Title of the Presentation

De-Stress Travel15 Minute Leader Lesson

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

DE-STRESStravelWELCOMETravel de-stressDo you love to travel? Does the thought stress you out? Are you somewhere in between? Learn simple ways to de-stress your travel. We will provide information about key topics, including choosing a destination, planning a trip, packing for the trip, and enjoying the experience!We will also provide tips on how to reduce risk of bed bugs while traveling.DE-STRESStravel2How to choose a travel destinationTHE BASICSIs the trip for business or pleasure?Where are you going? How long will you stay? How will you get to your destination?What sort of experience are you looking for in your travels?Choose your destination based on your identified goals and desires for traveling.DE-STRESStravelChoosing a travel destination is as easy as asking a few questions:What are your travel goals?Be as specific as possible as it will help you narrow down locations and eventually possible accommodations.What are your needs while traveling?These may seem to be common sense but stating them may make the difference between the trip of your dreams or something from a National Lampoons movie.Whom will be traveling with you?Your companions matter. So do their needs. This gets more complicated if you are traveling with people that are not your immediate family members.

Next you simply need to learn some research and shopping techniques to help find a suitable location.

3How to choose a travel destination1Understand hotel classifications2Do your research. It pays to do your homework prior to booking accommodations. Look online, make a phone call, or do both!3Book your accommodations DE-STRESStravelOnce your needs and goals are identified it is important to know which type of accommodations will best meet your objectives.Some important things to know are:Not all hotel types and brands are created equal.Many brands are designed for a certain profile of guest in mind.Recent reviews can give you insight into places youve never been beforebut beware as they are not always fair and appropriate representations of a guests stay.Give yourself time to shop your desired place to stay and evaluate the changing pricing techniques. Know the implications of booking a hotel room online and be mindful of some package deals. 4How to plan a tripKnow something about the hotel and surrounding area before departureInform the hotel of any special needs in advanceKnow gratuity expectations to ensure great levels of service

DE-STRESStravel Planning a trip is more than just packing.If you want to optimize your time and experience knowing some of the hotel policies and standards can make a difference.Be prepared with appropriate amounts of cash for tipping and credit card funds availability for additional authorizations. 5How to pack for a tripDetermine your needs: Talk to someone who has attended or traveled to that locationStart packing a week before the tripMake a list: Clothing, accessories, toiletries, health, electronics/gadgets, business needs, travel documents, identification, etc.DE-STRESStravelDetermine your needs.Talk to someone who has attended or traveled to that location. They might have some good insight.Start packing a week before the trip. this way, you have time to consider your needs. You wont have any added stress at the last minute!Make a list: Clothing, accessories, toiletries, health, electronics/gadgets, business needs, travel documents, identification, etc. Your list will be unique to you and your trip.

6How to pack for a tripChoose your luggage: Checked or carry-on?What does your luggage say about you?Label you luggageProtect your valuablesDE-STRESStravelChoose your luggage: Checked or carry-on. Ask yourself, how long is the stay? How much time do I have before the meeting? How much will it cost if my luggage is too heavy? Will I be charged an overage?Your luggage says a lot about you: If traveling for business, make sure your luggage projects a professional imageLabel your checked and carry-on luggage inside and outside. Luggage tags can get ripped off in baggage handling machinery.Protect your valuables:For example, take photos of your travel documents and credit cards.Store these photos securely and leave copies with family.If anything gets stolen, you will have the proper information to report.7How to pack for a tripPack carefully to maximize space and make it easy to find thingsConsider different strategies: Roll vs. fold. vs. bundlePare downUse your list and double checkUse your space efficiently: Make use of multiple pocketsDont forget your carry-on: Pack a change of clothes and important documentsDE-STRESStravelPack carefully to maximize space and make it easy to find things

Get ready to pack!Gather all the garments needed and then put half of them back. Try not to over pack!Choose knits and natural fibersConsider different strategies: Roll vs. fold. vs. bundle: roll softer garments and fold stiffer ones

Steps to packing a bag:Arrange heavy items (like shoes) in the bottom of the bagNext, arrange the rolled itemsPlace folded garments nextCover the pile with a dry cleaning bagTop the pile with clothes that youll need first

Use all of your space efficiently.Make use of multiple pockets. Use travel bags or clothing with multiple pockets to help keep things organized. Pockets accessible from the outside provide convenient access to travel items such as an inflatable neck pillow or snacks.

Finally, Dont forget your carry-on. Place one change of clothing and your important documents in a carry-on bag in case checked luggage is lost or delayed.

8Tips on enjoying the experienceHotel management and staff want to exceed your expectationsBe positive when communicating with hotel employeesDE-STRESStravelService is a dialogue.When communicating negative and positive information to a guest service representative maintain perspective and be constructive. They are trained to help you and will typically do their best to make sure you are satisfied.If a guest is reasonable with their requests and friendly they are more often than not taken care of beyond their expectations, even in a negative situation. 9How to reduce bed bugs riskCheck your room for bed bugsBed bugs are most likely to be found at the head of the bed or near the bedAfter you return home, wash and dry all clothingTake suitcase outside and clean interior and pockets, searching for any signs of bed bugsDE-STRESStravelDont bring home any unwanted souvenirs. Check your room for bed bugs!Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They easily hide in suitcases, backpacks, and on clothing. Bed bugs feed almost exclusively on humans.Bed bugs are most likely to be found at the head of the bed or near the bed. Pull back the blankets, sheets, and mattress pad. Search for any signs of infestation, including bugs, eggs, or blood. Be sure to search carefully. Bed bugs like to hide.After you leave the hotel and return home, take your suitcase to the washing machine. Immediately wash and dry all clothing. Take suitcase outside and clean interior and pockets, searching for any signs of bed bugs.10

Thank you!WELCOME11