Navigating Business Travel: Expert Tips for a Smooth and Successful Trip

If you are a first time business traveler, we have the best tips and tricks so you can travel like a pro!

Love it or hate it. If you get to combine business with leisure, it can be a great perk. If you are time restrained, it can be stressful without proper organisation and planning.

Essentials to be packed and ready to go in your suitcase

Items such as toiletries and medicines, should be kept at hand and ready to pack. If you travel often, it’s a great idea to keep these items in a toiletry bag which you only use for your trips.

Stick to carry-on where possible

Pack light if you want to save time and hassle on waiting at baggage carousels, lost luggage and the inconvenience of pushing and pulling 23 - 30 kilos around.

Keep your everyday essentials in one place

Boarding passes, IDs, important documents, your phone, agenda, credit card, wallet… Pack them together where you can always easily find them when you need them. There’s nothing worse than not finding your ID when you get to the gate and flustered because you are un-organised!

Pack casual clothes too!

There may be occasions that call for casual attire where your business clothes are too over-dressed and even uncomfortable. Ensure you pack for that ‘last minute’ invite from a client or long lost friend.

Prepare for security checks

Security checks can be very strict, with liquids, electronics, and sometimes chargers often being required to be taken out of your luggage. A good idea is to place them in clear snap-lock bags ready for a smooth security check.

Make comfort a priority

Whether it’s your bags, your clothes, your meals, or your sleep and skincare routine, make sure you have all the basics you need in order to feel comfortable during your trip.

Bring a power bank

This was never proven to be a bad idea! You never know when you might need it since it can be difficult to find a plug when you’re travelling for long periods of time.

Bring your (travel size) toiletries

Stick to your usual routine by taking your own toiletries and hair products. (Nothing beats your own right)? You want to look your best at that important business meeting.

Pack healthy snacks

For many business travelers, a work trip often means irregular meal times and unhealthy snack. With a little preparation, you can avoid this. Pack enough healthy, balanced snacks to keep with you not only on the plane but also whenever you’re on the go.

Location is key

Your seat selection can make a difference between a decent and an uncomfortable flight. If you are lucky enough to fly business, then you do not have the challenges of being seated in economy. Do you get up frequently? Choose an aisle seat. Are you travelling with another person? Choose the aisle and the window seat as the middle is usually the last chosen. There are dedicated websites where you can find the best and worst seat for your flight in particular, so it’s always a good idea to check these before selecting your seat.

Do your research on foreign business etiquette

You’ve prepared your speech and you have all your stats ready, what else? Depending on where you’re traveling, can be very different from your own country. Make sure to check the basic rules beforehand, so you’ll be able to stretch that client’s hand—or not—with confidence!

Bring a power adapter

If you’re traveling abroad, chances are the electricity points are different. Make sure you pack an international power adapter to connect your devices, but also to prevent them from breaking due to voltage issues.

Stretch

Sitting in the same position for hours on end can have terrible effects on your circulation, your back, and your neck. And who wants to arrive at their important business meeting with a stiff neck? Take time to stretch and walk around your flight every now and then throughout your flight for optimum flight health.

Don’t sleep as soon as you arrive

After a long, exhausting trip you might be tempted to sleep as soon as you arrive, no matter the local time. Try avoid doing this at all costs, and let your body adjust to the new time zone as soon as possible. If you can exercise by taking a walk / run or utilising the hotel gym, do it!

Take pictures of all your receipts

No receipts, no refunds is a pretty standard rule here. This is why we recommend you take a picture every time you get a receipt. This way, even if you lose the paper version, you will always have the picture to prove your expenses. Do ensure you store them all in an allocated envelope.

Use a firewall when using public internet

Especially when you use your work computer and access work-related information, make sure your antivirus is up to date and you have a firewall to protect you from anyone accessing your data.

There are alternatives to working in your hotel room

A coworking space is probably your best option without using your room. With new shared office spaces popping up in all major cities, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Even some cafes are set up with wi-fi and charging points you can work in for a small fee.

Don’t forget to report your expenses

Once back home, it’s time to do the expense reporting. If you’ve followed the previous tips and kept good track of your receipts, it shouldn’t be that complicated. However, make sure to do it in time and check that nothing is missing!

Send thank you emails

If your business partners and clients made sure your business trip was successful, send them an email to thank them for that and for their time. They will definitely appreciate it, and it will strengthen the relationship.

Leave reviews for cafes, restaurants and hotels

 Be kind and leave a good review! You might be back at the same hotel next time, and it will give them something nice to remember you for, plus it will assist future travellers.

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