Traveling for business is both a good and a bad thing. It can be enjoyable to get out of the office for a while, and there’s nothing like connecting with coworkers and partners face-to-face. If you want to make sure your trip is successful, you have to make the most of the meetings you attend, but you also have to think carefully about how you can make your travel experience go more smoothly.
Know Where to Store Your Luggage
Short business trips usually mean you don’t have to check a bag, but that doesn’t mean you want to lug your carry on around with you everywhere you go! You should only be carrying items that are relevant to your daily activities, which means finding a different place to put your carry on.
That’s easy if you’re staying in a hotel, but if you have an early flight, or your flight leaves long after you check out of your hotel, you have to know where you can keep your stuff.
You may be able to keep it in the office you’re visiting, but you may also be able to rent a storage space by the hour. For example, if you’re traveling to New York, you can rent a luggage storage space in a convenient location so you can pick up your bag on the way to the airport.
Keep Certain Items in Your Bag Between Trips
Women keep important things in their purses all the time. So too should you keep important things in your luggage between trips.
Packing your bag when you travel for business frequently can be a real pain. You can save time packing your bags by keeping certain items inside, but it will also ensure that you don’t accidentally leave something important behind.
A few things you can keep in your bag between trips include:
- Device chargers
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra pair of underwear
- Extra pair of socks
- Deodorant
- Tissues
- Chapstick
Join a Rewards Program
If you discover that you’re spending more and more time in the airport traveling for business, you should definitely look into a rewards program. There is no shortage of programs to choose from!
Although you can sign up for more general rewards programs, like the programs that come with credit cards, there are some real benefits if you sign up directly with the airlines that you use the most. For example, some airlines have points that never expire with no blackout dates, while switching airlines or using a more general rewards program may have both.
Pay Extra to Use the Airport Lounge
If you spend a lot of time traveling for business, you have probably done your fair share of work while you’re waiting to board the plane. Although you can do your work at the gate, you may want to consider using an airport lounge instead.
Lounges can provide you with a quieter atmosphere, and they can provide you with more privacy, which is perfect for those who want to make phone calls or work on important projects while waiting.
These lounges can cost extra, but it’s worth the money. Not only will you have a tranquil place to spend your time while you’re waiting in the airport, you may also enjoy complimentary food and drinks while you wait.
There are multiple lounges to choose from. Some are airline specific, while others are available no matter what airline you’re using. If you frequent the same airports, shop around and pay for a membership at the lounge you like the best.
Sign up for TSA Pre-Check
What’s the worst part of going to the airport? Although the answer may be different depending on who you ask, most would agree that going through security is at the top of the list.
You can skip all the hubbub with TSA Pre-Check. For an annual fee, you can skip right on by and proceed to your gate within minutes instead of waiting in line.
If you travel internationally for business, you can also consider paying for Global Entry. This program provides you with the same benefits as TSA Pre-Check, but it can also expedite your experience at customs and border patrol.
Traveling for business is often a necessary evil, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to make it better! Whether it’s dealing with your luggage or getting through security as fast as possible, there are things you can do to make your business travels more enjoyable.
And, Stay Safe and Healthy
Public places are are the hot spots for germs. Make sure you are cleaning your hands often with hand sanitizers or washing with soap and water as often as possible. Avoid sitting next to coughing adults or kids.