Business travels have something of a mixed reputation among employees, and while some people love them and see them as a perk and unique opportunity, others find the trips inconvenient at best and downright uncomfortable at worst. There’s no denying the fact that it can be challenging to travel for work, as it is fundamentally different from doing so for leisure. You need to be alert and ready to complete tasks, not relaxed and ready to unwind.
If you’re an experienced traveler and have already completed dozens of work-related trips, there are probably not many tips you still need to learn. In fact, you may have developed your own routines as well, after going through a lot of trial and error to determine what fits and what doesn’t. But if you’re a beginner and unsure of where to start in order to make things easier for yourself, here are a few things that you need to consider.
Integrate technology
Tech solutions are known for their ability to make things more efficient in the workplace, so why would business trips be any different? Getting an eSIM is one of the first things you can do, as it’ll help you reduce costs and guarantee you have access to fast and reliable internet at all times. Roaming charges will become a thing of the past as well, so that you can save the extra cash and maybe use it to explore your surroundings in this new place a little, after work is done.
The Holafly plan for North America ensures that you can use digital maps at all times so that you never get lost, answer video calls with no delays, and send messages in only a few seconds. Apart from that, technology also comes in the form of several apps and tools that can be used to book the best hotels and restaurants, handle travel passes, and solve any other issue that can take time, effort, and resources. When you’re in a different country, it can be challenging to figure out how things work, but solutions like these are always at your disposal.
Carry-ons only
Packing for a trip is one of the least favourite parts for many people, as it is easy to overpack or pack too little. Both extremes are uncomfortable, as the first one means that you have to haul heavy, oversized suitcases along, while the latter will leave you with no choice but to go shopping to make up for the items you forgot to bring along. Luckily, there’s a solution to avoid both extremes: stick with carry-on bags.
Apart from saving you time and money, having a single bag can reduce your stress as well, since you don’t have to worry about your luggage being lost and the subsequent hassle you’ll have to go through to recover it. Data shows that more than 2 million suitcases are lost every year in the US, numbers you definitely don’t want to add to. However, it’s important to be realistic as well. If your business trip is longer than a week or two, you will most likely not be able to pack light, no matter how hard you try.
In such cases, it is important to plan carefully and start packing a few days ahead to make sure you get everything you need. Make sure to pack both business and casual clothes, as you never know when you’ll be invited to something a little more informal where being dressed to the nines will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Remember to make comfort a priority even with your more elegant clothing, and bring everything else that you think can ensure your comfort, such as skincare or a neck pillow.
Be more sustainable
If you have to travel often, you may have become concerned about the impact the frequent trips have on your carbon footprint. After all, air travel is known as a significant polluter. It’s always a good idea to consider whether a business trip is even necessary, or if there are remote work alternatives you could try first. After all, video conferencing and digital project management tools have improved considerably over the last few years and are likely to be enough to solve a few pesky tasks.
However, there are situations when you have to travel. In that case, you need to look for the flights with the lowest emissions. Direct ones are the best choice, as they cover shorter distances and naturally reduce the number of landings and takeoffs as well, the times during which the emissions are at their peak. If possible, you can look into more eco-friendly transportation alternatives as well. For instance, travelling by train is certainly preferable. Buses are a good idea too, especially since, just like trains, they provide more legroom than planes.
If you need to travel by car, you should definitely consider carpooling, the practice that involves sharing a vehicle with several other people who go in the same direction. Getting the opportunity to socialize can put your mind at ease as well and reduce your anxiety ahead of the trip, so there are several other benefits you can enjoy apart from the environmental ones.
Try to maintain a routine
One of the main reasons why business travel can make you feel uncomfortable is that you have to be productive and exhibit top performance in a place that lacks the familiarity and comforts of home. Since business trips often take place at different locations every time, it’s not like you can get used to a different environment anyway, as your next trip might be somewhere that is entirely different. Having and maintaining a regular routine, ideally one that is at least similar to the one you have back home, can do wonders for your ability to focus as well as for your energy levels.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Having a healthy diet and working out at least two or three times a week can help tremendously as well and keep you grounded during hectic times.
If you’re not accustomed to business travel, the first time can feel quite daunting. But there’s good news as well, since all you need to do to improve the situation is to plan ahead to ensure that you’re making the best choices that will guarantee you’re as comfortable as possible.
