Are you a business person who is getting ready to head out on a business trip? Travelling, even on business, is a fantastic way to get all of your ducks in a row. If you’re a frequent business traveller, you might have your travel checklist down to a science by now. Read on to learn some new tips and tricks that will help you make the most out of your next trip – whether it’s for business or pleasure!
Packing Tips
Let's start with the basics – packing. When you're packing for a business trip, it's important to keep in mind both the essentials and the extras. The essentials are the items you need for your work, such as your laptop, phone, and any documents or presentations you might need.
We know that you can't always control what you need to bring, so here are a few packing tips to make your life easier:
A Carry-on Bag Is Your Best Friend
Invest in a good quality carry-on bag that fits everything you need and is comfortable to carry. This will save you time and money at the airport, as well as your back!
Plan Your Outfit the Night Before
This will save you time and stress in the morning. Choose an outfit that is comfortable and professional, and pack any accessories you might need.
Keep the Essentials in Your Bag
Keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel documents in an easily accessible place so you don't have to waste time rummaging through your luggage when you're trying to board a plane or check into a hotel.
Getting Around & Staying Healthy
Business travel can be a hectic and tiring experience. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to stay healthy and get around efficiently especially if you’re on a tight schedule. To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips:
Use Public Transportation
Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars. This is not only more economical, but it's also a great way to see the city you're visiting.
Stay Hydrated
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's easy to forget to drink water when you're busy running from meetings to appointments. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat Healthily
Just like staying hydrated, it's important to eat healthy when you're travelling for business. Eating out all the time can be unhealthy and expensive, so try to make time for a healthy breakfast or pack snacks with you during the day.
Get Some Exercise
If you can, try to get some exercise in while you're travelling. A quick walk or run in the morning can help you clear your head and start the day off right.
Take Breaks
When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break. Step outside for some fresh air or take a few minutes to yourself to relax and recharge.
With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your business travel and have a productive and enjoyable trip.
Eating & Sleeping Well
As mentioned above, eating is one way to help you stay healthy while you're on the go. But eating well isn't only about being healthy – it's also about maintaining your energy levels and staying focused. When you're travelling, it can be easy to get caught up in work and forget to eat or sleep.
But if you want to be productive, it's important to make sure you're getting enough rest and nourishment.
For eating, that means:
- Eating regular meals, even if you're busy
- Packing healthy snacks for when you get peckish
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
As for sleep, that means:
- Getting enough sleep each night – aim for 7-8 hours if possible
- Taking power naps during the day if you start to feel tired
- Resisting the urge to work late into the night
- Taking breaks during the day to rest your eyes and mind
- Not working on the plane or in the car – use this time to relax
Socializing On The Road
Socializing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of business travel. But hear us out – networking and building relationships is an important part of doing business, and it can be done while you're on the road.
If you're travelling to a conference or trade show, take some time to network with other attendees. You never know who you might meet and what kind of business opportunities might come from it.
If you're travelling to meet with clients or partners, make an effort to socialize with them outside of work hours. Go out for dinner or drinks, or take them on a tour of the city you're visiting. This is a great way to build relationships and make a good impression.
No matter where you're travelling or why take some time to socialize and network. It can be a great way to improve your business prospects and have some fun while you're at it.
Working While You're Away (Or At Home)
Just because you're on the road doesn't mean you have to put work on hold. With today's technology, it's easy to stay connected and get work done while you're away from the office.
1. Stay connected with technology. Thanks to email, smartphones, and other mobile devices, you can stay in touch with the office while you're on the road. Be sure to set up a system that works for you so you can access your work email, calendars, and files while you're away.
2. Use your time wisely. While business travel can be hectic, there are often moments of downtime between meetings or during flights when you can catch up on work. Use this time to your advantage by getting ahead on projects or catching up on reading and research.
3. Stay organized. It can be easy to let work pile up when you're on the road, so make sure you keep on top of things by staying organized. Create a daily to-do list, and keep all your important documents in one place so you can access them when you need to.
4. Stay focused. It can be tempting to let your mind wander when you're working on a long project, but try to stay focused and avoid distractions. If you need some help, there are plenty of productivity apps that can block out distractions and help you stay on task.
A corporate travel management company can be a great asset for business travellers. Corporate travel managers are experts in planning and booking business travel, and they can save you both time and money.
When you're planning your next business trip, consider using a corporate travel management company to help you with the details. From booking flights and hotels to arranging ground transportation, they can take care of everything for you so you can focus on your work.
Takeaway
Travelling for work is a bit different from leisurely travel. This post will help you get the most out of your trip and make it a more pleasant experience. Keep reading to learn how to do just that.
