Some people love business travel, as they see it as a perk (especially when they can combine it with leisure), while others hate it and find it very uncomfortable and inconvenient. Truth be told, business travel isn’t exactly like travelling for fun, as there are some significant differences, but looking on the bright side, it allows you to get out of the house and change the scenery, which is still a win if you think about it! However, when you need to travel when you don’t really want to, that’s when things can get quite stressful. But the good news is there are ways to make the trip as smooth as possible. Let’s explore them below!
Check the travel policies of your company
Before you pack your most elegant business travel outfits and book your flight, familiarise yourself with your company’s travel guidelines. This is essential because every organisation has unique regulations and rules when it comes to flight class preferences, ground transportation options, hotels, and so on.
The last thing you want is to end up with reimbursement delays or out-of-pocket expenses just because you overlooked checking the travel policies! If you want the business trip to be smooth, start with this step to ensure you will do everything by book – after all, this isn’t a trip for leisure, remember?
Book a direct flight
An essential tip when it comes to corporate travel is to avoid layovers by looking for direct flights. This will reduce the likelihood of missing the connecting flight and potentially being late for critical work appointments. Sometimes, though, it may not be possible to avoid layovers, and in such a case, it’s essential to leave enough time between the flights – this way, you won’t miss a connection.
Overall, a direct flight makes travelling a lot less stressful, eliminating the time you need to spend at the airport, so make sure not to overlook this tip.
Choose accommodation carefully
When travelling for work, it’s essential to opt for accommodation that can meet your business needs. Also, it’s a good idea to check whether your company partners with any hotel chain and if you have access to free upgrades via loyalty programs. This can offer you extra comfort at the same cost. When looking for accommodation, there are a few elements to consider, such as checking whether your company’s travel policy has any specific criteria you should keep in mind and figuring out whether it’s best to stay close to the airport or the working location.
Another aspect to keep in mind is to check that the apartment or hotel provides a reliable Wi-Fi connection, as you will likely need it for work. If you have a longer stay, it’s wise to check whether the accommodation includes a laundry service, because you will have to keep the clothes clean and look good. Finally, reading some reviews about it will help you ensure that the accommodation is quiet at night, so you won’t have any trouble getting a good night’s rest.
Pack light
When preparing for a business trip, you may end up overpacking, but it’s essential to do your best and try to avoid this because it will help you save time by not needing to check the bag. While sometimes it may be necessary to check one, you should avoid it if that’s possible. It can be very inconvenient to wait for a bag at the airport after the flight, and also, if the bag gets lost, you will end up being stuck without clothes at a business meeting – and that’s definitely not something you’d want!
Besides, packing light will ensure you won’t have to carry a messy suitcase with you wherever you go, so stick to carry-on luggage—this will make your trip a lot less stressful.
Get travel insurance
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when travelling, and this is why you should get travel insurance as a preventive measure. Anything can happen while going on a business trip, whether losing your luggage, facing logistical complications, or experiencing unexpected health issues. Having the right coverage is a good idea, as this will safeguard you against unforeseen hitches. Business travels come with the risk of injuries, too, and when experiencing an accident, the excitement of the trip will quickly fade away, and you will have to see a doctor, or worse, go to the hospital instead of participating in meetings and enjoying a delicious meal after the work hours.
More often than not, personal injuries happen because employers don’t take their duty of care seriously, and they may even neglect taking out travel insurance for employees who travel for work. When they don’t take reasonable precautions to guarantee your safety, and you get injured at the work premises, you may have the legal right to claim compensation. However, as long as you and your employer work together, there won’t be anything to worry about, and your experience will be safe.
Maintain a routine
Here’s a very important thing to do: stick to your routine, as this will make travelling easier and less stressful. Consider your regular habits and implement them while on the trip – for instance, if you generally work out three times every week, you should do the same when you go on a business trip.
Similarly, if you eat only organic foods, try to stick to this habit while travelling. Whatever your routine, maintaining it while you’re away from home can really make a difference, as it will bring a sense of consistency and make the trip much more enjoyable.
The bottom line
Business trips can be overwhelming, but we hope these hacks will help you feel more prepared. After all, a business trip comes with opportunities for professional development, and if you learn how to mitigate potential challenges, you can maximise its potential and lay the foundation for an enjoyable experience that will contribute to your growth. Just remember not to leave travel arrangements at the last minute because this is often a recipe for disaster. Plan early and smartly, and you’ll have a safe and successful business adventure!