A successful business trip is all about preparation. By picking up a few corporate travel hacks learned by seasoned travelling professionals, you can explore ways to maximize your budget, make journeys more comfortable and protect yourself against delays and disasters. Below are 10 examples of such hacks that could be useful to know for your next business trip.
Arrive 24 hours before any work events
Arriving a full day before any important meetings or conferences is highly recommended. If flights are delayed, luggage is lost or there are problems getting to your hotel, you won’t be left panicking about whether you’ll make tomorrow’s event. Arriving early also gives you time to get settled, adjust to time zone differences and potentially even do some leisurely exploring. Never book a late night flight before a morning meeting even if it’s the cheapest option – there’s too much that can go wrong.
Allow room in your budget for flight extras
Flying loses its glamour after several trips. You’ll eventually get sick of cramped seats, airport queues and puny baggage allowances. Treat yourself to some extras so that flying is more comfortable and less stressful – this could include seat selection, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance or airport lounge access. You might not be able to afford all of these extras so consider the ones that will make the biggest positive impact. Make sure to also check your company travel policy (if you have one) to see what extras are allowed.
Use a credit card with travel perks
Some credit cards are targeted at frequent flyers and can have some amazing perks such as international airport lounge access, travel insurance, zero exchange fees or the ability to build points on flights and hotels. Take your time to compare different credit cards and their benefits. Some companies may prefer that you use a company-issued card, but you may still be able to talk to an employer about exploring different card options.
Take advantage of hotel loyalty programs
Many hotel chains have loyalty programs that allow you to build points that can then be used to pay for free or discounted future stays. Some loyalty cards and apps also come with benefits like late check-out, free breakfast or faster Wi-Fi. If you visit the same location a lot, you may be able to find a hotel that has such a loyalty program. If you’re travelling to different locations all the time, look into international chains that have hotels everywhere.
Use luggage drop-off points if you can’t check in yet
Landing early and having to wait hours to check in to your room can be frustrating. While you can take this time to do some local exploring, this could be challenging if you have a suitcase to heave around. Luggage drop-off points such as these Chicago Union Station lockers are very useful in this situation – they give you somewhere to leave your bags so that you can take a walk or visit local attractions without being weighed down by bags. Just make sure to keep essential documents and appliances on you for security and convenience.
Make use of expense tracking apps
It’s important that you’re able to accurately keep track of receipts. Expense tracking apps can allow you to photograph every receipt and categorise spending on the go. Some apps also integrate with corporate cards and accounting tools for automated compliant bookkeeping. Set a habit of logging every expense immediately on your phone using these apps to prevent disputes or issues caused later by lost receipts.
Pack versatile footwear
It’s nice to be able to change between casual and work attire during a business trip. But this can also mean packing two pairs of shoes, which can take up valuable luggage space. A great hack for getting around this is to find a versatile pair of shoes to deal with all occasions. Leather loafers, Derby shoes and Chelsea Boots can all go well with a suit, while also working well with jeans and a t-shirt. Certain sneakers may also be surprisingly versatile while providing maximum comfort.
Invest in a portable router with an international data plan
There could be times on your travels when you need internet access to view documents or send important emails. Don’t rely on public Wi-Fi – this can be shaky, insecure and not always free in some locations. You may be able to use data on your phone, but certain plans may result in roaming charges. The solution? Invest in a portable router with an international data plan. You can connect all your devices to this router wherever you travel – giving you secure and reliable private Wi-Fi without roaming charges. Compare different routers and plans to find the best coverage, internet strength and battery.
Bring a portable power bank
You also don’t want your devices to run out of power just as you need them. It may not always be possible to find an outlet to plug your phone or laptop into. A portable power bank gives you the option to keep your devices powered up on the go. This could be useful for staying entertained on long-haul flights or working from coffee bars.
Allow some recovery time when you return
Diving straight back into office work after a long return flight can be brutal. Try to allow yourself a day to recover if possible – or at the very least a full night’s sleep. A late night flight followed by an early morning office start is never a good idea, and there’s always a risk you may not make it to work on time if there are serious delays. You also deserve time to spend with your family.
