Here’s to the art of hitting the road for racquetball. My Eight dos for travel and most of these I learned from watching the pros travel and in the last 30 years, traveling with them.
1. Find the best car rental deals through places like Costco and keep a rewards program. You get sweet upgrades to SUVs. (or use uber-sometimes it is much cheaper)
2. Find one airline and use that one exclusively for great perks. I use mostly two airlines and get upgrades and automatic bookings for canceled flights and usually TSA Pre.
3. Get your tickets months out and do not wait until the last minute. That costs $$. Get the insurance for $20 so if the tournaments are canceled you can get a full refund. (I know -not always possible with last minute tournament dates)
4. Get a business credit card or airline credit card and use it exclusively for travel and pay it off immediately.
5. Check the info page of the tournament carefully. Many times a tournament ends on Saturday, not Sunday or goes late Sunday night. Not a bad idea to call the Tournament Director to make sure.
6. Eat and rest on the same schedule every tournament (as much as possible) Many matches are lost because of poor schedule and eating habits.
7. Drink water constantly. Dehydration causes poor performance.
8. Check airlines schedules often during the tournament. Get that airline’s app to be sure. Cancelations, rescheduling, and other travel adventures often occur so avoid the “check-in shock” when you find out you have no flight. Get to it early and re-book!
9. Bring “home” with you as much as possible. Bring your pillow, humidifier (if traveling by car) and I bring my coffee, a cone and filters to make sure I have my favorite coffee every morning! Sometimes I bring a thermos if the club has no coffee.
10. Check uber vs rental car vs local transportation so you get the best deal and most comfortable ride from the airport, hotel, and to the club.
11. I’m asking for more tips-I know you road warriors have them! Thanks in advance if you post some!