Travel is a lifestyle and something you live by as a frequent business traveller. It means far from everything familiar on the road, and you must adapt. Being away from your usual environment is quite challenging for your brain and body, particularly for those travelling for business.
Pre-travel preparation
Research the area you’ll be travelling to. If you are going on business to a foreign country, learn the customs of that region and check if you need a business visa.
If it’s a domestic trip, look into good restaurants in the area, review the local news, check the weather, and limit transportation options available when you arrive.
Make sure you know how to pronounce the name of your destination.
Keep your carry-on bag light.
Make sure that your cabin bag is packed light.
Download helpful apps on your smartphone.
Download a Flight Tracker app. You can use this to track the movement of your plane from gate to gate—and if there is any unexpected delay, you’ll be able to see that on your phone immediately.
Download the airline app you are flying and the transportation apps for your destination.
Always have a map printed for backup or when roaming is unavailable or patchy.
Besides buying, you can now print any map centred on your chosen place, which can be scaled to suit your purpose.
Prepare for travel delays by bringing entertainment.
Bring an exciting book, newspaper, magazine or audiobook if subscribed to a streaming provider like Viki, Rakuten TV, Netflix or Amazon Prime, download movies and TV series when the subscription allows. Prepare a music playlist on your smartphone.
Don’t forget to carry a set of clothes you can change since you never know what might happen to your checked-in luggage.
Check-in 24 hours before your flight
You should check in online if possible to pick your seat ahead of time. You will get a printable or mobile boarding pass if you check in online.
To save time at the check-in counters, it is advisable to either print your boarding pass or have a mobile boarding pass ready in advance. You can do this on the airline’s mobile app or website. If multiple boarding passes are needed for family members or a group, using one of the self-serve kiosks near the check-in desks is easier.
Bring a medley of adaptors.
Travel adaptors are used to convert one plug type to another. If you’re going to a foreign country with different outlet configurations, you can use travel adaptors to plug in your electronic devices without buying new chargers.
Bring your food
Bringing food means there’s no waiting in line at the airport cafes or restaurants. This is especially useful if travelling through airports with limited food options.
Bring travel accessories to make you relax.
Bring headphones and a sleep mask to relax if you are stuck somewhere and need to sleep.
Some individuals find it effortless to sleep during flights, while others may struggle with it. These two items can improve the chances of getting some rest while flying.
Bring travel documents
Make sure to double-check travel documents – passports and visas to prevent any issues or complications when you’re at the airport.
At the airport
Use travel apps to help you navigate the airport.
Take advantage of freebies at the airport.
Book an airport lounge. If flying business class, you can access the airport lounges. If not, you can pay to enter many lounges or sign up for a membership. You can also get free admission with certain credit cards. The lounge is a great place to work or get quiet before your flight.
Use self-check-in and bag drop.
Plan ahead for security queues at the airport.
When you’re in line for security screening, be sure to have everything set up and organised in front of you. Ensure that any larger electronics like tablets and laptops are easily accessible.
Always carry your ID and passport in an inside pocket so they’re easy to access. If you’re carrying an electronic ID on your phone, add it to the body of an email (send it as an email attachment) or write out the details and keep it in a safe place.
If your flight is delayed, call ahead to let people know what’s happening. If possible, confirm with them if they need you for anything once you arrive.
In the plane
Sit in the window seat toward the front of the plane. You’ll have the most space, allowing you to stretch out without disturbing others in your row.
Bring a power brick that has multiple ports. You can charge your smartphone, laptop, and tablet all at once.
Stay hydrated—you will feel better and probably avoid getting sick from the recycled air.
If you’re taking a long flight, wear compression socks. They will help prevent blood clots and swelling.
Gather everything you need before boarding. When you board, slip into your seat quickly, stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker and settle down with a book/tablet/smartphone and earphones while everyone else shuffles by, looking stressed.
Make sure to rest during the flight, as you can never predict the time between meetings and events once you reach your destination.
Travel hacks when you arrive at your destination
Stay connected. Enable global roaming on your smartphone.
Get a location map if you forgot to bring a printed map or cannot connect online.
You may have a lot to do when you arrive at your business destination. Getting the lay of the land as soon as possible is essential. Plan out the things you want to do
Get some additional money. There are a few ways you can do this. Exchange your cash for local currency at an airport exchange, like Travelex; this is easiest if you’re going somewhere in Europe or Asia (though they may not be available in smaller airports). In most countries, withdrawing money from an ATM with a debit card is possible.
Find some good food and water. If hungry and there’s nothing to eat around, use Yelp or Google Maps to find a nearby restaurant or convenience store for snacks or water. You might not find one immediately as you come out of the airport. This sometimes happens when you arrive late in the evening.
If staying at a hotel in a new city, use the local transportation app (or ask the concierge) to find out how best to go to the hotel. Some cities have extensive public transport systems that are much easier to navigate than taxis.
In Summary
If you are a frequent traveller, you know that some travel hacks can make a difference in your journey.
These tips and tricks can help save time, money and energy, ultimately making trips enjoyable and less stressful.
For example, packing smart and using technology can help you navigate unfamiliar places. And if you’re new to travelling, don’t worry! You can still learn from these hacks and become a more efficient and savvy traveller.
So why not try them and see how they can enhance your travel experience?