Lessons From 15 Hours in Transit

I spent 15 hours getting from Dayton, Ohio back to Los Angeles on Friday from a work trip. When I first started traveling for business, that amount of time would have seemed like an eternity, and I would have spent most of those hours frustrated and angry I was stuck in an airport unable to do what I wanted. I guess I've learned a few things in my years and travels.

One of the keys to a successful travel experience is being positive and focusing on what you CAN do with the resources available to you rather than obsessing about the things you can't control. Issues, delays and all kinds of other inconveniences are a normal part of travel. Expect them, always have a Plan B and you'll eventually get where you're going.

Here are a few tips I've learned that help deal with travel delays.

• If you have a mobile device and electricity, you can still get things done. Finding power outlets, however, is not the easiest task in some airports, so before you leave make sure all your devices are fully charged and you'll have one less worry.
• If you don't have electronics, take a walk and get some exercise. Or read a book. Or strike up a conversation with a fellow stranded traveler and make a new friend.
• If you travel a lot, make your "life" as portable as possible. Then you can keep things moving even when you're away from the walls you call home.
• You can't control the weather, so there is also no point in yelling at the airline staff about a flight delayed by it.  They want to get you to your destination. If they have another option for you, they will share it when you ask. More importantly, BELIEVE them when they say they don't have a better option for you.
• A plane loads faster when the passengers are motivated to get home after a long delay.
• You can find moments of beauty and inspiration everywhere -- even an airport.

Travel is a lot like life. The journey is what you make it. Make it positive.