Travelling for work is very rarely as glamorous as it might seem. It’s always one big rush, with many business travellers having to fly to and from their destination in the same day (typically so your company can avoid paying the cost of a hotel). However, there are times that spending a little bit more money will be better in the long run and the tiring business trip is definitely one of them!
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Book a hire car
Like we said, a business trip is always one big rush. There can be no flight delays and absolutely nothing can go wrong or you’ll miss your meeting, your conference or your fight. That’s why hiring a car is the most efficient way to get around, especially if you’re hiring directly from the airport.
You’ll skip the queue of travellers waiting for a taxi and in the time it takes to secure an uber, you’re likely to have picked up the keys and settled into your vehicle. For the business traveller, we’d always recommend booking a luxury hire car, especially if you will be travelling with clients, guests or suppliers.
A hire car means you won’t be waiting around for an airport shuttle in the morning or restricting you to eating at the one restaurant that is within walking distance. A hire car affords you flexibility, a valuable commodity when you’re travelling for work that cannot be undersold!!
Carry on luggage is your friend
If you’re going anywhere for less that 5 days, you can get everything you need in carry-on luggage. Of course, budget airlines do now charge a lot of ticket holders for their carry-on baggage, but it is still the better option than waiting around the baggage claim, watching the clock tick on and keeping others waiting.
Checking luggage into the hold is stressful and causes delays. Not only could you be waiting, wondering if your suitcase even made it onto the plane for an hour after you’ve landed, but it also requires you to queue at your departure airport. Skip right through all of this and keep your luggage handy at all times. Again, the cost for carry-on allowances is worth it!!
If you can ever help it, don’t travel in your business wear
A suit or blouse crinkled from the plane doesn’t scream ‘keynote speaker’.
Even if you have to go directly from the airport to your event or meeting – you can find time to change clothes in a bathroom at the airport (especially if you’ve adhered to tips 1 and 2 above). Make sure you pack your suit or outfit in a garment bag if you have no time to stop off, also, as this will help to prevent any wrinkling.
It may sound superficial, but travel is stressful – especially if you’ve got a huge, important sales pitch or something waiting for you at the end of it. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable whilst you travel as well. Moreover, there’s nothing worse than feeling self conscious when you’re trying to deliver a deck or presentation and command attention.
Book a lounge
With shorter flights or domestic travel, this might not be completely necessary, however, if your airline requires you to be at the airport 2 hours before departure, this will be money well spent.
Airport lounges will give you everything you need to continue working in peace and prevent that anxiety-inducing build up of calls and emails that you cannot access whilst you travel. Book an airport lounge to remain productive, enjoy a coffee and stay on track.
If you’re not able to book an airport lounge (whether for cost reasons or time constraints) always check to see if the plane has an option to pre-purchase wifi access. You’ll be grateful to not have been out of the loop whilst you’re up in the air.
Take advantage of the hotel amenities to stay fresh
It bears repeating that business travel is exhausting. Make sure to eat well, stretch and exercise if you can. It can be tempting to load up on coffee and sleep as soon as you possibly can when away for work, but treat yourself to a dip in the pool to help reinvigorate your energy levels.
