First Work Trip

As any of you know, I started my first big girl job only a few weeks ago. One of my favorite things to do is travel, hence the name Boarding Together, so when I was asked to step into this position I knew it would involve some traveling. The company I work for flies over 400 employees to Orlando for a week of meetings and team building. I've worked for the company for almost two years and this was the first time I was able to go since I am finally of full time status.

Talk about a short and sweet trip! Flew from Cleveland on Tuesday at noon, arrived in Orlando at 4:20, then flew out of Orlando the next day at 6 PM. My flights were good expect for sitting next to a gentleman that smelled like BO, cigarettes and terrible cologne. I swear there is nothing worse than being confined in a little area next to someone that smells terrible. This trip was much needed so I could meet the guys I am going to be working with and to break the ice between everyone. I swear this company does it right, every time. I have never been disappointed at any work event by how they treat their employees.

Upon arrival to Orlando, I was notified that they have arranged transportation for me to get to the hotel. Let me explain to you this transportation...a man in a suit waited for me, walked me over to a private area where all the Cadillacs were. The car he picked me up in was a brand new black Cadillac SUV with tinted windows and all, talk about feeling like a rock star! We stayed at the Hilton Disney, we basically took over all of their conference rooms, most of their hotel rooms, the bars, everything was consumed by us. The picture on the bottom left is a list of meetings for just one day, everyday was just jam packed with meetings.

Everyone received a really nice notebook to write down notes which was a nice little touch. We all broke out for more meetings throughout the day and then all gathered back together for lunch. The food at this hotel was pretty good and there was a lot of variety which I'm sure everyone enjoyed. We had different team building events and signed to dedicate to our teams and our success. At night we had a more relaxed dinner, with open bar and lots of great conversations. It is really good to see people of out their "work mode" and more on a personal level.

Unfortunately I had to come back to Cleveland a few days earlier than everyone else, so I wasn't too happy about having to leave. The flight back to Cleveland was good, felt short since I kept reading my book. Landing in Cleveland was a "back to reality" moment, the snow and the cold really made hit home. All in all, it was a really good first work trip and what a good place to go! I will admit that being a part of this team really motivates me to do more and become better. Seeing people get congratulated on retiring from this company after 40 plus years of work is a true inspiration.

Have you traveled for work?

Where did you go?

Do you enjoy traveling?