Traveling Without Stress

 24) Write out all the addresses for places you need to be and the times you need to be there. That way, if WiFi isn't available and your phone's data is spotty, you can still figure out your schedule.

25) For the same reason, you should also take pictures of all the maps you need to reference. Don't get stranded because your phone can't access the internet. 

26) Download a bunch of episodes of your favorite podcasts for when you're in transit without WiFi or seated next to a Chatty Cathy.

27) Opt for the carry-on -- even if it's free to check your bags. Besides enabling you to quickly get out of the airport once your flight lands, carrying on your bags also makes sure your things don't get lost in transit.  

28) If you travel a lot, look into getting pre-approved by TSA. If you're approved, you can go through security much faster than you would otherwise.

29) When you're on a plane, train, or bus, check under the seats! Sometimes there will be power outlets for your laptops -- but they're just a bit hidden at first.

Upgrading Your Accommodations

30) Want an upgrade? Ask for it. You'd be surprised how helpful and accommodating the hotel staff can be when you ask for their help.

31) Check Yelp and Foursquare to get under-the-radar, local tips. For example, many people will leave the hotel's WiFi password in reviews of the hotel on those platforms. 

32) Want to relax after a long day at the conference? Pick up some bath salts to use in your hotel's giant bathtub. 

33) If you want to stream movies without paying a huge fee to your hotel, bring your Chromecast or Roku from home. All you need to do is connect to the hotel's WiFi and plug your streaming device into the back of your TV. Voila: All The Office you could ever want to watch. 

34) Did you fill up all the outlets, but still need to charge your phone? Look behind the TV -- there's usually a USB outlet you can plug your cord in to begin charging.  

35) If you're looking for a place to eat at the last minute, check out OpenTable. The app will show you open reservations at nearby places. Just click to book your reservation, then head to the restaurant. This is especially helpful if you're trying to find a last-minute dinner place for a larger group. 

Making the Most of the Conference

36) Even if you plan to check email during the conference, set up an out-of-office reply to let people know you might be slow to respond.

37) Sign out of all of your company's instant messaging programs so you're not constantly getting bothered by other folks in the office.

38) Many conferences have groups, hashtags, or event invitations online to help connect attendees and keep them up-to-date on conference information. Make sure you've found and joined them so you can make connections before you arrive. 

39) Once you're actually at the event, try to walk around the conference space before everything gets kicked off so you know where you need to go during the event.

40) Scout out the conference agenda in advance to get an idea of what sessions you want to attend -- that way you know which sessions you want to grab a good seat for (and which ones you're okay with sitting in the back). 

41) Losing battery? Turn your phone on airplane mode -- it'll disconnect you from your cellphone data, WiFi, and Bluetooth, but some devices allow you to re-enable the latter two while staying in airplane mode.

42) When you have access to WiFi, download the conference app to your phone. These apps often contain agenda information and ways to chat with other attendees.

43) Take a photo of the conference map before you get to the venue and then set it as your background. It's an easy way to keep track of where you need to be without flipping through booklets or using your cell phone's data. 

44) Minimize the awkwardness of networking by memorizing a few icebreakers and graceful exit lines. 

45) Practice your elevator pitch so it sounds smooth and natural. You never know whom you'll be standing next to during happy hour.