In the corporate world, business travel is an unavoidable aspect. Jetting off to different places for meetings, conferences, or networking events can sometimes be monotonous and stressful.
However, it’s possible to transform these trips into enjoyable experiences that go beyond merely fulfilling professional obligations with the right approach. Not only can this make business travel less daunting, but it can also improve overall work performance.
Adopting certain strategies can ease the burden of business travel. Here are 12 practical tips to help professionals make their business trips more enjoyable and productive.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Trip
Before embarking on a business trip, determine the purpose of your journey. This includes understanding the goals and objectives, the desired outcomes, and the role you’re expected to play. When the purpose of the trip is clear, it not only provides direction but also helps manage stress and expectations.
“Understanding the purpose of a business trip has a profound impact on the travel experience,” Kim Walls, CEO and Co-Founder of Furtuna Skin reflects. “It provides a sense of clarity, which in turn improves preparation, performance, and even enjoyment.”
After grasping the purpose of the trip, one can plan accordingly. This makes space for focused preparation, from packing the right attire to conducting preliminary research on potential business partners. Having a clear goal also provides a sense of motivation that can make the trip more exciting and meaningful.
2. Plan and Organize in Advance
Planning and organization are keys to successful business travel. You can avoid last-minute hiccups by taking care of travel arrangements in advance. This includes booking flights and accommodations, planning the itinerary, and preparing all necessary documents.
Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce asserts, “Investing time and effort into planning each business trip reduces last-minute stress and increases overall travel efficiency. Everything flows more smoothly when arrangements are made well in advance.”
Especially for international business trips, ensuring that all documentation is in order is paramount. This includes not only ensuring that your passport and any necessary visas are up-to-date but also having appropriate photographs ready for any additional documentation that may be required upon arrival. Keeping a digital copy of a 2×2 passport size photo can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations where additional paperwork is needed. Moreover, having physical copies of a recent passport size photo is often a requirement for visa applications and can also be useful in obtaining certain on-site registration or memberships during your travel.
Advanced planning provides the opportunity to research the destination and be aware of cultural nuances, essential amenities, and must-see attractions. This results in a more smooth, enjoyable, and productive business trip.
3. Make Convenient Travel Arrangements
Choosing convenient travel arrangements can drastically improve the business travel experience. This could mean selecting direct flights over layovers, booking hotels near the meeting venue, or scheduling flights at reasonable times to ensure enough rest.
“Prioritizing convenience when making travel arrangements makes a significant difference,” Jack Carrere, CEO and Co-Founder of Prokeep comments. “From choosing direct flights to booking hotels in close proximity to meeting venues, these considerations improve the quality of business trips.”
Focusing on convenience can save valuable time, reduce travel-induced stress, and offer more opportunities for relaxation or exploration. Remember, the goal isn’t just to get to the destination but to arrive in the best possible physical and mental state to perform effectively.
4. Pack Smartly
Efficient packing is a crucial aspect of business travel. Travelers can avoid unnecessary stress and save time by packing only what is necessary and organizing items effectively.
Dorothy Pun, Founder of Knitup reveals, “Learning to pack efficiently is a turning point in business travel. Packing only the essentials and maintaining an organized suitcase makes traveling less burdensome and more streamlined.'”
An effective packing strategy reduces the hassle of carrying excess baggage and provides peace of mind. This leads to a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.
5. Incorporate Healthy Habits
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road can significantly improve business travel. Regular exercise, balanced meals, and sufficient sleep can contribute to maintaining high energy levels and reducing stress.
Andrew Meyer, CEO of Arbor advises, “Staying committed to a healthy lifestyle, even while traveling for business, pays dividends. Regular exercise, sensible food choices, and ample sleep can improve energy, enhance focus, and overall improve travel experiences.”
Adopting healthy habits while traveling doesn’t have to be challenging. Simple actions, like using hotel fitness facilities, choosing nutritious food options, and prioritizing sleep, can help maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being.
6. Use Travel Time Productively
Travel downtime offers a unique opportunity to be productive. These intervals can be used effectively when waiting at the airport, on a flight, or during a cab ride. Catch up on work, plan ahead, or engage in relaxing activities to enhance the travel experience.
Nicholas Mathews, CEO of Stillwater Behavioral Health remarks, “Using travel downtime productively can significantly improve your business travel experiences. It makes room for better time management, reduces stress, and ensures that work doesn’t pile up while on the road.”
Utilizing travel downtime effectively helps balance work demands with the realities of travel. However, finding a balance between work and rest is essential to avoid overworking and ensure you arrive at the destination refreshed and ready to work.
7. Explore Local Culture
Exploring a destination’s local culture can add a leisurely aspect to a business trip. Sampling local cuisine, visiting popular attractions, or interacting with locals, can greatly enhance the journey.
Andrew Mavis, CEO of 98Strong states, “Integrating local cultural experiences into business travel makes trips more fulfilling and enjoyable. It offers new perspectives and even fosters better business relationships.”
Incorporating cultural exploration into business travel makes the journey more enjoyable and offers personal and professional growth. It displays an interest in and respect for the local culture, which can positively influence business interactions.
8. Stay Connected
While being present and engaged during a business trip is crucial, staying connected with your home base is equally important. Regular check-ins and updates can ensure smooth operations and maintain personal and professional relationships. Utilizing technology for communication can help keep things in order while on the move.
“I make it a priority to stay connected to my teams because I firmly believe that strong communication and connection are the bedrock of high-performing organizations,” said CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella. “Staying connected to my teams allows us to navigate challenges together, adapt quickly to change, and ultimately achieve our collective goals.”
Remember to balance the responsibilities of the trip with the need to maintain ongoing operations. With efficient time management and the use of technology, it’s possible to keep communication channels open and still enjoy the experience.
9. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technological advances have significantly improved the ease of travel. Numerous apps and online services are designed to help plan, navigate, and maximize travel experiences. This includes travel booking apps, digital maps, language translation tools, and apps that provide recommendations for dining and sightseeing.
Seth Besse, CEO of Undivided confirms, “Leveraging technology means business travel is more efficient and enjoyable. From planning routes to finding local restaurants, a wealth of resources is available at the touch of a button.”
Embracing technology can streamline travel, reduce stress, and enhance experiences. By making the most of these tools, one can transform a business trip from a potentially daunting task into a smooth and enjoyable journey.
10. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Attitude plays a significant role in how one experiences business travel. Maintaining a positive attitude can help deal with unexpected circumstances, reduce stress, and make the overall trip more enjoyable.
“With a culture of optimism and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, we can unlock new possibilities and empower our team members to achieve their best,” said former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi. “A positive attitude not only drives success but also creates a supportive and uplifting work environment that nurtures growth and fosters a sense of purpose.”
A positive attitude isn’t just about feeling good – it’s a tool that can enhance resilience and adaptability. By staying positive, one can better navigate the highs and lows of business travel, making the journey more productive and enjoyable.
11. Create Your Own Business Travel Rituals
Having personal rituals for business travel can bring a sense of familiarity and comfort, even in a new city or country. These could be simple habits such as enjoying a favorite beverage on the flight, going for a run upon arrival or calling home before bed.
“Creating personal rituals adds a comforting routine to business trips. These habits provide a sense of continuity and grounding amidst the changing environments,” remarks Jason Zhang, CTO of Tapin.GG, a place to where you can find pro teammates for LoL boosting and other gaming strategies.
Establishing personal travel rituals offers a sense of structure and familiarity, making each trip feel less disjointed and more enjoyable. This underlines the importance of making business travel a personal experience.
12. Follow Up Post-Trip
Once the business trip is over, a proper follow-up can provide a sense of closure and accomplishment. This might include sending thank-you notes, summarizing the trip’s results to colleagues, or reflecting on what went well and what could be improved.
“Effective follow-up after a business trip solidifies the benefits reaped during the journey,” Daniel Osman, Head of Sales and Operations at Balance comments. “It brings the experience full circle and sets a positive tone for future travels.”
Follow-ups offer professional benefits and can also enhance the overall travel experience. It fosters a sense of achievement, encourages reflection, and helps with planning for future trips.
Turning Business Trips Into Enjoyable Experiences
Approaching business travel as a unique blend of work and exploration can significantly enhance the experience. These strategies have helped turn business trips into more enjoyable, enriching journeys.
After all, business travel offers the chance to explore new places, meet interesting people, and broaden one’s horizons, all while accomplishing important professional goals. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the ride!
