Summer travel season is in full swing! Whether you're anticipating your well-earned vacation, heading to a national legal conference, or taking a trip to one of our renowned in-person conferences, hitting the road can be exciting, but it also can bring unwanted stress: forgotten necessities, missed connections, jet lag...the list goes on. And as a lawyer, you certainly already have enough stress in your life as is.
That's why we're excited to provide tips that will help you travel like a pro! After all, your travel should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. So here are a few hacks to help you travel smarter and lighter, all while keeping your sanity intact.

Travel Essentials
One of the most important things you take on your trip with you is something you don't even have to pack: your health. You'll want to stay in tip-top shape for the duration of your travel, especially if a client is depending on you. Take Vitamin C before traveling to keep your immune system strong. Strongly consider masking up while on the plane because, let's face it, there's always one sick person who is coughing up a storm in that recycled air. Finally, be sure to wipe down your seat and tray table with anti-bacterial wipes and wash your hands often.
Another must-pack item is a portable charger. Ankur is well-known for their hefty power banks that get the job done (just make sure they go in your carry-on, not your checked luggage). It's important to bring your own power supply, especially since juice-jacking has become a common airport scam. If you plug into the wrong charging station, you might find your phone being hacked. Even if you're headed on a relaxing vacation, you can't afford to let your guard down, especially in the midst of travel.
Other essentials include: travel locks to keep your belongings and documents safe. Apple air tags to track or find your luggage in case it gets lost. Compression socks to keep your blood flowing and stop your feet from swelling. And of course...a stack of business cards! Because you never know when and where you'll get some networking in!
Sleep Kit
Are you staring down the barrel of a very long flight? Perhaps you're hoping to score some Z's, but you decided to take a middle seat in economy to save some money, and now you're starting to regret it. Or maybe you're kickin' it in first class, but you still find sleep impossible at 40,000 feet. The first step is to change your mindset: if you keep saying you never sleep on planes, you're just creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even if you can't achieve that full sleep cycle, you can at the very least work in some "active resting," which is better than nothing.
Next, it's time to arm your sleep arsenal. Bring your favorite pair of ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out the noise of the plane and other passengers. Bring a sleep mask to block out both the sunlight and the onslaught of blue light coming from the many screens around you. This travel pillow-blanket combo is useful if the flight is incredibly cold or you need a little extra lumbar support.
Finally, there's the crown jewel of travel: the neck pillow. Everyone seems to have one they swear by. My personal choice is the trtl pillow. Yes, it might make you look like you're recovering from an injury, but it's very comfy and supportive of your neck! If that's not for you, there's a wide range of unique neck pillows out there to choose from.

Your Mobile Office
Do you have all of your essential documents? You'll want to be sure you have them in both paper and digital form. You never know...your phone could be stolen, the battery pack could die out, or it could decide to perform a system update at the worst possible time. Just like when you're in the midst of trial, you've got to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst! So be sure to print backups of all your important documents.
Looking to get some work done during the flight? Don't forget to bring your laptop, but know that it isn't the only tool in your kit. Consider adding these apps to your travel tech lineup:
-PDF Expert or Adobe Scan for quick document markup
-Clio or MyCase for practice management on the move
-Evernote or Notion for travel agendas and case notes
-Calm or Headspace to decompress between obligations
Stuck on a layover and looking for a great way to fill your time? Knock out your compliance credits! You can be compliant no matter where your travel takes you because PBI is CLE on the go! Our on-demand library has a wide range of topics and is available at your convenience. Score credits with us anytime and anywhere you go!
Conquering Jetlag
If you've got quite the sleep adjustment ahead of you, here are a few tips on how to conquer the dreaded jetlag! The trick is to embrace your destination's time zone as soon as you step on that plane. Don't even think about what time it is back home because it's no longer important (well, unless you need to make a call). Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine/alcohol.
When you arrive at your destination, be sure to get plenty of sunlight on your face during daytime hours. This will adjust your circadian rhythm and get your internal clock straightened out. Whatever you do, resist the urge to nap for more than thirty minutes during the day, or else you might completely screw up your sleep schedule when you need to be at your best.

Whether you're on the road for a big case, a CLE conference, or a well-deserved getaway, traveling with intention can make all the difference. With the right prep, you can keep it a smooth experience while still maintaining productivity. Wherever you're headed next, be sure to keep in mind these tips to travel like a pro...and practice like one, too!
Want to learn how to vacation like a pro (and not an overworked lawyer) next? Check out this past blog post!