EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

Barbara Geraghty

* Name: Barbara Geraghty

* Position: President

* Company: Idea Quest, Irvine

In my sales training and motivational speaking business, I travel several times a month. Having an organizational plan is essential, so I have a list of everything that needs to be done as I prepare for a speaking engagement.

Included on my “to do” list:

* Call the hotel in advance and ask if it supplies hair dryers in the room, so I won’t waste valuable luggage space.

* Ask about fitness facilities and whether or not I can go running safely, so I can pack proper workout clothing.

* Check the buttons on all clothing. Often a button has been knocked off when my suits have been cleaned for a trip. To find a button missing after leaving can be disastrous.

* Put one- and five-dollar bills in a separate envelope to use for tipping porters and bellhops.

* Make a packing list. The list includes everything I might possibly need for any trip. Each time I travel and discover something else I need, I add it to the list. When I pack, I simply go down the list.

Do you have advice for fellow business travelers or a travel-related experience you would like to share? Please mail your typewritten contribution to Executive Travel, Los Angeles Times--Business News, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles CA 90053. Or fax it to (213) 237-7837. Or send it electronically to [email protected] on the Internet. Please be as detailed as possible and include your name, title, company and a daytime phone.