Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?
I travel about 2-3 times per month for both work and pleasure. I am a consultant in emergency management and travel frequently to meet with clients, conduct trainings, or facilitate emergency drills and exercises. I am fortunate that my job takes me all over the US and the world. My most frequent destination is Washington, DC.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?
I love going to places where I have never been—it’s the thrill of discovery!  I was in India recently for vacation and travel occasionally to the Middle East for work. San Francisco, Washington, DC, and New York City are perennial favorites for the good food and great running trails.

I am a vegetarian, so I like to research my destinations carefully to find good places to eat. Vegdining.com and HappyCow.net are my go-to sites. I’m also a dedicated runner and Krav Maga enthusiast (Krav Maga is an Israeli-developed hand-to-hand combat system), so I research good running trails on the USA Track and Field web site (USATF.org) and Krav studios (kravmaga.com) for my destination.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?
My biggest challenges are finding restaurants with healthy food and safe places to run or workout. Fortunately, the proliferation of Wholes Foods is a godsend. Whole Foods is often my first stop in a new city. Workouts can be tough, though. When traveling, my work days start very early. It is too dark to run in a strange city before dawn, so I cherish hotel gyms that are open 24-hours. I’m the crazy girl on the treadmill at 4:30 AM.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?
I think many women fear traveling alone for safety and security reasons, which is a valid, but not insurmountable, concern. There are a few tips I provide to my female colleagues and my students of the self-defense classes I teach.

1. Be observant
If I could recommend one thing only that would help people stay safe it would be this: be observant.  Being observant helps you recognize potentially dangerous situations early, so that you can avoid them or prepare for them. So, put down that cell phone, send the text when you are in a safe location. Observe your surroundings.  Know where you are and who is around you.  Be aware.

2. Be confident
Pickpockets, muggers, and sexual predators are like lions: they like easy prey.  So, don’t be easy prey!  Be observant of your surroundings (see tip #1), and most of all be confident!  (Fake it if you have to.)  Project power and confidence, and you are less likely to be a target.  No one wants to mess with a woman who is calm, cool, and collected.

3. Trust your intuition
You know that little feeling in the back of your mind that tells you something is just not right?  This feeling is valid.  Trust these feelings and learn to act on them.

4. It’s okay to be “mean” when you have to
Know that when someone is trying to hurt you, it is not the time for being sweet and nice.  Do not be afraid of hurting someone or being considered “mean.” Use your voice to warn a potential attacker to back off.  Use your fists and feet if you have to — make your attacker regret the moment he laid eyes on you.

5. Take a self-defense course
The military has an expression: you fight how you train, so train how you want to fight.  In other words, by training soldiers in a way that simulates a real battlefield, they are better prepared to fight in real battle.  There are fewer surprises, and they have educated their bodies and minds how to react under the stress of battle.  The same is true for personal self-defense and safety.  If you take the time to train in self-defense — even if it is only a course or two — you better prepare your body and mind for the real thing.  This will make the event less stressful and increase your chances of getting away safely.

Julie Barron Morrill
Milton, MA USA

Twitter.com/jabmorrill
linkedin.com/in/juliemorrill

I love training in Krav Maga (an Israeli hand-to-hand combat system), teaching self-defense to local community groups, and running the wooded trails of Massachusetts with my husband, Jeff.

If you’d like to be a Featured Smart Woman Traveler in an upcoming edition of Pearls of Travel Wisdom and on Smart Women Travelers, get details at Be a Featured Smart Woman Traveler.

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

I travel for work about once a month because I am a college speaker on Safe Dating.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I LOVE to travel, especially to beautiful warm places, like the Greek Islands, California, the Caribbean, Mexico, and anywhere with warm sunny weather and a beautiful beach. I have done so much traveling in my lifetime that I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel all over the world. Before I usually go to a destination that I have never been before, I will research the area to find out sightseeing spots, restaurants, hotels and read about other people’s experiences.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

My main travel challenge is the fact that I travel alone for business. As a woman and a date rape counselor & speaker, it makes me very nervous to go out alone in a strange place, even if it is just to have a nice dinner. It is a shame that we have to worry about that risk, but it is a real life fear that women deal with every single day.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

After traveling for so many years, I have made friendships in all parts of the world. When I know that I will be in a specific place, I will connect with people I have met over the years and enjoy a great meal and some good conversation. I feel that is much safer than going out alone.  My motto is to be better safe than sorry!

- Dari Dyrness-Olsen

Succasunna, NJ

SafeDatingCoach.com/

Facebook.com/daridyrnessolsen

To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com.

I currently work for a company called InStyleSwimwear.com, which is an online retailer specializing in designer swimwear, beachwear and accessories. In our industry, it’s extremely important to travel to different beach towns around the world in order to analyze the different trends in swimwear and to stay on top of the game. I travel as much as time and money allow, which is usually about 3-5 times out of the year.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

Although I love to explore the beaches of the world, I also enjoy the adventure of exploring big cities. I love TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Jetsetter.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

I absolutely hate the long lines at airport security. I understand that the need for safely and security are at an all time high, but sometimes I end up standing in line for hours! I think a lot of this has to do with people packing and dressing incorrectly for the airport. I always seem to get stuck behind that one person with tons of full bottles of liquids or that person with complicated lace-up boots!

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

No matter where you travel to, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit!  Your hotel may surprise you with a hot tub, Jacuzzi or indoor pool, and you never know where your travel adventures may take you.

-Susan Bodack, Philadelphia, PA

http://www.instyleswimwear.com/ (InStyleSwimwear.com online store)

http://www.facebook.com/instyleswimwear (company fan page that I manage)

http://twitter.com/instyleswimwear (company twitter account that I manage)

To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel – Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com.

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

I am fortunate to travel both domestically and internationally for my job with Momenta Workshops. I am on the road at least one week every month and, during workshops, I am traveling for up to a month or more in foreign countries.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I love our National Parks in the United States! Thanks to my parents who took me to the woods in Pennsylvania and Ohio often as a child, I have a deep love of the great outdoors. Sitting by the fire with good friends, a great glass of wine and the stars overhead is sheer bliss for me.

My favorite spots for relaxation, adventure and wonderful scenery in the United States are the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the great city of New Orleans, a small cabin on Lake Milton, Ohio and Big Sky country in Montana are some of my favorite vacation spots. Overseas, I highly recommend the archipelago of Lamu, Kenya and the villages along Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma).

I’m a huge fan of TripAdvisor.com and SmarterTravel.com. When researching new trips and locales for Momenta, I rely heavily on forums and discussion groups to get around all the marketing pitches and find the real story from real travelers. The Lonely Planet and the Trip Advisor blogs are very helpful to give you what places to avoid, what restaurants are a must-see, what hotels are worth the price and so much more valuable information. I also check with the State Department warnings and I read local newspapers’ archives to find out more about the region.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

I feel like the lines at airport security could be avoided if more travelers would be savvy in their packing and preparation. I keep my laptop in it’s own zipper pocket so I don’t have to unpack anything to remove it. I always wear slip on shoes when I’m flying, try to avoid wearing belts and keeping anything in my pockets. These little steps help me breeze through security.

In the Memphis airport, they have a wonderful spa with short massages for weary travelers at a very affordable price. After a long delay and layover there, my tension melted away for less than $30 for a shoulder, neck, back and foot massage. I wish every airport could make these offerings this affordable and convenient!

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

Flying Tips: Whenever I get on a flight, I usually have 3 things with me no matter what: my iPod, a book and an REI inflatable neck pillow. On a long-haul flight, my SCOTTe Vest is a godsend. I can keep a toothbrush and toothpaste, Origins Peace of Mind lotion, Advil, Vitamin C lozenges, book, iPod, sunglasses, cell phone and neck pillow in the pockets and no one even knows what’s inside!

Airport Tips: Get out and explore! Don’t just camp out at the gate for your whole layover. Walking increases your circulation and you can find little gems in other terminals. Take advantage of long layover by getting out and visiting the city. Just make sure you time how long it takes to get back to the airport so you’re not late. And always be nice to the airport and security personnel. They don’t make the rules, they just have to carry them out.

Safety Tips: Say goodbye to your purse and learn to love a wallet. It’s much harder to steal or lose. Take a photo of where you parked or your hotel room number with your phone so you can find it quickly. Photocopy the front and back of all you travel info, credit cards and passport and leave with a trusted source back home. Keep a secure copy with you as well. Buy an extra car charger for your phone and leave it in your briefcase or travel bag. Having your phone die while on a deserted road is a terrible thing for a lone woman.

Travel Bliss: Enjoy the journey, enjoy the culture, enjoy the travel! Learn how to say “hello,” “thank you” & “how are you?” in the local language. Try new foods. Explore the local customs. Take lots of pictures of what you’re seeing and don’t forget to photograph yourself too.

- Jamie Rose, Director of Workshops for Momenta, photographer and educator, based in the Washington, DC area. I am in charge of our travel photography workshop educational programs which take place all over the world.

To learn more our travel photography workshops, you can visit Momenta Workshops at http://momentaworkshops.com.

Please feel free to email me anytime with any travel questions at jamie@momentaworkshops.com.

My personal photography website is http://jamierose.net.

Any other info you’d like to share….

With my trusty camera in tow, I have traveled to some of the most dangerous and most luxurious places in the world. I have slept on cots in refugee camps and on designer sheets at five star hotels. I’ve seen the best and worst of some countries and met saints and sinners. Even still, the urge to travel and the need for exploration and cultural understanding is still ever-present for me. The gift of the being a traveller is the journey’s exploration. When I feel like complaining, I remember I could be stuck at home with nothing to look forward to. I’ve learned to embrace the long lines, crowded planes and rude people because I know I’m on the path to a new adventure. We who get to travel are the lucky ones! So I say, embrace the chaos of travel and revel in it. A new adventure is around the corner!

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

I travel to various industry conferences at least once a quarter and also travel for leisure as much as I can. My parents live in Florida, so we try to get there twice per year (usually when it’s getting cold and snowy in the Midwest). I would travel much more, but it’s difficult with two young children. My dream is a safari in Africa!

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I love to visit New York and Chicago as much as possible! Recently, I found out about a bus service called “Megabus” that is very inexpensive and takes you on short trips. For example, we’re taking the Megabus from Cleveland to Chicago. It’s normally a 6 hour drive and you have to fight traffic. The bus ticket is just $52 round trip and it takes you right to downtown Chicago on Michigan Ave. (prime shopping area!). That’s probably less the cost of gas and you save yourself a lot of hassle.

I also use Travelocity.com quite a bit. I find I get the best deals on airfare.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

Well, of course, airport security is very frustrating. The long lines and wait times need to be improved significantly.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

For personal safety, I am always aware of my surroundings when traveling alone. You can’t let your guard down. One thing I always do before I get in my car is to check the back seat and underneath the car to make sure no one is there. I also prefer to have someone walk me to my room if I am out in the evening (a male colleague or hotel bellman) and check out the room before they leave to make sure the coast is clear.
Cindy Earl, Cleveland OH

GetKnownGetClientsBlog.com
facebook.com/CindyEarl
twitter.com/cindyearl

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

As a management consultant, I primarily travel for business. My husband and I also show dogs for fun and we enjoy taking our 4 rottweilers on the road with us to dog shows in our RV – our hotel room on wheels.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

Whether it is a business or personal trip, several weeks before I leave, I check my database to see who else I know in the area I am traveling to that I have not seen in a long time or who I would like to get to know better. I send an email to them to see if they can meet me during the down times I have in my schedule. I have had some amazing experiences connecting with people that I had not seen for 20 years or more because I took the time to reach out.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

It is so hard to eat properly on the road. I have a hard time coming up with ideas for healthy food and snacks that I can buy at the airport or bring with me that don’t take up much room.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

I don’t iron clothes at home, so why would I want to iron clothes when I am on the road?  I always travel with a small water bottle - I use the ones with a wide spray area.  Immediately upon arriving in my hotel room, I take a few minutes to put my clothes on a hanger and then lightly spray all of them with water.  When the clothes are lightly wet, I pull and tug on them so they are set to dry out straight. For any items with a really hard crease, I put a pants hanger on the bottom hem of the garment so there is some weight on the bottom of it to pull it down straight while it drys.  By doing this when I first get to a hotel, I usually have a second chance to do another light spray if I need to mist out any additional wrinkles that did not come out the first time.  I do the same trick at home when I pull clothes out of the dryer.

Even though I am an experienced Road Warrior, I still use a Trip List to help me pack. I have one for my business travel and one for when we are traveling with the dogs. When it is time to pack, I print out the version I need and take it around the house with me to check off what I need when I have it in my packing set-up area. It saves me a significant amount of time when I have a visual reminder of exactly what I need to get. My lists are detailed to include reminders to grab business cards, cell phone, update my out-of-town voicemail and change my email reply message. As a result, I never forget anything.

I travel with small refillable containers in a small travel pouch in my Go Bag. When an item is running low, I pack it in the main part of my suitcase along with my underwear rather than putting it back in the pouch. That way when I unpack my clothes at home, I see what needs to be refilled. I get it done immediately, put it back in my Go Bag and am ready to go for my next trip.

Jill J. Johnson, MBA, president & founder

Johnson Consulting Services

Website: www.jcs-usa.com

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonconsultingservices

Jill is an award winning consultant who has impacted over $2 billion worth of business decisions.

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

I travel for business, I am the President and Founder of Vemayca Cosmetic Bags, and to visit friends and family spread out throughout the United States. I often accompany my husband on his business trips. Whenever possible we extend his trips a few days into the weekend. I love having this little these mini breaks and it takes me to places that I otherwise would not visit.

Because summers in Seattle are so wonderful, I tend to avoid leaving the area in August and most of September. In August, we take our annual boat trip up to the San Juan Islands. It is a joy for me to be on Puget Sound on our boat, with the occasional whale sighting.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I love Roche Harbor, WA because it is so beautiful and relaxing. Whistler, BC in the winter for skiing is heaven. Love Maui for plain just lying around and reading. If I had to pick one country where I could live beside the US, it would be Italy, because of the beauty, its people, the food and yes the wine!

I am a planner and before most trips I visit www.tripadvisor.com. Whenever possible I visit www.opentable.com and book my dinner reservations well in advance. If I don’t use Open Table, I use the hotel concierge to make my dinner reservations. Another site is www.accuweather.com to check out weather at my destination. I want to ensure I packed all the right clothes!

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

I am a seasoned former airline executive, so very little rattles me when I travel. I do wish there was a TSA express lane for million milers!

I solved the frustration I had with constantly having to clean out my cosmetic bags by designing my own cosmetic bag with a removable liner. Now, no matter how often I travel, my cosmetic bag is always clean, fresh and ready to go.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

I literally could write pages on this topic. If you check your bags, make sure that you have the correct contact information on the tag outside the bag and place contact information inside the bag too. This is really important. You would not believe how many bags can’t be returned to customers because there is no contact information anywhere on the bag. Placing a brightly colored ribbon on the handle of your bag helps too. [Carol’s note: Check out Smart Women Travelers’ for a great way to add color to your bag so you can spot it the instant it as comes along the conveyor belt]

If you plan on getting spa treatments during your trip, book these before leaving home. If you wait until your arrival, you may not be able to get in, especially if your time is short. The same applies for popular shows or activities at your destination.

Make full use of the hotel concierge to book tours and your restaurant reservations (you will often get a better table and better service). This is the first person I get to know on all my trips.

- Veronica Mayo

Bellevue, Washington

Vemayca.com

Facebook

Twitter

I am a former American Airlines marketing executive and Founder of Vemayca cosmetic bags.  I try hard to keep my life balanced and being organized is a constant goal. I love finding products that make my life easier. I created the Vemayca cosmetic bag with the recyclable Soft Pearl Liner when I couldn’t find a cosmetic bag that I could keep clean with minimal effort.

Besides travel, my hobbies include writing, gardening, cooking, home improvements, skiing and wine tasting. Occasionally, there are trips to the gym and bike rides around my neighborhood in Bellevue, WA. I am married to a wonderful man, who is my biggest fan.

Q: Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

A: The journey started in June and the plan is to travel indefinitely.

Like so many, I’ve always worked long and hard to save up my annual leave and take it all at the same time so I can make the most of my travels. In particular because I live in Sydney, therefore a plane fare to another country is always expensive.

I’ll be on the road soon to live a cheaper lifestyle than the one I have currently. I have recently left my cushy, full-time employment to start a business with my partner, Todd Sullivan. The website, Globetrooper.com is a place where like-minded travellers come together to create trips, join trips and travel together.

Q: Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

A: I like to explore new territory, places I’ve never been before. And I like to experience new places with different activities, for example: trekking a mountain in Tanzania, snowmobiling in Whistler and donkey racing through Aswan.

I have to know a bit of background before travelling – some historical and cultural distinctions. For general info I visit Wikipedia, Wikitravel and Lonely Planet. For more detailed reading, I’ll subscribe to a number of personal and travel blogs to get more of an insight into how people live there today and things to see and do.

Q: What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

A: A travel challenge that I want to reduce is getting all flustered over nothing. I usually plan everything down to the teeniest details and get all flabbergasted when things don’t go as planned. I love to plan. It’s a huge part of the excitement when you’re planning what you want to do and where you want to go. But for my upcoming journey I tried to plan as little as possible. To fly by the seat of my pants, as they say, and that’s also why I have a one-way ticket. I will still give myself the pleasure of finding out some things I’d like to do beforehand, but not have an hourly or daily itinerary in place.

Another travel challenge is baggage, the carousel-twirling, non-emotional kind. Carry-on only is the key to get rid of back pain, useless items and lost luggage airport dilemmas.

Q: What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

A: Always challenge yourself. Anyone can save up money to travel the world, but give yourself a goal to accomplish or try to get out of your comfort zone, even by just a little bit each day. It is so rewarding not to have limits and have a go at experiencing things that others (as well as yourself) think you would never dare to try.

Another pearler is to travel with others, or at least plan to meet people along the way if you prefer solo travelling. Sharing a memory with someone is so much more special than giving a slideshow when you get home to a jealous and apathetic crowd.

- Lauren McLeod

Sydney, Australia

http://globetrooper.com

http://facebook.com/globetrooper

http://twitter.com/globetrooper

Skype: globetrooperlauren

Email: lauren(at)globetrooper.com

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

I travel for business and to visit family and friends. I travel about every 6 weeks.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I use Expedia, Travel Zoo.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce?

Hot rollers take up too much room and many travel sets don’t heat up well and are too rigid!

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers?

Haralee.Com wicking sleepwear is great for travel, takes up little room in your suitcase, can double as lounge and exercise clothes too!

Haralee Weintraub, Portland, Oregon

www.haralee.com

Why are you on the road and how often do you travel?

This year I will be traveling to Italy from September 11-19 to teach my 2nd annual Italy Retreat for Women to Live La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). I’ve recently acquired dual citizenship with Italy, so I’m excited to return in September. The paradise where my group will stay for eight nights is in Monterosso, one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre (five lands), on the Italian Riviera, bordered by turquoise water to the west, and magnificent mountains to the east. This is a three hour train ride from Milan. The fragrance of the air perfumed with wild herbs and lemon trees is heightened because cars are not permitted in the five villages, so there’s no exhaust fumes. They are connected by hiking trails, trains and ferries only. Everyone looks really strong and healthy, even the tourists.

Where else do you like to visit and do you use any travel websites to help you?

I love Portovenere, which is sometimes considered the sixth Cinque Terre town. It means the Port of Venus, once home to temples to the goddess of love. I encourage everyone to hop on the one-hour ferry from Monterosso al Mare to Portovenere, so that the majestic coastline of Italy can be experienced in all its glory.

The two main streets in Portovenere are charming with quaint shops selling pesto, artichoke hearts, limoncello and unusual shapes of pasta. The castle at the end of the cobblestone street with albatross squawking overhead takes you back a thousand years. Many poets and authors come to Portovenere to write and create.

We all found ourselves feeling spiritual and peaceful here. Maybe it had to do with the remains of the temple once dedicated to Venus.

The travel book that inspires me in Italy is Fred Plotkin’s book, Italy for the Gourmet Traveler. The 2010 revised edition is available on Amazon right now.

What are some of your travel challenges you would like to reduce? I have always tended to over pack. For European travel, I’m getting better, only bringing a carry which includes excellent walking shoes (I like Merrells) and one pair of light-weight dress shoes, but they must be comfortable for long walks too because we walk many miles in Italy.

What are some Pearls of Travel Wisdom you would like to share with other women travelers? Arriving in a more rested state will help you begin the trip on the right foot without too much jetlag. Sleep on the plane or at least keep your eyes closed most of the time, rather than watch movies or read a lot. I usually have ear plugs and a Bucky eye pad to block out the light. I always travel with a homeopathic remedy called nux vomica, which alleviates sea sickness, or any stomach upsets including those caused from eating something that does not agree with you.

My final tip is to avoid traveling to Italy in the summer months because it is crowded with tourists and very hot.

-Lenora Boyle, Iowa.

Lenora Boyle is a Speaker, Life Coach, Mentor, Workshop Leader, and Purveyor of Possibilities. She’s taught self-improvement workshops of some sort for 28 years, focusing on marriage, parenting, happiness, limiting beliefs and success. For the last 19 years, she’s been teaching Happy Beyond Belief workshops in the US, and Europe, to help people break free from the beliefs that bind them so they can be more successful on all levels… doing what they love to do.

Her focus this year is to specifically help women entrepreneurs in small businesses double their income by dividing their limiting beliefs.

She is a belief and happiness expert using the Option Method in her coaching.  This inquiry system of questions hones in on the core of most problems—the core limiting beliefs. She is available for speaking, workshops, and sessions in person or on the phone.

Lenora also leads Italy Retreats for women, transformational workshops to live LA DOLCE VITA, the sweet life. Next one is coming up this September. She writes 2 blogs, a monthly newsletter, and website.

Married for 29 years with two children, she can offer you a way to open the door to options you may have missed.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lenoraboyle

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lenora.boyle

Website: ChangeLimitingBeliefs.com

One Blog: BeHappyLifeCoach.com

Italy blog: ItalyRetreat.blogspot.com