Business travel tips are necessary, because nobody likes travelling for business when their body is sore, their clothes are wrinkled, and they have screaming children wailing in their ears. The fact of the matter is that business travel is a billion dollar industry, and that if you haven’t traveled on business yet, there will come a time where you have to hop on a plane, train, or in an automobile to journey across the country for work.
Here are some corporate travel tips to ensure you’re prepared the next time you have to hit the road:
Stay Charged Up
Your electronic devices, like your phone, your tablet, your music player, are all important for your survival on the road. You’ll need them in case of emergency, to stay on top of work during your journey, or simply to zone out and enjoy the ride. That being said, you have to make sure that everything you have is charged. This way, you’re not scouring the airport looking for a charging station. Instead you’re ready to lay back and relax for whatever might come your way.
Keep Rations on Hand
These aren’t business travel tips if they aren’t keeping you alive! Airports across the world can be cold, desolate, and option-less places. The last thing you want to do is lurch around the terminal simply looking for something to eat. Always keep an energy bar, a granola bar, or some easy form of protein in your carry-on. This will help stave off that hunger, and will give you the energy you need to continue your quest.’
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Dress the Part
Do you want to be stuck beside someone in shorts and flip-flops for an eight hour flight? Do yourself a favour, and make sure that you’re dressed the part whenever you fly. I’m not suggesting that you wear your Sunday best, but the best business travel tip is to keep the business part alive. You don’t have to wear a tuxedo, but you should at least be wearing a dress shirt and a nice pair of slacks (with socks!) Not only is this going to be make you feel better when you land, especially if you have a tight turnaround time between your flight and a meeting, but it could also help you when it comes to upgrading (the folks at the airline desk look kindly upon those who’ve come dressed for the occasion).
Destroy Jet Lag
Your biggest enemy when travelling on business is going to be the monster that is jet lag. It’s going to try and beat you down, to screw up your internal clock so badly that you won’t be sure which way is up and which way is down. The best way to combat jet lag is to trick your body into thinking that the time is the same as it was at home. Set your clock ahead or behind (depending on where you are), and definitely do not go to sleep until it is dark out. This means no naps, no shut-eye, nothing, until it is dark enough that you can’t see your hand in front of your face. This way, your body will regulate itself, and you’ll beat jet lag.
Try to Keep it in the Family
When you’re travelling, especially if you’re travelling domestically, try and book through one flight service — and one flight service alone. The best business travel tip I can give you is that flight companies tend to pay back those who are loyal to them. This could mean upgrades, priority booking, or things of that nature. This means that if you fly Delta once, try to fly Delta again, or whichever airline you’re going with. Trust me, if you show some faith, it will pay off in both frequent flyer miles, as well as preferential treatment.
Stay Consistent
The most important part of travelling on business is routine. When you leave, while you’re travelling, and when you touch down in your new location; you will always want to have a routine. This could mean arriving at the hotel at a similar phase of your journey, or eating at a familiar chain, or simply doing something like reading, or working, before bed. Establishing a routine will give your body, which will currently be in a state of relative shock, that comfort that it needs to regulate itself and get back to normal. It is also comforting for you emotionally, and will give you the energy you need to tackle your meetings like a boss.
These business travel tips will hopefully provide you with an easier experience the next time you are travelling on business. Don’t forget, it’s a war out there just to maintain your sanity, and the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Look out for number one, and get your business done in style by following these corporate travel tips.
