Traveling for business purposes is one of those things that can sound good, but in practice can turn out to be a bit of a nightmare. While everyone likes the sound of being paid to travel, the reality of having to circumnavigate the globe while working is not always as fun as it should be.
However, just because it won’t automatically be a fun time, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be. We’ve put together some handy tips that’ll allow you to get the most from your time on the road.
Choose an Easy Flight – And Travel in Comfort
Most business travel trips are pretty short. In some cases, the entire trip might only involve staying over a single night. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you’re ready for action as soon as you land.
You’ll find it much easier to hit the ground running if you choose a straightforward flight. If you select a flight that involves multiple layovers and the like, then it’ll be inevitable that you arrive pretty exhausted. Direct flights are the way to go — and try to choose a good departure time, too. Getting up at 4 am to travel to the airport is a guaranteed way to be in a bad mood.
It’s also best to travel in comfort. You’ll have extra clothes with you, so simply wear loungewear on the flight (you’ll thank us) then change out into more formal clothing once you land. The exception for that is if the flight you’re taking is only short.
Stay in a Single Hotel Chain
If you’re a frequent business traveler, then it’s recommended to choose a single hotel chain, and then use their hotels every time you make a trip. You can get great bonuses if you show commitment to a hotel, which will mean that you’re able to save money, get free upgrades, and get other benefits that the average tourist can’t access.
If you need some help navigating the wide range of hotel loyalty programs you have at your disposal, this website can help you to narrow down your choices.
Exploring the City
The primary focus for your trip will be business, sure, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t spend a little bit of time having fun. After all, if you’re visiting one of the world’s great cities, then you’ll want to more than simply sit in an office all day.
It’s best to plan ahead, so you can make space in your schedule for seeing the sights. Don’t worry if you only have a few hours to explore after you’ve checked out from your hotel, but before you head to the airport. Companies like Radical Storage allow you to safely store your luggage so that you can then see the city without having to carry your bags around. It makes a huge difference to your experience, trust us!
Since you’ll only have limited time, it’s best to prioritize what you want to see. You won’t be able to see every single attraction that the city has to offer, but you might be able to see a few of the main highlights.
Take a Picture of Receipts
You’ll be getting — or should be getting — your travel expenses reimbursed by your company. However, you’ll only get the money if you can show them receipts. If you can’t, then they won’t be paying out — that’s just how it is.
It’s recommended to take photos of your receipts since you never know what might happen. You could have that receipt in your pocket, but then a gust of wind comes along and all of a sudden, you’ll find that you’re responsible for the cost of that big breakfast you had. Ouch. Don’t let it happen!
Be Mindful of Public Wifi
You’ll need to connect to the internet when you’re traveling, well, you most likely will, anyway. It’s best to be mindful of connecting to public wifi, however — there’s a reason why those internet connections are free; you’re the product. You’ll be taking a big risk with your company’s data, which is a surefire way to get fired. Connect to private connections (like in your hotel) or, if you absolutely must connect, then use a VPN to protect yourself.
Bring Home Souvenirs
Finally, load up on souvenirs before you travel home. Business trips can be extremely quick and it can feel like you’ve had no experience of the place you’re visiting. Taking home a few local delicacies will remind you that you were in fact there.
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