Frequent business travellers are always looking for ways to ease the stress and frustration of being on the road (or in the air).

The stress of travel can affect your physical and mental health, so taking these steps below will help to ease your mind.

These business travel tips will help you prepare for your upcoming trip and be ready to take on anything you encounter.

We’ve also covered some inspirational and motivational quotes concerning travel for work and business here.

Sometimes it’s good to remember why we travel for work and business.

Traveling for work is definitely a luxury and a perk.

Though it may not always seem that way, being allowed to travel and meet with fellow colleagues, clients, customers, vendors, and to attend conferences can have a positive impact on your career.

By meeting with these members, you are being given the opportunity to display your skills and knowledge with others.

In addition, you are being entrusted by your manager to ensure the needs of the team or the department are properly met.

This opportunity, if successfully executed against, can help propel you to a senior or managerial role.

Follow the advice we list below, and you’ll find that business travel doesn’t have to be stressful, frustrating, or uncomfortable.

You’ll learn the insider tips and tricks to business travel and how to make the process as seamless, efficient, and stress free as possible.

Only Use Carry-on Luggage

Carry-on luggage allows you to bring your luggage onto the plane with you.

This luggage can be stored above your seat, or if small enough, beneath the seat in front of you.

In addition, you don’t want to be lugging around a large suitcase through multiple airports and hotels.

Carry-on luggage is easy to travel with and large enough to carry your essentials.

Invest in A Credit Card with Perks

Many credit cards offer airfare and airport perks.

While you may typically need to utilize your corporate card for business travel, you may still be able to take advantage of these perks without needing to book your travel directly with the card.

Such perks include free or discounted airport lounges and upgrades on hotels and rental cars.

This article does a great job showing the various perks available across differing credit cards.

Purchase Airfare and Car Rental Insurance

Unless your company specifically excludes it, it is preferable to purchase the additional insurance for both the airfare travel and the car rental.

In the event of a missed flight or a vehicular accident, you will want to be completely covered and reduce your overall liability.

Bring a Backpack

While your carry-on luggage should be easily accessible, it is far simpler to grab any necessities from your backpack.

You should not only include any required documents but should add in basic toiletries such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, cologne or perfume, and deodorant.

In addition, you can stow away chargers for your electronics and business cards in case you need them.

Invest in TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck allows you to skip the security line and head directly to your gate.

You’ll save both time and headache and won’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or laptop for security.

TSA PreCheck will cost $85 for a five-year membership.

Carry Cash

While most all merchants accept all major credit cards, you don’t know where you may find yourself needing cash.

Carrying $20 or multiple smaller bills will be a lifesaver in the event you need cash.

Pack Dress Shirts in Plastic

Packing dress shirts in plastic will help to avoid your shirts from getting wrinkled.

Though not entirely foolproof, it will be less wrinkled than placing in the suitcase alone.

Prepare Your Entertainment

The night before your flight, you should prepare any entertainment or music you may need.

This includes downloading television shows or movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, Hulu, or the plethora of other services.

In addition, be sure to download your music for offline listening which you can do with both Spotify and Apple Music.

Include Non-Business Clothes

While you may be traveling for work, you will want to have comfortable clothing for non-work events.

Pack an extra pair of comfortable pants and shirts for those non-work events to allow yourself some time to relax.

Book Non-Stop Air Travel

Non-stop air travel ensures you arrive to your final destination sooner and without any potential delays.

Though it is sometimes more costly, it pays for itself by allowing you to save valuable time on your trip.

Bring a Good Pair of Headphones

A good pair of headphones can work wonders to block out surrounding sounds.

You’ll be able to listen to your favorite music or podcast and not worry about loud or obnoxious neighbors around you.

Print Important Documents

While you can load your boarding pass on your phone, you don’t want to be stuck at security with a dead phone.

Always print your boarding pass and any other important documents before you arrive at the airport.

Charge All Electronics Beforehand

You should charge all your electronics beforehand.

This includes your phone and any tablets, laptops, or e-readers you may have.

Also, you may want to invest in a portable charger in-case you need to charge in-flight.

Pack Sleeping Aids

While we’re not necessarily speaking on medication that may help you fall asleep faster, you may want to consider investing and packing neck-pillows and eye masks to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Utilize the Hotel Concierge

If you’re traveling to a new or unknown city, feel free to ask the hotel staff and concierge for help, assistance, and advice.

Not only can they recommend great restaurants or call a taxi for you, but many also offer wake-up calls in the morning to ensure you don’t miss that important meeting.

Arrive Early

Perhaps the worst thing to happen during business travel is to be running late to the airport.

Plan to arrive at least 90-minutes before a domestic flight and nearly 3-hours before an international flight.

The hassle of missing your flight is worth the time spent ensuring you arrive early.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

You should increase your fluid consumption.

Stock-up on your water intake to ensure you’re hydrated.

You should be drinking water before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.

Bring Over-the-Counter Medications

Nausea, headaches, and stomachaches are all common when traveling.

Stock-up on and bring with you various over-the-counter medications to counteract these ailments.

Have Wiggle Room

Traveling is unpredictable.

Always add in wiggle-room to your plan and schedule to ensure you’re not late.

If you arrive to your final city at 10:00 AM, don’t have a meeting set for 10:30 AM, try to give yourself at-least 2-hours to arrive to your destination.

Bring Gifts

Though not common, feel free to bring a small gift or chocolates to the people you are visiting.

It’s a kind gesture that will help you break the ice and thank them for their hospitality.


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