From Nashville to LA, Santa Barbara, Chicago and Austin — I have been hopping around time zones quite a bit these days (Hello #TheNewSouthern). Bouncing from city to city, photographing & styling beautiful spaces while collaborating with creative souls from all different corners of the country is both a joy and a blessing...but it also absorbs a lot of my physical and mental energy. Amidst my travels (over 100,000 miles a year!) I’ve managed to pick up a few personal tips which keep me going throughout my long work days and hours spent in the air. The life I’ve cultivated on the road has granted me with lots of tools for staying healthy and focused. Whether you’re packing for a short road trip or heading off on a cross-country flight — these are my go-to hacks for healthy (fulfilling) travel!! Xx
Hydration is key!
I drink plenty of water to balance tons of sky miles and I also have found great moisturizing creams for my lips and face. Every night and regardless of the season I use Epionce Medical Barrier Cream for my face cream and Avene Cold Cream Lip Cream. These two items along with lots of water have been skin lifesavers for me!!
Get REST
I always have a bedtime when I am traveling!! I am nocturnal by nature and I get a second wind of creativity around 9 pm. So, when I am traveling I have to be mindful and get myself into bed no later than 10:30/11:00 pm if I want to be a fully functioning human when my early call time hits. When you have dinner meeting scheduled with clients, don't be afraid to set a phone alarm to be mindful and I always travel with a useful pair of earplugs (best $6 dollars I ever spent) for a guaranteed quiet night's sleep.
Limit the liquor…
There is truly nothing worse than traveling after a few too many drinks. I limit myself to a single glass of wine at dinner. I know that I am less effective and less creative when I am combating a headache so I avoid too much alcohol all together.
Direction vs. Schedule
All of my trips incorporate goals and direction. My goals are centered on connection and life giving moments. I connect with multiple clients in each city and when I travel I try to not have a regimented schedule. I like to be open to new dinners, new people and new inspiring moments to dictate the next decision. Having a regimented schedule prevents this and I always come from a place of yes when I am on the road — yes to new adventures, new places, and to feeling alive!
Work from anywhere
Airplanes are my office! I love to travel and embrace this uninterrupted time for myself. Sometimes I sit next to a fascinating neighbor and we become friends, but most often I am writing or editing while listening to something that is inspiring my soul. This sets the best tone for when I land. For more of the tools I use while traveling, head over to MyDomiane for my resources there. Xx
Keep it light
Traveling isn’t always easy so I try to make things emotionally lighter and have perspective when the proverbial Sh$%t hits the fan.
Example: Two weeks ago at LAX, the rental car took almost 2 hours to Get OR LAST WEEK IN DALLAS My schedule was all over the place with 3 IMPROMPTU Meetings I had to take.
Instead of freaking out, this was the perfect opportunity to catch up on emails in LA and respond to instagram DM’s and also implement a little mind over matter. I walked away from LAX feeling a little more caught up on my way to my lunch meeting and I walked away from Dallas feeling I can conquer anything thrown my way. Remember, what we focus on expands. It is so much more constructive and energy preserving to breathe through the last minute moments and tackle them head on with a positive attitude.
Keep things interesting
Cities evolve just as we evolve. I am always staying on top of the newest restaurants (I love beautiful spaces (duh!) and I’m a foodie at heart) so that I am able to create new experiences with my clients — even if I’m not in my home city. I love killing two birds with one stone when I have meetings! Do a little due diligence before arriving by researching some of your favorite bloggers in the destination city or sites such as Eater, MyDomaine or Thrillest. AND!! If you are headed to Music City, my friends at Nashville Guru have done an incredible job providing great hot spots per neighborhood. Xx
Pack mindfully
I always pack a pair of yoga pants and a bikini — just in case!!! It’s always best to be prepared for an impromptu few hours by the pool, some time in the sauna or a quick power flow yoga session. Disclaimer: This has happened to me once out of the 4 years I have been doing this but what a great way to end a productive trip!!
Eat thoughtfully
Food is an energy source for me! I eat to feel good. I do not diet but instead believe in moderation and really listen to my body when it comes to this. My schedule gets super hectic on the road so I always have an emergency RXbar with me, sour patch watermelons (can’t deprive myself of my sweet tooth!) and raw almonds.
For more of my travel recommendations, read my interview from last fall with MyDomaine!
MY FAVORITE TRAVEL TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT WITH MY DOMAINE!
