When your arrangements for an upcoming trip consist of throwing clothes into your bag and rushing out the door to catch the Uber you just ordered, it’s time for a change.
Smart Travel Tips and Tricks for Your Business Trips
By giving slightly more effort, you can get so much more out of any trip out of town, be it a once in a while or a frequent occurrence. No matter what level of preparation you do right now, there is a step-up, and the tips in this article will definitely aid in that pursuit.
Pack It Ahead of Time
Have an Emergency Travel Bag Packed with Essentials So You Can Grab It and Leave at Any Moment
These days technology has made it more convenient than ever to book last-minute flights and accommodations; make sure you’re flexible as well by having a bag ready to go. This will save you precious time when needing to head out for an unexpected business trip.
Even if you know way ahead of time of your travel, having a full bag waiting for you beforehand eliminates a lot of hassle.
If you are a frequent traveler, consider keeping most of the items you may need in this bag. Make a list of all the things you need, and then put all the items you can afford to have in the bag, in the bag.
Common examples would be:
Extra toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrush, hair comb, deodorant, grooming tools, tissues, hand sanitizer, gum
Medications, especially if you take any on a regular basis. Even if you don’t, it’s best to have the essentials on hand, such as painkillers, bandaids, and allergy meds. (Everyone will have different needs here so take a bit of time to consider yours)
Copies of all of your documents such as ID card, passport (vaccine as well), insurance, business cards
Miscellaneous items such as a notepad, pen, a few pairs of socks and underwear, a bottle of water, and non-perishable items? snack or two, and a small amount of cash is always handy
Spare chargers for all your gadgets and devices
These items are better left in the travel bag. Things that you need but don’t want to keep in your bag at all times should be in a separate list, and make sure to check them off the list and grab them when you travel.
- Your actual passport, driving license, and other documents.
- Laptop, smartphone, headphones, wallet, extra cash
Packing Tips: Not Packing Extra
Whenever Possible, Only Use Carry-on Bags
If you need to travel to a foreign country or across the state, carrying one or two large bags around should suffice to make your stress levels go through the roof. What if your bags get stolen, lost, or damaged before you arrive at your hotel?
Try, whenever possible, to pack as light as you can and keep your most important belongings in the carry-on.
Pack Casual Clothing and Things That Can Help You Sleep at Night
Don’t just pack all the suits you own. Make sure you also include some casual gym clothes in your luggage so you have something to wear when exploring the new city you are in once the conference or meeting is over and you can finally unwind.
You may also want to go out to eat and wear something more relaxed than an uptight suit.
Place your shirts in a plastic bag that your dry cleaning items are usually delivered in and make sure you have your favorite pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and whatever else you use to make sure you can enjoy a relaxing sleep wherever you are.
Use a Professional Luggage Delivery Service
If you do indeed need to take with you an actual suitcase or a few, it may be better to send it with a luggage delivery service. Instead of going through the trouble of having it with you through your journey and flight, have it arrive at your hotel even before you do.
You don’t have to worry about carrying several heavy suitcases with important items inside to several different pit stops and business destinations on your way to a big sales conference. Have a luggage delivery company handle the pickup and drop off of the bags for you in a seamless manner.
A service like this can pick up your heavy luggage at your doorstep, and have it arrive conveniently wherever you need. It’s cheaper than paying extra to the airline, way more convenient, and your nerves will thank you for it.
Make Use of Rewards Programs
Choose a Card with Zero Transaction Fees
As a corporate traveler, you will gain miles or points on your chosen airlines, hotels, and credit cards used when traveling. When using the latter, make sure to ask for a credit card that does not incur any foreign transaction fees if you need to travel to foreign countries.
Opt For Branded Frequent-Flyer Programs
Look into branded frequent-flyer programs such as the Flying Blue for France, Emirates Skywards for the Emirates, or Executive Club for British Airways.
They will bring you some nice extras, including better prices for flights in the future, as well as discounts for your luggage or seats, priority when there is a potential upgrade to travel class, free entry to airport lounges, early boarding, and much more.
First Class vs Business Class
First-class, depending on the chosen airline and selected travel route, usually costs twice that of a ticket in business class. Today, seating in business class has greatly improved and in some cases can be more comfortable than first-class, but there are still plenty of first-class amenities that aren’t available in all business classes.
These incredible amenities might include showers and double beds but may go as far as an entire apartment on the flight.
Frankfurt’s Lufthansa has its own exclusive lounge for passengers who travel first-class and it enables them to use their own private terminal instead of the public airport terminal. The ride to the plane is done in a luxury Mercedes or Porsche automobile.
On the other hand, the business-class lounge will provide you with a quiet space with fast WiFi speeds for doing work or relaxing before the flight, complimentary snacks, and comfortable chairs.
If you are looking for a seat that can turn into a bed for a long and exhausting flight to your destination, this will help you choose between one or the other.
Conclusion
Finally, try to only book nonstop flights with zero layovers and apply for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check so you are given access to quicker customs and security wherever you might be traveling.
Remember that the time you cut on your journey is time you can spend resting at the hotel or spending some time downtown.
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