Getting the most out of your business travels can be difficult at times. This claim is further supported by the fact that businesses these days expect their workers to be exceptionally productive while traveling, regardless of whether it’s actually possible in the first place.
With jetlag disturbing the regular sleeping patterns, bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and an internet connection that is erratic at best, accomplishing work and being productive while doing it becomes even harder. That said, here are 5 tips you can use to get the full benefits out of your next business trip.
Make all your plans in advance
Granted, you don’t have to create a complete itinerary in order to enjoy your stay, but some thinking ahead can certainly help you accomplish everything you’ve wanted and remain organized while doing it.
For example, booking hotels and flight reservations are best done the moment you know you’re going on a trip. By doing this you’re not only ensuring that you’ll get the best possible deal every time, but you’ll also save a couple of bucks.
Not to mention that booking early allows you to pick between different opinions and potentially choose the flight with the lowest number of layovers or secure an excellent restaurant reservation in advance.
Carry only the necessities
One of the best ways to reduce stress and get the most out of your trip is to pack only the bare minimum. All hotels offer cleaning and hygiene supplies for all their guests, so make sure to avoid carrying things that you’ll be provided with once you land.
Additionally, by packing lightly you’re guaranteeing that none of your luggage will get lost during the loading and unloading, nor will you have to spend time waiting for your belongings to appear. And not carrying additional luggage means that you won’t have to pay any additional fees, which is particularly useful when dealing with delayed or rerouted flights.
Plan your work according to internet availability
Now, just because you’re on a flight doesn’t mean you can’t get some work done. A good way to remain productive is to create lists detailing all the tasks you have to accomplish. An even better way to stay productive is to create separate lists of tasks according to internet availability.
One list should detail things that can be done on an airplane, without an internet connection and the other should include all the work that can be accomplished with an often subpar airport internet connection. Granted, the airport internet is anything but good, but it can still suffice for a quick e-mail checkup.
Try the local cuisine
Sticking with the hotel restaurant and the familiar food is easy, but there are some excellent local restaurants that are often located mere minutes away from the hotel. One of the best ways to network with your business partners is to take them to dinner and taste the local delicacies.
This helps both you and your business partners experience the city a little better and can be used as a tremendous opportunity to connect on a more personal level with your colleagues and team members.
Consider investing in a reward card
Most airlines offer some interesting reward card choices for people who rack up frequent flyers’ miles due to their business trips. With a dedicated reward card, you have the opportunity to access and use the airport lounge, something that normally demands a fairly large entrance fee.
Most airport lounges come equipped with free coffee, food, drinks, TV, and even a decent internet connection, which can be useful next time you’re experiencing a layover or a very long delay.
Go sightseeing!
If you have the time between meetings, you should definitely go sightseeing or at least enjoy a walk through the new environment. Although most hotels offer their special tours around the place, you should consider investing in an airport transfer service.
They are particularly useful when the airport is located far away from the airport, as making arrangements before you even arrive can save you a lot of money and time you would normally waste on a cab service.
Airport transfers Perth experts recommend investing in a private transfer service, which not only comes with its own professional driver but also offers more security and reliability during your move from one place to another.
Business trips are an ideal opportunity to not only grow and expand your business but also to experience new places and their rich culture. So the next time you plan ongoing on a business trip, make sure to follow the tips above in order to make the most out of it.
Avoid over packing and doing things at the last possible minute, and instead, take your time to carefully plan your trip. This will leave you with more time and energy to focus on accomplishing the goals you’ve set out for yourself and thoroughly enjoy your trip.
About the author: Leila Dorari is a marketing consultant and a freelance writer from Sydney. She has been working with different companies for 5 years now. When taking a break from making new marketing slogans, she is either window shopping or exploring new ways to make her life more meaningful.
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