Being sent to close that essential deal or represent your company at an important summit is stressful enough without having to worry about travel specifics. Here are some of the most valuable insider tips you should follow to make every business trip you take from now on less bothersome and more productive.
Check the Travel Policy
Getting acquainted with your company’s travel policy should be the first thing on your agenda. The policy outlines key details like approved booking methods, allowable expenses, and travel insurance considerations. Sticking to the guidelines will help you get reimbursed faster and avoid any unpleasant penalties.
Take Advantage of the Perks
Loyalty programs make frequent corporate travel much more manageable, so enroll in as many as you can. Choose a favorite airline and stick with it to rack up those frequent flier miles. It’s also a good idea to get a credit card if they offer one, especially since higher tiers come with useful perks like lounge access.
The same goes for hotel chains. Loyalty program members can get guaranteed rooms and have more flexible check-in and check-out. Both are especially useful for corporate travelers with erratic travel times. You may even get free room upgrades every so often.
Avoid Airport Stress
Airport checks and baggage carousels are among the most stressful nuisances you’ll have to deal with, so make them as painless as possible. If you travel internationally, apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to skip the lines and be on your way faster.
You’ll also want to stick to a single carry-on for the least hassle. Alternatively, you can bring along a single suitcase for longer trips and waive the fees if you sign up for the airline’s loyalty program.
Pack Smart
Seasoned business travelers follow two golden rules: pack less and be prepared. The first one is self-explanatory; bring only what’s necessary for the trip. You shouldn’t skimp on comfort, but you don’t need three pairs of shoes either. Whatever else you pack, make sure to keep your business attire wrinkle-free.
Limited baggage space means you have to carefully consider what to bring. A travel-sized first aid kit with all your meds is a must, as is a small bag pre-packed with your favorite toiletries. Earplugs will help you tune out noisy passengers, while an inflatable pillow is perfect for catching some Z-s mid-flight while maintaining perfect posture. If you prioritize wellness on the go, consider packing a travel-friendly slow juicer to enjoy fresh juice wherever you are.
Make Sure You’re Connected at All Times
Being reachable and able to access important files is something you don’t want to leave up to chance and local Wi-Fi availability, especially when traveling abroad. eSIMs are a godsend for seamless international connectivity since they kick in immediately after landing without you having to scramble for a physical SIM card.
For example, say you’re traveling to Paris for a conference — getting an eSIM for France will make a world of difference.
Boost Your Phone with Travel Apps
Having the right apps can be a huge help with everything from scoring cheaper flights and accommodations to securing a ride or discovering worthwhile places to visit during downtime. Get acquainted with the best travel apps and set them up before your next business trip to feel the difference.
Use Unexpected Delays Productively
Part of becoming a seasoned business traveler is accepting that things often don’t go to plan. Meetings get postponed and flights get cancelled. You might not be able to change these circumstances, but you do have agency in preparing and responding to them.
For example, try to always arrive a day in advance when travelling internationally to work through the jet lag and prevent delays from impacting your itinerary. Treat unexpected delays as opportunities to work more on your presentations or organize a last-minute huddle with teammates back home. eSIMs may save the day again, since they guarantee stable and affordable mobile connectivity during layovers and wherever other networks aren’t readily available.
However, you need to choose a reliable provider for everything to sail smoothly. For that, check out popular provider comparisons, like Saily vs. Holafly. This way, you can weigh the pros and cons and decide wisely.
Keep Your Devices Charged
While it’s a no-brainer on paper, forgetting to top off your phone, laptop, shaver, and other electric travel essentials can lead to needless frustration. Bring a universal travel adapter, but don’t assume that a plug will be around when you need one. Charge everything the night before the trip, including a powerbank you can rely on when all else fails.
Conclusion
Transforming your business trips into more productive and enjoyable experiences does not have to be a luxury or a hassle. Hopefully, with these tips in mind, you can integrate habits that will significantly reduce the stress associated with corporate travel.
