I don’t know about you, but I find it a real challenge to keep up to date with all the commitments that don’t go away when you travel: emails, projects, calls, and of course—your most important—individual and family commitments.

What is most important for you to keep your life in balance when on the road? Is it managing Stress? Maintaining a sense of achievement? Balancing commitments at home? Responding or dealing with what is awaiting at the office upon your return?

If you responded with all of the above, we’re on the same page.

For me it’s all about time management.  When I manage my time effectively—before, during, and after travel—I feel good about my schedule, and feel less stressed about what I may not accomplish in any given week.  I get a sense of achievement.  So how do I do this?

1. I start by making a list to clearly determine how many things I really do have to do–knowing that I may have to admit that I, personally, can’t get them all done. I delegate what I can, and I validate value of each task, and identify if there is something I should decline.
2. Once my to do list is complete, I prioritize tasks–and then I apply realistic timelines.

Once my list is organized, I schedule my calendar with timelines, keeping in mind that I may have to move some of them based on other priorities.

Using Outlook, I send myself reminders, and force myself to document progress and next steps.

I never forget to schedule time for simple tasks like responding to emails and voicemails.

Once all of this is complete, the idea of getting back on the road does not seem so daunting; and staying on top of these professional challenges lets me keep a balance in my personal life as well.

What about you—how do you deal with these issues as a frequent traveler?

Looking at my calendar, I noticed that today is the International Day of Peace. I just learned a little bit more about this holiday, and wanted to share it with you all. Established in 1981 by the United Nations, the International Day of Peace is designated as an annual day of cease-fire and non-violence.

Organizations around the world are commemorating the International Day of Peace in a variety of different ways, with education, music, and public awareness on topics related to peace. This year’s theme is “Youth for Peace and Development.” A sample of events being held around the world can be found here: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/2010/eventsglobal.shtml.

While peace is a concept that applies to everyone, it seems especially important to us as business and leisure travelers. Since we’re often crossing political, cultural, and social borders in our travels, it’s up to each of us to educate ourselves about the cultures and customs of the destinations we visit as a small way we can promote peaceful and respectful interactions with the people we meet around the world.

Peaceful travels!

As a frequent traveler, I am always looking for ways to travel quickly and efficiently. And waiting in line at security is one of the most frustrating delays we all encounter at the airport. Tips include:

• Make sure you use the priority lines if you are in first class, were lucky enough to be upgraded to first class, or have frequent flyer status
• Try to avoid the line the crew uses since they will always jump ahead of you
• Short of these obvious tips, get there early!!

People ask me all the time if the lines will be long on a certain day or at a certain time, and the only sure advice I have for them is, “I have no idea! Give yourself plenty of time!”

There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, however. A few years ago, I belonged to a Registered Traveler program that gave me access to expedited security lanes at participating airports. It worked beautifully. For many reasons, including the economy at the time, these programs did not achieve immediate success and were suspended. Recently, two companies, Clear and iQueue have announced they expect to re-launch their registered traveler programs at selected airports in North America.

• Clear expects to reopen in Denver in October and Orlando in November. Annual cost is USD $179 per year. While writing this, I dug through my desk and found my old Clear card. So glad I didn’t throw it out! Next time I travel through Denver, I’ll use it and report back to you.
• iQueue has opened in Indianapolis. The annual cost ranges from USD $119 – $169. Planned expansion in 2010 includes Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Seattle, and both Washington, DC airports.

Both programs use biometrics to identify their travelers and prior to approval, will ask for background information. Some people are wary of the additional information they must provide. If, however, you’re willing to enroll, you can enjoy more predictability at the airport. The airport process is simple: 

• Check in at the kiosk
• Verify your biometrics
• Speed through security!

Until these programs expand to more airports, it may not be worth the investment (unless you travel frequently out of one of the current airport locations). Hopefully these programs will expand to major U.S. airports and our travels will be just a little more predictable. Safe (and easy) travels!