BETTER BUSINESS TRAVEL
Traveling for business is probably the least favorite part of your job. Dealing with the hassles of crowded airports, long lines, and lost baggage can make it almost seem more trouble than it is worth. Lucky for you, there are ways to prepare yourself ahead of time so you can better handle the stress or reduce it all together.
1. SLEEP TIGHT
A lack of sleep can affect any aspect of your day, whether you’re sitting in the office or traveling across the country. The night before you travel, you should spend as much time resting as possible. You don’t know how long you will be standing in line or how long it will take to get to your hotel once you land. Having a good night of sleep will also help you deal with any unexpected obstacles you may encounter during your trip.
2. MAKE GOOD USE OF THE CARRY-ON BAG
This is the bag you get to keep on your person at all times. It is the least likely to get lost, so you want to make sure you pack as many of your valuables in it as possible. Your laptop, jewelry, phone, and any important work documents should be safely tucked away in your carry-on bag to ensure they reach your destination with you.
3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
If you are expected to disembark the plane and head straight to a business meeting, you want to wear business attire on the flight. You don’t want to have to try and find your luggage only to change in a tiny bathroom stall in the airport when you could come dressed to impress straight off the plane. Conversely, if you don’t have any immediate business engagements, you can dress as comfortably as the airline dress code allows.
4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WAKE-UP CALL
Hotels offer this service for a reason. If you are a heavy sleeper, you want to make sure you take advantage of all the options available to you to ensure you make your business appointments on time. Nothing is more stressful than running late in a town you are unfamiliar with.
5. GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Speaking of being in a town you are unfamiliar with. If you are going to be in the area for a few days, it would be wise to get to know your surroundings. Take a day to drive around and find the best route to the office as well as the best restaurants in the vicinity. This will keep you from having to rush more than necessary on your first trip to the office allowing you to arrive calm and collected.
6. BE A TOURIST
On those days you get let out of the office early, don’t head straight back to your hotel. Give yourself a few hours to drive around and look at the sights and attractions your business destination has to offer. It allows you a way to unwind outside of a boring hotel room.
7. USE YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR MORE THAN JUST PHONE CALLS
With the abundance of apps on the market, there is bound to be one out there that can help streamline your business trip. There are apps that allow you to book your flights as well as hotels and rental cars. You can even setup a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important. There are even apps on the market that will keep you fully apprised of the status of your flight so you can be prepared for any delays.
8. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY
Business trips can be lonely, so you need to keep in touch with your family and friends as much as possible. Use one of the many video messaging applications available to keep in contact with your loved ones. This will allow your small children to see as well as hear you. It may also provide you with an outlet for any stress you may have since you can unload to your significant other rather than to your co-workers.
9. BE PREPARED FOR AIRPORT SECURITY
This can be one of the most stressful aspects of business travel. You should know that once you step foot in that airport, you will be required to go through airport security. If you prepare yourself ahead of time by dressing appropriately and educating yourself on what you can and cannot take on a plane, not only will it reduce your stress, it will also save you time.
10. RESERVE CAR SERVICE
Your time on the road is incredibly valuable, and being behind the wheel isn’t the best way to spend it. When you reserve car service, you’re able to use your time in-transit catching up on emails or preparing for your presentation, so you’re able to arrive feeling stress-free.
Business travel may be a necessary evil depending on your line of work. If you prepare ahead of time, take precautions throughout the trip, and take time for yourself, you should be able to come out on the other side relatively unscathed.
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