business travel
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First, let me say that in these challenging times, we all must be diligent in our approaches to our business and personal lives.  My heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by COVID-19.  To help in my own way, I wanted to offer my recent experience with business travel.
Precautions during the pandemic saw me staying put for the longest stretch of time without travel in over 35 years. Of course, it was good to be home. But the time came to get out and see customers again. My first trip was to Appleton, Wisconsin to visit a customer that I have known for several years for a project that may be funded in the 3rd Q. I thought I would share my experience.
The different travel experience started with packing. I began with all my protective gear. Two N95 masks, two disposable masks, two bandanas (Carolina Panther and The Dead & Company) and one infrared thermometer. Next, what cleaning supplies did I need?  Disinfectant wipes as well as a 12 ounce hand sanitizer; TSA will allow this exception. Finally, sealed googles to fit over my glasses to be used in the airport and airplane. The sealed googles are recommended to help you avoid touching your eyes or face.
Business travel
For the hotel it’s recommended to bring along your own pillowcases. So I packed two. In case the hotel gym is closed I bring along my yoga mat, yoga workout clothes, running shoes and my running clothes. I also throw in my running wind-breaker just in case the weather is a little cooler or rainy.
On the customer visit, I need steel-toed safety shoes and safely glasses. Add those to the pack! Finally, I get to my regular clothes. In the end, a pack that normally takes less than 30 minutes, required 2+ hours and a lot of discussions.
At the airport, with no shuttle buses for long-distance parking, all cars are in the parking deck. Finding a space was another challenge. Once this was accomplished, the TSA checkout point required more time and more space. Finally, the airport and airplane were relatively easy.  The American Airlines “concierge” team was very happy to see me.
Upon landing, the car rental facility also was easy and there were large stickers on each car indicating “cleaned and sealed.” The hotel was also following CDC guidelines with masks, social distancing, cleanliness, etc. So, drinks and dinners in the hotel bar for two nights were fun again. These interactions with the staff and other business travelers are always an entertaining part of business travel.  
As for the business, the visit and meetings were successful. We all wore masks; my temperature was checked. Our lunch was in a large conference room and followed all of the social distancing protocols.  
Oh, one more point. No elevators. I walked every staircase. It’s another thing to keep in mind when you’re packing.
So, now I am back “on the road again” (I think that this is a song?) and hopefully to a healthy and successful remainder of 2020. Let me know how you all are doing! What changes have you made to your business travel practices? I can’t wait to see you at the next hotel bar for drinks and dinner.
Stay safe and take care. By having concerns and respect for your friends, families, colleagues, and strangers, we will all make the world a better place.

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