Society of Women Engineers Space Coast Section

Professional Development Seminar

Eileen M. Vélez-Vega, P.E.Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

May 14, 2009

Smart Travel Tips for the Smart Travel Tips for the

Woman on the GoWoman on the Go

Journey Journey Journey

�� Background InformationBackground Information

�� My Travel MapMy Travel Map

�� Getting Ready Getting Ready

�� Travel AccessoriesTravel Accessories

�� Business Travel Business Travel

�� Personal/Leisure Travel Personal/Leisure Travel

�� Safety Travel TipsSafety Travel Tips

�� Search TipsSearch Tips

Eileen M. Vélez-Vega, P.E.Eileen M. VEileen M. Véélezlez--Vega, P.E.Vega, P.E.

� Born in Puerto Rico

� Education:

� BS in Civil Engineering:

� University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, June 03’

� Civil Engineering Master Degree Candidate Mississippi State University

� Work Experience:

� US Army Corps of Engineers:

� Research Civil Engineer in the Airfields and Pavements Branch, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS

� Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.:

� Aviation Engineer – West Palm Beach, FL

� Society of Women Engineers

� Region D Lt Governor

� Southeast Florida Section

St. Marteen Island

Ft. Bragg, NC

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. KimleyKimley--Horn and Associates, Inc. Horn and Associates, Inc.

� January 2006 - Present� Planning, Aviation, Civil, Transportation Group

� Airports Design and Construction � Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport � Sarasota Bradenton International

Airport� Tallahassee Regional Airport

� Best Company for Civil Engineers to Work for in the US –Civil Engineering News Magazine

� Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies To Work For”

My Travel MapMy Travel MapMy Travel Map

160+ cities in 10 Countries

Learning a little about you!

� How did you get here?

� Any anecdotes?

Modes of Travel Modes of Travel Modes of Travel

Women TravelerWomen Traveler

Interesting Facts:Interesting Facts:

“Women constitute almost __% of all business travel in the USA and spend

$___ on ___ trips annually.”

www.womentraveltips.com

“70% of all travel decisions are made by women” (LA Times article)

Getting ReadyGetting Ready

� Make a checklist

� Determine your Travel “Style”

� Set aside important personal items

� Medicines, Personal hygiene products

� Think TRAVEL SIZE

� Special season clothing

� Make sure you have all the needed documents

� Flight itinerary

� Time zones…

� Hotel Name and Contact Information

� RSVP Transportation

• Plan your arrival and departure times

Be PreparedBe Prepared

Warm Weather in the Forecast!Warm Weather in the Forecast!

Atlantic City, NJ

Smart Travel Accessories

Be PREPARED!Be PREPARED!

Atlanta Airport

Packing Tips� Be Practical

� Don't Pack Your Entire Beauty Routine

� Over packing = $$$

� Don't Pack Your Jewelry and Valuables

� Don't Pack More Clothes Than WHAT You Need

� Bring clothes in neutral colors (Mix n’ Match)

� Pack shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits

� Don't pack things you can buy there

� Packing Methods

� Rolling your clothes

� Fold clothes together

� Tissue paper

� Space Saver Bags (Vacuum sealed)

� A Few Tricks:

� Pack Wrinkle Free Fabrics (jersey, stretch microfiber materials, etc.)

� Wrinkle Releaser Spray

� Hang clothes in the bathroom

Business TravelBusiness Travel

� Coordinate meeting times and locations� Search for local special events

� Use the Concierge Services � Client Lunch or Dinners� Special Requests

� Do you know your Company’s travel policy?

� How much travel is required?

� Are you a Road Warrior or Stay at Home Person? Negotiate

� Rewards Programs (Hotels, Airlines, Car Rental, etc.) � Register in your Company’s Travel Programs

� Use laminated business cards as luggage tags� Fitness on the Road

Yakima, WA

Leaving the OfficeLeaving the Office

� Set your Outlook “Out of the Office Assistant”

� Set your voicemail message

� Organize your desk

� Designate someone to “replace” you at the office

� Inform your clients about your trip

� Leave Emergency contact information

� Group Calendar or Sign Out Sheet

� Gather your laptop, pin drives, reports, plans, etc.

GO!

Travel DayTravel Day

� Get enough sleep before you travel

� Avoid last minute packing

� Do not skip breakfast

� Be aware of time zone changes

� Prepare your personal emergency kit

� Prepare a travel schedule

� Have all your travel documents with you

� When possible, travel during the day

� If traveling by plane:

� Sleep

� Catch up on your reading

� Finish writing/reading reports

Atlanta Airport

Emergency Kit

� Make your own personal Emergency Kit� Cash � Toothbrush � Wet Wipes� Kleenex � Eye drops � Hand Sanitizer � Gum � Granola Bars � Deodorant � One Change of Clothing� A Light Sweater or Jacket � Vitamin C � Bottled Water� Ear plugs� Something to read, iPod, etc.

Ft Bragg, NC

“Airport Friendly Travel”“Airport Friendly Travel”

Atlanta Airport

Airport Friendly TravelAirport Friendly Travel

� Wear comfortable shoes

� Preferably with socks!

� Avoid heavy one-shoulder bags

� Give yourself enough time to arrive to the airport

� Check-In online

� Request an upgrade when you check in

� Remember TSA travel restrictions

� Once you’re onboard, locate your exits

� Stay hydrated!!!

� Boost up your immune system with Vitamin C

� Walk around, stretch

� For long layovers, check out the airport amenities (gym, food court, duty free shops, hospitality rooms, etc.)

� Avoid the last flight out to your destination

Car Friendly TravelCar Friendly Travel

� Organize yourself before you take off

� Cell phone within reach (Ear piece preferred)

� Purse within reach (Cash for tolls)

� Light Snacks and Drinks (within reach)

� SUNGLASSES

� Rental car agreement with company emergency phone number

� Locate your insurance and registration information

� Plan for unexpected delays (Traffic jams, accidents, flat tire, etc.)

� Familiarize yourself with the route

� Avoid reading maps while you drive (Road Navigation tools preferred)

� Refill your Sunpass (Quicker, cheaper trip)

� Loud music

Lodging TipsLodging Tips

� Select a brand name hotel

� Ask for a room with a view

� Hotels with inside entrances preferred

� High floor away from the elevator

� Prior to arrival contact the concierge

� Travel Rewards Program

� Select your lodging preferences

� Explore the women travel programs

� Stay ACTIVE!

� Sleepwear ready for emergencies� Set Wake Up Calls

� Adjust the time on your alarm clocks

� Keep your Room Number and Information PRIVATE

San Juan, PR

Personal/Leisure Travel

Personal/Leisure Travel

New York City, NY

� Planning makes the perfect trip

� Plan at least one vacation per year

� Create your travel schedule (leave some space for surprises)

� Plan with a Professional Agent

� Ask for clear fees and for certifications

� Make a list of the places you would like to visit*

� Read current city travel guides

� Avoid marathon days

� Try to maintain a healthy diet*

� Don’t forget your camera*

� Learn the language*

Personal/Leisure TravelPersonal/Leisure TravelPersonal/Leisure Travel

Atlanta, GA

* Also applies to business travel

Personal/Leisure Travel Personal/Leisure Travel Personal/Leisure Travel

� If you travel alone, travel happy!

� Travel with a tour group

� Meals, excursions, and stay are taken care of

� If your budget permits, stay at a brand name hotel

� Centric, safe, well known city locations

� When walking alone, establish landmarks to avoid getting lost

� Famous monuments

� Road and street names

� Always carry petty cash for a quick cab ride (if necessary)

� Do not carry too many bags

� Don't bring anything you would hate to lose

Willemstad Curacao

New Orleans, LA

Personal/Leisure TravelPersonal/Leisure TravelPersonal/Leisure Travel

� Don’t miss a good photo opportunity � Make the best out of your trip� Be adventurous � Wake up early!� Laptop/Blackberry/Work Phone:

NOT ALLOWEDTurner Field, Atlanta

Remember the “People” you leave behind!Remember the “People” you leave behind!

Boxster

International Travel International Travel

� Required Documents � Passport – 6-8 weeks application time � Work VISA’s – 2-3 weeks or more application time

� Learn about the country’s culture � Research Tipping “Rules” Abroad

� Travel with a friend/family member� Ask for a local guide (escort)

� Travel with a pocket size dictionary or electronic translator � Arrange transportation ahead of time

� If possible avoid driving � Do not eat food from the local street vendors

� Always drink bottled water (check if it’s sealed)� Check the US Department of State Website

� Current Travel Warnings � Leave Copies of Documents and Itinerary With Relatives in the U.S.

Have a Travel BuddyHave a Travel Buddy

New York City

Seoul, Korea Anaheim, CA

Atlanta Airport

� Interesting Facts:

� Easy Targets

� Women on their cell phones

� Searching in your purse

� Too many bags

� Long hair, pony tails, buns, or braids

� Be aware of your surroundings at all times� Act confident and alert, make EYE-CONTACT

� Do not walk alone at night

� Keep a safe distance from a stranger (at least 6 feet)

� Do not take unnecessary risks (Trust your instincts)

� Avoid enclosed areas (restrooms, parking lots, staircases, ATM’s etc.)

Safety Travel TipsSafety Travel Tips

Downtown Disney

Safety Travel TipsSafety Travel Tips

� Nobody will protect you better than yourself!

� 90% of the time prevention is the key to avoid becoming a victim

� Carry safety travel “tools” (i.e. Pepper spray, glass breaker in your car, flashlight, etc.)

� Carry an umbrella or other similar objects

� In case of an emergency:

� Act Quickly. Be LOUD Put up a fight.

� Practice screaming before you leave home!

� Invest in self-defense classes

� Separate your money

� Don’t think it can’t happen to you!

� Place the “Do Not Disturb” Sign on your door knob� Lock your door� Place a chair or your suitcase against the doors � Don’t have your room number visible � Avoid placing the room service card outside your door� Do not give out your room information while talking on the

cell phone� Never open the door without confirming the individual’s ID� Locate the emergency exits

Safety Lodging TipsSafety Lodging Tips

� Have your car keys with you before you get to your car � Never leave your purse or valuables visible

� Do not leave home keys in the car� Avoid dark, secluded parking lots � When you get into your car, immediately lock your doors� Use common sense when stopping at gas stations, rest stops, etc.� Rental Cars

� Re-fuel during the day (Or pre-pay)� For night rentals, have someone escort you to your car

� Quick Meals (Pre-packaged, Containers with lids, Fruit, etc.) � Invest in run-flat tires � Traffic Lights

� Maintain safe distance from the car in front � Safe cell phone use (Avoid texting, etc.)� Roadside Safety Kit

�Roadside Assistance Number �Emergency Kit (Toilet paper, wipes, flashlight, etc.)

Safety Car TravelSafety Car Travel

Remember: Three Rules that Could SAVE YOUR LIFE

� ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT - INSIST upon seat belts in any moving vehicle. � AVOID NIGHT TRAVEL - and NEVER TRAVEL at NIGHT in an under-developed country. � BE EMPOWERED TO SPEAK OUT - say "SLOW DOWN," "STOP," "LET ME OUT" - three of the most powerful phrases a traveler can learn.

Safety Bus TravelSafety Bus Travel

http://www.saraswish.org/travel_safety_guidelines.htmhttp://www.saraswish.org/travel_safety_guidelines.htm

� WomenTravelTips.com � GutsyWomenTravel.com� The Center for Global Education: http://www.globaled.us/� US Department of State/Bureau of Consular Affairs

Website: http://travel.state.gov/� Travel search engines � Travel Reward Programs � Travel Magazines

� Condé Nast Traveler Magazine� Travel & Leisure � National Geographic Traveler

Search TipsSearch TipsSearch Tips

� Don’t be an easy target

� Set aside a travel budget and keep track of your expenses

� Don’t forget the Dramamine (motion sickness)

� Keep a travel journal

� Never leave your camera

� Be more than a tourist

� Buy unique souvenirs

� Always have an emergency calling card

� Download the pictures immediately when you return

� Enjoy your journey!

A Little Extra A Little Extra

Eileen M. VEileen M. Véélezlez--Vega, P.E. Vega, P.E.

Eileen.Velez@kimleyEileen.Velez@kimley--horn.comhorn.comwww.kimleywww.kimley--horn.comhorn.com