From deciding what to pack to scheduling an itinerary, preparing for a business trip can be stressful and overwhelming than really going on a trip itself. Small hotel rooms, flight delays, wondering how much those airport body scanners reveal. Travel has its drawbacks, but it is generally more than worth the trouble to spend a few fun days with your friends or family. But have you thought about business trips? Suddenly, the inconvenience of travel is mixed with the potential awkwardness of spending your time with your co-workers. You are bound to have meetings, conferences on the calendar at some point. So, before you start, here are important expert business travel tips that will help you to enjoy your trip.
A business trip is a necessity. Whether you are a CEO or an intern, the world of work is worldwide. But where traveling for leisure can afford the luxury of sleeping on a comfortable bed after a tiring flight, business travelers just cannot. Important meetings will not be postponed as you made it in at 2 am. You are expected to speak at conferences, no matter how tired you are.
But, in today’s age, business travel does not have to disrupt you. As travel has progressed, so we have our methods of handling it. Here, we have compiled a list of tips for a business trip that will make your next work trip smooth, focused, and efficient.
List of Important Expert Business Travel Tips
Always stay ahead of the game
Proper planning is the secret behind a successful trip, and work travel is not different. It is even more important to be prepared when your boss and co-workers have eyes on you. So, find out the route to the hotel and double-check the dates on the rental car reservation. Bring extra-alarm so that you do not miss your flight or show 20 minutes late to your meeting. Try to carry on the luggage so that your bags do not end up in Anchorage when you go to Atlanta.
Do not run out of battery
One of the significant important expert business travel tips is to always carry a portable battery so that you can recharge your cell phone, mainly if you are going to be traveling on a plane for a long time. Make sure you have it in your carry-on luggage so that you can even use it on the plane. You do not want to risk a dead phone when you require it the most.
Carry on the essential things
The most important thing to keep in mind while planning a business trip is to make sure everything fits in a carry-on, like a soft tote bag for carrying your extra things, including your tablet or computer. Everything should be foldable and if your carry-on luggage bag has a place for suits, that is even better. Generally, three changes max is sufficient with two or three shirts. One pair of shoes to go to all meetings and another one specifically for travel purposes. Toiletries, cosmetics, etc. can be kept in your suitcase or tote bag based on how much space you have.
Carry right dresses
While we are packing, make sure you fill your suitcase with clothes appropriate to the occasion. Most significantly- if you are going to fly with your co-workers or going to meet clients at the airport, then ensure that your travel outfit cannot be defined using the words, “sweatsuit” or “velour.” Avoid the Ugg’s and choose something cozy that still looks professional- a soft maxi skirt and ballet flats, for instance.
Are you going to share your room with a colleague? Do not count on the hotel offering a robe. Pack a pair of respectable PJs.
Have a look at the major benefits of frequent traveling
If you travel by air for business purposes daily, a travel rewards credit card could prove benefits by making your journeys more comfortable as well as helping you earn substantial savings.
While selecting a travel credit card for businesses, contemplate what type of traveler you are. If you are someone who daily finds themselves waiting in airports, a high yearly fee credit card could bring you considerable value in the way of lounge advantages, expedited screening, rewards, and much more. Access to such facilities will make business travel stress-free and more comfortable. If you are someone who travels by air infrequently, then a travel card with a huge annual fee will not be worth the price.
Prepare for international travel in a smart way
If it is a longer trip, ensure you have an international driving license. You never know when you will need to borrow or hire a car. Before you fly, check the documents the previous night, like for example, visa, passport, tickets, and travel insurance. You can even take the help of travel-management software for checking important documents. It is always better to print the documents, as not all international airport lets you scan the documents using your phone. If required, ensure that you have the hotel address written in the local language.
Make sure you eat enough
Even while traveling, you should keep your tummy filled. Who knows for how long you may be stuck at airports or whether your flight is delayed or not and for how long? You may also have to spend time searching for good hotel rooms, so it is always better to carry an emergency snack with you.
That means keep a few energy bars with you. They are one of the most compact foods that do not make a mess and can be easily carried inside a pocket. Yes, they are not nutritional, but they are filling. And who can eat a healthy salad in a taxi anyway?
Find the right workspace
If you are among those who do not get car sick, then you are lucky! This means that will get some time to prepare for the meeting while traveling and get things in the right order. Or else, utilize your hotel facilities to get a nice area to think about. Of course, you can use your room, but many hotels have a business center or lobby that could be a good place for being productive and get peace of mind. Or you can even explore the city and find a park or coffee shop to complete your work.
Cross-check the dress code
While traveling for business, you must find out in advance where you are going to visit. It is always better to carry extra clothes because you never know what situation arises while traveling. No matter whether you are going on a business trip, always carry a pair of casual clothes, flip-flops, and shorts too.
Time to finally hit the road
With these important expert business travel tips, you can travel for work with peace of mind that you are well-equipped to handle any unpredictable problems. The goal of any business trip is to perform at your peak while conducting your business obligations, and a disaster to prepare to perform your best on a tour is preparing to collapse. If you are still overwhelmed, maybe it is time to search for a travel management company.
If you are a frequent traveler, try following these important expert business travel tips and make it stress-free and enjoyable!