I have learned, often the hard way, that there are a few simple rules about

I have learned, often the hard way, that there are a few simple rules about how to make life easier both before and after your journey. First of all, always check and double-check departure times. It is amazing how few people really do this carefully. Once I arrived at the airport a few minutes after ten. My secretary had got the ticket for me and I thought she had said that the plane left at 10:50. I walked calmly to the departure desk, thinking I still had a little time to spare. I hadn’t bothered to take a good look at the ticket. The clerk at the desk told me politely but firmly that the departure time was 10:15 and that the flight was, according to international regulations, “now closed”. I had to wait three hours for the next one and missed an important meeting. The important rule is to remember that even in this age of credit cards, it is still important to have at least a little of the local currency with you when you arrive in a country. A few years ago I was sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I flew there from London via Dallas, with very little time to change planes in between. I arrived there at midnight and the bank at the airport was closed. The only way to get to my hotel was by taxi and since I had no dollars, I offered to pay in pounds instead. “Listen, buddy! I only take real money!” the driver said angrily. Luckily I was able to borrow dollars from a clerk at the hotel, but it was very embarrassing.