15 tips for business trips

We've divided our business travel tips and tricks into four distinct sections.

planning before departure

1. Check your company policies

If you're in charge of logistics, you need to understand your company's travel policies. Read the fine print to find out where to book travel, budget restrictions, the approval process, and how to claim an expense.

Failure to follow the rules could result in an awkward conversation with the chief financial officer—or worse, unexpected expenses.

2. Create a practical itinerary

This is not the time to save a few pounds on a cheap multi-stop flight. Unless you're self-employed, someone else will foot the bill anyway. So it's in your best interest to create the most economical itinerary possible - a direct flight is always best.

Also consider your departure and arrival times. If possible, you should be able to rest before the first big meeting of the trip.

3. Use appropriate luggage

The age-old debate of carry-on versus check-in continues. For long-term business trips, you need a large suitcase that can hold your business and casual wardrobe.

However, for a short business trip, you don't need a lot of space to take your most important things with you. Forego the bulky check-in luggage and instead take a nimble suitcase or an elegant weekend bag with you. This saves you valuable time at the baggage carousel and makes it easier to move around the city.

4. Download documents and apps

Since you won't always have Internet access, it's a good idea to download all your important digital documents to your phone. Have a PDF copy of your flight itinerary, car rental reservations, and hotel bookings ready (pro tip: the TripIt app does all of this for you).

Install your favorite travel apps (rideshare, currency converter, translator, etc.) and make sure you have an offline map for your travel destination. Finally, download your favorite music, podcasts or TV shows to keep yourself entertained during the flight.

In transit

5. Check in online

Save time by checking in online, either at home or on the way to the airport. Business travelers who are short on time can save even more valuable time by paying extra for priority baggage (or carrying only carry-on baggage).

On long-haul flights, it is worth choosing a comfortable seat in advance. Exit rows offer plenty of extra legroom (for a fee), and sites like Seat Guru can help you find the best position on a particular aircraft.

6. Put on comfortable clothes

Since you don't have to impress important business partners during the flight, you can wear comfortable, casual clothing on board. This way you can keep your smart business attire wrinkle-free and it will be easier for you to doze off in your row of seats.

Don't dress too casually if you're aiming for an upgrade, though -- neither airline staff nor the hotel front desk appreciate messy attire.

7. Use the airport lounge

Use the breaks during the flight to manage your hectic workload. Dedicated airport lounges offer business travelers a quiet and comfortable place to work between flights.

If a lounge pass doesn't fit your budget, you'll find plenty of public seating at the airport. It's not quite as glamorous, but it's enough in a pinch.

8. Stay hydrated

Flying at 30,000 feet has a nasty habit of drying you out. Take a water bottle on board and drink it regularly during the flight. And as tempting as it may seem, skip the alcohol truck - save the fun for your vacation.

Air travel also dries you out, so make sure you keep your skin well-moisturized.

At your travel destination

9. Go online (safely).

If there's one thing a 21st-century business traveler can't live without, it's a reliable (and secure) Internet connection. For international arrivals, you must go to the nearest SIM card stand at the airport immediately after exiting the tarmac.

If you use public Wi-Fi, know that it's far from secure. Limit usage to non-sensitive browsing or install a reputable VPN.

10. Get up early for everything

If you haven't visited your destination before, you should assume that the local transport infrastructure is inefficient and slow. Order your Uber rides extra early or reserve your parking spot online in advance to gain some wiggle room and avoid unnecessary stress.

But being late isn't the only business faux pas. Find out about business travel etiquette at your destination and behave accordingly.

11. Consider co-working

Do you have to work a few hours between two customer appointments? If your hotel room doesn't have a proper desk and you hate working in busy cafes, consider investing in a co-working space.

These individually furnished shared workspaces are ideal for business travel. You get a quiet, comfortable workspace with lightning-fast connection and all the necessary office supplies at a reasonable price.

12. Keep track of your receipts

The last thing you want is to not have to pay for your company's business expenses. Take a backup photo of all receipts once you've paid, then withdraw receipts for safekeeping.

If you have a company credit card, keep your personal credit card in a safe place so you don't accidentally use it for work-related expenses.

wellbeing

13. Take jet lag seriously

Changing your eating habits can help overcome jet lag. Twitter strategist and veteran business traveler Olinda Hassan told Forbes, "If you can, start eating in local time before you arrive at your destination. This is especially helpful if you're only traveling far for a few days."

Avoid the temptation to fall asleep as soon as you arrive at the hotel. Unless you have an important meeting in the afternoon, it's better to push through and stay up until a bedtime that's appropriate for the area. And if you arrive well rested in the evening, do some exercise to get tired.

14. Prioritize sleep

An often neglected tip for business travelers is to prioritize sleep. However, studies have shown that the secret to happiness lies in a good night's sleep. And personal experience has taught us that insufficient sleep is a surefire way to moodiness (and poor job performance).

Make sure you get enough sleep to keep you energized and focused throughout the day. Read books at night instead of scrolling social media and set a blue light filter on your phone.

15. Stick to your exercise program

While business trips often come with a strenuous travel schedule, that's no excuse for neglecting your exercise regimen. Twenty minutes in the hotel gym at the end of a busy day may feel tiring, but it leaves you fit and rested for the day ahead.

You don't have to break any Strava records here. Just don't settle down.

5 things to take with you on a business trip

No business travel tips article would be complete without addressing what to take on a plane.

We've put together a short list of the top five essentials for business travel.

1. A suitable suitcase

Whether you're packing a small carry-on for a short business trip or a large suitcase for a longer stay, choosing the right luggage is crucial. Business travelers who travel frequently should choose a stylish, functional and durable model - it will pay off over time.

2. Earplugs and eye mask

Uninterrupted sleep is essential to a successful business trip, and these two inexpensive solutions work wonders to ease sleep. A few relaxing herbal remedies add extra relaxation - think valerian or chamomile instead of drowsy prescription pills.

3. Noise canceling headphones

Frequent travelers know all too well the ubiquitous, headache-inducing roar of jet engines. These handy, high-tech devices have tiny built-in microphones that capture the deafening hum and emit an in-phase sound wave to cancel it out. The result? Happy serenity and a happier air traveler.

4. Dress appropriately

A cozy wardrobe, which is not work-related, ensures that you are comfortable on the plane and can walk around the city. Fold and pack both casual and business attire into space-saving packing cubes. If you need to rush to a meeting as soon as you arrive, pack a pair of pre-pressed office clothes in a suit bag.

5. Tiny toiletries

Fill your favorite self-care products into travel-size containers and place them in an airport security-approved container (a zip-lock bag). Because air travel dries out your hair and skin, keep dry shampoo and moisturizer in your locker.

PS:

A business trip is not a holiday. With a busy schedule and a multitude of important meetings, you need to be quick, efficient and on top of things.

If you pack light, stay healthy and plan the most important details in advance, your next business trip will be a complete success. And with the easing of global travel restrictions post-COVID, business travel will once again become an integral part of the corporate landscape.

Keep our handy business travel tips in mind to optimize your next work-related trip.

FAQ

How to dress for business trips

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There is no one-size-fits-all dress code for business trips. Pack professional attire for your industry and position. For important customer appointments, you should play it safe and dress up.

How do I pack for a business trip?

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Packing cubes help you organize your clothes into small bundles. Keep essentials (passport, boarding pass, etc.) handy to avoid rummaging through your suitcase at inopportune times.

What are three safety tips for business trips?

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Stay COVID-safe (masks, social distancing, hygiene); learn about common hazards at your destination and act accordingly; stay safe online (avoid public Wi-Fi) and keep sensitive documents locked away.

What are three packing tips for business trips?

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Take both work clothes and casual clothes with you; take a power bank with you to keep your tech devices charged; use small toiletries to save space.