I admit that I have long been enamoured with travel, and getting paid to do it seemed like a great alternative to scrimping and saving for eons. Combining it with a job can make it even more rewarding unless you consider the downsides: that you are taking the trips primarily alone, spending years in lines at airports, gaining 20 pounds and guaranteeing yourself a triple bi-pass by 45.

To combat this, I use my web cam to see my son every day, I mail post cards to my nieces, and actually bought my brother a collection of shot glasses from every airport I visited one year. But the truth is there is an upside, and for me it's bigger than the downside. There's a rush I get going to a new place, especially when I get there and find my reputation with the client preceeds me, the city has great shopping and a rich history.

I generally pick my own flights and get someone to book them, I plan before I leave home the locations to the nearest historical centers, shopping, eating and then pick my hotel accordingly. I always plan to go shopping after meetings, but have long since given up on cheap souvenirs that never get used or looked at. I buy clothes for myself & my family, and then buy fridge magnets. Our fridge is full of images from my various ports of call. I love them. I look at them and recall the people, places and things I learned on that trip.

Unlike 9 to five desk jobs, I do lack a sense of consistent work community, so I tend to be very good at developing that where ever I go. Going to lunch with client contacts can also do a lot to bond and get me information I might not otherwise have access to. Most of my clients are quite busy and don't have time for lunch so they welcome new contractors extending the invite as it gives them an excuse to take one.

A few more tips I'd like to leave you with:

1. Plan 2 hours between flights.
2. Shop before eating (restaurants are open later).
3. Add an extra day to see the sights.
4. Never let your travel impact your work and deliverables.
5. Pick a hotel with a pool.
6. Pick a room close to the fitness room, but not the ice machine.
7. Fridge magnets make the best souvenirs (also relatively inexpensive)