Travel On Trips, caught up with Karolyn Hart, Founder and President of #IHUBApp which is the platform that hosts and manages Travel On Trips. To say she's had extensive travel is an understatement. We asked her to share her tips for pro travel!

Thanks for catching up with Travel On Trips. Let's jump right in for our readers. When anyone asks you for your travel tips, what are the main ones that you give?

Love it! Ok, I have two lists. One that applies to any executive and one specific to the needs of women so let's start with the main list.

Sounds good!

First, learn to travel with only carry-on. By far, this is the best skill you can master. It completely reduces the stress of your travel, plus it allows you to just get off the plane and GO. I learned this lesson the hard way and now I travel up to 3 weeks without needing to check a bag.

What was the "hard way"?

It was an Alaskan Cruise. Our bags got lost and we spent the first three ports in various of arrays of borrowed clothes. While I appreciate the fact that my husband ended up hiking in the tux that was provided AND it does provide for great story-telling, that was the first (and last) time that we ever packed like that.

So, what's the luggage that you travel with?

After so much travel I was going through roller bags. Finally I asked a flight attendant what they used and was sent to https://travelpro.com/ I have their backpack and roller luggage. I absolutely love my business backpack and roller bag. There's a reason why they are trusted by flight crews and they make it so much easier to travel.

(LOL!) Ok, what's the other pieces of advice?

Ok, here's the list.
1. Pay extra to secure your seat.
2. Set your clock to exactly 24 hours when you can check-in. It makes a difference.
3. Plan to arrive at your airport 2 hours early minimum. If there's no delay, then you can unwind at a restaurant. Invariably, things go wrong and I'm always grateful I give myself plenty of time.
4. Learn to do a "final sweep". When camping, the last thing you do before leaving your site is a "final sweep" to ensure there's absolutely nothing left behind. A final sweep includes checking the pockets of the seat plane, looking under the table at a restaurant, and ensuring there's absolutely nothin left behind.
5. Dress nicely and BE nice. You never know who is around you when your travelling. I've ended up with key accounts because of the way I handled situations. 

  Great advice! What's your #1 magic hack for travel?  

Oh, it's definitely https://hotwire.com ! I've been using it for a decade now both personally and professionally. Not only has it saved me significant money, but it's allowed me to experience amazing hotels that I would have never found. I stayed a very cool boutique hotel in Austin and most recently a 5 star hotel on the grounds of Kensington Palace. 

You need to have an adventurous spirit and certain of your plans. Some people are nervous when I tell them they can't "choose" where they stay, but so far I haven't stayed at a 4 or 5 star hotel that wasn't immensely pleased with.

You mentioned you had two lists. What's the advice you have for women?

I had the privilege of being trained by some security professionals and I was pleased when they validated that my instincts are pretty good when I travel. Here's what I share with every women:

1. Your safety is the top priority. If you don't feel "comfortable" listen to your gut. Nobody has ever regretted listening to their gut and being cautious. It doesn't matter what the thing is that is making you uncomfortable, just listen to it.

2. If you're travelling alone, be on the defensive. Don't announce that you're alone. Let people assume you're waiting for someone. If anyone asks "Are you waiting for someone?" Just reply with "Thanks, I'm ok." 

For Canadian women travelling abroad alone: For goodness sake, do NOT put the Canadian flag on everything. I get it. We're proud of being Canadian. You're also announcing to everyone that sees it that you're a tourist and you're the perfect target. 

3. Whenever possible try to ensure you arrive during daylight hours. 

4. Use valet. It's worth the extra cost because it keeps you from walking alone through garages that you're not familiar with. Whatever the additional cost might be, it's nothing compared to your peace of mind.

5. This one gets a lot of push back, but it's the sad reality. If you really want to drink when you're travelling alone, order it to your room where you can guarantee your safety.  

6. Keep your head on a swivel and NOT looking at your phone. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not sit alone in your car scrolling through your phone. Your car gives you a false sense of security and the problem is not when you are sitting in the car, it's what happens when you get out because you've given someone the time to target you.

7. If you ever feel uncomfortable, for any reason, simply write a note and slip it to a staff member. Hotel and serving staff are experienced and can help you. Don't be too proud to ask for help.

Wow, that's really important for Queens to know. What else do you want to add?

Have fun! I find that smiling and really enjoying your surroundings helps to create safe environments. Some of the things I do are:

1. I look for other females who are travelling alone. When I go to a restaurant, I'll usually approach a woman sitting alone and ask her if she'd mind sharing a table so that I can make more room for other guests. I've met the most delightful ladies.

2. Smile and ask people how their day is going and really stop to listen. You'd be surprised how many people light up and are happy to even be asked.

3. Buy the person's coffee behind you. It usually sets off a goodwill chain of events for everyone.

4. If a child sticks their tongue out at your or makes a funny face at you... you're required by the rule of fun, to engage. Not only will you both end up laughing but you'll notice the other adults around you break out into smiles also.

Thanks again for being with Travel On Trips!

Thanks for having me!