If you are new to business travel, the idea of jetting across the globe for work might fill you with fear. In today’s fast-paced world, business travel is more essential than ever. Despite it being commonplace, many executives still find it stressful.
To make your trip more enjoyable, you must find creative ways to streamline your journey and travel smarter. When traveling for business, there are things to consider beyond the weather and budget. To help you on your journey, follow these five tips below from industry professionals:
1. Be Familiar With Workplace Travel Policies
Every company has workplace travel policies. Familiarize yourself with yours by requesting it from your line manager or HR Department. These policies often include aspects like means of allowed travel, expected daily budgets, and dress code when representing the company.
After all, you cannot expect your company to shell out for a first-class ticket. Travelers can face health issues, safety concerns, and delays. That is where corporate travel guidelines come in, they can help you establish a plan if any of those occur.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
For high-profile professionals, hire a dedicated travel agent or concierge to manage all aspects of your trip and itinerary. Some credit card companies, like American Express, offer 24/7 concierge services to assist business travelers.
To avoid overbooking yourself, plan your itinerary with essential meetings, training sessions, lunches, and dinners first and then add opportunities for sightseeing. As much as this is a work trip, mixing in a little play will make the overall trip more enjoyable.
3. Book Accommodation
When searching for accommodation, prioritize places near where you will be working. Look online for reviews on apartments for short-term visits in Toronto and choose the rental that best suits your needs.
Short-term rentals for business are all about finding the perfect balance between comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The goal is to find a home-away-from-home vibe that conventional hotel rooms do not offer.
4. Expect Delays
Travel almost always ends in delays. To prepare for possible delays on business trips, check flight statuses regularly, and pack light. Ensure your devices are fully charged before you leave and charge them when needed between flights and trips.
If one mode of transport is delayed, cancel it and book something else. Time is money and that matters the most during business travel. For example, if your flight is delayed, take a train instead, if the train employees are on strike – take the bus. Expect delays but do whatever you can to prevent them from affecting your schedule.
5. Rest Often
Business travel takes it out of you. To make business travel more productive, reduce stress, and prioritize self-care, rest as often as possible.
Get a massage between flights, stay hydrated, and take naps on each trip. Invest in a good-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones to help make the above possible. By getting enough shut-eye, taking downtime, and learning to stay relaxed while traveling, you can maximize your productivity on each business trip.
To End
Take the stress and uncertainty out of business travel by following these five tips above. Business travel planning can be daunting, but having the right approach can make it more enjoyable and efficient. Safe travels!`
