Business Trip Tips from the Pros

Traveling for work can be a great way to get out of the office, but with all the obstacles between you and your destination, it can also be an agonizing process. From airports to hotels and especially the Uber rides in between, living on the road can be tough, but there are ways to make the most of your travel experiences.

Planning in advance is the best way to go into a trip – business or otherwise. To help make your trip a breeze, check out TSP’s three simple tips for success.

PACKING
When it comes to packing, deciding what to bring can be difficult. Some say it’s always better to overpack, but your suitcase might not allow it. Having one go-to piece of luggage that works no matter what kind of trip you're taking can make traveling simpler. Lay out everything you are certain you need first to ensure the necessities make it into the suitcase. It’s important to pack smart, because overpacking could cause you to pay overweight baggage fees.

While you never know what your trip will bring, think through your outfits for each day and pack accordingly with simple, versatile pieces that can be used for multiple outings. Business trips often consist of long days, so we recommend wearing dark colors to stay neutral and hide stains that may appear during your trip. To minimize wrinkles, put your nice shirts and dresses in dry cleaner bags. It may sound silly, but a well-organized suitcase can make getting ready in the morning that much easier!

REWARDS PROGRAMS
If you're constantly traveling, investing in a rewards program could be beneficial to you for both your business and non-business vacations. Many hotels and airlines offer points for staying or flying with them. Try sticking to the same hotels and airline companies each time you travel to maximize your points. These rewards may include free airfare, hotel rooms, and various exclusive offers.

It's smart to use these programs to your advantage as you travel for your job. If you must put up with the inconveniences that come with business travel, you might as well take advantage of the perks, too. You can use these points to motivate you to work and take that hard-earned vacation or getaway!

TECHNOLOGY
When traveling for business, the most important thing to remember is your technology. Whether it be your phone, laptop, or headphones, these things are vital to successful (and peaceful) travel. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may be able to lighten your load and leave some devices at home. To be on the safe side, invest in an adapter in the case there is only one outlet wherever you may be. With all your chargers and cords, keeping your devices up and running is a top priority.

To make your overall travel experience easier, there are a handful of apps you can download straight to your smart phone. If you haven’t jumped on the mobile check-in train, now is the time to do so. Not only does it erase the fear of losing your boarding pass, but the apps also send live updates on your flight’s status in case of delay. If you’re looking to go beyond the obvious, these apps recommended by TechInsider might just be perfect for you!

While business may have landed you in your current destination, you can still take advantage of the fact that you are traveling to a different place. Of course you’ll have meetings to attend and people to meet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the sights, too. Everyone has different traveling hacks, but sticking to the necessities can ensure a successful trip. If you have a business trip coming up, take these tips into consideration before hopping on that plane.