10 Top Tips for Business Travel

Business travel can be both busy and exciting. Getting the chance to visit new destinations and meet new people. So to make your next business trip even better, we’ve put together 10 top tips for business travel that might make your next journey even better…

#1 | Optimise your productivity and schedule meetings during regular working hours

Your days may have already been thrown out by travelling, with long days trying to figure out your new surroundings. So the last thing you need is for additional meetings to be extended into evenings or at the crack of dawn.

Instead, focus on putting meetings in during normal hours – ideally, between 10am and 4pm. This will allow you to keep some routine to your days while you’re away, as well as giving you the consistent time in the mornings and evenings to prepare, check emails, explore your new surroundings, catch up with loved ones at home or get some R&R.

#2 | Keep your luggage light

With potentially long days across various modes of transport, the last thing you want to do is struggle to carry heavy bags with you too. Instead, pack as lightly as you can.

Picks clothes that are versatile – for example, both smart and casual, or have similar colour schemes that can mix and match – so that you don’t have to bring multiple sets to prepare for different possible scenarios. Smaller accessories – such as jewelry or belts – can also ‘dress up’ outfits without adding much more space.

Alongside your essentials, such as your chargers and laptops, it can make travelling much less stressful without the heavy bags in tow.

#3 | Stay connected with loved ones

Loved ones will want to know you are safe on your travels, so make sure you take the time to keep in touch with them. It can also give you a release to normality, particularly if travelling across timezones, where it may feel that your work is consuming you 24/7 for the duration of your trip.

It’s also beneficial from a safety point of view; aside from any meetings, you could well be spending a lot of time on your own, so it’s a good idea to ensure that people know where you are or what you’re up to.

#4 | Carry cash, just in case

With cards – and even digital payments using your phone – becoming the norm, it’s likely that most of your spending will be done without the need for cash. This particularly applies if you have a company card or a set payment account.

However, it’s always handy to have a small amount of physical money with you, just in case. It could be that some locations don’t offer the same technology for payment services, or could even be altogether not working. You likely already have enough to think about while you’re travelling, so save the stress and make sure you don’t get caught short unable to pay for something.

#5 | Be efficient with your emails

Whilst travelling or being in meetings, you may feel pressured to constantly check your emails, firing away at a scattergun approach to get through them amid your purpose for travel.

With an out-of-office in place, you can already have set the boundaries that your responses may not be immediate. But you can keep on top of your emails by scheduling a set time every day – perhaps first thing in the morning while having breakfast. This will not only aid a normal routine, but ensures consistency in your responses as well as not letting them overwhelm you.

#6 | Schedule some ‘me’ time

From travelling to the hotel, to meetings, to the hotel, to bed, to meetings… A busy time away can easily turn into ‘Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat’. So make sure you schedule some ‘me’ time. It doesn’t need to be anything extraordinary, but simply an opportunity to get away from work and the emails. Whether that’s scheduling in some exercise or simply relaxing to watch a movie, you don’t want to risk burnout while you’re away (which could lead to unproductivity during your trip too).

#7 | Keep on top of agendas

If you’ve travelled half way around the world, the last thing you want is miscommunication about where you’re meeting, misunderstanding what you need to prepare or someone not even turning up.

Instead, ensure that calendar invites are sent out and accepted, with detailed agendas attached and reminders given. That way, you can ensuring that you are maximising efficiency for the purpose of your trip.

#8 | Stay close to your location

Booking accomodation local to the office or event you’ll be headed to has a number of benefits. It’ll save you time travelling between locations; particularly handy if you’re going to be back and forth. It could also save you money, not needing to fork out on travelcards or taxi fares. Plus, it reduces the hassle of having to constantly plan routes, or worry about getting stuck in traffic.

#9 | Prioritise your own safety

A new country with a new language and new surroundings. On top of work purposes, there is already a lot going on. So it’s important to prioritise your own safety.

Don’t let yourself feel uncomfortable with late night meetings, or unnecessarily travel further afield knowing you’ll have a long and tricky journey getting back to your hotel. Sure, you might want to make the most of your opportunities while you’re there, but always remember the core purpose of your travel and don’t put yourself into a tricky situation.

#10 | Add an extra day for yourself

If you’re able to, try to plan a day within your trip – something halfway through your week, or an extra day at the end – to allow yourself a chance for some bleisure!

Not only can it help you recharge after a busy schedule, but it gives you a chance to soak up the culture and atmosphere of a brand new location! So go and see the sights, try some food and make the most of the chance you have to add a bit of leisure to the end of your business!