Whether you enjoy or despise business travel, there’s no doubt that it can be instrumental to the growth of your business.
Business travel is an opportunity to network with potential buyers and partners and expand the reach of your business. Conferences are also a chance to learn and stay on the cutting edge of your industry.
Below are tips to make travel easy and maximize your time, budget and work-life balance so even the biggest homebody has a good time.
To ensure you have a good time consider working with a global workforce mobility team so they can handle all of the details and you can enjoy more free time to explore.
Some challenges that face business travelers are:
- Maintaining a work-life balance
- Proper diet, sleep and exercise
- Finding family time
- Managing stress
- Sticking to a budget
- Proper documentation, such as visas
Before You Leave
Set yourself up for success and plan ahead, this includes:
- Use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and check-in ahead of time to expedite the security process.
- Take early morning flights, they are usually cheaper and you’ll most likely still get to your destination should there be delays.
- Take photocopies of important documents like your passport, driver’s license and others in case your wallet or bag is lost or stolen.
- Get and use a credit card that’s tailored to business travel so you can earn rewards, miles and points from your trips.
- Negotiate costs, you can save a lot of money by asking a service provider about their deals and discounts.
- Use travel apps to plan your itinerary and stay organized.
- Pack smart and be prepared by bringing healthy snacks, charging your electronics and packing backup clothes should something happen to your checked bag.
- Utilize carry-on, to avoid the stress of a lost checked bag and save money as checked bags often cost more.
Once You’ve Arrived
Now that you’ve made it, make the most out of your time in a new destination:
- Ask for a room upgrade, if the hotel isn’t booked up you could score a better room with no added cost.
- Book ‘alternative’ lodging like an Airbnb or another similar service: you can make use of top vacation rental sites for finding the perfect rental.
- Make sleep a priority to stay healthy and alert during business meetings.
- Take personal time to relax, exercise and explore your new surroundings.
- Drink water and eat healthy food options to keep your body happy and combat stress and jetlag.
