When it comes to travelling for business purposes, it can be quite challenging, especially for the inexperienced traveller. So, today I wanted to share a couple of tips on travelling for business and ways to combine work with travel. Here I cover 10 fantastic tips that will not only improve your travel experiences but also reduce stress while mixing travel and business adventures.
Packing Smartly
In the movie, Up In The Air, George Clooney’s character made packing for air travel look really easy. His character, Ryan Binghan usually only had a small carry-on suitcase that was always impeccably packed and allowed him to move in and out of any airport with ease. This is definitely something that you should aspire to as well. All you’ll need to do is get a high-quality carry-on suitcase, utilize packing cells and pack as light as you can for your trip. By doing so, you will be able to avoid immigration and simply get to your meeting or whatever business needs to be done fast and with the less fuss possible. You should also make sure to have quick access to a pen and notebook as you’ll never know when you may need it.

Easy Movement and Visa restrictions
You should know that if you intend to travel internationally, then your passport will need to have at least 6 months remaining before its expiry date. This is a general rule for all international travel trips, not just business ones. There are other requirements that you may need to consider also, such as if you need a visa to enter the country, based on where you are going. If you do need a visa, then you must ensure you apply and hold the correct type for your intended business trip. You need to think of these things ahead of your trip to avoid any problems at immigration. If you are not sure about what you need, simply contact a travel manager or your immigration office as they know the details on what is necessary for most countries.

Coverage to keep you safe
Next, you need to ensure you have travel insurance once you’re travelling to foreign countries. By getting a yearly policy that offers coverage anywhere in the world, it will ensure that you’re covered, and you don’t need to get a new policy every time you have to travel. You should take the time to consider your next travel destination, do a risk assessment and make sure that your policy will cover you for that destination. Again, you should talk to your travel manager if you are unsure of anything and they will advise you on what you should do.
For digital nomads constantly travelling the world or anyone who is likely to be travelling with expensive electronic gear such as laptop, camera, drone etc then I suggest taking out a policy with World Nomads Travel Insurance.
Airline Lounge Perks
By visiting the airline lounge, they can greatly help you to relax and de-stress before you depart for the important business trip. You will likely be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet ambience, lots of great food and even drinks at no charge. If you are flying in business class, you will likely be able to get access to these lounges, however, there are some lounges that are only accessible upon paying their separate fee. The airline’s lounge is the best place to be if you have a flight delay and will allow you to continue working or read over some business notes in a comfortable environment.
Long Haul travel
If you are visiting a country that is in a significantly different time zone than the country you’re currently in, then you should try to adjust your sleep pattern to the new zone the night before you travel. If you can do this while you are flying, this can greatly help your body to re-adjust. If you are flying in economy class, then it can be quite difficult to sleep due to the noise and comfort, so make sure that you have a set of noise-cancelling headphones and a quality travel pillow. You should consider changing your ticket to business class if you have an important meeting to attend.

Stretching
There are many ways that you can do yoga and even other exercises while you’re seated in the plane. You should also consider getting out of your seat during the flight and walking around a bit to stretch your legs every once in a while, I’ve often been guilty of not leaving my chair at all during long haul flights especially when sitting in the middle chair which is not a good idea. If you need to get work done during the flight, then you should be aware that working while in the economy class will be quite difficult and you’ll face many interrupted moments. The interior of aeroplanes can be quite humid or dry, so make sure and drink lots of water so you can stay hydrated.
Travel Brand Relationships
If you are a regular traveller, then it is important that you build strong travel-related relationships. You should consider building a relationship with a reliable and comfortable airline, hotel chain and even the company that you regularly hire rental vehicles from. Many of these companies will have loyalty programs that can give you discounts or a sense of comfort. After you have endured a long and tedious flight, there is nothing better than being greeted by a familiar hotel manager who has already gotten your usual room ready for you.

Cost Tracking
Make sure that you keep all your travel-related receipts, including food and drink bills, travel bills etc. There are even many apps that will help you keep track of these expenses so that you don’t run into any problems with your boss. Most, if not all, of these expenses, will be possible to claim during tax season or possible to get reimbursed from your business company straight away.
Work & Exercise
While travelling, you can easily spend all day at work, followed by dinner and drinks then bed. This may even quickly and unwillingly become a cycle, but it is very unhealthy. You should always take some time to exercise by going to the gym or even swimming in the hotel pool. This will help you to maintain a healthy body and mind while assisting you to get some relief from work thoughts and deadlines. Keep up with your work schedule using tracktime24.com.
Be Conscious
You should always keep in mind the country that you’re in and that everything that you do would reflect on the company that you work for. So, be sure to be well mannered, be aware of the laws of the country as well as learn what is customary. Be careful of the foods that you eat and avoid experimenting, especially when you need to focus on your work and can’t afford any stomach troubles. Also, make sure to only drink bottled water for the same reasons when in certain locations.

By following these simple and easy to implement tips on travelling for business you will be making more use of your time, travelling cheaper and more comfortable in no time all while getting paid for it.
Organise Your Trip: Travel Advice and Tricks I Personally Use
Book Your Flight
Heading to either Skyscanner or Momondo are my methods of choice for this. They are my favourite as they search for flights from different companies all over the world. You can filter the results to suit your needs and ensure you land the best price every-time.
Book Your Accommodation
This is an important part of any holiday you’re going on. Read all the reviews and get the right accommodation via TripAdvisor. They even show you the best prices available at the time for that room from suppliers like Booking.com.For booking a hostel your best bet is to start with HostelWorld or possible even use CouchSurfing if you’re on a real budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a must these days so you have a piece of mind you’re covered for anything that could go wrong while on your trip. I now never go on a trip away without travel insurance. I’ve been using World Nomads for the past few years.
My favourite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (little more expensive but covers everything)
- SafetyWing (cheaper option to just cover you for health issues)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
As I have been travelling frequently over the last few years I’ve learnt some great tools to use for saving money when travelling. I have a travel resource page that lists all the trusted companies I personally use and rely on. I think you will find them good as well.
I also have a couple of great blogs that share quick and easy ways to save money on flights or accommodation. Take a look and save some cash on your next trip.
The Best Place To Book Your Tours
If you are someone you likes to have the best tours in one place and read reviews from other travellers about their personal experiences of each different tour then the best platform to use is GetYourGuide.
They offer the best tours, have money-back offers in case your trip is cancelled and ensure the price of each tour is the lowest possible.
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