Chair, leading its Strategic Planning Committee. Visit http://olalah.com to learn more about Ms. Njenga's efforts to help private, public and non-profit organizations develop proven strategies for building, growing and scaling in their respective markets.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

ON: Both business and fun.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

ON: I love airplane travel. I don't have the patience for train rides nor long car rides.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

ON: Las Vegas is my favorite destination. There's always some trouble to get into, no matter the time of day or night.

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

ON: I don't really have an airline preference. Somehow, I end up flying Delta more often than not because they always seem to have the best departure times for my schedule, especially when I need to do turnaround trips.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

ON: I am a "Hilton girl" all the way. I've got Hilton Diamond status so any of their properties is fine, though Embassy Suites is definitely my favorite for multi-night stays. The Hampton Inn is my second choice, especially when I need a budget-friendly option.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

ON: I always book my own travel because I am way too picky - A travel agent would fire me for all of the combinations of flight times I would likely ask of her!

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

ON: To make the most of loyalty programs, keep up with the rewards and adjust your travel to take advantage of bonus rewards. I did that for my daughter's wedding and got 3 suites for nothing but the cost of the tax for the rooms simply by using rewards and adjusting the dates of check-in.

EP: Are you loyal to any particular brands?

ON: In terms of travel, I'm not an all-out loyalist, but I will choose Hilton for hotels and Samsonite for luggage every time when offered a choice. When my husband took my luggage on a business trip, the airline lost his luggage; when we got the check to replace the luggage, I bought the same set in my favorite color of purple. It was a special order and worth the wait. Now, I can spot my luggage anywhere on the baggage claim ramp, and my husband wouldn't be caught dead with purple luggage so he no longer borrows it!

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

ON: My carry-on bag contains items that are essential to health, hygiene and my peace of mind, which sometimes means my lucky purple socks, my favorite flash-drive (I named it "sunburst" because it's orange and black) and a hardcopy of whatever I'm doing that requires technology (because I'm paranoid). When it comes to travel, my personal motto is "If it can go wrong, it might go wrong so be prepared."

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

ON: I keep a "go bag" of toiletries on the ready in the hall closet. I heard "Hotchner" from the show Criminal Minds refer to his go bag, and I was hooked ever since then. Can you tell that I'm a fan?

EP: How do you organize your time and related details while on-the-go?

ON: I use my mobile phone to manage "where" I'm supposed to be and "who" I'm supposed to meet, but I use my Franklin Planner agenda to manage "what" matters most and "when" it needs to get done. I save everything to my Outlook calendar --- notes, drawings, directions, etc. Then, I sync everything in my mobile phone. Duplicity offers assurance, and that gives me peace of mind.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

ON: Personally, I don't use a lot of technology because I don't like the eye strain of staring at a screen a million times a day. That might seem strange coming from a former Cisco girl, but I keep things "tech simple". I use Dropbox for storing and retrieving any and all docs. I also use the Dropbox app on my mobile phone. However, for overall productivity, I find that my Franklin Planner (compact size) is invaluable for keeping me on track and productive.

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

ON: A favorite restaurant is an impossible question, but, if hard-pressed, it would be the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. I ordered breakfast via room service, and it was so delicious that I nearly forgot that I was supposed to be on stage to speak to a few hundred people. Yes... It was THAT good!

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

ON: Oh, that's easy... My super power would be warp speed movement. As I said, I'm impatient.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Njenga!

Readers, do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that she's mastered over her countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Coach Dave Clawson's Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the third in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers' preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Coach Dave Clawson

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Dave Clawson, head coach for the football program at Wake Forest University since December 10, 2013. Known for his prowess in building football programs, Coach Clawson has shown dramatic improvement at every stop: Albany, Buffalo, Lehigh, Villanova, Fordham, Richmond, Bowling Green and, now, Wake Forest. Yet, with all that football success, Coach Clawson faces a tremendous amount of traveling on a regular basis, whether for recruiting, getting to game day and everything in between. Add to that traveling with his wife, Catherine, and two children, Courtney and Eric, and Coach Clawson has plenty of travel experience to share. For more on Coach Clawson, please view his bio here, and continue reading for travel insights to use over your next adventure.


EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

DC: I travel for both. Recruiting requires me to travel quite a bit for work in December and January. During the season (August - December), we have to travel to away games, but, in the summer, I really enjoy taking at least one trip a year with my family. Each year, we go to a different part of the country or internationally.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

DC: None! Hahaha! I have to say that the actual traveling is the worst part of travel. Still, if it's further away than a 5-hour drive, I like to fly; other than that, we typically travel by automobile.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

DC: I have been to Paris twice, and I absolutely love that. Additionally, I love going down to the beaches of the North Carolina and South Carolina shore.

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

DC: Delta or American, but that's only because those are the two I end up flying the most.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

DC: I prefer both Marriotts and Hiltons because of their consistency - You know what to expect, and their service is usually very good.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

DC: For personal travel, we usually book the travel on our own; however, for work, the athletic department uses Anthony Travel.

EP: Are you loyal to any particular brands or have suggestions for utilizing loyalty programs?

DC: I usually try to travel based on the lowest price for when I need to be going so I don't gravitate towards any specific brand simply because it's the brand. I go to a brand if it's the best price.

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

DC: I like to bring a good book and, usually, my iPad.

EP: What's your favorite book?

DC: I love reading presidential biographies. The ones about John Adams and Andrew Jackson are two of my favorites.

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

DC: Yes, I do. I always have a bag of toiletries under our sink that is packed, and, any time I travel, I just grab that bag and throw it in my suitcase. It's packed and ready to go.

EP: How do you organize your time commitments and reservation details while on-the-go?

DC: I put everything in my iPhone's calendar. If I'm going to a hotel, I'll put the hotel name, address and reservation number or details in the calendar so I can look it all up with just one click.

EP: Any tools or tactics you use to keep your accommodations organized?

DC: I rarely stay at a hotel for more than one night with my recruiting travel schedule, but I immediately set up my iPad on my desk and try to have it duplicate my work set-up as much as possible.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

DC: I use the calendar app on my iPhone and iPad a lot; that's probably the technology I depend on the most.

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

DC: Whenever I travel, I enjoy food. I like watching Food Network shows so, whenever I go to a place on the road, I never like to eat in chains. I always like to find what the local restaurant is and what the local food is. If I'm near the shore, I love to get seafood; if I'm in western North Carolina, I like to get the barbecue. It's like when you're in New York and you love to get Italian. When eating at a place that's local, it usually has fresh ingredients and fresh food.

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

DC: To eliminate the travel part of travel! If I could just get beamed somewhere, going to the shore could take 5 minutes instead of 5 hours, and that would make life much, much better.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Coach Clawson, here's to a hugely successful season this fall... Go, Deacs!

Readers, do your preferences mirror his? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that he's mastered over his countless travels? Which tidbit do you plan to implement yourself?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Geralin Thomas' Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the second in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers' preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Geralin Thomas

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Geralin Thomas, an organizing consultant who owns Metropolitan Organizing and is best known for her appearances on A and E's television show, Hoarders. Ms. Thomas is an author, speaker, instructor, consultant and career coach. Prior to becoming a professional organizer, Ms. Thomas worked in the travel industry; now, she travels heavily for television appearances as well as public speaking opportunities. Click for Ms. Thomas' bio on her website, including her list of Free Checklists that offers "Packing For a NAPO Conference", and continue for her most valuable travel hacks.

ESP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

GT: When on the road for business, I try to squeeze in a little fun distraction. Sometimes, it's a visit with a nearby friend or family member. Sometimes, it's a city tour or museum visit. Often, I reach out to someone with whom I socialize on social media, but I make sure to include pleasure with my business while traveling.

ESP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

GT: In real life, I travel almost always via car or plane. I like direct, cross-country flights because I can accomplish a lot of work in 4 or 5 hours of uninterrupted time alone.

ESP: What is your favorite destination and why?

GT: My two favorite vacation places are Positano and St. Barts. Both places offer the best chefs preparing the very freshest meals with simple ingredients, the sea, the sun, fashion and local hospitality.

ESP: What is your preference for airlines?

GT: Delta Airlines is my preferred airline because I feel like they try harder in every single way to make the trip a little more pleasant.

ESP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

GT: When it comes to hotels, I'm not quite as brand loyal. Instead, my priorities are a safe neighborhood, a clean and updated room, WiFi as well as plentiful elevators!

ESP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

GT: I used to be a travel agent so, almost all of the time, I book my own. However, if I were going on a river cruise or something like that which is outside the realm of my experience, I would most likely use an experienced agent.

ESP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

GT: My packing list for vacation travel is included on pages 168 and 169 of my book, Decluttering Your Home Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets, including sections for the basics, personal items, carry-on items and a few extras. Alternatively, for business travel, especially to a National Association of Professional Organizers' (NAPO) Conference, my business trip packing list is on my website.

ESP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

GT: I have a hanging bag with compartments that stays stocked and ready to roll 24/7. However, my cosmetics are kept in a bathroom drawer and packed according to destination, season, clothing capsule colors, etc.

ESP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

GT: While I use an electronic calendar for all recurring events, I still prefer a paper planner when it comes to daily, one-on-one, phone or video appointments. In my paper planner, I get very creative. I not only take notes and make sketches, but I play with colors and shapes that suit each client. Most of my "career coaching" with professional organizers and "wardrobe wisdom" coaching is done virtually. That means that, even while on the road, I can easily honor appointments with clients from numerous time zones.

ESP: What tools or tactics do you use to keep your accommodations organized while traveling?

GT: Small, separate, zippered cases are my sanity-saving secret, and it's not just on the road. I use them at home, too. Everything gets bundled and, then, is popped in and out of bigger tote bags as I need them. Here are a few examples:
- travel documents
- receipts
- phone charger
- ear buds
- computer charger
- pool / beach goodies
- fitness necessities
I do this with my "wardrobe wisdom" clients as well, bundling their jewelry in small mesh bags and hanging each bag with whichever garments that jewelry will be worn.

ESP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life?

GT: I regularly use Evernote, Hipmunk, Momondo, Skyscanner and GateGuru.

ESP: What are your "must haves" for being your best while traveling?

GT: I must have a good night's sleep. For me, that requires the following:
- a comfortable mattress, pillows and bedding
- no ambient light at night
- a quiet room away from the elevators and ice machines
Additionally, I must have a well-lit bathroom, towels that are thick and absorbent, great water pressure in the shower, plenty of outlets in the room so I can charge my devices as well as easy access to hot tea and coffee in the early morning hours.

ESP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

GT: Don't get me wrong; I've eaten at some very fine restaurants, but I think of myself as more of a relationship person --- not a foodie. I find that a very average meal becomes extraordinary when shared with an enjoyable dining companion. It's usually not so much about the food but more about the company I'm keeping. Some of the very best times of my life were had while eating ho-hum food with interesting, charismatic or hilarious friends, acquaintances or strangers.

ESP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

GT: While traveling, I've often thought that, if I had the ability to understand and fluently converse in all languages, it would be a huge asset.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Thomas!

Readers, to learn more about Ms. Thomas, click-through to her Wikipedia page. Do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks she's mastered over her countless travels? Which of her tips do you plan to implement?