Commuter Stories

Debbi Baughn

WWU Travel Desk program coodinator Debbi Baughn certainly knows the ins and out of travel. How does this travel expert get to work? Walking.

Baughn's daily trip to work - on foot - takes about 15 minutes. On the way to work, she listens to her iPod and sometimes stops at the grocery store or mailbox. After work, if she wants to work out at the gym or run to Trader Joes, she hops on a bus heading downtown.

What does she like best about her commute? Debbi enjoys saving the money she might be spending on gas and parking fees, and appreciates knowing that her car is safe at home, but what she likes most about her commute is that it's relaxing, less stressful than driving, and allows her to shift mental gears between work and home.

Debbi's tips, tools, and techniques:

Rain gear - Wind is bad for umbrellas; Baughn prefers a good raincoat with a hood that won't blow off. On really rainy days she wears rain pants.

Reflective gear - Blinking reflectors and reflective ankle bands help Debbi cross safely at busy intersections. She suggests a reflective vest and headlamp, too.

Backpack - Comfortable walking shoes are a must for Baughn's commute, so she packs office shoes (and sometimes a skirt) to change into once she reaches the office.