Entrepreneurs and savvy professionals often know a thing or two about travelling for business. Whether it’s heading off on a weekend trip to meet with an important client or partner, or jetting away somewhere distant to conduct market research, it’s crucial to prepare for everything your next journey might throw your way.
If you want to improve your next business trip by making it more fun, productive, and less stress-inducing, then you’ll need to consider a few of the following tips. These travel techniques should help to steer you towards success the next time you hit the road for business reasons.
1. Be Prepared
The first thing to realize about business trips, is that no matter how long you’ve spent planning to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible – there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. It may be something as common as losing the charge on your phone when you need it most and having to find a universal charger to power-up, or it might be that rain starts pouring two minutes before you’re set to make that all important first impression. Pack your hand luggage with items that prepare for the worst – from a durable windproof travel umbrella, to a universal portable adapter.
2. Travel Light
Although this is a great tip to improve your next business trip, it’s also a good rule of thumb to keep in mind whenever you want to take some of the stress out of a traveling experience. Packing smart and only taking the things that you absolutely need is a great way to ensure that you’re nimbler and have fewer concerns to worry about – such as baggage allowances and weight requirements. The lighter you pack, the fewer bags you’ll have to check, and the less time you’ll spend waiting to collect your luggage at the end of your flight.
3. Create a Checklist
If you’re concerned that you’re going to end up forgetting something crucial during your journey, a good way to improve your next business trip is to create a checklist or plan that covers every essential item on your to-do list. You can write this up on your computer before you go and print it off to carry in your pocket or hand-luggage as you move through the airports. For example, if you need to make a phone call as soon as you arrive, write it down – if you need to sort out reservations for a dinner meeting, get to it the minute you arrive at the hotel.
4. Stay Connected
Today’s mobile devices and smartphones make it easier than ever for us to stay connected wherever we’re going, and whatever we’re doing. Keep your business partners updated as to where you are on your journey with a twitter post or a message on social media. Connect with projects and assignments through cloud storage and email.
5. Relax
No matter how stressed you are, remember that one of the best ways to improve your next business trip is to take some time to sit back, breathe, and relax. Pack a pair of headphones so you can listen to your favorite tunes on the flight or bring a book to help you unwind. The last thing you need is for stress to drive you crazy before you even arrive at your destination!
