Ways To Simplify Business Travel

Does your company send you off jet-setting around the world? Business travel can be glamorous and exciting but at the same time tiring and complex. When ticking countries off your list, you need to be highly prepared, packing everything you need to work just as well remotely, as in the office.

Different time zones, jetlag, baggage restrictions, different customs and cultures all present their challenges. But luckily, there are strategies that can help. So if you’re looking to smooth the transition to working abroad, follow our guide to simplifying business travel.

Pack Perfectly

Staying abroad for just a few days? Stick to carry-on luggage to avoid long waits at baggage claim and the risk of lost suitcases. That means packing lightly, planning your outfits ahead of time and not bringing multiple options.

If you’re away for longer, make sure you optimise your bag to save time and space. Packing cubes or dividers mean you can pull out exactly what you need more easily. Choose versatile clothing that works for both meetings and downtime along with layers, so you’re prepared for all weather.

Organise Your Travel Documents

There’s nothing more stressful than realising you don’t have the right documents or you’ve left your passport in the airport loos. Get organised by placing everything you need in a secure plastic wallet or special travel bag with multiple compartments.

Try downloading boarding passes digitally or use an app to store travel documents like your itinerary. It’ll make them quicker to access and there’s less risk of misplacing scraps of paper. File any relevant emails for your trip in dedicated folders so you can quickly check key details too.

Maximise Loyalty Programs

Frequent flyers can often reap huge rewards. So make sure you’re signed up for any airline, hotel or car rental loyalty programmes. The more often you travel, the more you’ll pick up valuable points. Some credit cards, like AMEX, even offer extra ways to pick up discounts and rewards.

The perks can include everything from upgrades to faster check-ins to priority boarding, lounges and free Wi-Fi. All this will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

Think Ahead With Flight Times

Whenever possible, book flights that align with your schedule. Overnight journeys can be great for resting, especially if you’re travelling long haul. Early morning flights mean you can get a full day of work done upon arrival but make sure you consider if it will impact your sleep cycle as you don’t want to feel drained.

Fight Jetlag

Jetlag is real. Luckily, if you’re simply hopping on a short haul flight, you’ll likely dodge any ill effects. But if you’re heading off somewhere further afield, you’ll probably suffer either while you’re away or once you get home.

To adjust to different time zones, start shifting your schedule before your trip. Figure out whether snoozing during the flight or trying to stay awake will benefit you down the line. Sleep aids like melatonin, blackout eye masks or noise-cancelling headphones will help you rest more easily when the time comes.

Know Your Airports

Regular travellers are probably all too familiar with their nearby airports. But you can use that knowledge to your advantage. Familiarising yourself with the airports you’ll be travelling through helps streamline getting around and prevents travel panic.

Some offer express services, better lounges or short walking distances to make transits quicker and smoother. If you have control over where you travel from, why not recommend the airports you find the easiest to navigate?

Maximise Your Mobile Network

Everyone has heard horror stories of huge mobile phone bills after travelling abroad. That led to us toggling off roaming to dodge sky-high charges, before we’d even set foot on foreign soil. Today, things are a lot easier as plenty of network providers offer the same rates abroad as at home.

If you have a company phone, make sure the business picks a provider with the best business travel deals. You can even benefit from business eSIM solutions which give you access to different networks abroad, helping you stay connected with clients, without any hassle.

Don’t Forget Downtime

Travelling for business doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a break. Schedule in a bit of me time while you’re away and get the most out of your long flights and layovers. They offer the perfect chance to catch up on small tasks, reading or just unwinding with a podcast. This way, you're productive while recharging.

When you are free, staying active will help you feel at your best and help you align with changing time zones. But don’t forget to soak up the food, culture and atmosphere. There’s no point travelling to new areas if you aren’t experiencing what they have to offer.