New to corporate travel? Congratulations, you get to travel to new destinations for free. Unfortunately, the trips will likely leave you stressed, jet-lagged, and exhausted.
Business travel doesn’t have to be full of horror stories, though. It can be a nice perk of the job – as long as you follow these top business travel tips.
Follow Your Company’s Travel Policy
Can you get alcohol with dinner? Do you have a maximum per diem to cover all your expenses? Can you book a room at any hotel and rent any car you want? Your company’s travel policy will cover all of these details and more.
To eliminate any unpleasant surprises, especially when claiming expenses for your business trips, it’s a good idea to read and understand everything in the policy book.
Travel Prepared
While you may be told to fly to another country at a moment’s notice, it helps to try to be as prepared as possible to fly. It’ll make travelling a lot more pleasant and less frustrating from start to finish.
Check-in online, and be prepared to arrive at the airport early so you get through security, check your luggage, and stock up on snacks with plenty of time to catch your flight. No one will be happy – you, your boss, or your client – if you miss your flight because you were late.
Work While Travelling
You should also be prepared to work while travelling. This means ensuring you have your phone and laptop, chargers, and any necessary paper documents and files. Bring a backup battery for all electronics for emergencies, and know whether or not you need a plug adapter.
Save your files offline. This will allow you to work on your online files without internet or spotty Wi-Fi.
You’ll probably want to keep a bag together in case of frequent last-minute trips that include your passport, corporate credit card, and any other documents you might need during your travels.
Carry-on Only
If you want to save infinite frustration and time during business trips, skip all the extra stuff and commit to flying with carry-on luggage only. This will save you time at the airport as you won’t need to check in your bags or wait at the carousel to grab your luggage after your flight. It’ll also save you from the unfortunate event of the airline losing your luggage – and all your business suits and critical business papers.
Book an Airport Limo
You can walk around an airport looking for the right spot to hail a cab. Some airports discourage ride-sharing apps – and, often, it can be difficult to find a ride if you arrive at 2 am or 4 am.
Using an airport limo service is the most reliable way to get to and from the airport. After all, your company is paying for it, so you might as well ride in style. You’ll be able to work or relax in luxury while your driver drives you to the airport for your flight. You’ll also easily find your driver waiting for you upon arrival, so you can head to your hotel or meet as soon as possible.
Choose the Right Flight
If you can book your flight, choose an airline that will provide you with snacks and meals onboard instead of the cheaper airlines that eliminate all the luxuries that make flying enjoyable. Ideally, commit to an airline with a loyalty program. You can get many points, free stuff, and great airline perks if you’re a frequent flyer with a loyalty card.
Choose a non-stop flight, even if it’s more expensive, as it can save you several hours of travelling. Red-eye flights are a great option since you can easily sleep while travelling.
Use Your Time Wisely
When it comes to corporate travel, you can easily lose full business days to flights and jet lag if you’re not careful. This can make the experience even more stressful as calls go to voicemail and emails, and work becomes unmanageable.
Use your time wisely. Work in a limo on your way to the airport. Connect to Wi-Fi to answer emails at the airport as you wait to get on your plane. Work in offline mode on the plane to get a bit more work done.
When you reach your destination, avoid going straight to sleep if there is a time difference. Get used to local time as soon as possible to be at your best and banish jet lag.
Save Your Receipts
You’ve read your company’s travel policy and memorized the details. Don’t forget to ask for copies of all receipts – from the flight to airport meals to dinners out with clients, the limo services to the hotel, and everything in between.
Travelling is expensive, and you don’t want to be on the hook for any expenses your company should be paying, so save all your receipts.