AppId is over the quota
I knew a campaign assignment would mean spending hours in overlighted terminals, waiting for flights. What I did not know was how much time and energy I would spend figuring out the logistics of travel — everything from how to get from Iowa to New Hampshire as quickly as possible the morning after the caucuses, to how to snag a hotel reservation on Mackinac Island, Mich., during a Republican conference when nearly every room had been taken by political operatives.
For a campaign reporter, knowing how to travel efficiently can mean the difference between getting to a debate on time and spending the night in an airport terminal. (But should that happen, allow me to recommend the Westin in the Detroit airport.)
Below, a few tips that our political team has picked up over the years.
Limit Yourself to a Carry-On
Jeff Zeleny, a national political correspondent, puts it bluntly: “Never check a bag — ever. If your trip is two days or two weeks, never pack more clothes than you can fit in your carry-on luggage.”
Those are good words to live by. Checking a bag means you have to arrive at the airport earlier; it also adds to your trip on the back end, since you have to wait for your suitcase to emerge on the conveyor belt. And then there is the risk of lost luggage.
But traveling light also means packing wisely. Jim Rutenberg, a national political correspondent, and I both like to roll our clothes into long, tight cylinders, because it allows you to cram more outfits into a small bag.
“I don’t get too worried about wrinkles,” Mr. Rutenberg said. “Sort it out at the hotels, almost all of which have ironing boards and irons.”
As for shirts, Mr. Zeleny advised: “Folded shirts are a good idea for road warriors, but if you hang shirts, keep them in a plastic bag from the dry cleaners to keep wrinkles to a minimum.” (Mr. Romney’s staff members — along with Richard A. Oppel Jr., a political reporter who is covering Gov. Rick Perry of Texas — all swear by Brooks Brothers wrinkle-free shirts.)
Trip Gabriel, who is currently covering Newt Gingrich, has found a way to ensure that he never has to check a bag. “Use a soft bag or even a duffel because you won’t be forced to gate-check it,” he said. “They let me carry my soft-sided bag onto even the smallest planes, because it can be squeezed into the overhead bin.”
“Waiting for gate-checked bags,” Mr. Gabriel added, “is el drag-o.”
Have a Packing Strategy
I used to pack aspirationally — a professional outfit in case I landed an interview with Mr. Romney; a dress for an impromptu night out; gym clothes for that workout I hoped to squeeze in. Now, I pack realistically, bringing only weather-appropriate clothes I think I will actually wear. (This usually means jeans, boots and a blazer.)
One place to save on space is shoes. Pack only one pair — two at the most, if you’re a runner and need sneakers. If you have to bring snow boots (think preprimary Iowa and New Hampshire), keep in mind that you will most likely have to wear them on the plane, since they will take up too much space in your carry-on. I recently bought a pair of Uggs; they make me look like a storm trooper, but they’re fuzzy and warm and slip off easily for security checks.
“To make room for running shoes, stick with brown or black shoes — not both,” Mr. Zeleny said.
Which brings us to color schemes. If your trip is longer than a few days, your clothes may have to do double — or triple — duty, so choose a color scheme and stick with it. Pick a basic color for your shoes and essentials so you’ll have more flexibility to mix and match, not to mention layer.
Sign Up for Rewards
Loyalty programs are the name of the game. Sign up for every program possible — airlines, rental cars, hotels. Especially with airlines, try to stick with one or two to earn premium status.
I’ve landed large suites, eaten free breakfasts and been able to cancel reservations at the last minute, all because I have loyalty status with various hotel chains. (But, as Mr. Rutenberg pointed out, “I also prefer boutique hotels, which offer a little plusher accommodations for less money.”)
Rental car rewards programs, in addition to helping you get car upgrades, can also help expedite your travel.
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