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As an international project manager for the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Kelly Halsted is on the road about 12 weeks of the year trying to attract foreign investment to Iowa. She has been to 36 countries, but primarily travels to Western Europe. Although it’s always great to return home, Halsted said, “by the time the next trip is ready, I’m usually itching to get out of the office.”

Place of choice:

“Each country has its own unique attribute that draws you to it. For example in Dubai, it’s cool how new it is and how they are developing their city and area. … But I always like to travel to Italy as well because of the people and the food.”

Best part:

Meeting different people and learning about their companies and business plans. Much of her work is “selling the state of Iowa as a place to do business, so talking about something I believe in and enjoy doing and trying to match their company with Iowa’s assets.”

Trip length:

It depends, but usually when she travels to Europe, she is gone for two weeks and tries to meet as many people as she can. “I think the last trip, I landed and had two meetings that day in Denmark.”

Jet lag buster:

“You just keep going.” She tries not to go to bed before 9 or 10 p.m. on the first night and to keep moving throughout the first day.

Treasure hunt:

She is always on the lookout for unique jewelry.

Hidden gem:

A neighborhood restaurant in Milan that makes sea bass baked in sea salt.

Never forget:

A good book. Her favorite author lately is Jodi Picoult, who wrote “My Sister’s Keeper.” And she always has her Blackberry.

Staying organized:

Her key is being organized before she leaves, down to having a spare map if she’s driving somewhere. “I pretty much have everything in mind before leaving. … Plan B is always there and maybe C.”

Hotel of choice:

Marriott. No matter where she is, “it’s kind of like being at home.” But it also depends on what hotels are available in the area and the price.

Annoyance:

Missing family functions.

Worst experience:

While traveling in a less-developed country with then Gov. Tom Vilsack, she got a rash after her clothes were laundered – and she still had another week and a half of travel.

Lone traveler:

Though she often meets colleagues for business meetings, she prefers getting there alone.

Place to avoid:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, “at all costs.” At one point, she was stuck in Chicago’s airport for more than 24 hours trying to get to Poland.