Stress-free business travel – is this reachable?

Avoiding stress during business travel seems like an impossible job since you have so much on your plate.

But it does not have to be like that – not when there are so many positives to be thankful for. You have got the chance to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture, improve your foreign language learning skills, and meet new people. We know what you may think – how is this possible when you go there for business purposes? But if you plan your trip wisely and well in advance, the chance of having a great time in the city you travel to is higher than you imagine.

Whether you have to meet a manufacturer on the other part of the globe or travel across the country, doing a bit of pre-planning is mandatory. This will ensure a streamlined, stress-free, and enjoyable travel experience. It is time to eliminate the stigma associated with corporate travellers, according to which these people are jet-lagged, sleep-deprived, permanently rushing to make meetings, subsisting on questionable airport food, and living out of beaten suitcases.

Business travel can indeed be frustrating, but you can make it less anxiety-inducing if you follow these proactive steps:

Book flights in advance

Booking at the last minute can be both a blessing and a curse. It is well-known that fights could become more reasonable when bought at the last moment, but we recommend not taking this risk and booking your flight early. Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it also ensures you a seat. Booking flights as pleasant as possible is paramount, especially if destinations are long-haul. Ensure you go for nonstop flights, even if these might be pricier, to save time and energy. The sooner you reach your destination, the more time you will have for yourself.

Select your ‘home base’ carefully

Booking suitable accommodation is both an art and a science, so ensure you spare the time needed to find a place that both appeals to your taste and meets your needs. If you travel to a particular destination for the first time, it would be wise to document aspects such as rush hours and walkability. It is essential to book your accommodation as close to the meeting building or client’s facility as possible. If this is not reachable, ensure at least you stay somewhere close to the downtown so you can find transportation easily. As a businessperson on the road, you should also ensure your accommodation has all the needed amenities such as parking, fitness facilities, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, as well as TV and Internet.

Travel with carry-on luggage

The ultimate goal is to have a trip as stress-free as possible, so avoid bulky suitcases that would only slow you down and expose you to a higher risk of loss. You do not only save time but also energy, so you are likely to arrive fresher at the destination. However, if you have to stay there for an entire month, to say so, it goes without saying that you need a large suitcase where you can pack several sets of clothes, accessories, or gear. We know it might be daunting even to reach the airport carrying such a bulky suitcase, but you do not have to do it alone. Consider taking a taxi to the airport or even your own car. All you need to do is book your parking space well in advance using a platform like Parkos that provides various parking options. It is vital to pick the one that suits your budget and needs, so ensure you compare several options before making a decision.

Pack wisely

Packing is perhaps the most daunting task that comes with travel in general. That is because you need to take care of everything from clothing and snacks to the right travel gear. However, you cannot pack everything that comes in hand – choose indispensable things instead. During the flight, consider these essentials:

• Toiletry bag with water-resistant bottles
• Portable charger
• Noise-cancelling earbuds
• Shirt protector

Organise a thorough itinerary

Have you just booked a flight to wing toward an extraordinary destination? This is great, but do not forget that, at the end of the day, this is a business trip whatsoever. So, regardless of how enthusiastic you might be about the city you travel to, remember to plan your itinerary thoroughly so that you do not find yourself in such an unpleasant situation where you fail to attend critical meetings for lack of organisation.

Moreover, we recommend writing your daily schedule on paper or in your mobile’s notes app. It would be wise to think about each day in chunks – on particular days, you may need to schedule fewer yet longer meetings, while on others, it may be more advantageous to plan down to the minute. Also, pay special attention to logistics. From the moment you look for airport parking Heathrow-based to when you arrive at your destination, ensure you have available transportation no matter the time of the day. If you are going to adventure into the traffic, check Google Maps at diverse times of the day and find the one most advantageous to you. Consider pre-booking an airport taxi for swift transfers to and from your meeting location. If your business trip takes you to Limburg, Klas Taxi offers convenient pre-booking options – the cheapest taxi service in Hasselt. Also, if meetings are about to take place at some coffee shops or restaurants, consider making reservations in advance instead of relying on luck.

Remember to enjoy yourself

Travelling for business is an excellent chance to land a new deal or cement a working relationship, so it is normal to focus on doing this by the book. But in the long run, do not forget to take time for yourself. Visiting a new city is a chance to reconnect with yourself and unwind. So, once work is done, ensure you immerse yourself in a long and relaxing bath or have a leisurely dinner. If possible, splurge on a massage or do some shopping. Taking a break from pure work is paramount, so we highly encourage you to enjoy yourself no matter what you choose to do.

Wrapping up

Business travel can be frustrating, especially if planned last minute. But if you consider our recommendations, having a great time is more than reachable.