Chapter 2: Drop Two and Call Me in the Morning!

If you know me, you know that my intestines have a mind of their own. They randomly decide when to (or not to) properly digest food. Unfortunately, I do not have control over them and it proves to be a large problem.. especially while traveling!

Since my problem is not fixable at this time, I use desperate attempts to save my fellow bathroom-goers noses. I try to find one stall bathrooms, or usually wait until everyone has left the bathroom and pray that no one comes in while the scent and wretched sounds rip through the air! These ninja-like attempts only work when I'm close to home. It's impossible to hide on a 14 hour plane ride or in an open-so-everyone-can-see-you Thai bathroom (I promise this topic will show up on another post). For a time, I thought all hope was lost.

But I have a hero! Who would have thought that my Grandma would come through as my savior? My late grandma, Kathryn, knew of my stinky little secret and being the most amazing catalog shopper ever, she bought me THE gift that keeps on giving. That gift was 'Just a Drop'.

http://www.justadrop.net/

'Just a Drop' is my best friend. I keep one in my purse, travel bag, and bathroom. All you need is two drops in the toilet before you are about to explode and the smell is almost non-existent. The 'Just a Drop' company touts that the two drops provide a seal over the water so that the pungent odor and gas stays where it belongs: "down there" and not in other people's noses! You would think "Just a Drop" would be paying me to advertise their product. Not true. I simply believe in the product and need to spread the word to my fellow travelers who may experience the occasional bout of 'traveler's diarreha' or international food (ie: any dish from China other than rice).

You can only order this product from the Just a Drop website or SkyMall magazine. If you order a bottle, they will also send you sample packets to share with your friends. The orginal and best scent is Eucalyptus, but they just added two other scents (Floral Oasis and Refreshing Spring).

I advise you try it. 'Just a Drop' is worth the $8 because no one wants to smell the outcome of unruly intestines! Especially mine. (Up next.. Chapter 3: Mandatory buys for your carry on).

Chapter 1 : Preparing for your Journey (Poopy Passports)

Hello followers! I hope you liked my preface. Maybe it inspired you to take a new journey sometime in the near future :)

I neglected to mention a few things in my preface, which will be addressed now. First, I would like to thank my parents for supporting my early adventures. Secondly, the term "Business Man" could also mean "Business Woman". Hopefully I did not offend anyone, but the title can only be so long (thank you, Molly).
Now, back to business... We will call this part: Poopy Passports.


As you may already know, traveling overseas (or even on a cruise to Mexico) requires a U.S. passport. Depending on where you live, applying for a passport at your local city office is always an option. It takes a long time and comes to your doorstep via the U.S. Mail (http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html). If your trip is coming up quickly or you're a procrastinator, paying a little more cash gets the little booklet to you faster. You probably don't need my blog to waste your time, giving you information that is easily searchable on google. Here is the important information that you probably do not know:

BIZ GIRL'S TIP #1
In order to process a passport in person (especially at a large passport agency in major cities) an appointment is required. Sometimes these appointments can be as far in advance as a week or two. If your trip is last minute (either for your company or an impromptu getaway) and coming up in a few days, don't fret. Obtaining a passport is still feasible!

Show up to the agency with an existing itinerary and present it to the security guard, they will rush you through the line and give you a number. Be sure to show up as soon as the agency doors open. Please plan on being there the entire day. Take snacks and entertainment (other than texting on the cellphone. The use of cellphones are not allowed in the office). By the end of the day, your paperwork will be processed. Don't forget that you still have to pay a rush charge and you still have to come back to pick up the passport. The following day, you will be thrown in another cattle line to receive the final product. Voila! You will have a passport in two days.

I learned this trick through a gut-wrenching experience. My company booked an overseas flight as a last minute trip. The only problem was that my passport expired a week earlier! It was pertinent that a I receive a new passport within two days. Sadly, my only mistake was that I should have ingested a half of valium to endure the two-day passport experience.

You may see several articles referring to quick and overnight passport processing (http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/14/travel-passport-rush-forbeslife-cx_ls_0914biztravel.html). Online passport companies are always an option, but there are three variables you may want to consider when looking into online speedy passport services: #1 They are upwards of $400 per passport. #2 In some cases you may not qualilfy for online processing, which was my case. #3 Sometimes receiving a passport in the mail may not be reliable.

Please note that my bizgirl tip #1 is only for those of you in dire circumstances and in cases when you may not qualify for the online "speedy-quicky-who-even-knows-which-company-you-are" service. Also, showing up in person to the passport agency is never more than $185 (which includes the rush charge).

Once you obtain the passport and are ready to leave for your trip, make two copies and pack them in two different places (preferably two separate bags you are traveling with). In an unfortunate circumstance of the passport being stolen/lost, a copy will help your relationship with the local U.S. embassy (the second copy is for backup, in case the first copy ends up with the stolen passport or a lost bag).
Now you know! (Coming up...Shopping for your travel goodies!)

Preface: My Travel Bug Story (BizTravelGirl@gmail.com)

Hello and welcome to my blog...

My name is Amber. I would like to share my knowledge of traveling efficiently and comfortably around the world with those who may land a new career (which may throw them into a suitcase) or anyone who wants to learn more about smart traveling techniques. You're probably asking yourself , "what makes her such a smarty pants?". This preface will tell you a little bit about me before we begin...

I caught the travel bug at a young age. When I was 14 years old, someone entered my name into a program called "People to People" (to this day, I don't know who recommended me). This program, developed by Dwight Eisenhower, allows children to be ambassadors for the U.S. and travel around the world while learning about other cultures. My first trip overseas was to Australia and New Zealand for 3 weeks. It was quite the trip for a small girl who hadn't even been to Mexico. At the age of 18 I traveled around Europe and every year thereafter, I have tried to visit one new country/continent a year.

After college (and a few sales jobs later), I fell into a career that required 80% travel around the West Coast and Pacific Northwest (alongside a few trips to the East Coast and Florida - the corporate headquarters location). I practically lived on a plane! I knew the flight attendants, became an A-list member on Southwest Airlines and racked up many points on other airlines, became an Emerald Club Executive Member with National Car Rental, caught every germ possible, endured screaming babies on either side of my seat, missed flights, sat for hours on delayed flights, dealt with a lost bag and everything else in between...

At this point, I have learned through my experiences, other people, magazine articles, and my own crazy made up methods of how to travel efficiently, safely, comfortably, and like a business man....

I hope this small excerpt gives me some credibility and helps with your journey(s) around the world. Now let's start: A GIRL'S GUIDE TO TRAVELING LIKE A BUSINESS MAN.