Traveling for business can be a hectic experience if you approach your upcoming trip without any preparation. As with everything else in the world, there is an art to getting the most out of business travels and actually enjoying it. Follow these few simple steps and be prepared to take your jet-setting game to the next level!
Pack like the pros
Getting the most of any trip begins with packing the most effectively (not to be confused with packing the most). A hack to help fit the most into your bag when traveling, which is especially useful with some airlines’ astronomical baggage fees, is to roll your clothes. Not only does rolling your clothes help you fit more in your bag, but it reduces wrinkling.
If your clothes do wrinkle (because no hack is fail-proof), skip the pricey laundry service at the hotel and steam your clothes in the bathroom by hanging them while you shower. Also, if you travel often, it helps immensely to have a ready-to-go toiletry bag always stocked with TSA-approved liquids. This way, you just need to roll up your clothes, throw your toiletry bag in your suitcase, and you’re off in a jiffy.
Be on before you jet off
Have you ever been the one at airport check-in rummaging through your briefcase for your boarding pass? If you have a smartphone, there’s a much easier solution.
Have you ever been the one at airport check-in rummaging through your briefcase for your boarding pass? If you have a smartphone, there’s a much easier solution.
Network in the clouds (no, not that cloud)
Getting the most out of a business trip means getting more than what you came for. One in five business travelers says they’ve done business with someone they met in flight. With over one million people traveling for business daily, you’re bound to be sitting by someone in the industry (or someone who knows someone in the industry). So, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with your neighbor, you’ll be surprised by what you might learn. However, this also means you should be careful about what you say and how you act. You don’t want to be bad mouthing a competitor to later find out they were listening to you from a few rows back.
Tip for managers
Traveling with employees gives you the unique opportunity to chat and receive feedback on your role as a manager in an informal environment. Not to mention, one in four business travelers say they get their best ideas when traveling, so take this time to hear what ideas others may have. Everyone has something to contribute, and people are more honest and open when they don’t feel like they’ll be asked to go clean out their desk for a wrong answer.
Returning home
If you’re on a late flight, go ahead and rest up after your trip. This is one opportunity you’ll be able to do so without the incessant ding of another email landing in your inbox. If you’re on a day flight, don’t feel guilty splurging on the in-flight Wi-Fi, if you can. This is a great opportunity to follow up on any meetings you had during your trip and catch up on emails and other work. You’ll be glad you got some tasks out of the way so that you’re not overwhelmed when you return to the office.
Now you know the secrets to preparing for your next business trip. From packing your suitcase to networking with your neighbor, these tips will help your travels be stress-free and productive. Feel free to refer to these business-savvy rules before your next work trip!
