Thanks so much for your support of the barcode/scanner system. My company supplies the technology to NACAC and now to regional and local fairs, and we have had great positive feedback. So glad you had a good experience and are so forward thinking in your profession.

Looking forward to working with you again!

Holly Lazzaro
College Fair Automation
http://www.collegefairautomation.com

I laughed out loud when you wrote about dining alone! That is so difficult and it can feel awkward! It’s a great time to people watch and pray! Sometimes eating alone in the hotel can be fun if….The Office is on our you have a fabulous movie!
I highly recommended getting skype or some form of chat to stay connected to those you love!

Remember that the front desk is your friend! Should you really need anyyything..they can find a way to get it for you! A lot of people hesitate to ask for advice or something they need, but hotels provide great services! Be careful when you keep your credit card on file-always check for costs! (Make sure you paid for whatever you used…but only that! Sometimes you may find an error on the hotel…or someone else’s part!—that brings me to banking around the nation—–be sure to have a credit check on the accounts you use! You want to be the only person using it! Check it during and after you visit to be sure it’s all accounted for!:)

Made to order: Your room and you food.
Room: You can usually ask for special things like a fridge or a microwave in your hotel should you like one…

Food: When dining out and away from home: it’s ok to have your food made to order! Eating a lot of fast food can make you feel sick! Substitute the fries or potatoes for a salad or steamed veggies. Be sure to eat balanced meals! (Your energy level is different because you are already out of your norm.) Try salmon! it’s light and gives you energy!

POINTS!:) Sign up for points at hotel and business to get free stays and deals! Everyone has a promo deal these days! Look for the best ones! I highly recommend the Starbucks gold membership!:)

My personal survival kit includes most importantly my iPhone equipped with immediate access to TripIt via their mobile Web site or app. I don’t have to print anything, but if I were to ever lose connectivity, I’d be in trouble.

Regarding #7, how about changing one word, so it reads, “ngage in conversation with the person who checks you out at the hotel…”

Keep a camera on hand for the interesting, weird, and unexpected.

I also try to connect or reconnect with friends and family in the locations I visit. Most of my area is far from home, so it is a great opportunity to see people I wouldn’t otherwise see—and it gives you a companion for dinner, too!

Overall, my advice is to have fun. No matter your territory, hopefully you enjoy being on the road representing your institution and making connections with colleagues, students, and parents. Always prepare for the unexpected, and try not to fall into a routine of simply waking up, doing your business, grabbing food, and returning to your hotel room. Explore!