Traveling for business? You’re not alone. In fact, the Global Business Travel Association recently revised its 2013 outlook for business travel, now anticipating that business travel spending will rise 5.1 percent this year to $268.5 billion.
That’s a lot of business travel.
If you find yourself traveling for business this year, here are 10 tips to help you smoothly handle business on the road.
1. If you travel often, always keep a bag semi-packed with travel-sized toiletries and work basics (like chargers, notepads and pens) to keep pre-travel preparation to a minimum.
2. Speaking of packing, always keep it to a minimum. The fewer bags you have, the easier your trip will be. If you can keep it to carry-ons (and avoid the risk of a checked bag mysteriously not making it to your destination), all the better.
3. For clothing, pick simple, matching business basics (like a matching blazer and slacks) that you can wear multiple times.
4. Check in online, whether through a computer or a phone app. You’ll skip the long check-in lines, which means you can spend more time getting business done.
5. Get your Internet access in order before you go. If you’re hoping to get any business done, you’re probably going to need the Internet. Check with your hotel or conference center to make sure WiFi is available and verify the cost. You may also want to rent a portable WiFi device.
6. Fly direct. If your company is paying your way, they might pick a flight with three layovers in order to cut costs, but long transit times can wreak havoc on your productivity. See if you can get a direct flight to save time, even if you have to front the difference.
7. Get yourself into your airline’s lounge at the airport, even if you have to pay a day fee. You’ll gain access to Internet, refreshments, and most importantly, peace and quiet to get work done.
8. Order room service or takeout from a local restaurant to eat in your room. You’ll save the hour or so it takes to dine out, leaving more time to catch up on projects or prepare for the next day’s meetings.
9. Use travel as an opportunity to grow your network, whether you’re making high-level contacts at a conference or making small talk about your business with neighbors in the TSA screening line.
10. Sign up for frequent flier and other travel programs so you can turn your business trips into rewards later on.
Finally, if you can, take a short break from work to see a site or two while you’re in your destination!
(Main image: Kossy@FINEDAYS)
