There are many things I’ll do while I am out of town rather than wait for my return home: see a doctor if I am feeling ill, get my nails done or book time with a fitness coach. But there is one thing I never do while on that road, and that’s to let someone other than Elaine cut my hair!

Elaine and I meet about every five or six weeks, depending on my travel schedule. She’s very accommodating with the precious few days I have at home each month. When I’m desperate and must, must, must have my hair cut before getting on a plane again, she’ll meet me early on a Saturday morning, late on a Sunday afternoon or at any other time that fits my schedule. For this alone, she has my loyalty! She even works around my Bluetooth headset when I need to be on a conference call while I’m sitting in her chair.

There are other traveling women, however, who enjoy the fun of having a new hair designer in a new city. It can be fun to try a hip new salon, especially in a big city like New York or L.A.

Many consultants who travel to the same city week after week actually have a stylist in their temporary town. They set up repeat appointments for as long as their assignment lasts. This saves them the time of getting their hair done when they’re only at home a few days a week. That can actually be very smart to save time when at home.

There are stylist search sites online. I wrote about Wahanda in Bad Hair Day and You’re Out of Town? Another site is SearchHairStylist.com. You can also engage the help of a hotel concierge to request a hair stylist near your hotel or business.

If you do use the services of an out of town stylist, you may not want to let them know you’re from out of town until after they’re done with your hair! There may be some less than professional stylists out there who will skimp on the quality if they know they’ll never see you again. If you do mention you’re not local, at least say that you’ll be in town multiple times over the next several months and will be in need of a great stylist.

And if you’re ever in need of a great hair style when in Orlando, let me know and I’ll connect you with Elaine!

Fight-back strategies to stay hydrated during and after your flight:

• Drink lots of water before and during your flight. Although you can request water from flight attendants, it is a good idea to bring plenty of water on board with you. You may either purchase bottled water once you pass security or bring an empty bottle with you to fill from a water fountain.
• Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol – they dehydrate you more.
• Carry your moisturizer in your hand luggage to slather on mid flight and before you deplane, splash your face with water and follow by your moisturizer.
• Bring lip balm in a 3 oz or smaller container and use it to protect your lips from becoming painfully dry. Bring a small container of hand lotion or cocoa butter if your skin dries easily.
• Nasal passageways are easily dried out by airplane air, so take along an over-the-counter nose spray to diminish congestion.

Sleeping in a hotel room can be tough. I’ve found a great way to relax and fall asleep to the scent of lavender tucked into my pillow case. Lavender is said to be a great natural remedy for calming nerves and helping to ease you into a sound sleep and the scent is wonderful!  This is why a few hotels give out lavender spray upon check-in.

Get your very own lavender sachet at Zen’s Purple Garden. Slip it inside your pillow case and feel the sense of calm when your head hits the pillow. Upon waking, scrunch it up and place it back in its travel-safe container. Use it again and again and again. It’s now part of my travel must-have’s. You’ll want to use it at home as well.