Perhaps one of the business world’s little joys is being asked to head out of the office for a few days on a trip, all expenses paid. OK, so that might be a little optimistic, but the fact is that it is always nice to interrupt the usual routine, even if you will be staying in a Best Western hotel for your stay and visiting a range of seminars and networking events aimed at making the company you work for more profitable.
Nonetheless, there are still things you can do to ensure that you actually enjoy your trip and head back to work feeling refreshed and ready to put into action whatever it was that warranted the journey in the first place.
Travel With As Little Baggage As Possible
If you’re traveling for business, chances are that you will only be a few days, a week maximum. Therefore, it makes no sense to pack for every eventuality since you will probably be moving from office to hotel on most occasions (unless you happen to be meeting VIP clients in slightly more premium locations). This could mean choosing luggage for him or her that presents a professional image and opting for smaller carry-on cases to avoid waiting in line to check your baggage at a counter. Nevertheless, when you pack, try to do so sensibly by creating separate areas for your clothing, footwear, and electronics. This maintains order and makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Check-In Online To Save Time
Online check-in is nothing new, but too many people either choose to check in in person or simply forget the option exists. However, by combining this very basic step with the first point about using carry-on luggage, you can avoid the usual long lines. Moreover, many airlines will have separate lines for those needing to check in baggage and those merely needing tickets (with most airports now offering the ability to check in yourself and print out your own broadening pass).
Use Packing Cubes To Organize
Packing cubes are perhaps the eighth wonder of the world! OK, while that might be a tad overkill, they have proven themselves to be hugely beneficial in the packing process, helping you pack more into a smaller space. You can typically find them on Amazon in a range of sizes and at a very affordable price. If you decide to go this route and travel frequently, it is recommended that you spend a little more on premium brands to ensure durability and extended use.
Unpack Immediately When You Arrive At Your Hotel To Keep Your Attire Looking Fresh
Now we move on to the things you can do that will ensure you actually have a pleasant outing rather than worrying about every little thing! Since you are on a business trip, you will probably have a few formal outfits you will wear during your time at the location. In order to look your best and prevent a poor first impression, you really should unpack and hang your outfits in the hotel wardrobe ASAP. This lets them air and keeps them from crumpling up, causing unsightly wrinkles.
Research Your Destination Beforehand
Depending on how long you have and where you are traveling, it could be prudent to do some research beforehand. While you might not have enough time or the predilection to head out and see the sights, you may want to sample the local cuisine outside the bounds of your hotel. In this situation, a little bit of forethought will go a long way and help you select your restaurants ahead of time. This is particularly useful if you are somewhat indecisive or fussy regarding your food.
Invest In Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you can only buy one item to make your trip go more smoothly, it would be a set of noise-canceling headphones. These devices can turn a long flight or train ride into a blissful experience by reducing the amount of background noise that typically pollutes your ears on these journeys. However, make sure to invest in a quality pair, as not all noise-canceling tech is created equally. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong if you look in the $150 to $250 range, as these will generally do the job just fine.
Consider Investing In A Mobile Hotspot For Potable Data
If you know you will be staying in a hotel that doesn’t include free wifi, or you are worried about connecting to a very public network, you might consider using a portable hotspot. You can pick these devices up for very little nowadays, and they are unlocked, allowing you to choose whatever mobile network works best. Once paired with a VPN, you can log into business or personal networks safely in the knowledge your data is secure.
Heading out on a business trip can either be a great experience or one that you come back from needing to pop a few aspirin. But, if you use the ideas in this post, it’s possible that it will be far more enjoyable.