While some businesses operate within their local area or region, others branch out nationally and beyond. This means employees and owners travel to expand their reach, resulting in face-to-face interactions with customers, clients, manufacturers, and suppliers.
It sounds like a jet-setting lifestyle, but it can be cumbersome and inconvenient, leading to unsatisfied workers who traverse the globe. Can the fun factor be increased to make company trips more enjoyable? Fortunately, there is, and with some knowledge and inspiration, you will love taking off for far-off company representation.
Here are some useful tips for business travel:
1. Travel Lightly
Many people who travel bring twice as many clothing options as they need. While this may provide options during their trip, it will slow them down and increase the potential for lost luggage.
Limit yourself to a carry-on and wear your business suit on travel days. This ensures that you have dress clothes for meetings without packing a wardrobe bag. If additional business attire is required, you can fit it in a carry-on if it is strategically packed.
Remember to wear casual clothing to explore the surroundings outside of business hours. Remember, one bag means you don’t have to wait at the luggage carousel; it gets you to your hotel or meeting faster.
2. Charge All Your Electronics Before You Fly
This is an expert tip because, with potential delays and long travel days, your laptop, tablet and smartphone need to be charged up for use. This way, you can work on the plane or watch a movie en route without worrying about running down your battery. When you are waiting at airports before boarding, there should be plenty of plug-ins to top up all your devices so you are ready.
3. Use an Airport Limo Service
Getting to your hotel or business meeting can be a hassle, especially if you must track down a cab or wait for a shuttle service. You are on a business travel, which is important, so you deserve comfort.
An airport limo service is one of your best options. They have dedicated, professional drivers who know the city map in detail. They are not running on a meter but paid for the trip. You can book these for an easy and comfortable transition from your flight to your next destination.
You can also pick the different types of vehicles you want, depending on your needs, and it often includes luxury vehicles like:
- Sedans
- Stretched limos
- SUVs
- Hybrids
- High-end vans
- Buses
4. Book Non-Stop Flights
This can be more expensive, but multiple stops may result in extra overnight accommodation at your destination. It prevents waiting at an airport for hours or getting up early to fly again.
There is also the potential for lost luggage and missed appointments. Book a direct flight to have a worry-free travel day.
5. Collect Loyalty Points
If you have control over booking your air travel, join a few travel loyalty programs and use them exclusively. You will be surprised how fast your loyalty points accumulate, and then there are perks to enhance your travel days. These include:
- Lounge access at airports
- Upgraded seating
- Free flights
- Free hotel stays
- Waived baggage fees
- Free breakfasts
- Priority check-ins
- Priority boarding
This also translates to hotel stays, car rentals, and extra perks for brand loyalists.
6. Upgrade Your Hotel Stay
When you are on business travel, you need to be on your A game because you are there to create an impact on clients and other business contacts. This requires a bit of pampering and an excellent night’s sleep. A high-end hotel is worth it because it has upgraded amenities and extra perks to make your stay a memorable experience.
Luxury hotels have fantastic food in in-house restaurants and lounges for after-dinner drinks. You will also have pools, gyms, and laundry services. This will make business travel more palatable and set you up for success.
7. Carry Cash
In this digital world, more people rely on a cashless existence. It makes things easier and safer, but cash is needed sometimes. Tipping will be where you need it most. Even buying a drink at a vending machine or a souvenir from a street vendor is easier with cash.
These are your tips for enjoying business travel. Take them on board for your next company travel day and see how they make your job easier.
