Business travel can be an exciting opportunity for professional growth, but it can also be stressful. Although frequent business travelers can find traveling all the time for work-related means inconvenient. Taking the time to plan ahead and prepare for your trip can help ensure that your time away from home or the office is productive, enjoyable, and stress-free. These tips for business travel will help ensure that you will have the smoothest and most enjoyable travel experience.
Pack a Carry-On Only
Checking a bag will add time to your travel and is usually not necessary. When it comes to business travel, it's important to pack light and only bring what you need. Start by packing a carry-on bag with everything you need for your trip. Bring items that can be layered so you can adjust to changes in temperature. Keep all of your essentials packed in your carry-on and ensure they are accessible on the road once you get to your destination for an easy transition. Make sure your laptop, cell phone, chargers, and other electronics are easily accessible. It is also important to pack casual clothes to wear along with your business attire for when you are out of meetings.
Pack travel-sized toiletries and any medications you may need. Bring snacks, a book, and headphones to help make the time fly. Finally, remember to bring your business cards and any other materials you need for your meeting. With a little pre-planning, you can make sure your business travel is smooth and stress-free.
Save Time in Security
If you are a frequent business traveler you may want to consider a membership with TSA Precheck or Clear which will help save you time in the security line. These are services that you can sign up for before your travels. TSA Precheck and Clear are two services that can help frequent business travelers save time in the security line. With TSA Precheck, travelers can be pre-screened for security and trusted traveler status, so they don’t have to remove their shoes, belt, and a light jacket and can keep their laptops and other electronics in their bags. With Clear, you can enter the security line without having to show your ID or boarding pass and have a dedicated lane. Both of these services require an initial application and fee, but they can provide great time savings for those who frequently travel for business. These services have a monthly membership fee as well but are a great investment if you travel often for work and can usually be covered as a business expense.
Tips for Choosing Flights
If you are in control of what flights are booked, there are a few things you can follow for the best business travel experience. One main thing you can avoid to help make the trip less stressful is by choosing a trip without a connection if possible. This will help to avoid the stress of missing a flight or having to rush to a different terminal. Other things to consider are the departure and arrival times, the duration of the flight, and the airline and plane type. You want to choose the flight with the most convenient times, the shortest duration, and the most reliable airline. You may also consider available amenities, such as Wi-Fi or USB ports if you need to do work on the plane. Lastly, you want to make sure you are comfortable, so research the seating options for the plane type and the type of ticket you purchase. All of these tips will help make your business travel experience more enjoyable.
Use Travel a Credit Card
One way to make business travel easier is to use a travel credit card. A travel credit card is designed to make it easier to manage your expenses while traveling. These cards can also be part of airline membership and rewards programs. These cards typically have no foreign transaction fees, rewards for hotel and airline purchases, travel insurance, and other perks like access to airport lounges. This can save you time and money when you're on the road. Additionally, it's important to track your spending and stay within your budget when you're traveling for business. Using a travel credit card can help you do this, as you can keep track of all your expenses in one place and make sure you don't overspend. Almost all companies reimburse all travel expenses, so you can gain rewards and points on your personal travel credit card while being reimbursed for your purchases by your company. Talk with your management about reimbursements and be aware of what expenses your company will cover.
Save Important Files Offline
While traveling, some things can go not according to plan and can not always count on technology. To be extra prepared, save important information offline so that you can have access to it if you have internet issues. Some things to save offline include itineraries, flight confirmation information, and other work-related files. A few ways to have this information available offline are through printing out these files, taking screenshots of confirmation emails, or saving them to your google drive. There are also travel apps that you can use that will help keep your itineraries and other import information in one place. A few phone applications for business travel include TripCase or Hopper.
Prepare for International Travel
If you are flying internationally for work, the steps to prepare for your flight will be different than flying domestically. Before you fly, make sure to check your passport for expired dates, check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to, and confirm the currency of the country you are traveling to. It’s also important to make sure you pack the right items for your trip, such as an adapter, power strip, and extra phone charger. You should also check with your employer to make sure you have the right phone plan and credit cards to use abroad. Additionally, it’s important to research the culture and customs of the country you are traveling to, so you can be aware of the proper etiquette and local practices. Lastly, make sure to look up the best places to eat, shop, and sightsee to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Have a Detailed Schedule
Traveling for work is not the same as taking a vacation. Even if you are a go-with-the-flow type of traveler, it is very important to have an overview of what each of your days is going to look like including work and personal time. For the best business travel experience, you should create a detailed schedule that includes meetings, deadlines, and other tasks that need to be accomplished. Make sure to also include time for meals, exercise, leisure, and rest. This will help you stay organized and on track with your work tasks. Additionally, it will ensure that you have time to relax and enjoy your travel experience.
Use Airport Lounges
If you are a frequent traveler you should take advantage of the airport lounges and their amenities. Using an airport lounge can be a great way to make business travel more comfortable. Airport lounges offer a quiet, comfortable atmosphere that is ideal for catching up on work or getting a bite to eat. Many lounges offer complimentary snacks and drinks, so you can stay refreshed during a long layover. Airport lounges also offer Wi-Fi access and other business-related services to help you get work done at the airport. You can find airport lounges at most major airports, and many offer access with credit cards or memberships. If you are a frequent traveler, taking advantage of the airport lounge can give you the break you need to stay productive.
Find Affordable Long-Term Parking at Your Airport
One of the best tips for frequent travelers is to find and reserve long-term parking at the airport you fly out of. Being able to have your own car when traveling for business is very convenient and you will always have a guaranteed parking spot. Some companies offer corporate cars to their employees which you can also use to park at the airport. On top of the added convenience of having your vehicle to take yourself and drive yourself home after your travels, you can also save money by parking at the airport. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft can become expensive and definitely add up over time if you are a frequent business traveler.
STOW IT offers long-term airport parking perfect for frequent business travelers at many airports throughout the United States. This parking alternative is the best monthly rate you can find for airport parking. The parking lots are located off-site but are all within 10 miles of the airport. There are 24/7 shuttle services that take you and pick you up from the airport. You can browse all of our options near you and make a reservation for future trips for work.