If you are preparing for business travel, you may be in a quandary about exactly what you need to do and why. After all, preparing for a business trip isn’t quite like preparing for a pleasure trip. A business trip could be just the same as going to work with the added complication of being out of your office! Here are a few ideas to help you plan for your business trip in a way that reduces stress, supports productivity, and leaves a little room for fun!
Reach out to your network. Social networking sites make it simple to get suggestions from your friends and pick their brains for information. Post a question about your destination and you’ll likely garner many responses. These instant answers are especially helpful when you are on your trip and looking for a place to eat ASAP.
Protect your liquids from spilling when you travel with a homemade bottle stopper. Before screwing the cap on your travel-sized toiletries, cover the top with a small piece of plastic removed from a plastic shopping bag. This will both protect your clothes from the liquid and keep the liquid inside its container.
Buy a kit of toiletries and set them aside exclusively for travel. If you travel often, packing all your toiletries can be a pain. It is not at all difficult to forget something as simple as a toothbrush or a stick of deodorant. Save time by purchasing a set of these things that you keep on hand, just for taking with you on trips.
Always keep bottled water with you when you travel. In some countries tap water is not suitable for human consumption and may contain bacteria that could make you very ill. Filters alone don’t always remove these harmful microorganisms, so either buy commercial bottle water from a reliable source or boil all water before you drink it.
Airport food can be pricey and not all flights provide snacks while in flight. Its handy to keep a couple of sticks of jerky, a candy bar, or maybe a pack of peanuts in your pocket or purse so that you can get that quick energy boost you need without having to pay an arm and a leg or take the time to buy food at a shop.
Wear dark sunglasses throughout your entire flight if you want to be left alone. Most people will assume that you are either trying to sleep or nursing a migraine, and will behave as such. If you want politeness and courtesy, leave the glasses on. It’s an easy way to have a relaxing flight.
Winter travel can be quite stressful. Give yourself extra time as you get ready for your winter vacation. Delays are always a possibility. Bring something with you to keep you busy, such as a book, since you may have long waits at the security line or at the departure gate. Be prepared to wait. Cities that get a lot of ice and snow, can have delays of two or three hours or more.
When traveling by cruise ship, try to talk with the other passengers at the formal dinners. The cruise ships are generally going to put you in a large group comprised of people you do not know. Enjoy yourself and have a good time meeting new folks. You’ll probably see them daily, and you might learn something about the ship when you do.
Buses have long been looked upon as a cheap, uncivil way to travel. However, travel via bus is much better today than it used to be. Buses are clean and have amenities like Wi-fi and outlets to plug in your electronics. You can find several bus companies that provide trips to and from large cities.
Locate ethnic travel agencies in various cities in the U.S. These agents could be considered experts since they are from the region you’ve chosen to travel. They are basically a wealth of knowledge ranging from what to do and see to how to save money. Enrich yourself and have a great trip by experiencing the charm and culture of the region that could only be known by a true native of the land.
If you’re flying with a toddler and bringing a car seat, purchase a wheeled device that attaches directly to the car seat. It can be incredible difficult to tote your luggage, car seat, and a stroller through the airport. Turning your car seat into a stroller might give you a free hand, which is much needed when you have a baby in tow.
So remember, avoiding rushing is the key to successful business travel. By planning your travel well ahead of your meetings and obligations, you will be able to save some money, relax and have a good time. See if you can take a day off before and after the trip to avoid feeling pressured and rushed. In this way, you will have a productive and enjoyable business trip.
