How Save Time & Money and Travel Like a Pro
Some people are lucky (or unlucky, depending on your outlook) enough to be chosen for corporate travel. If you haven’t had the luxury of taking a pleasure trip at some point throughout the year, it could seem like a mini-vacation. On the other hand, if you have to travel a lot for work it can seem like a stressful hassle.
There are a few perks that come along with business travel: you get to stay in the nicest hotels, eat at the best restaurants, and it’s all done on the company dime. However, things don’t always go as planned when you travel for work. Even if you plan everything yourself or follow the meticulous itinerary given to you by the travel manager from your company, there are still problems that can arise. From losing your luggage to delayed flights due to weather, these are the things that can cause your stress levels to rise exponentially.
The good news is that there are travel hacks you can implement to improve your chances of having a stress free trip while also saving time and money along the way.
Pre Planning Travel Like a Pro
The best way to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch is to do as much pre-planning as you possibly can.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck. When you’re able to breeze through airport security in mere seconds, you save yourself a lot of time and stress. No more removing laptops and liquids from your bags and you can even keep your shoes on.
- Verify company expense policies before you travel. This will keep you from making frivolous purchases while on the road that you could end up being required to pay back.
- Keep a paper copy of your itinerary. You won’t always have access to Wi-Fi or data service through your cell provider, so doing this will guarantee you still arrive on time everywhere you’re required to be.
- If you’re lucky enough to be sent to a hotel that offers free Wi-Fi or that has excellent 4G cell service, use a travel itinerary app like TripIt or TripAdvisor to keep the important details of your trip at your fingertips.
Pack For Travel Like a Pro
It may seem hard to believe, but the how and what of packing can directly affect your bottom line as well as your frustration level.
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Most airlines have started charging for even the first piece of checked luggage. Because of this, you should do your best to put everything you need in a carry-on bag to save money and space.
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Even if you’re traveling for more than one night, there are ways to pack everything you need in one carry-on bag. The biggest trick is to roll your clothes together. You can put each outfit into one roll with socks and undergarments to save space in your bag.
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Since most airlines also allow passengers to bring a personal-type item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop case, you can put your toiletries in that bag to free up more room in your carry-on for clothes.
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Pack clothes in matching or complimentary colors so you’re able to mix and match on longer trips without packing a week’s worth of clothes.
Dress For Travel Like a Pro
The way you dress, on the way to the airport and while on your business trip, can make a world of difference with how you’re perceived by those potential clients.
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If you’re expected to head to a meeting straight from the plane, you’ll want to make sure your travel attire is business professional but also wrinkle free.
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If you’ve traveled before, you’re aware of the hoops you’ll have to jump through for airport security. If you haven’t thought ahead to register for TSA PreCheck, you’ll be required to remove belts, accessories, and shoes. This can take a lot of time if there are several people ahead of you. Don’t miss your flight by dressing inappropriately. Wear slip on shoes and leave the accessories at home.
Work On the Road Like a Pro
These business trips aren’t all fun and games. You’ll likely be required to attend several meetings or conferences while you’re in town. There are ways to make the most of it and come back to impress your boss with what you’ve learned.
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Location is everything. Make sure you pick a seat at the front of the conference so you don’t miss a word that is said.
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Turn your electronic devices off. Not only will you be less distracted, but nothing looks more unprofessional than having your phone ring in the middle of a serious lecture.
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Don’t be afraid to network. These conferences and meetings will be attended by important people in your industry. You never know when you may need them for a good word on an upcoming merger or even a new job should you decide to move across the country for good someday.
Traveling for work doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking. If you plan ahead, pack smart, and make the most out of the meetings you attend, you will come away from your business trips a better worker and person all around. And you won’t regret these trips either!
