• View travel time as a treat and a luxury. You probably never have enough time to read-either for work or for pleasure. Getting to the airport early gives you an opportunity to get some reading done. Even sitting in a middle seat in the crowded coach section still gives you a chance to read (or listen to) a novel that you're anxious to get through-without interruption.
• In order to take such a view and use your travel time in a positive way, you need to find ways to shut out the outside distractions. At airports and on planes, Bose Noise-Cancelling headphones are the ticket. In hotel rooms that aren't as quiet as you like, play soft music or even wear earplugs. The idea is to minimize outside distractions so that you can be peaceful. This is your special time.
• Take the view that you are amazingly fortunate to be able to travel, to be asked to present at a conference, to have received the education you have, etc., etc. As an academic, part of your career involves travel (conferences, research, etc.). So, if you hate it every single time you do it, then you are hating a (possibly) significant part of your job. One option is to get a different job. Another option is to adopt a different mindset about travel. I always say, "It is what it is." When I was a graduate student (making sure I had a vita that was hefty enough to get me job interviews), I went to conferences numerous times each year. Then, when working toward promotion and tenure--and just because it's part of being a professional, I traveled all over North America. Now, as a speaker and consultant, I can either choose to work within a 100 miles of my home or I can travel. I am fortunate that people from many states want me to come and work with them--so traveling is part of that. I feel so fortunate. It's a whole different view that has served me many times.
• Recognize the energy requirements of traveling. If you need time alone to refresh and renew, then don't try packing every single second of your travel with a meeting, contact, cocktail party, or conference session. Take a breather and go back to your hotel room and just rest for a little while. It's OK. You don't have to be "on" every moment.
• Feel free to spend a little money on getting some help. Tip a bellman, take a cab (instead of shuttle), or even hire someone to accompany you. It's worth considering, sometimes. Even if your college or university has you on some paltry per diem (which is common), spend a little extra money to protect your physical, emotional, and mental energy. It's an investment in yourself.
• Cut yourself some slack. Traveling is not as easy as being home. Recognize that and plan and pamper yourself with that in mind.

You can be wise about your travel or you can be foolish. Be wise. It is what it is. Consider the ideas in this article to make it it less stressful, less chaotic and more fulfilling. Imagine being peacefully productive on your next trip. It's possible.

Keep moving forward on your goals for more peaceful productivity. Join others (worldwide) who receive Meggin's weekly emails (and see what is available for download at no cost at the following websites):

**Top Ten Productivity Tips

**Keys to Keeping Chaos at Bay

For additional information on Meggin's seminars, workshops, consulting, and coaching, go to my website Emphasis on Excellence.

(c) 2007 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Ph. D. of Productivity"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!