Need to go on a business trip? Here are 5 tips to help you maximize your time and productivity:
5. Pack only as much as you need
This might seem like an obvious tip, but it can be easy to overpack for a short 5-day trip. Be smart about what you’re bringing and don’t waste space with things that aren’t necessary. For example, bring only one change of clothes for each day and wear the rest on the plane or in transit. You can also stop by any malls or convenience stores along your way to buy supplies if needed.
4. Research your destination ahead of time.
It goes without saying that preparation is key before going anywhere new, especially when doing work. Read up on the culture/country you’re visiting, stay away from sensitive topics, and brush up on a foreign language if needed.
3. Make a list of what needs to get done before you leave
It can be easy to forget important things when you’re going through stress due to traveling. Before going anywhere, sit down and write out a list of everything that needs to get done prior to your departure date. This way, you won’t have any unfortunate surprises or stress about forgetting something crucial.
2. Schedule an earlier flight for more time at your destination
If possible, see if it’s cheaper to fly in early so you can maximize your trip time instead of spending half of it on travel. You can do this by booking a 5:00 AM flight instead of one that leaves at 11 AM. This way, you can acclimatize to your new environment and get to work immediately, all the while using the appropriate time zone for each location – 5 hours difference if flying east or 5 hours ahead if flying west.
1. Take advantage of mobile technology
If you’ve got a smartphone equipped with mobile Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to take advantage of any free wireless connections around your destination. If your hotel doesn’t have free Wi-Fi, try out a local coffee shop or restaurant before trying elsewhere as they’re usually better about that sort of thing than hotels are because they involve food/coffee sales.
It is always a good idea to keep track of all your expenses. Keeping good records can save time at tax time and give you more accurate information on how much money you spent while traveling.
To avoid dealing with currency exchange fees, try to withdraw money from ATMs located in banks as opposed to those located outside banks or convenience stores. Banks usually have better rates, so withdrawing large amounts of cash won’t cost you as much. You should be sure that your bank doesn’t charge a fee for international ATM withdrawals, though, so check beforehand.
But there’s no harm in planning ahead for a long trip – it may even help prevent airport stress. One travel tip is to pack some travel-sized packets or bottles of your daily facial cleanser, moisturizer, sunblock and more. Airports have sinks in their bathrooms so you can quickly wash up before your flight.
As a travel tip for busy professionals, check travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia for the best prices on flights, hotels and rental cars. You can also download mobile apps for these services so you can book everything from the airport wifi.
Traveling by plane may expose you to germs from passengers who were sick when they got on the plane. To minimize your risk of getting sick, don’t put your luggage on the floor and use sanitizer wipes on your arm rests and tray table too.
