From Passport To Podium: 3 Travel Tips For Conference Speakers On The Go

Getting to be a conference speaker is a privilege. You have the opportunity to share your experience and expertise, motivate your audience, and let them depart with the wisdom you’ve imparted while you had their attention. For me, there’s nothing quite like it.

But it isn’t all big screens, packed seats, and bright lights. It takes a lot of work to keep your presentations fresh and engaging. It takes a tremendous amount of focus and energy to not simply fall flat and disappoint. And when your life becomes a series of conferences, cities, and faces, this enjoyable gift can become taxing.

As a conference speaker, you’re always on the go. To make your speaking experiences run as smoothly as possible, you need to take control of them. Here are three travel tips you can use to enjoy the ride.

1. Take Care of Yourself

Self care is so important, but it can be challenging when you’re frequently on the go. The constant presentations, networking, and travel take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Conference food and snacks between flights aren’t the healthiest. Plus, it’s easy to slip into bad habits like not exercising, drinking too little water, consuming too much caffeine, and losing sleep due to stress, time zone changes, and excessive screen time.

Being a successful conference speaker requires a lot of energy and a healthy work-life balance. That means being well-rested and having reliable healthcare to stay in good shape. It’s important to find a doctor or healthcare team that offers timely appointments, especially when you have specific health concerns that need attention.

Access to healthcare can be tricky, especially when options feel limited. If you often attend conferences for work, finding time for medical appointments can become even harder, making convenient healthcare crucial. This year, I faced a serious health issue that might have been avoided if I’d seen a doctor sooner.

That experience pushed me to explore better healthcare options for myself, my family, and my team. I wanted to find alternatives that could better meet our needs, and the research was worth it. We changed a few options, and everyone seems to be happy and healthy—myself included. No matter how demanding your schedule gets, always prioritize your health.

2. Invest in the Right Gear, Travel Kits, and Gadgets

Advancements in technology have led to a vast lineup of gear and gadgets that can make frequent business travel easier than ever. If you’re still lugging around a heavy laptop and always looking for the elusive airport outlet to keep it charged, you’re making your life more difficult than it has to be.

Start with the right luggage, and learn to travel light. Traveling light can save you the hassle of checking a bag. Opt for a well-designed carry-on that keeps your clothes wrinkle-free, your shoes separate, and everything else organized. The goal is to arrive at your destination and have everything ready to go without unnecessary stress.

Frequent travel can also bring challenges like jet lag, which I’ve struggled with for years. After trying to push through on my own, I realized I needed a better solution. I started using Fount’s jet lag recovery kits, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. The kits include custom supplement packs and other useful items designed to help reset your internal clock and improve your overall recovery after long flights. It’s a smart way to support your body through the stress of travel.

It’s important to take advantage of tools designed to make travel easier, whether it’s for managing jet lag or other inconveniences. Apps are great time- and space-saving travel tools. Download and install maps and reservations, circadian reset, sound, and other useful apps. Make sure you have your airline, hotel, rental car, rideshare, and similar apps updated at all times. I always make sure they’re added to my calendar.

The best luggage, gear, and gadgets can get expensive. But they’re all business investments that will make your life easier and help you focus on why you’re making the trip in the first place. Those noise-canceling headphones or that AI-powered neck pillow might just be worth the investment.

3. Take Charge of Your Travel Arrangements

Most of my travel as a speaker is paid for by the sponsoring organization as part of my compensation. This is great from a financial perspective, but it can cause a few issues if the sponsor makes all the travel arrangements. If you can, take charge of yours.

Direct flights are always better. They save you time and energy and are more environmentally sound as well. Booking your preferred airline helps you take advantage of your frequent-flier status and build perks. You can also ensure that you get the right boarding class, seat choice, and other preferences that will lower the stress that comes with travel these days.

Because you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in airports, make sure you have lounge access. It’s a far better place to spend layover time than out with the masses. And because arriving earlier rather than later to the airport prior to departure will also lessen anxiety, you’ll have a quiet and more private place to wait for boarding.

If you haven’t filled out TSA precheck, CLEAR, or other such applications, do it. If you travel internationally for business, navigate the global entry process, which includes TSA precheck. You’ll be amazed at how much time you save not standing in long lines and relaxing in that airport lounge instead.

Leaving your travel arrangements in the hands of a sponsoring organization may leave you frustrated. It’s OK to insist that you make your own, even if that means getting reimbursed later. As a frequent traveler, you know what you want. Make sure you get it.

Go Better. Do Better.

Good conference speakers are always in demand, which means they’re always on the go. If that’s where you want to be, take care of yourself, gear up, and take charge of your travel. You’ll have the energy to stand and deliver.