How to Become an Efficient Business Traveler
‘ Travel for most of the work week? Dialing in to a few easy tips may be able to cut time in half for the monthly, or in many cases, weekly business trip. Business people who live out of their suitcases tend to have traveling down to a science; however, this is not the case for most. As business travel is predicted to grow in 2011, people will benefit from knowing the ins and outs of airports and the surrounding areas. Although lost luggage and cancelled flights are common mishaps, packing smart, planning ahead, and having a good attitude are key in traveling successfully every time.
Pack light the night before. By putting everything together the night before the trip, there will not be as much to worry about the next morning, which can lower stress levels and limit forgetfulness. Travelers need to research what the weather will be like for their destinations. Many frequent flyers advise to pack what you cannot replace for a given destination.
|
|
Continued...
One of the most important tips is to try and keep the luggage close-take it as a carry-on whenever possible. Packing light can help a traveler quickly get from point A to point B. The lighter the luggage, the easier it is to maneuver throughout the airport and to finally arrive at the final destination. Many times, the flight attendants will make people check their larger bags, especially if there is not enough room on the airplane. In some instances, services will allow people to send their luggage ahead of time to their destination, which can save time getting through security, baggage claim, and dragging everything from terminal to terminal.
Although luggage is an important part of traveling, one of the most vital steps to a successful business trip is planning out reliable rides and where to reside (if the trip requires an overnight stay). Frequent travelers, for the most part, know the reliable companies and drivers for their rides to and from the airport. Building relationships and referrals always help with reliability and trust. By getting to know people at these
| |
Continued...
companies (while keeping track of contact information) and forming bonds, travelers can call on these drivers in a bind. If a business trip requires an overnight stay, choose a hotel that rewards travelers, or one that helps keep routine, whether it’s a pool or continental breakfast. These amenities can make traveling for business much more comfortable and less stressful.
As The Wall Street Journal reported, “The National Business Travel Association is optimistic that the rebound in work-related trips will grow stronger this year as companies focus more on their business abroad and up their face-to-face meetings.” Now that the economy is making a turn for the better, companies are able to expand their client-base, which, in turn, will fill the bustling airports across the country with more business men and women traveling both domestically and internationally. At the end of the day, arriving at the final destination is most important, but the often stressful process of getting there can be alleviated by following the advice of avid business travelers.
|
