TheNegotiator profile picture
TheNegotiator profile picture

TheNegotiator

VP of Sales

Arsonist
Politicker
Opinionated
+6

Talk Travel to me

Dearest Sales Savages,

Like many of you, I travel for work. I travel a lot for work.  So far in 2021 I've spent 6 weeks on the road. I cut a trip short of it would've been 9 weeks, and I have at least two more trips planned before end of year.  This is all down with COVID or it would likely be even more.

I have top notch travel-geared Backpacks/weekenders/toiletry kits. Nexus membership, credit cards with lounge access and no FX fees, airline status, hotel status.  I feel like I have a lot of the basics covered.

Does anyone have any other travel tips/tricks/hacks they can suggest? Also, can anyone make recommendations on the best luggage? I'm looking to upgrade, price is of no object but I am looking for decent value. I don't mind making an investment but I'm not looking to spend 20K on a carryon.

Your wisdom would be much appreciated.
🧠 Advice
🦾 Hardware Tech
14

32 comments

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SaaSam
Politicker
8
Account Executive
I fucking love sharing this tidbit.

If you're ever in Mexico don't bother going to an exchange house for cash. Go to an ATM. Run through the usual motions of using an ATM but at the end it will ask you if you are okay with the conversion rate displayed on the screen. 

Always Always Always say "decline". It will promptly dispense the desired amount of cash at a much better, almost mid market rate. I typically save between 30 to 100 bucks depending on how much I was withdrawing in pesos.
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
2
VP of Sales
Haha this one is great. I’m going to be in MX and Chile early next year
SaaSam
Politicker
0
Account Executive
The more you know
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Packing cubes changed my life.
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
2
VP of Sales
Just bought my first packing cube from peak design. Will invest in more if I see the value. . Do you have to fold the clothes your put inside in order for them to compress properly, or just shove a bunch of crap in and zip em up?
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
I roll my clothes. Google packing for packing cubes. Ton of YouTube vids that will walk you through it. 
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
2
SaaS Eater
CLEAR was a game changer for me. Not sure if you have it based on your description or not. Best $179 I (my CC reimburses CLEAR) have spent. 

Luggage wise Im not the best person to ask because I use patagonia black hole's which arent the typical travel carryon but I love them.                   
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
I think Amex actually has it as a benefit on one of their cards?
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
1
SaaS Eater
Ya you get it credited on one of the platinum cards. I think it’s the personal but not positive
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
2
VP of Sales
I read about clear. Unfortunately, pretty useless to us filthy Canadians
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
1
sales
Yes CLEAR. Do it.
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Too big brother for me
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
1
sales
wait till you learn about social security cards and drivers licenses
CaneWolf
Politicker
0
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Yeah, I'm aware that there's a ton of shit already but retinal scans creep me the fuck out.
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
0
sales
wait until you go to MEPS if you're considering joining the military in high school and they have to check your asshole with a visual conformation
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
2
Sales
I love the tumi roll aboard for luggage. 

This isn’t a gear hack per se, but rather a comfort one. Buy great socks for travel. You’re gonna be on your feet moving around etc. get something breathable and then for long flights it’s nice to have a sock that’s got come compression to it, in my opinion. I like the smart wool or bomba thinner hiking socks. 

I also have a relatively thin flannel that I can stuff in my backpack and use to stay warm on the plane, or as a light jacket if it rains etc. it’s a versatile piece of clothing that can cover me for flights + non work or client meeting stuff. 

I hate traveling dressed to go right to a meeting so that usually comes in handy. 
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
1
sales
Only rule I have is don’t eat the McDonald’s Big Breakfast at 6AM before you take a flight to Miami for the weekend. Shit my fucking brains out in the Santander lobby when I got down to the strip. Barely made it.
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
1
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Sabotage your luggage and make your airline give you fresh stuff. I do that every couple years at the hubs. They all have a giant locker full of gear
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
0
VP of Sales
Hahaha is this legit?
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
0
Exec Director, Major Accounts
100%. Just don’t have nice clothes in there.
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
0
VP of Sales
What happens to the stuff you do have in there
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
1
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Depends on how bad it blows open. Usually it’s just a big crack in the suitcase or a tear along the zipper line. Personally, “nice” luggage is overrated. Long as it holds everything.
DustFrog
Catalyst
1
Business Development Manager
I made this post a few weeks back with a huge list of tips:

https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/for-the-road-warriors-travel-tips-post-now-that-decision-makers-are-warming-up-to-meetings-again
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
1
VP of Sales
Bruh, this was dope, thank you!

I couldn't click this on mobile, but on desktop I finally got to see the post
SADNES5
Politicker
1
down voters are marketing spies
...bring your flight attendants a box of chocolate/candy. I usually go to walmart or costco and buy a couple of boxes. They will ask if you work for the airline (customary practice) be truthful, and just say thanks for flying etc. 

Once you board the flight, the greeter will be at the door. Give them the box and say it's for the crew. 

You have a 90% shot of getting upgraded by the flight crew, they'll just tap you on your shoulder either pre departure or later in the flight. (If there is room, don't go expecting this, just let it happen)

You have a 99%  shot of free drinks/food/snacks. Even if you are in cattle-class at the rear bulkhead in front of the worst bathroom on the flight... they'll make sure you have a drink/food at all times. 

Be polite, and don't share this tip with marketing. 
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
1
VP of Sales
Love the is one. Will do for good citizen value alone. Except for AA. They can burn.
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
CLEAR was a game changer for me. Not sure if you have it based on your description or not. Best $179 I (my CC reimburses CLEAR) have spent. 
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
0
VP of Sales
Damn son, you creeping me? I like it.

I have Nexus/Global Entry. As a Canadian, Clear is not only not an option, it’s relatively useless. I check in, in Canada, so ultimately Nexus is more valuable for me.  $100 CAD for 5 years of membership. A steal doesn’t even begin to describe it
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
1
ISR
Packing cubes changed my life.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Packing cubes changed my life.
Mr.Floaty
Politicker
0
BDR
It’s interesting, my wife and I are considering downsizing and moving to a less expensive metro area and our idea of “good money” is morphing pretty quickly.
Cyberjarre
Politicker
0
BDR
It’s interesting, my wife and I are considering downsizing and moving to a less expensive metro area and our idea of “good money” is morphing pretty quickly.

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