Most people travel for leisure. Some travel for business. You might think that business travel has gone down with the rise of remote work, but this isn’t necessarily true. Many people are now “bleisure” travelers, choosing to work and travel for fun at the same time.
Whether you travel for “bleisure” or are going on a more traditional work trip, travel itself can be stressful. If you’re going to be working, you’ll definitely want to minimize stress as much as possible.
As a business management professional and entrepreneur myself, I have spent a lot of time on the road for business purposes. So, here are my top business travel tips to make your trip more comfortable.
Top 5 Business Travel Tips
1. Get in on those loyalty programs
For corporate travelers who travel a lot (even just once or twice a year), loyalty programs are worth it. You can sign up for loyalty programs with airlines, hotels, and credit cards. These rewards programs can offer you:
- significant savings, redeemable points, and cashback
- free upgrades on airplane seats, hotel rooms, etc
- airport lounge access, which offer a quiet place to work or relax before a flight
- an overall more seamless travel experience
Yes, automated airline emails and advertisements can be annoying and fill up your inbox. But it’s a relatively small price to pay for an opportunity to access lounges, food, WiFi, plugs, and in some cases, a shower and a private bed to catch some sleep. Depending on how often you travel, an airline membership might be worth it.
2. Pack light and smart
When traveling for business, you don’t want to have to lug around a massive suitcase. Carry on luggage is the way to go for business trips. It makes moving from place to place much easier. Most importantly, you won’t risk losing your baggage.
To pack a carry on bag, focus on essentials and multifunctional items. Pack clothing items that can all be mixed and matched together. Make sure to buy a case that is lightweight and small enough to fit in the overhead bin.
Some other essentials to pack include:
- chargers and plug adapters for international travel
- travel sized toiletries & a clear plastic bag to put liquids in
- business attire and more casual outfits
3. Try to mitigate jet lag
Depending on how far you travel, jet lag might be unavoidable. However, there are tons of things you can do to ease the symptoms. If you can, try to adjust to the time zone of your destination a few days before your trip.
Otherwise, it’s also important to stay hydrated, eat plenty of healthy snacks, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule once you get to your destination. Talk to your doctor about sleep aids before you leave if you think you will need them.
4. Use travel management tools and apps
There are tons of apps and travel management tools to make your travel experience more enjoyable. Search for apps that can:
- help you find flight deals & book flights
- translate into different language
- track for business travel expenses
- book hotels and accommodation
- help you navigate new cities
- show you reviews for nearby restaurants and attractions
5. Maximize your downtime
Business travel isn’t just about work! The best part about business travel is being able to experience a new place or culture. Use your downtime to explore the local culture, eat some new food, or simple take time to relax. Take a quick visit to a museum or dine at a recommended restaurant.
Make the most of your leisure time!
