Top business travel hacks

It’s the beginning of another year of busy times for business travelers. And within your corporate travel New Year’s resolutions is to streamline and make trips easier and more productive. You’re tired of being stressed and overwhelmed every time it comes to booking a trip. No need to worry any more. We’ve got all the business travel hacks you need, starting from accommodations, packing and airline tricks of the trade to make your trip a piece of cake.

Keep reading to find travel hacks that will make your life easier when it comes to traveling for work, and make business trips more fluid so that you can spend more time improving the ROI of your trip and less time planning or booking your trip.

Business travel hotel hacks

It’s time to travel to a hotel and you’re wondering what hotel to choose, how to keep within your travel budget and how to prioritize services and amenities when you’re making a hotel choice. This is where it’s a good idea to choose accommodations that are close to where you will be having your meetings, or if you are looking for a place to host your meetings, perhaps consider a hotel that has meeting space.

Choose accommodations close to meetings

Choosing accommodations close to meetings is a win-win for everyone involved. You don’t have to stress about how to get to your meetings or worry about being there on time because your hotel is close by. This also means you can sleep more because you don’t have to spend a lot of time traveling to meetings. You may even be able to escape to your room for a mid-afternoon nap or refresh before meeting colleagues or potential business partners for dinner.

Prioritize hotels with amenities and services that simplify

Prioritizing hotels with amenities and services that simplify your trip is about making your stay as comfortable as possible so that you can de-stress and unwind in your downtime. Things like a spa, a sauna, a gym, or even just having a bath in your hotel room are great for creating a stress-free business trip. While you might not have a lot of time to use the services, knowing they’re there if you do have time, is exactly what you need for peace of mind. 

Business travel packing hacks

Packing for your business trip, if you’re not careful, can be the most stressful part of traveling. This is why it’s a good idea to have a packing list where you have all the essentials covered and then it’s just a matter of ensuring you have gathered everything you need for your trip before leaving. It will make last minute trips way less stressful and also help prevent you from forgetting anything.

Have your toiletries pre-packed

Another veteran tip is to keep your toiletries packed. They will likely be smaller versions of your existing toiletries, so if they’re packed you won’t be missing them. This also prevents you from scrounging around at the last minute to find your toiletries.

Think in outfits

Thinking in outfits can be the easiest way to pack for your trip. If you can also make sure that each element can be combined to make at least one or two more outfits, then you should be set. For example, one pair of slacks that goes with your blazer and with a sweater and collared shirt. Also by choosing basic colors that don’t stand out so much, you can be sure that even if you do have to repeat an element, it’s less noticeable.

Master the art of layering

Master the art of layering, especially for winter trips. This keeps your bag from getting too bulky. Choose thin, versatile pieces that layer well, such as fleece jackets and lightweight thermal pants. This will save you space and allow you to adapt to different weather conditions. In warm weather, it’s easier to avoid bulk, but you want to be sure to bring several changes of clothes so you remain fresh despite the warm weather.

Travel tips for flights

Traveling by air is probably the most common form of transportation when it comes to business trips, even if it’s only for a quick 24 hour trip. Especially with shorter trips, you want to be sure to spend as little time in the airport as possible. Between customs, check-in, security checks  and possible delays, it’s hard to avoid a lot of lag time.

Book the earliest flight of the day

One way to avoid possible delays is to book  the earliest flight of the day. Not only is this a common practice for business travelers so that they can get where they need to go for morning meetings, but has another hidden benefit.The first flights of the day tend to take off on time as other flights accumulate delays throughout the day, which is why the last flight of the day is often delayed. If your travel policy (and your family) allows staying an extra night, you may even consider traveling back home on the first flight of the day and avoiding the last flight of the day.

Keep your electronics with you

Keeping electronics in your carry-on is not only a good idea so that you can work from the plane, and ensures you have your technology with you should your baggage get lost, but it also keeps your technology from getting ruined as the extreme temperatures within the hold can really take a toll on your hardware.

Global entry or TSA precheck is a good idea if you’re a frequent traveler to and within the US

If you’re a US citizen then TSA precheck is a good idea. On the other hand, if you’re a non-US citizen, and you travel regularly to the US, you may want to look into Global Entry that makes customs and passport control easier. The less time spent at the airport, the more time you can dedicate to your clients.