From next week, you’ll be travelling to a new city to give a presentation to clients on your firm’s profitability and performance. You’ve been dreading this “hell” week for the past month. Uncomfortable flights, dingy hotel rooms, and the lack of eight hours of sleep are what awaits you. Not anymore. Follow the guideline given below and you can leave these notions of a business trip in the past.

Air Travel

Airplanes might be one of the fastest means of transport but the journey from leaving your home to reaching the hotel room takes up most of the day. Pack your bags to the limit, reach the airport early, go through various security checkpoints, stand in queue for boarding and deboarding, wait an eternity at baggage claim, take the cab to your hotel, and then you’re finally done. This process can be simplified.

You have most likely already booked your ticket for the upcoming trip and if you’ve booked a bad seat with no meals so that you can save the company money then you’ve made a big mistake. When travelling for business, your priority is your comfort. If you’ve been allocated a budget, then use it completely. Go for the larger seat with more legroom, buy yourself an in-flight meal and stay well fed, and see if you can secure lounge access. Whatever can be afforded by the company should be utilized. You may not be able to upgrade to business, but you can come close.

Surface Travel

For surface transport you will either take a cab, take/rent your own vehicle, or depend on public transportation. Prior research of the city will let you know which option is the best alternative. If a city has a well-connected and convenient public transportation, then that should be selected. If a client is in a city within driving range, then taking your own car or renting one would work out to be more convenient even if there are flights operating to that city. Make sure to map out your road trip beforehand. Account for every rest stop and gas station. Carry drinking water and some easy to eat snacks along with a basic first aid kit for yourself and your car.

Accommodation

While you spend the least amount of time (awake) here, it is a decisive component of your trip. A similar strategy while booking flight tickets where comfort is the number one priority should be used for your hotel room. That’s right! A hotel room. Hotels regularly deal with business travelers and hence, can accommodate them the best. You need to remember that you are there to work and having your own room, which is freshly made every day, is suitable for adequate rest. Daily buffet breakfast is another plus.

Food and Beverages

Another key component of your trip is where you choose to dine. Since you have rightly gone with a hotel room as your shelter, breakfast is sorted. Lunch and dinner are dependent on your per diem. Do your research for eateries near to your hotel and work. Try out new restaurants with different cuisines. Just make sure they are hygienic because you do not want to fall sick.

Things to Carry

Here are a few things you should carry on your next business trip.

On the Flight

If your firm books your flight, then carrying a neck pillow is a must. They are cheap but can be used in multiple ways to make yourself cozy. A small thin blanket does not take up much space in your cabin bag but makes sleeping on planes more pleasant. Carry some earplugs to drown out background noises. Download a show or an audio book before you board to kill time. Pack a small sandwich as a quick snack onboard.

For the Hotel

If your company makes your booking for you and it is a lower tier hotel, then you should carry the following.

Disinfectant Wipes

For cleaning anything you may use such as the bedside cupboard, the bathroom sink, the remote, and more.

Your Own Towel

You never know what type of cleaning is going on behind the screen. Carry your own wash towel and stay sanitary.

A Pair of Slippers

Don’t wear your dress shoes everywhere. Carry some sleek slippers or sandals for out-of-office movement.

Conclusion: A Relaxed Journey

Your trip is going to be strenuous. You’ll spend a good amount of time travelling and then work a regular day while returning to a hotel room. Spend the entire budget allocated for a comfortable journey and focus on your deliverables instead. Follow the guidelines above and make your tour more relaxed.