tips travelling for work

The great thing is that I convinced one of my work colleagues to come with me, which has two benefits. She has now been introduced to Danielle's work for the first time and we will have a chance to bond over the event! I can't wait!

18. Create a standard packing list

If you are travelling regularly, save yourself the pain of wondering "have I forgotten something?" Every time you travel. I learnt this the hard way, and have about 20 packets of travel sickness pills in my medication box as a result. Because every time I travelled I would forget them and end up buying yet another box at the airport kiosk. (For about twice the price that I can get them at my local pharmacy). Create your list on your computer and print it out every time you go away, or print it once, laminate it and check the items off with a dry-erase marker. I promise you, this is a game changer and will mean that packing your bag to go away becomes super quick and hassle-free!* 

* Since writing this post, I've upgraded my travel checklist! I now have it in Trello. In fact, I have one checklist for travelling for work and another for personal trips.

19. Take a creature comfort from home

Candice popped back in to let me know that she likes to take a creature comfort from home when she travels for work. Especially if she will be away for a while. Candice suggested that your favourite pillow might be a good option, provided that you have room in your suitcase.

I think this is a fantastic idea. In fact, I've actually been packing my essential oil diffuser with me as my creature comfort. I love setting my diffuser up in the hotel room and diffusing oils to help me sleep, or to ground me after a hard day at the office.

20. Pack a set of clothes in your carry on

This tip only really applies if you are travelling a long distance (like, overseas), or have multiple stopovers as there is more chance of your checked luggage being lost or delayed. Got a meeting first thing the morning after flying? Imagine how embarrassed you would be if you had to rock up in your casual travelling clothes. Bags don't go missing or get hugely delayed too often. But you can guarantee it will always happen when you have somewhere important to be. Isn't that Murphy's Law?

If you pack some spare clothes, you can at least look semi-respectable for that meeting or event! (This may seem a little over-prepared, but if you are reading this, I am guessing you are probably a preparer. Being too prepared has never bitten anyone on the bum. Girl Guide's Honour)

21. Pack as light as possible, then lighter again

While we were on the cruise, Hubs and I spent quite a bit of time in the art gallery and even purchased some art to take home. This meant that we also got to know the ship’s Art Director, Ajay, who had been on the ship for the past seven months! My gosh, I couldn’t even imagine it! With this in mind I figured that Ajay was probably a master at travelling for work. I asked him to share his best tip. Ajay told me that it is all about packing light. He then offered these follow up pearls of wisdom:

• Make sure all of your books are loaded onto your phone or tablet, so that you don’t have to carry physical books.
• Roll everything – you can fit heaps more in. You'll just need to iron when you arrive at your destination. 
• Stuff your socks and underwear into your shoes. You should be able to fit at least 4 pairs of socks in each shoe! 
• If you are going away for a while, pack your socks and underwear into a plastic bag so that you can tip them directly into a drawer in your hotel room.

Have fun when travelling for work!

One thing I have learned about travelling for work is that I always hate it less when I let my hair down a little. Grumbling because you don't like travelling for business will not bring anything good upon you. So, save your complaining and work out how you can enjoy the situation that you are in. Whether that includes going out for dinner with your colleagues, hiring a cheesy movie from the in-room entertainment system, reading a trashy novel, splurging on a massage, or simply just choosing to smile instead of grimace, give it a go and be grateful that you have an opportunity that others would beg for. 

I hope you have enjoyed this huge post about travel tips for work! Have a great work trip and let me know in the comments if you have any other great travel tips!

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About the Author

Bec McFarland is an experienced HR practitioner, manager, career coach and the creator of Pop Your Career. She delights in sharing practical, straight to the point career advice, spending time with her family and eating Mexican food.

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How to Ease Back into Traveling for Work

by Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Summary .   

Transitioning back into business travel after the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. Individuals are having to remember how to pack efficiently, adjust to time zone changes, and modify their meeting schedules — and that’s on top of monitoring differences in travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and Covid risk levels throughout the world.

Use these strategies to transition back into work travel. First, evaluate the benefit. Think carefully about where you believe travel would add the greatest benefit versus working remotely. Second, right size the investment. Even as you’re able to fold more business travel into your schedule, question whether all the travel you used to do really needs to be added back in. Third, pace yourself by starting small, and then building up after you see how you feel. Finally, leave margin. If you’ve got important business travel, give yourself more flexibility than you used to do, and make sure you have access to everything you need, like food and car rentals.

In 2020, with the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, travel dramatically dropped domestically and internationally, with business travel down by 90% at the lowest point in the year. Now, as more and more individuals are returning to the office, work travel is coming back. But it’s not all clear skies. As a time management coach, I’ve seen that returning to business travel can be almost as disorienting after a two-year hiatus as the sudden lurch into fully remote work was. My clients are having to remember how to pack efficiently, adjust to time zone changes, and modify their meeting schedules when they’re now on the road for work.

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The ultimate guide to travelling for work: 35 best tips for business travellers

Before you travel…, 1. check your company’s business travel policy, 2. stick to carry-on bags only, 3. keep your essentials packed and ready to go in your suitcase, 4. keep your essentials handy when on the road, 5. pack both business attire and casual clothes, 6. keep security checks in mind when you pack, 7. make comfort a priority, 8. sign up for rewards programmes, 9. make sure you charge your electronic devices, 10. fly non-stop, 11. make use of airport lounges, 12. use a suit bag, 13. bring a power bank, 14. bring your (travel size) toiletries, 15. pack healthy snacks, 16. choose your plane seat wisely, 17. do your research on foreign business etiquette, 18. download helpful apps, 19. bring a power adapter, 20. check in beforehand, during your business trip…, 21. choose water, skip alcohol, 22. if you have a meeting shortly after landing and need to be fresh, try drinking coffee two hours before the meeting, 23. layover tip: take the time to connect, 24. stretch, 25. adapt to meal times as soon as possible, 26. beat jet lag with exercise, 27. don’t be tempted to sleep as soon as you arrive, 28. try to stick to your most important daily routines, 29. take pictures of all your receipts, 30. store your receipts properly, 31. use a firewall when using public internet, 32. there are alternatives to working in your hotel room, after your business trip…, 33. don’t forget to report your expenses, 34. send thank you emails, 35. leave reviews, did you find this article useful.

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17 Incredibly Useful Business Travel Tips from a Frequent Traveler

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17 Business Travel Tips You Need to Know

After several months of traveling every week for work, I’ve picked up some very helpful business travel tips that make traveling for work easy and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a consultant like me and you travel for work every week, or you just take occasional business trips, these tips will help you improve your business travel experience.

More of my favorite travel tips and hacks:

• 15 Extremely Helpful Airport Tips
• 15 Tips for Long Haul Flights
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Best Business Travel Tips Summarized

Low on time? Here’s a quick summary of the business travel tips below!

• Travel with a carry-on only. It saves you time and hassle at the airport.
• Invest in good luggage. You don’t need the most expensive brand name out there, but get something that’s good quality and will last a long time.
• Pack portable and spare chargers. You don’t want your phone or laptop to die while traveling.
• Pack wrinkle release spray. A game changer for making your work clothes look perfect without needing to break out the ironing board.
• Stick with a single loyalty program. You’ll rack up airline and hotel points and status faster.
• Check to see if you can join any status challenges. Corporate status challenges allow you to earn airline and hotel status much faster than you normally can.
• Download airline/hotel apps. Stay organized and save time with apps!
• Make the most of rideshare apps. You can earn rewards from Uber/Lyft and also combine them with other travel loyalty programs.
• Keep an extra set of travel essentials. One to have at home, one to always have on the road.
• Get Global Entry/TSA Precheck. The best $100 you will ever spend.
• Get airport lounge access. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in airports, might as well enjoy it!
• Remember to pack casual clothes. Pack clothes you can wear to work out wear for a casual dinner or exploring the city after work.
• Pack earplugs. The key to getting a good night’s sleep at the hotel.
• Note your preferences on your travel profiles. Things like whether you prefer an aisle or window seat or a high or low floor at the hotel.
• Simplify expenses. Snap a photo of all your receipts using an app like Expensify and set aside a designated time to file your expense reports.
• Prepare the night before. Avoid early morning stress by creating a pre-trip routine.

1. Travel with a carry-on only.

If you’re in consulting like me, you’re probably only traveling Monday morning through Thursday night in which case you really don’t need anything larger than a carry-on suitcase!

Packing in a carry-on saves so much time when you arrive at your destination because you don’t have to wait for your checked luggage to come out (or worry about it getting lost.)

2. Invest in good luggage.

You don’t need to get the most expensive or trendiest luggage, but investing in good quality luggage is a must for business travelers.

I travel with a carry-on suitcase and a large Longchamp tote bag. When choosing a carry-on suitcase, be sure to get one with spinner wheels (like  this one. ) Some business travelers also like to get a carry-on suitcase that has a laptop compartment (like  this one. )

Here are more of the top-rated suitcases for business travelers.

3. Pack portable and spare chargers.

A portable cellphone charger ( this is the one I use ) is one of my top travel essentials, and it comes in handy when traveling for work too.

I also pack a spare charger for my phone and laptop which I keep in my work luggage at all times.

4. Pack wrinkle release spray.

Wrinkle release spray is a lifesaver for business travelers!

It’s perfect for those mornings where you want to smooth out a wrinkled dress shirt but don’t want to go through the whole process of setting up the ironing board in your hotel room and pressing it.

5. Stick with a single loyalty program.

The best way to rack up airline miles and hotel points is by choosing one loyalty program and sticking with it. 

Once you reach status with an airline or hotel, you get access to so many perks like priority boarding/check-in, complimentary upgrades, bonus miles and points, and more.

This also applies to other travel loyalty programs, like rental car companies and train lines.

6. Check to see if you can join any status challenges.

A lot of companies have “status challenges” going on with airlines and hotels. This is especially common in the consulting industry.

When you join a status challenge, you will be able to earn expedited status with an airline or hotel by completing a certain number of trips/stays in a specific timeframe (usually three to six months.)

This is how I was able to earn Gold Medallion status with Delta, Platinum status with Marriott, and Gold status with Hilton within just a few months!

7. Download airline/hotel apps.

Downloading airline and hotel apps on your phone will save you a ton of time.

Most airline apps allow you to check in for your flight, make/change your seat selection, and get a mobile boarding pass so you don’t have to print one at home or at the airport.

Similarly, hotel apps can save you time and some even offer a mobile check-in and mobile key so you can go straight to your room when you get to the hotel!

8. Make the most of rideshare apps.

Unless you are getting a rental car, you’ll probably be taking a lot of Ubers/Lyfts when traveling for work. Both of these rideshare apps have special programs for business travelers that you can sign up for and earn rewards.

You can also link your other loyalty accounts – for example, Delta and Lyft have a partnership where you earn Delta SkyMiles for every dollar you spend on Lyft!

9. Keep an extra set of travel essentials.

Save time packing and ensure you don’t forget anything by having a designated business travel toiletries case to leave in your suitcase between trips.

This can contain items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, deodorant, earplugs, and any other items you may need for traveling.

10. Get Global Entry/TSA Precheck.

Getting Global Entry (which includes TSA Precheck) has been a lifesaver. It has saved me so much time and hassle at the airport. My company covered the $100 fee, but it’s worth paying for out of pocket if yours doesn’t. Some travel credit cards will also cover the fee for you.

With TSA Precheck, you get to skip the general security line and go through an expedited line where you don’t have to remove your shoes or take electronics out of your suitcase. If you’re traveling internationally, you can go through an expedited customs line upon arriving back in the US.

At just $100 and lasting for five years, Global Entry is well worth it for business travelers.

11. Get airport lounge access.

This is one thing I don’t have but wish I did!

If you’ll be traveling frequently for work, it may be worth it to you to pay for airport lounge access (or see if your company will pay for it!)

This is another thing that some travel credit cards cover. You can also get airport lounge access when you reach a certain status level with airlines.

12. Remember to pack casual clothes.

One mistake I made on one of my first business trips was only packing work clothes.

I wanted to use the hotel gym one night, but I didn’t have any workout clothes or sneakers to wear. So be sure to pack one or two casual outfits to wear if you go explore or have a casual dinner or use the gym in the evenings after work.

13. Pack earplugs.

I sleep with earplugs every night, but even if you don’t sleep with them at home they can be extremely helpful when traveling.

Hotel rooms can get super noisy at night. Between the air conditioner/heater switching itself on and off, the sounds of other guests, and other annoying noises, you might find it hard to get a good night’s sleep. A good pair of earplugs helps a ton.

14. Note your preferences on your travel profiles.

If you download airline/hotels apps (see Tip #7 above) most of them will have a place for you to update your profile with your travel preferences. Things like whether you prefer a window or aisle seat on airplanes, or a high or low floor at the hotel.

You should also update your travel preferences with your company’s travel booking platform or travel agency, if your company uses one.

15. Simplify expenses.

If you’re traveling for business, you are probably responsible for tracking and submitting your expenses in a timely manner. This can be VERY important if you are putting expenses on your personal credit card and need to be reimbursed by your company.

Some companies require you to save your receipts. If that’s the case for you, download an app like Expensify or Receiptmate to keep track of all your receipts by snapping a quick photo of them.

Also, set a recurring reminder on your phone for when you need to complete your expense reports so you never get behind on them!

16. Prepare the night before.

Avoid adding to the stress of early morning travel days to get everything ready by packing for your trip the night before you leave.

Go ahead and take care of anything that needs to be done before you’ll be gone for the week so when Monday morning rolls around, you aren’t stressed out trying to get anything done.

17. Make time for fun.

One of the best things you can do when traveling for work is making time for fun!

So many people take business travel for granted, but I look as it as a mini-vacation and a way to explore a new destination (for free!)

Yes, your main focus is work and not leisure, but there are plenty of fun things you can do in the evenings after work (or in the mornings before!) Check out cool restaurants instead of just ordering room service at your hotel, go see a local show, or take a nighttime walking tour.

All of these things are easy to incorporate and will make your business travels more fun.

I hope you found these business travel tips helpful!

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

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The ultimate guide to work travel

Because let’s just say, it’s no vacation.

For many, the very idea of business travel seems glamorous. You’re exploring the world, wining and dining over fancy dinners, and racking up your airline miles.

But ask any travel for work veteran, and they’ll quickly admit that while there are plenty of perks, the reality isn’t always alluring. Often you’re sprinting through airports, cramming into airline seats, forgetting what time zone you’re in, and drinking watery hotel room coffee.

However, traveling for work is necessary for many working professionals. It’s estimated that Americans took more than 470 million business trips in 2018 alone.

Unfortunately, we can’t make airplane seats bigger, but we can dish out some helpful advice. So, we connected with a couple of experts to create this guide for you.

Our work travel experts

Mike Pacchione is a speech consultant who has flown all over the world for his career. Since 2013, he estimates that he’s taken over 700 flights – adding up to more than 900,000 miles in the air.

Kelsey Castellow is the Senior Communications Manager, Corporate Communications at Atlassian. She travels nearly every month both domestically and internationally in order to collaborate with different teams.

Before you leave

1. choose an airline and stick with them.

It’s tempting to hop around from airline to airline in an effort to score the best prices. But, both of the experts agree that tactic often backfires.

“Choose one airline to go all in on,” Castellow says. “You want the status, and you’ll actually get rewarded quite a bit.” She also mentions that, while she’s not a big proponent of having tons of different credit cards, she thinks it’s worth it to get that airline’s credit card to add to your status and get points back for purchases.

2. Pack the necessities (and then some)

There are a few items that the experts say they always have with them. These include:

• Sanitizing wipes
• Zinc tablets
• Extra pair of socks and underwear

“I always find it difficult to sleep in hotels, so I strongly recommend an eye mask and earplugs,” Pacchione says, mentioning that the Manta Sleep Mask is his personal favorite. 

You will never feel smarter than when you get stranded in a city an extra night and you thought to pack an extra pair of underwear.

It’s also no secret that airplanes and even hotel rooms can be literal petri dishes of bacteria. For that reason, Castellow says she loves sanitizing wipes for wiping down airplane trays and armrests. She’ll also use the wipes in the hotel room for sanitizing commonly-touched items that aren’t a standard part of the cleaning rotation – like lamps, curtain rods, and the television remote.

Even with those precautions, frequent travel can still take a toll. So, Castellow always has zinc tablets in her bag. “Just the stress of travel means my immune system is low, so every time I feel an itch in the back of my throat or something, I’ll take one of those,” she says.

When it comes to the extra pair of…umm…undergarments? “You will never feel smarter than when you get stranded in a city an extra night and you thought to pack those,” Pacchione says. “I always have an extra pair of underwear, socks, and even an extra tube of toothpaste in my computer bag, just in case.”

3. Download your hotel and rental car app

Even if you were conscientious about your flight times, problems still happen – and we’re all familiar with that feeling of panic when the flight is cancelled or overbooked, and we realize that we might need to sleep in a booth at the airport’s McDonald’s.

“As soon as your flight cancels and there are 200 people looking for a hotel room for a night, you have a huge advantage if you can get on your phone and do that quickly – rather than having to call,” Pacchione says.

Similarly with rental cars, Pacchione says having those apps has been hugely helpful when a flight is delayed or canceled. It ends up being faster for him to rent a car and drive to his destination, without having to jockey in line with a bunch of fellow frustrated travelers.

4. Get your hotel game on lock

Seasoned work travelers aren’t shy about making special requests. Castellow joins the rewards programs at select hotel chains as well – which makes it easier for her to request specific rooms when she’s booking a hotel. “For example, I always stay in the same room at a hotel in San Francisco,” she says.

Pacchione says that even if he’s not a rewards member, sometimes he’ll request a specific room number – usually the same one he’s been using at previous hotels. “It’s easier on my brain to not have to remember a new number every night,” he explains.

At the airport

1. get your flight timing right.

Booking a flight for work travel seems simple enough, right? You pick a flight time that works well with your schedule (and isn’t unreasonably priced) and claim your ticket.

Not so fast. Pacchione warns that giving some thought to the timing of your flight can be positive for combating delays and also increasing your chances of landing an upgrade.

“Do not take the last flight out,” warns Pacchione. “Take the second to last one instead. That way, if you get rebooked, you still have an option to get out that same day.”

Do not take the last flight out. I repeat: do not take the last. flight. out.

What about the upgrade game? Securing airline upgrades has become increasingly challenging – but it’s next to impossible during popular flight times. “Don’t take the flights that someone working a nine-to-five day would take,” Pacchione adds. Instead, you should aim for off times. “I used to take the Portland to San Jose flight that left at 10:40AM, and that was always an automatic upgrade,” he says.

2. Know the security rules ahead of time

Chances are, anyone who’s traveling frequently for business within the United States has already signed up for TSA Precheck . If you haven’t already done so, it’s well worth it. “It’s going to save you so much time getting through the airports,” shares Castellow. 

But things can get a little trickier when traveling internationally, which is why Pacchione advises travelers to familiarize themselves with the security regulations of international airport (things like how to deal with electronics and liquids) – before they get there.

Skip the coffee stand that’s right after security, and go to one closer to your gate. “The one right after security always has the longest line,” Pacchione says.

“I held up the line for a solid 20 minutes at Heathrow because I assumed they had the same rules that America does,” Pacchione says. 

So, save yourself (and everybody else) some time and headaches by doing some research beforehand. A simple Google search for “security rules [airport name] airport” should turn up the information you need. 

3. Don’t check your bag

Packing your bag can inspire plenty of stress – but that anxiety is only compounded if you check your luggage and it ends up lost in some random airport.

That’s why Castellow says she packs exclusively in a carry-on. She recognizes that it can feel impossible, but she managed a three-week trip to Europe in only a carry-on bag – so a business trip should be more than doable.

How does she make it work? She uses a hard shell suitcase, which she says accommodates more than one that’s soft-sided. She also loves packing cubes, which she picks up on Amazon. “You can get twice as much in as you would by folding and laying down your clothes,” she says. 

Packing cubes and a hard-shell suitcase should do the trick.

Any woman (and many men) knows that a big challenge with carry-on luggage is figuring out the toiletry situation. It’s tough to fit what you need in that miniscule plastic bag.

That’s why Castellow says a makeup store (specifically Sephora) should be your best friend. “Every time you go into Sephora, you can get up to nine samples,” she says. “Three for skincare, three for makeup, and three for hair products. You can also ask for small samples with every purchase that you make.”

Finally, when it comes to getting everything into a carry-on bag, Castellow says the most encouraging thing is to remind yourself that you can always buy something you weren’t able to bring. “That helps me avoid stressing about getting too much in there,” she says. 

4. Got a layover? Head to the lounge

Another thing that makes airport life a little more comfortable is to invest in a lounge pass for your preferred airline. “It seems expensive, but you get free food, drinks, magazines, newspapers, coffee, and everything,” Castellow adds. “If you’re picking up a coffee and a snack every time you fly anyway, this more than pays for itself if you’re going to be in the airport a lot.” 

Once you’ve landed

1. leave yourself a note.

Pacchione admits that when he first started traveling for work, he was convinced there was no way he’d ever forget where he was. But soon, he was away from home 40 weeks out of every year, and it became increasingly difficult to remember exactly where he was located that week.

Hello self! Today you are in: Toronto

That’s when he decided to implement a tip that his father-in-law recommended: leaving a post-it note on the nightstand to remind him what city he was in. That way, as soon as he rolled over in the morning, he was able to immediately orient himself.

“When I first heard it, I thought it was ridiculous. But there have been a couple of times when it was actually really helpful to see that note that said, ‘You are in New York’ or ‘You are in Seattle,’” Pacchione says. 

2. Develop a system for staying healthy

Frequent travel can really take a toll on your personal health, which is why it’s important that you figure out ways to stay on top of your diet and exercise. How you choose to do this is up to you, but there are a few tips that can be helpful.

Yes, there’s probably a gym in the city you are visiting.

For example, Castellow has ClassPass and a few other memberships so that she can squeeze in a workout every day. “That gives me that sense of normalcy and I don’t feel as sluggish as I would from the extra food and late nights,” she says.

Speaking of food, your diet is admittedly tough to monitor when you’re eating so many meals out, and Pacchione admits that he never wants to totally limit himself – there are only so many salads one person can eat.

His hack for indulging without regret? Only eating half of the portion that’s served to him. He can still enjoy something that tastes good, without overdoing it. 

3. Make time to connect with others

You’re traveling with the purpose of meeting, working, and networking with other people – whether it’s co-workers, clients, vendors, or other industry peers. But, don’t make the mistake of thinking that will happen simply because you’re in the same geographic location.

Be proactive about getting some time on the calendar when you can connect. That could mean lunch, a coffee date, or even a co-working or brainstorming session. 

While you can get these scheduled once you get there, it’s actually smartest to book some of those commitments ahead of time. Not only does that help you punctuate your travel days, but it also ensures you’re making the absolute most of your time there. 

Lost and found: No socks left behind

1. pack as you go.

Especially if you’re in a hotel room for a few days, it doesn’t take long for your own stuff to start blending in. That means you’re that much more likely to forget some of your items there.

Castellow resists the temptation to scatter her own belongings everywhere and instead uses a simple system to make sure she remembers to take everything with her: packing as she goes.

Once she’s in a hotel room, the first thing she does is unpack her suitcase. Then as she wears things or finishes using items, she’ll place them neatly back in her luggage. Not only does it keep all of her stuff centralized, but it also saves her a lot of time and hassle when it’s time to actually pack up and leave. 

2. Take your phone charger with you

What item gets forgotten the most? Yep, phone chargers. In an article for the Wall Street Journal , the Fairmont San Jose in California admits to ending up with about 250 of them each year – and that’s just one hotel in one city.

Pacchione says he’s one of the guilty ones who’d repeatedly leave his phone cord behind, until he implemented this tip. “Right when I wake up in the morning, I unplug the whole thing,” he says. “I don’t just take the phone off the charger, I unplug the whole thing from the wall.”

It’s a seemingly small change, but Pacchione says it’s been undeniably helpful in remembering to toss his charger into his bag. Happy work travels!

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Thanks to AJ Gutierrez, who also contributed to this story.

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Updated: Dec 16, 2021 104 Comments · by Kat

Traveling for Work: Our Top Tips

Business Travel Tips for Women · Lifestyle · Travel | how to fold a suit jacket · how to pack a suit jacket

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Traveling — whether for work or pleasure — can be a harrowing experience. We thought we'd try to summarize some of our best tips for traveling for work that, we've found, make everything go a bit more smoothly, from planning, to packing, to enjoying the experience — including how to pack a suit jacket!

Packing Tips When You're Traveling for Work

1. Draw what you plan to pack. If you're anything like this author, in the days leading up to a trip you've got a zillion thoughts racing around your head for what to pack. I should bring that great dress! Oh, can't forget my laptop cord! And yet, if you actually start packing a bag several days ahead of time, you have no idea what's actually IN the bag when it comes time to close it up and head for the airport. So I picked up this great tip from one of my best friends, who blogs at stellou.com — she draws what she plans to pack.

This solves so many problems — you can add to the drawing over several days. You can see how things work together and where you can reuse different items of clothing. And yet, when it comes time to physically packing the bag, you can do it in one fell swoop, so you know exACTly what's going in there.

Pictured:  This is one of our friend's packing lists from a trip to Paris. They can be less fancy than this, though; one of my own I-have-no-artistic-ability illustrated lists is here (weirdly, also from a trip to Paris).

2. Know how to pack.

a) Heavy things should always go on the bottom of your bag — so for example, if you have a rolling bag, your shoes, books, and whatever else should be closest to the bottom wheels as possible. This way, none of your clothes will get smooshed by heavy things.

b) Roll your tops, skirts and pants instead of folding them — if any of the pieces have lining you may want to turn them inside out before you roll them.

c) Suit jackets can be the trickiest thing to pack, though. We have forgotten where we got this little gem, but it actually does work. We try to walk you through it in the video below, but if you'd like a written explanation, here goes:  take one sleeve of the suit jacket and turn it inside out. Then, take the second sleeve, and push it through the first sleeve. Get it as smooth as possible. The jacket should be almost entirely inside-out now, with both sleeves on one side. Fold the jacket on the vertical so the uber-sleeve lays as flat as possible. Then, fold the jacket on the horizontal until it's the size you need it to be. Wherever possible, keep the suiting material from touching the suiting material — for example, the collar should stay on the “outside” of your little folded package so it isn't touching anything else.  Pictured Pin: Deposit Photos / mavoimages .

Hunting for travel-friendly suits for women or lightweight suits? As of 2024, some of our favorites include these brands/lines: 1) M.M.LaFleur , 2) Ministry of Supply , 3) Paul Smith , and 4) Talbots . (Not pictured: Eddie Bauer and Suitably ! Brooks Brothers also occasionally has suiting in their BrooksCool line, and Uniqlo occasionally has Airism suiting. ) You may also want to check out our roundup of washable suits for women !

Our Video on How to Fold a Suit Jacket

3. Keep your toiletries with you, as well as one change of clothes in case you are separated from your checked luggage. A corollary: on overnight flights it's a good idea to pack your toothbrush in your purse — when you arrive at your destination you can brush your teeth in the bathroom and feel like you're starting the day afresh (no matter how little sleep you got on the plane).

These are some of the Corporette readers' favorite items for business travel …

4 . A few lightweight additions can really make a difference in your trip. For example, flip flops are great to go wherever because it gives you something to walk around in your hotel room if the carpeting is gross; they're also great to use if you end up using the hotel's pool. Travel candles can give you a real sense of home and get rid of any weird hotel smells.

Also, if you're staying at a lower-end hotel and doubt you'll have one of those comfy spa robes, a lightweight robe can be a great way to feel more comfortable in your home — for example, Hammacher Schlemmer offers a lightweight robe that was rated “best overall” by the Wall Street Journal.

We also swear by our LeSportsac weekend duffle — we keep it in the front compartment of our rolling bag, and have found it to be incredibly useful in two different situations. First, you're on a trip and end up buying far too much stuff while on vacation — if you end up having to check a piece of luggage, this one is incredibly durable and has a lock on the zipper. (We actually just leave the keys on the bag so the TSA can get into it if they need to, but the locks help assuage our fears of our luggage splitting open while it's being handled by the airport.)  Second, it can also be great if you're confronted by someone from TSA who insists that you can't carry your rolling bag, your purse, AND your magazines on all at once — we've just stuffed our reading material and our purse into the Weekender and been allowed through. The distinctive colors on the bags (and they come in basic black as well as a wide variety of colors and prints) also make it super easy to identify as yours.

Hunting for lightweight carry-ons with a trolley sleeve for your rolling bag? As of 2023, Tumi , Lo & Sons , Cole Haan , Vera Bradley , and Baggalini are your best bets if you're looking for quality — but here are some other options (including super affordable Amazon ones) below. (Kat has this one and likes it!)

5. Finally, keep an envelope in your purse for travel receipts. This way, during your trip you know exactly where all of your receipts are going, and you can even write on the outside of the envelope what the receipts are that you're sticking in there. Then, when you get back to the office, you can just hand the envelope to your secretary and have her put together your T&E. (Pictured:  our own lists from our recent trip to Louisville.)

Bonus tip: Be sure to ask, when checking into your hotel, if they partner with any airlines for rewards points — staying at most chain hotels will get you more frequent flyer points.

Readers, what are your top tips for traveling? What are your best tips on how to fold a suit jacket, how to keep track of expenses, and more?

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here .

04/26/2010 at 1:44 pm

Any tips on cramming everything into a carry-on? Or for international travel that entails multiple events (embassy meetings + village visits)? Thanks!

04/26/2010 at 2:42 pm

If you’re going big on the carry-on, then be sure to use every available cubic inch – stuff your socks in your shoes, put your eye cream/face wash in an old contact lens case, roll everything, bring only items that can be worn more than once…

but please, don’t be that jerk that takes up all the space in the overhead. Life will go on if you have to wait at the luggage carousel with the rest of us, but the overheads should be used by more than one person… and I hate not being able to fit my jacket in one because of someone else’s jumbo luggage set.

04/26/2010 at 2:54 pm

and I hate not being able to put my bag up when I’m in the last boarding zone because someone has put their jacket up there.

Let people with rolling bags put them up first (assuming they’re actually carry on size–actual carry on size bags should be able to fit wheels first on most overhead luggage bins on large jets, though not commuter flights necessarily. I will be annoyed if you put your bag in sideways, taking up the space for two bags). Purses and coats should be put in if there is space left at the end (there won’t be). Otherwise, purses/laptops under the seat in front of you and hold onto your coat.

04/26/2010 at 4:18 pm

uhhh… if *i* have managed to pack responsibly and have fit everything i need for 4 days into a large le pliage and my purse, you’d better BELIEVE my jacket is going in the storage bin with my little tote.

i had to hold my winter coat on my lap for an entire flight back from france once, when all i had carry-on was my purse. TICKED. OFF. learn to pack a little lighter, buy a suitcase that actually FITS WELL into the storage bins, or check your bag. have a little respect for the people who have made sacrifices to avoid checking luggage.

04/26/2010 at 4:22 pm

I disagree with letting people with rolling bags put them up first. If I check my suitcase and bring on a backpack and a small purse, I think I’m entitled to put my backpack up in the bin and the purse under my seat, especially because I deliberately check my rolling bag in order to be able to have my legroom. I don’t think I should have to give up my legroom for your bag (although I would happily give it up for my OWN bag if I brought on a rolly and a backpack, in which case backpack hangs out at my feet).

04/26/2010 at 4:45 pm

Sorry, I should clarify–I mean more if you have two items, one better be going under your feet. So if you have a backpack and purse, yes, put the backpack up in the bin (So whatever is your carryon, and personal item under seat). I get really annoyed when people have two items and put both in the overhead bins, particularly when the poor flight attendant is standing there saying “if you have two items, please place the smaller item under your feet as our flight is full today and we would like to be able to accommodate as much as possible” and is clearly being ignored. (Really, I just get annoyed when people blatantly ignore instructions)

Part of the problem is there isn’t enough space in overhead bins for each passenger to have a spot for a rolling bag, since obviously when they were installed, people would just check bags. I wish they could find a way to clearly delineate the bins such that if you’re in X seat, it corresponds to X spot in the overhead bins, and if you put your stuff anywhere else, it gets plane checked.

(This is clearly a pet peeve on mine. Probably because I am always on full flights where it is an issue every. single. time. and the airlines won’t enforce the luggage size. My carry-on is standard size, and yes, I get annoyed when people are clearly trying to fit ones that are outside the limits.)

04/26/2010 at 5:16 pm

Oh I’m with you on that KZ :)

If you have two items, then the only way two items go up in the bin is if everyone is on board and there is extra space. Exception – I’m also okay with you putting your backpack in the overhead bin, and then your coat on top of your backpack (so that it occupies the same real estate), b/c it’s not like you can fit another bag on top of a bag to begin with…

04/26/2010 at 5:30 pm

I guess I’m that person? Checking bags is expensive! I’m not going to pay money to check my carryon so that someone can put their jacket up. Sometimes I’ll be the one that can’t fit there stuff too, but I’m always going to try to take just a carryon, so mines as big as the airline allows.

04/26/2010 at 5:42 pm

Also I just don’t see how this makes me a jerk… The airline has requirements, why in the world would I not take advantage of all the space I am allowed?

04/26/2010 at 5:45 pm

But is your carry-on really “carry on size?” Very few actually are… if the airlines would only enforce that rule it would solve a lot of the cramming bags in the overhead bin problems.

04/26/2010 at 6:32 pm

almost every flight I’ve been on in the last couple of years has been a small enough plane that all roll on carry ons were encouraged to be checked at the gate – best way to get the best of both worlds – I don’t have to lug my bag over my head, I’m not taking up someone’s space, but I don’t have to worry about lost luggage either… Even on my last two night trip with a very small roll aboard – I asked specifically for a tag for checking it at the gate even if they didn’t make me, because I find it so much easier…

04/26/2010 at 7:35 pm

Yeah, it is, and the airlines I have flown are very strict about the rule, and have the “cage” in front of the boarding gates and ones that look questionable have to be put in there to make sure they fit

04/26/2010 at 8:28 pm

Every flight I’ve been on in the last year has made everyone with a questionably-sized bag fit it into the metal demonstration overhead bin thingy before being allowed on the plane.

04/26/2010 at 8:59 pm

CC – Sorry, wasn’t directed at you specifically, but at all people who carry on “carry on size” bags which just aren’t. Last time I flew there was a woman lugging a huge duffel, esaily twice the allowed size, and no one stopped her.

Agreed that I love the gate check – the only good thing about smaller planes!

04/27/2010 at 9:55 am

I have bough a very cute samsonite (my first!) and I told the salesperson that I want carryon size. I took a flight from the US to Paris and it was just fine, I even tossed my bag in the metal bin to check that it has the right measurements. Then from Paris to Casablanca (in africa) I had to gate check my bag because they said it is too big for carry on… How do you know who is telling the truth?

04/27/2010 at 9:09 am

For international travel beware- the restrictions on carry-ons are recently being much more strictly enforced lately. I would try for a carry-on, but make sure to keep toothbrush, medicine, etc in my purse (not wheel-on) in case they make me check it.

04/28/2010 at 8:04 am

I just went away for a month – 2 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of work. I took a suitcase, backpack, and computer bag. I packed all technology in the computer bag, and overnight gear or other indispensables for in-flight in the backpack. It was still fairly heavy, and next time I will probably try for one smallish rolling suitcase. Particularly since some international airlines have revised allowance to only include ONE carry-on, no personal item.

In the suitcase, I only packed 2 suits, along with a skirt, 5 blouses, and a couple of sweaters, for work, plus one pair of heels that matched both suits. If you’re going to the village, you still have space for a couple other outfits. I packed more outfits for vacation than for work.

I made sure to wear my heaviest shoes (boots) and the outer jacket that takes up the most space. If you’re not married to specific toiletry products, gather hotel samples during the professional part of the trip to take to the village. This can save lots of weight and space!

kjoirishlastname

11/08/2013 at 11:42 am

Pack lightweight materials, and materials that can be washed & air dried. When on a weeklong pleasure trip with hubs to Arizona, I packed a rolling carry-on and my hiking daypack, with my purse stuffed inside. I brought a pair of zip off hiking pants (shorts + pants!), technical fabric wicking t-shirts (they are tiny, don’t wrinkle, and air dry in a jiffy); microfiber undies that I washed in the sink, and of course, pieces that could be recycled throughout the trip. I wanted to have a pair of jeans, so I wore them on the plane. Same with my hiking boots. Yes, it was a pain to get through security but I didn’t have to pack the behemoths. I also wore my fleece jacket that would be pretty much my only outerwear for the week.

I agree with the others–roll everything! I ended up rolling everything that was big-ish, and stuffing the corners with socks, balled-up undies, bathing suit, etc. Carried a full change of clothes in my backpack, along with all my toiletries, travel documents, camera, ipad, etc. Left the chargers in the rolling bag.

If you can sacrifice some style for function, you can find very lightweight rain shells, even very lightweight micro-fleece jackets. Pack flats instead of heels, forgo accessories unless they can be multi-purpose–a scarf can be both an accessory to a suit or dress, but also a functional piece of warming clothing.

My husband and I have taken 3 week+ trips on planes and have never checked a bag, including our honeymoon trip to Virgin Gorda with snorkel gear & fins.

04/26/2010 at 1:48 pm

Your drawings are so cute. I am really bad at drawing.

04/26/2010 at 1:52 pm

Take the train.

But seriously:

1. Keep a bag of toiletries in the suitcase at all times of a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, travel-sized (sample) lipstick and other make-up, shampoo, whatever. Also a set of tweezers and nail file.

2. Most things can be packed in drycleaning bags, which reduces, if not eliminates, wrinkles.

3. I have pre-printed packing lists for a variety of destinations printed out that I can refer to as I pack, eg: one for work, one for warm weather destinations, etc.

4. Consider fedex-ing clothing or supplies both to and from your destination.

04/26/2010 at 2:49 pm

I’ve actually fedexed purchases I made in CA back home to MA. So worth the extra money. I think that it’s actually cheaper to ship something Fedex these days than check a bag on some airlines! ;-)

04/26/2010 at 4:14 pm

I spent 90 pounds sending things from the UK back to Central Europe after a recent trip – definitely worth it, since I sent about 15 kilos worth of work stuff and was flying Ryanair, which charges 20 pounds a kilo for baggage over 15 kg! I broke even at 4.5 kg…

04/26/2010 at 1:53 pm

I rarely travel for work, but now I am usually in charge of packing for family travel. That means that I am packing my own stuff, but also my husband’s stuff (lest he be left without socks) and the kids’ stuff.

I can’t draw at all, so I make lists. One for me, one for hubby, one for the kids (usually these are in different sections of the same piece of paper). If there are specific events that we’re going to, I put down “outfit for X party” on all of the lists, so I have hubby’s blazer and khakis as well as my dress and junior L’s dress, etc. Then I have an item called “toilet” which means toothbrushes, paste, saline, glasses cases, lotion, spf, facewash, deodorant, etc. Also my thyroid pills get their own little line (“pills”). I also make sure to write down “snacks” so we pack enough to eat. Basically, I write EVERYTHING on the list, and then cross it off as it gets packed AND put in the car.

Ditto on rolling clothes. For suit jackets and buttondown shirts, I usually pop the collars up all the way, then fold in half along the center back seam,then fold both sleeves over – then they will usually fit on the top of the suitcase.

I also put all toiletries in a separate ziploc bag, especially when traveling by plane. Even if you think everything is closed up tight, maybe your conditioner bottle will split open and get all over everything else. Much better if it is in a sealed ziploc so all you have to do is wash off all of the rest of the toiletry items.

04/27/2010 at 4:38 am

agree with making lists. i write down everything. amazingly, i’ve almost forgotten underwear before seeing it un-crossed off on my list right before closing up my suitcase.

04/27/2010 at 10:01 am

L I love the idea of writing down even the snack! I always end up starving during my trips (which somehow always get delayed).

If possible, keep your rollerboard pre-packed (extra gym shoes, extra set of makeup, travel toiletries, socks, belt, workout clothes etc) — this will save time and minimize chances that you will end up at your destination without something critical.

04/26/2010 at 1:54 pm

Oh, you visual people. That drawing of clothes looks like 6 sketches of the same shirt to me. That would be why I make lists instead of drawing pictures.

Kat, are you wearing last Friday’s ATL top in the video? Looks fab.

04/26/2010 at 2:25 pm

i am, yes :)

I always carry a pack of those disposable face cloth/wipe things…you know, the kinds made by Ponds or Biore that are like wet wipes for the face. I throw a small pack in my carry on and they come in so handy, especially after a long flight.

04/26/2010 at 2:04 pm

I wholeheartedly second this suggestion.

04/26/2010 at 4:17 pm

Me too. On long haul flights I take a face flannel too – sometimes being able to splash water around makes a huge different after hour 20 comes around!

04/27/2010 at 1:56 pm

As the mother of a 16 month old, I’ve found how handy baby wipes are (we have unscented ones because of my family’s skin sensitivies). They are really cheap, and a plain old sandwich bag keeps them moist.

04/26/2010 at 1:56 pm

Love that jacket folding trick! I’m curious – What is the rationale for suit lining touching suit material / minimizing suit material-on-suit material?

04/26/2010 at 3:57 pm

I wanna know too, @cj! All of my clothes are jammed into my closet touching each other. I know they’re supposed to have room to “breathe” ideally, but it’s not like they have the cooties, yo! LOL.

04/27/2010 at 7:03 am

The logic is that clothes will shift in transit. If they can slide past each other they won’t wrinkle; if they “stick” against other fabric, they will. Suit fabric is just about guaranteed to be more “sticky” than the lining material, so you want it touching itself less.

(Which would make the sleeve outer materials touching each other as in the directions suboptimal, but I’m guessing they wouldn’t shift in transit as much as the body of the suit.)

04/26/2010 at 2:01 pm

On overnight flights with a layover,I always try to have an extra shirt in my carry on so that I can change when I first land. My husband used to laugh at me until he finally tried it. There’s something about a clean shirt (along with washing my face, brushing my teeth, fresh deodorant) that just makes me feel almost-human after a long flight.

RoadWarriorette

04/26/2010 at 2:21 pm

Another person bad at drawing here!! I make lists. I LOVE lists.

I would add to this to make sure you plan your outfits around one main color, ie black or brown, so that you can minimize your shoe packing.

Also, it is very helpful for common travelers to have a set of toiletries ready to go at all times. This way you can make sure you have all of the toiletries you need, and save time when packing.

04/26/2010 at 2:56 pm

I second this. When going on a trip, I try to pick one main color theme, so that I can mix and match more easily. If going on a city trip, I might choose black and white, which I can then accent with a red scarf or bright top. Way less shoe packing required. For a more informal trip, I might choose something like floaty neutrals, and pack a cream dress than can work as a cover up or for dinner, and some metallic sandals. Its kind of fun, like creating a capsule wardrobe!

04/27/2010 at 10:15 am

How often do you travel to consider yourself as a frequent traveller? I usually travel by plane every six weeks and have some land travel every 2 or 3 weeks. I am wondering if it is worth having doubles of my toiletries for travel only -these things might end up there for months and be spoiled…

04/27/2010 at 11:19 am

I usually travel several times a month, spending the night once or twice. I think if you are using typical toiletries (with the normal amount of preservatives), and not some type of natural toiletry that needs to be refrigerated, you shouldn’t have to worry about spoilage. Plus since toiletry sizes are super small, my travel shampoo (for example) only lasts me like 7-8 washes. So that is one week long vacation plus a couple of work trips, and then I have to refill.

04/27/2010 at 1:10 pm

Ok then! I’ll get my little zip bag ready!

03/05/2013 at 9:06 am

I travel weekly within the States, usually spending 1-2 nights out at a time. I have a “go bag” ready at all times, with my little zip-lock bag of tiny toiletries filled and ready (I refill as part of my unpacking routine when I arrive back in my home office). I have a set of hair implements, mini lint roller, and a baggy of supplies like cold/allergy pills and barrettes packed in the go bag. The only thing I have to throw in there when I hit the road are my clothes and my files. The bag is a roller bag that was purchased specifically to fit within all airline carry on limitations for size, although I do sometimes need to gate-check it when I fly the smaller regional aircraft that has smaller overhead compartments. I also have a smaller roller computer bag that I sometimes use for overnight trips. Everything fits in it, and it fits under the seat in front of me. (I just transfer my baggies to it. I have an even smaller set of travel hair implements that fit in it. We still need to look good). The bottom line is: 2 bags allowed for carry-on, period. I travel with a computer, therefore I will always need a computer bag, and it can never be checked. I make sure that my cross-shoulder purse is tiny enough to simply slip inside the computer bag before I board the plane. If you have to travel a lot for work, don’t waste your money on things like Luis Vutton bags. Buy tougher items that will take the beating that they are about to get and are easy to clean. The wardrobe for this type of travel MUST MUST MUST be simple. Again, don’t waste time trying to be a fashionista on the road. You really do not want to stand out too much anyway. Buy and pack basic black suiting items. If you can, wear the same shoes or pack only one pair that goes with the hem length of any pants that you may have packed or are wearing for the flight. Use color in your blouse. I gave up packing skirts for travel- way too much trouble with nylons running, etc. Working like this means that you really streamline things to what you actually need. The most important items that you are carrying are your brain and your experience!

Walking Barefoot

04/27/2010 at 12:03 pm

Worth it! I travel once a month or less – and *always* keep my toiletry bag packed with duplicates of everything I use. It makes packing so much more pleasant, and I’m so much more likely to go on a trip for the weekend if I don’t have to hunt down all the little soaps and potions.

04/26/2010 at 2:28 pm

I got a really cute pashmina/oversized scarf that I originally just used as an accessory. It ended up being my go-to “in-flight blanket” – big enough to wrap around my shoulders/arms on the plane. Especially since most flights are nixing blankets now, it’s easier than lugging around a sweater/jacket.

And I always pack a resistance band for easy/quick workouts in the hotel.Light and easy to throw into my suitcase.

Great tips – thanks!

Blonde Lawyer

04/26/2010 at 2:43 pm

I’ve posted it here before but I will repeat in case anyone missed it. Use extra contact lense cases to hold face lotion or make up remover. I can get enough for a several day trip in one usually.

Also, always have a little food in your bag. You never know when your flight will have some kind of emergency and you will be stranded without access to food. I’ve done it once and hope to never do it again.

04/26/2010 at 2:47 pm

Second the food suggestion! I’m a fan of Trader Joe’s handful of almonds – they’re not salted so they don’t make you thirsty, but they are reasonably filling and won’t go bad during your trip.

Legally Brunette

04/26/2010 at 2:55 pm

I third the suggestion. I have often found myself very cranky and hungry on a plane with no food, and it sucks. Many airlines these days, particularly on shorter flights, don’t even have a food option for purchase. I usually bring nuts and fruit, or a PB&J.

04/26/2010 at 3:41 pm

Having a healthy snack with protein has kept me sane on many occassions. I pack a homemade trail mix in a 2 cup plastic container with a twist off top. Last trip it was almonds, dried cherries and dark chocolate chips.

04/26/2010 at 4:47 pm

Just a warning on the snacks – when I was flying cross-country recently, passengers were requested to refrain from eating any nut products on the plane due to a passenger with severe allergies. Though I feel sorry for anyone with that kind of health concerns, I also felt sorry for the guy standing next to me who had brought a bag of trail mix for lunch. Since we were already at the gate and preboarding was about to start, there was no time for anyone to grab anything else – and since our flight was already delayed it was pretty late by the time we got back to the east coast….

04/26/2010 at 6:46 pm

Wow – never heard of such a request. Will pack some pretzels dried apricots as well next time and feel less guilty about their combined salt/sugar content! :-)

04/27/2010 at 9:04 am

I was just thinking of this! I have also been on a flight when they made that request. Try to have a non-nut snack with you as well.

04/27/2010 at 12:04 pm

I always have a Clif Bar at the bottom of my bag for these situations – if it can keep me from bonking on the trail, it will keep me going until my next real meal.

04/27/2010 at 12:07 pm

I just tried the contact lens case trick this past weekend, and it worked perfectly. Was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough in there, but after filling one side with face moisturizer, I had about 2-3x more than I needed for a weekend trip. Thanks for the tip!

04/26/2010 at 2:46 pm

I can’t draw, so I advise starting a few days in advance laying out your clothing in piles – on the floor of your bedroom, in your spare room, wherever, so you can see everything. Only when I have it all out and I’m set on it do I start putting things in my suitcase.

Roll everything, stuff your socks in your sneakers, bring items that can be worn more than once (but always, always, have extra underwear and socks), non-wrinkle everything (linen is not your friend), and only leave your costmetics in your suitcase if you travel often – otherwise they go bad (i.e. grow bacteria, get dry or oily, and other gross things)

Lady Justice

04/26/2010 at 2:52 pm

I always try to stop by the bank or at least stockpile a bunch of dollar bills. You will need them for tipping a variety of people. I hate when it’s time to tip a bellboy only to find I only have a $20. Typically you might be tipping at the Skycap, at the hotel (when someone gets you a cab or helps you with bags, etc. etc). I also remember to take out money in advance since I always don’t carry much with me when I am local but would need more cash when traveling. Another thing I do on both work and family travel is to carry zome empty ziplock bags (big and smaller). These can be used for a variety of things – wet clothes if you went swimming, small toys of kids, emergency ice bag even. And I usually pack a couple of band aids and some neosporin just in case.

04/26/2010 at 6:48 pm

Second the empty bag suggestion – I stick them in every suitcase – ziploc and grocery (good for laundry) and tend to adopt the dry cleaning bags in hotels as well…

Small bills are a great idea as well. Having been that (insert expletive here) that paid for a 40 cent melon with a 20 dollar bill (and another time with a credit card) I can only say that it’s more than a little awkward (and pretty much makes clear that you’re a tourist/traveller which is never good)

North Shore

04/26/2010 at 3:05 pm

And if you were a guy, you’d just cram your toothbrush and blackberry into your coat pockets and be done with it. Check out how this guy is planning to avoid fees for carry-on bags by stuffing it all in his pockets:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-0420-traveling-light-20100420,0,1314189.story

04/26/2010 at 3:17 pm

I hate flying since they started charging for checked bags. I am so sick of fighting with everyone and their two pieces of way-larger-than-regulation luggage, and waiting an hour to board because everyone is trying to cram it in the overhead bins.

Not really on topic, but just had to rant!

04/26/2010 at 6:49 pm

Spirit Airlines started to charge for carry-ons instead — not sure if they’re still charging for checked bags, but I do know that the combined lowering of the checked bag fees and the ticket prices cancelled out the $45 carry on charge if you choose to bring your bag on board.

04/26/2010 at 3:21 pm

FYI – the LeSportsac is about $98 with shipping on ebags.com using their current Mother’s Day promotion, although I do love Zappos and their no-hassle returns may be worth it. I’m definitely considering getting it, but I do have a few similar conference-branded nylon bags that were free but are bulky when folder — just how small does this one fold?

04/26/2010 at 3:32 pm

I’ll raise you one on the drawing. I often use polyvore to plan my travel wardrobe.

I like to carry on only and can do so for a full week of business travel if I stick to one color palette and mix and match. I will re-wear a suit skirt with a cardigan ensemble, and then wear the jacket with a more casual bottom for traveling. I also always bring a pashmina to wear on the plane because I almost always find the plane freezing, and the use it as a scarf at my destination.

I try to limit the number of shoes I bring, which is difficult because I love them. One dressy neutral pair and one lower heeled pair to travel in. I have a pair of crushable ballet slippers in the front pocket of my rolling bag in case my feet really give out at the airport.

I also like your foldable bag. I use the Longchamps le pliage for the same purpose. The thing I like about the pliage is that it looks somewhat like a handbag when unfolded. I ususally only employ this for vacation travel. I tend not to buy anything on business travel.

I always bring a rolling bag and my laptop case as my two carryons, so my laptop bag becomes my handbag for the week. I usually stick a clutch into my rolling bag so that I can go out to dinner without using my bulky laptop bag.

I always bring one pair of cashmere socks to pad around my hotel room in and to warm my feet when I’m sleeping since my cat won’t be there to lay on them. :(

Also, if you pick up work materials on your trip, ask the office you’ve visiting to mail them back to you so that you don’t have to carry them home. I’ll often stick whatever materials I brought into the same envelope so I’m actually lighter on the way home. If they use overnight, it will all be waiting for me by the time I’m back in the office Monday.

I think that’s it. I just had to chime in because I’m a mumblemumble year business travel veteran.

04/26/2010 at 8:33 pm

Aw, kitty. I miss mine when I travel too.

04/26/2010 at 3:47 pm

It would take me several hours to DRAW my packing list and the drawings would be unrecognizable anyway.

I have a master packing list of the essentials (I will never forget my blackberry charger again!), and I start making piles of clothes to pack a few days before the trip. That way I can see everything and no drawing is required.

The biggest timesaver for me has been to keep a separate, stocked and ready-to-go bag with most of my essential toiletries and a list of anything that needs to be added (like my glasses). I used to spend an eternity packing toiletries and scanning my bathroom to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything.

I know one woman who always keeps a bag packed and ready to go for a business trip, complete with gym clothes, pajamas, a couple of suits, shoes, etc. That seems a little extreme to me but she wants to be ready to go on unexpected business trips at the last minute.

Does anyone have any recommendations for packing jewelry? Is it worth it to buy a travel jewelry case? I tend to throw my jewelry in a bag and it gets all tangled up.

04/26/2010 at 4:33 pm

I have a jewellry case and it’s really worth it – actually it came with my big case, so I didn’t even have to pay more for it!

I have my essential toiletries in a clear plastic case with a zip, in the size of that annoying plastic bag that’s now required. It means I can throw it into my hand luggage, but have something a bit more sturdy than the bag. I can also see at a glance if I’ve forgotten something!

I also swear by lists (I draw like a 3 year old, but with less talent), and pack according to outfits – no point taking a skirt unless I know what it can be worn with.

Two other tips: some sort of slipper/flip flop, and an outfit suitable for flopping around in or even running outside for a midnight fire alarm – every time I don’t take them I regret it. (The bottom half of my pyjamas plus a T-shirt plus boots was not a good compromise on a recent trip – I looked ridiculous and felt embarrassed.)

04/27/2010 at 11:45 am

I limit the jewelry I am taking on business trips in part to resolve this issue. I try to think about whatever will coordinate with multiple outfits (usually drop earrings and a silver or pearl necklace.) In addition to whatever I wear on the plane, I usually bring 1 extra pair of earrings and a chunky necklace that’s not going to easily get knots in it. I put them in one of those small cardboard boxes that earrings or bracelets come in.

04/26/2010 at 3:51 pm

Any thoughts on what I call airlines career women discrimination. People can only carry on 2 items, a bag and a computer bag or purse. This is usually not a problem for men but I find it is for me as my laptop bag is usually not big enough to hold my purse and I find it very inconvenient to have to use my laptop bag as a purse so I am usually trying to get three items on a plane. My laptop unfortunately is big and heavy and rarely leaves me space to squeeze personal items into the bag. Plus if I’ll be going to dinner, I can’t imagine having to drag around a huge laptop size bag but as it is usually work related I’m also not bringing a clutch so I generally always need my everyday purse.

04/26/2010 at 4:23 pm

I often travel European airlines where you can only take one piece of hand luggage (and my local Ryanair hub weighs your hand luggage too!). As a result, I nearly always check my back and have a handy black backpack for hand luggage – it has a side handle so I can carry it like a suitcase, but can wear it for those moments when my hands are completely full. It usually fits my laptop, emergency toiletries and undies, and some papers etc. Then I have a purse/handbag that packs completely flat (mine’s from Hedgren but there are certainly others) that I pull out on arrival for work days, going out etc. It can just squeeze my laptop in if I use a sleeve. The handbag usually goes into my suitcase, but sometimes I put it in my hand luggage depending on how many books I’m lugging around.

At least on budget airlines everyone’s equally uncomfortable!

04/26/2010 at 4:27 pm

I put the contents of my purse in my laptop bag and then fold the empty purse up into my luggage sized carry on.

04/26/2010 at 4:32 pm

I bring a big leather tote stuffed to the max with my laptop, shawl, reading material, snacks, toothbrush etc. and then also a small black leather clutch that fits my wallet, phone and small camera.

04/26/2010 at 8:36 pm

They only care if you have more than 2 items while you’re boarding the plane. I bring a roller suitcase that’s the maximum carry-on size, and tuck my purse and other in-flight essentials into it. Then I pull them out when I get to the seat before I put the suitcase into the overhead bin. It’s no problem to have a purse, laptop bag, magazine, suitcase, makeup bag, etc once you’ve boarded.

04/27/2010 at 10:10 am

That’s why they invented those little wristlets. Enough room for ID, passport (if necessary), cell phone and money … Pop it in a briefcase. I would never travel on a business trip and bring both a purse and a briefcase. Seems like major overkill when a wristlet carries all you need.

04/27/2010 at 11:22 am

I’m a big advocate of trying to find a travel purse that can double as your laptop bag. That way you have just one bag (in addition to your suitcase), and it fits all of your stuff. However if your laptop is huge then the wristlet or clutch suggestion may be the way to go.

I agree that guys have it way easier on a lot of levels while traveling. Packing is easier, they need fewer toiletries, etc. I can’t get started on that rant!!

04/27/2010 at 11:48 am

If I am travelling for work, I bring a nice large tote (big enough for purse contents, snack, leisure book, memo pads & work) and then laptop bag. Some of the laptops are so small now that you can really put them in the tote bag and dispense with the laptop bag itself. Then I will have a small purse I might use if I go out to dinner that I’ll pack separately, but otherwise I only use a tote. (Honestly, though, I normally only bring my ‘work bag’ and not a purse to work anyway. Why have 2 bags when 1 will do?)

04/27/2010 at 2:04 pm

My laptop is small enough that if I put it in of those padded sleeves it easily fits in a generous tote. My wallet is large enough and has a wrist strap so that it can double as a purse when I’m out (I’m not one of those people who carries a ton of stuff, and I’m always putting things in my coat pocket — not totally elegant, but oh well)

04/26/2010 at 4:12 pm

I hate checking luggage and I love the challenge of having to pack light. For those trips where you just have to take a variety of clothes, I love these Spacepaks from Flight 001:

http://www.flight001.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=spacepak

Another alternative would be to use the vacuum-sealed plastic bags, which I bought from Bed Bath & Beyond. (They can be rolled up and compressed even if you don’t have a matching vacuum hose.) These types of bags don’t make my luggage any lighter, as they’re meant to help you pack even more. But they help keep the inside of my carry-on organized and not overstuffed. Love them.

04/26/2010 at 9:04 pm

How do you repack at the hotel? I can just see myself with an overwhelming amount of stuff that I can’t re-vacuum into the bag going “oh crap, wish I’d thought of that beforehand!”

Just FYI re: the keys on locks. TSA folks usually have keys to open ALL the locks that get put on, you don’t need to leave your keys on the lock.

04/26/2010 at 4:15 pm

Almost bought that lesportsac but double-checked carry-on specs– about 22 * 14 * 9 inches… this selection is a no-go, but the idea was so perfectly workable and cute that I found three carry-on options form the brand– the Small Weekender, Weekend Carrier, and Sidney Overnight. Went w the latter. My specs are for both Delta & Air France, just be sure to check your fave airline before falling in love with a bag!

04/26/2010 at 4:26 pm

Zappos says that the “large” weekender is 20 1/2″ wide x 10″ deep x 14″ high, and the LeSportsac website says 13.75 x 20.75 x 10.5 in. Although I do see that some websites have slightly different numbers, this shouldn’t matter unless you’re STUFFING it to the max because overall it’s 45 linear inches, or exactly what American and Delta both have as max (although in reality the max these days has more to do with it fitting into that little luggage device they have at the airport, which has fairly narrow width).

The Sydney Overnight is nice, but I think would not work for as well for stuffing into your larger carry-on (the main use for me).

I still haven’t “pulled the trigger” but I’m considering it most of all for our honeymoon …

04/26/2010 at 4:29 pm

In fact, if you don’t care so much about the look of it, here’s a cheap one:

http://www.jomashop.com/le-sportsac-weekenderbag-7185-3102.html

Indeed. I’ve carried some strangely shaped things onto BA and Qantas, but if you’re flying with fussier airlines, it pays to check. (KLM was suprisingly rigid about number of pieces, even when one item was a plastic bag with duty free cheese!; Easyjet doesn’t weigh but checks the size; Ryanair will weigh and measure…)

Also, please know when arguing will not help – I’ve been stuck behind too many people trying to persuade airline staff that they really need 21kg in their checked baggage plus eight carry-on items, and it grates on one’s nerves after a while.

04/26/2010 at 4:57 pm

I always, always travel with my hair up. It’s tidy and easy to manage, doesn’t get rumpled or full of static from rubbing against seat backs, and wears well the next day if the flight is an overnighter. A low chignon or french braid works best, because I can still sleep on it just fine.

A lot of cosmetic companies will sell their skincare lines in travel-size sets, so there’s no need to worry about mixing and matching or squeezing things into little bottles. The Body Shop has a nice version that comes in a little pouch. I did a lot of flying this past year, and that skincare pouch saved me on more than one occasion.

Sticking a sachet, dryer sheet, cedar block, or some other scent freshener into the suitcase will help avoid any transfer of suitcase smell to your clothing, which is especially helpful on longer trips where some items may need to be worn once or twice. .

04/26/2010 at 5:46 pm

This is a threadjack,but I could really use the wisdom of Corporette readers:

I am heading to my ten-year college reunion in a little over a month. I am also in the process of trying to find a new job. I attended a fairly elite east-coast college ( I say this for clothing-related background), and there is a good chance that some of my classmates will be working in the field I am interested in. So, in addition to the usual concern of just wanting to look good at a reunion, I also really would like to make a good impression on the people around me, many of whom have been quite successful since graduation. So I’m definitely feeling the pressure — I’d like to know I look good enough that I can just forget about what I’m wearing, and enjoy catching up with people and work on making new contacts. Most of the events are casual, except for an opening cocktail party. I am wondering what on earth to wear, both for the cocktail party, and for the rest of the events. I mildly panic every time I think about this. Any suggestions you or the readers have would be greatly appreciated.

04/26/2010 at 6:52 pm

When in doubt I would go conservative – think khaki slacks,polo shirts, etc., no flashy logos… for the cocktail party the little black dress is usually my go to for when I’m not sure what to wear.

04/26/2010 at 8:24 pm

One can never go wrong with a simple black or gray sheath dress. Add peep toes and a cardigan for day events; strappy sandals and pearls for evening. If there are casual events, a denim pencil skirt, flats or low-heeled sandals, and a cardigan or pretty tee is always a good look.

04/27/2010 at 9:26 am

I just went to my ten-year last year, and I wore a J crew simple polished cotton sheath dress, coral colored, with pockets, and nine west casualish pumps with buckle and wood heel. Most of the guys were wearing khakis/blazers/ties and the women had on dresses. For a party I might switch out the coral dress for black or a more dressy material, and different shoes. For the casual events, trouser jeans and a nice top (eg short sleeve sweater or twinset, etc.) would probably work well. Or khakis, but make sure they’re nice and not sloppy. :)

04/26/2010 at 5:49 pm

Department store or specialty store cosmetics will often fill a sample size for you if you just ask. I use bare minerals foudnation and have a sample-size dispenser (that I refill from my full-size one) and use to travel – its easily enough for a long weekend. I’ve had other brands (Clairol, I think) give me samples of liquid makeup when I used to that as well.

I have used a variety of the Eagle Creek Pack-It bags in different sizes for travel, and my clothes (including silk blouses, suits, dresses, etc) always arrive wrinkle free: http://www.eaglecreek.com/packing_solutions/

I use the Garment Sleeve for suits, and the Folders for blouses, skirts. Then I have a few of the cube bags for workout gear, PJs, t-shirts and other items that can be rolled up, and a few shoe bags to protect clothes from dirty shoe bottoms.

An unintended benefit is that it makes it really easy to repack your bag if you happen to be unlucky enough to be pulled off the line and searched by TSA (happened to me twice last week). You’re just repacking a few cubes, a folder and a garment sleeve rather than all your items packed separately.

I also have these in different colors when I travel with the family – one for me, one for hubby and one for daughter – so I can quickly pack and unpack everyone’s gear upon arrival.

04/27/2010 at 10:36 am

I pack too, I use victorinox packing cubes, one is large enough for my shorts AND pants, the otehr is good for my underwear – I somehow get grossed out at the idea some TSA agent would be fumbling with my undies… so I put everything neatly packed in the cube and they can sneak a peak and knwo everything inside without touching.

04/27/2010 at 10:39 am

OF course I meant “shirts” not “shorts”

04/26/2010 at 8:20 pm

I never get on an international flight without 2 liters of water (purchased for exorbitant prices in the airport), undereye cream, gentle astringent or face wipes, lubricant eye drops, and hand cream. It is amazing how dehydrated one, and one’s skin/eyes, get on a long flight, and also amazing how dirty one’s skin gets – my astringent pads are usually brown and grimy.

I also normally wear black on a flight because it covers spills and grime the best. I wear yoga pants that can “pass” for regular pants, a black long-sleeved tee, my most comfortable bra and my trusty Dansko Professionals, which are like heaven for swollen and sore feet.

04/26/2010 at 8:25 pm

Oh, I forgot – I also always fill a travel-sized bottle with Woolite before I go. That way I can wash my essentials in the sink and don’t have to worry about the expense of hotel laundry. Also handy for when I inevitably spill on a silk shell.

04/26/2010 at 8:31 pm

Oh, and also – if you brush your teeth on the plane, do NOT use the water from the lavatory sink. It is not potable. Ask the flight attendant for a glass of drinking water to brush with.

04/27/2010 at 10:38 am

Oh my god! I always wash with the plane water :( Thanks for the advice!

04/27/2010 at 4:22 am

Eponine, we must have been separated at birth! I do exactly the same stuff, right down to the yoga pants that can pass for regulars (especially for intercontinental flights). I also keep a small bottle of hand-sanitizer (love Body Shop’s tea tree one) on flights.

04/27/2010 at 10:14 am

Use crayons (I like Laura Mercier myself) that do double duty as concealers, blushes, eyeshadow. Stick a few in a pocket of a briefcase and you’re set. Use the wax crayon scents (Clinique Happy makes them) so you can wear a touch of scent and not have to deal with security.

If you make a lot of overnight trips, as I do, frankly I wear nice yoga pants that look appropriate, comfy shoes, t-shirt and cute jacket – I sleep in the t-shirt, then put the pants back on to work out, then shower and get ready for the day. I think it’s silly to bring pajamas for one night in a hotel. And frankly for several nights, I bring workout clothes and work out in them after they’ve been slept in.

04/27/2010 at 11:32 am

I wish the airlines would do away with the policy on carry-on bags. IMHO, everyone should check their luggage. Allowing carry-ons slows the boarding and deplaning processes. Should you be able to bring your briefcase – yes, diaper bag – yes, small bag with a few essentials – yes, but I am tired of the people who pack for their long weekend in a larger than allowable carry-on bag, then drop it on my head while looking for a place to stuff their bag (since it is oversized anyway).

04/27/2010 at 11:51 am

One more suggestion for long haul airplane rides: wear support socks or hose. They make a huge difference in how your legs feel and you can get them in black or neutral where no one will be the wiser as to what kind of socks they are.

04/27/2010 at 1:14 pm

Agreed!! I do this every time. Even if I’m flying cross-country. It helps so, so much.

04/27/2010 at 4:24 pm

If you’re carrying a laptop of any size, you can get a padded mailer (that you use to ship books or whatever) and use that as a laptop case. It’s light, will protect your laptop and will fit in whatever carryon/tote you bring along. Tugging a laptop case is never my idea of fun. I did that on my recent trip to London, just stuck my netbook in a padded envelope and put it in my crossover bag.

lady justice

04/28/2010 at 5:53 am

One particular item I love for travel is the DKNY Cozy (the wrap with sleeves). I have the cashmere/silk version: not cheap but you can get a milion uses out of it..Great for planes – keeps you nice n warm, can we worn with jeans and a T-shirt, or dressed up with a skirt, slacks, and a blouse. You can use a bangle to tie it to make it dressy as well. I have found it to be a terrific item on travel…both business and personal…and it lays flat and takes up little space.

07/29/2010 at 3:32 pm

I’m actually going on a 2-3 week trip to Europe next year (and as a typical woman I’m already planning) and my husband wants me to pack really light…as in all my stuff in a backpack light. He went to Europe several years ago, so he already has a bigger backpack for the trip. He had me try it on for size and I hate it! I’m very petite and it was just awkward on me. I was actually thinking of purchasing a Lesportsac large weekender (like the one you mentioned above), but I’m worried it might get uncomfortable. What are your thoughts on the Lesportsac and do you have any other suggestions?

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Traveling for Work Tips: How to Find Balance

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Ahhh the phrase “traveling for work” is great until you need those “traveling for work tips.” To the naked ear it sounds like a dream come true, especially if your job is paying too! Sleeping in hotels and Airbnbs, squeezing in tourist time to sightsee, and trying new foods in work destinations – these are the greatest perks.

However, what do you do when it becomes too much? Traveling for work, or even quitting your job to travel the world, has become the new #goals. Even when you do something you love, positive stress and fatigue is real. But how do you balance it all without compromising your mental health? 

During my grad school years I traveled for work AND school as a full-time graduate student – including a 3-month summer practicum in Berlin . And now as a full-time social worker, I travel for work multiple times a year. It can be a lot of work and you need to take care of yourself. Through trial and error, I have some tips to minimize stress when you are traveling for work.    

Table of Contents

Business travel hacks

Are you a student too? Plan time for your homework 

If you’re traveling for work, while also in school, planning will be SO important to balance your school work with your “work work.” The most ideal situation would be to do all of your homework before the trip. But we know that is not (or hardly ever) the case as you are preparing for the trip beforehand. Take advantage of the travel time and get some done on the plane and while you wait to board. Or, the weekend before your work trip, get ahead on homework then.

Do work in the airport or on the plane

Even if you don’t have homework in the traditional sense mentioned above, chances are you have something to do. Ironically, there is work you are sacrificing during traveling for work time. Depending on your departing flight time, plan to get to the airport a little early to do work as you wait. Take conference calls in-route, respond to emails, schedule meetings for when you return, etc.

This way you can relax on the flight, or vice versa! Either way, both are good opportunities to incorporate a little work with a little rest all at once. You may also find you are more productive in the airport on plane too! By the time you land, you only have to focus on the reason you’re traveling for work in the first place.

If traveling with a co-worker, get separate rooms

Though this depends on your organization and available funds, I would highly recommend separate rooms for yourself and co-workers. Everyone needs a break from someone at some point. Regardless if you like them or not, you need personal space while you’re traveling for work.

Now you don’t have to completely ignore you co-worker when the work is done – unless that’s the relationship you all have. I’m not judging! Yet, we all need personal space even following  the most successful work day.

This can look like eating dinner on your own or getting food delivered while watching a movie in your hotel room. After a weekend-long trip traveling for work , that time away from each other at the end of each day to decompress is key.  Protect that peace and working relationship.

Travel light (and invest in good luggage)

A few days of work travel does not require a full 50lb suitcase – it’s not worth it! Carry-ons, via a backpack or suitcase that fits in the overhead, are the better move. Using a carry-on you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or stolen. That’s the worst and would not start your work trip off on the right foot.

In the same breath, having a solid backpack or suitcase is an investment to purchase. Find something sleek and easy to pack for best results, including packing cubes that separate your work clothes from the leisure ones. Good luggage goes a long way.

Get some form of exercise

Working out is not only good for your physical health, but for your mental health too. While you enjoy the big hotel bed and personal shower, why not head down to the hotel gym? Getting a little exercise in walking on the treadmill, running, or lifting a few weights can get you active. For people who don’t get that much action or movement during their work trip, this can also be good for you. 

The gym not for you? No worries. Try taking a walk around the block near your accommodations or to a tourist attraction nearby. You can also walk to your lunch or dinner spot, instead of ordering a Lyft or Uber. Staying active as you are traveling for work can relax you personally and professionally.

Print what you need and invest in TSA Pre-Check

Sometimes that mobile pass won’t cut it, or you will forget to charge your phone. Just in case, print all documents you need for your trip and look into TSA Pre-Check . On your way in or out of your work trip, standing in long lines is the last thing you want to do. TSA Pre-Check makes it easier for travelers to go through security, customs, and beyond. You save time, even in the busiest airports.

As someone who (surprisingly) did not have TSA Pre-Check for awhile it is worth the investment. And if you do more international travel Global Entry is the better of the two. Global Entry includes TSA Pre-Check, therefore you get the best all in one.  

More traveling for work tips you need to know

Book your flights to be in and out

Sometimes you get sent to the same places while traveling for work. Once the high of visiting any destination multiple times wears off, you may not enjoy it as much. Schedule your flights to arrive just in time to do what you need to do, and leave right after your engagement is complete.

Extend your time to sightsee or work remotely

Yet, if you do want to of the best traveling for work tips is extending it to explore! Sometimes you can add on an extra day to actually enjoy the city you are visiting. Be advised that the organizers may want you to stay longer too so that is a possibility.

And if you clear it with your boss, you can possibly extend the trip too and work remotely! You don’t have to miss a whole day (if you don’t want to). Be sure to have clear boundaries in the contract about your responsibilities for the work opportunity.  

Set clear boundaries with your work about travel

Speaking of boundaries, do you know the protocol as you are traveling for work? What is included on the company card and what isn’t? What is the budget for food and transportation? How many hours are required for the trip? And how will that affect you when you come back to work post-trip? 

These are the kinds of questions to know the answers to prior to traveling for work. You don’t want to be overthinking your every move during the work trip. Sit down and clarify any questions you have before you go. It will make your trip run so much smoother and set a precedent for future trips as well.  

Treat yourself

While it’s cool to be traveling for work, which can seem like the reward, treat yourself to something else. Go to a nice meal, drinks at a cool bar at the end of work engagement, a manicure or pedicure, etc. Maybe there is a spa in the hotel or elsewhere  you can indulge in once your work commitments are complete.

Traveling for work can wear down the body, and a massage always sounds like a good idea. As a die-hard traveler I squeezed in a visit to the NMAAHC in D.C. while on a work trip because I love museums! Whatever you love, whether that’s entertainment, bookstores, parks, etc. make time for something you love to do. Contributing to your own happiness is the ultimate way to treat yourself. 

Final traveling for work tips and advice

As someone who balanced a part-time job, 5 classes , a 10-hour per week practicum, and a side hustle (aka Sojournies ), I know life can get hectic. It’s necessary to understand your limits and take breaks when you need it. The best traveling for work tip may even mean declining work trips when the option presents itself.

Traveling for work sounds super adventurous, until it doesn’t and wears you out. Good luck and remember to take a breath! No trip is worth sacrificing your health. Hopefully these traveling for work tips make it easier.

Thanks for reading! Save this post by pinning it for later!

( This post was originally published on January 19, 2020 and updated on June 22, 2022 )

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

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4 of the best practices and 4 of the worst mistakes employees make when traveling for business

• Employees traveling for work can make their time on the road more pleasant with a few practices. 
• For a successful trip, business travelers should eat healthily, prioritize sleep, and pack wisely. 
• This article is part of " Business Travel Playbook ," a series about making the most of work travel.

Business travel continues to rebound from the early stages of the pandemic as employees take more work trips.

A 2023 US Travel Association  survey of 2,379 business travelers  found that the average number of monthly trips the respondents expected to take was around three — a slight bump compared to two trips a month the previous year.

With professionals traveling more for work , Business Insider talked to three frequent business travelers about their successful habits and a few things they avoid when on the go.

4 habits of successful business travelers:

1. practicing good hygiene.

While this might seem obvious, Donzella Burton , the owner of a center for assisted-living healthcare and training, said that if you're going to be taking frequent business trips, it's important to prioritize your health by practicing good hygiene.

"I travel for business once or twice a month, depending on the season," she said. "I wash my hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching my face. If soap and water are not available, I try to make sure I have alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content."

2. Eating healthily and exercising

While business travel can disrupt your routines, eating healthier meals and drinking plenty of water can help you feel more energized . Michael Murray, the CEO of the electronics manufacturer Kopin Corp., travels at least twice a month for business and said that eating healthy meals could be tough, especially when his flights arrive late at night.

"By the time I arrive, many hotels have shut down room service at 9 p.m.," he said. "If it's late, I tend to order from a food-delivery app while I'm en route to my hotel and focus on ordering from places with great ratings, natural food, and decent salads."

Carving out time to exercise on the road is also important because exercise has the potential to boost immune responses and keep energy levels high .

"I invested in some lightweight running/workout shoes which are easy to pack and some workout gear that is light and breathable so I can use it often," Murray said. "When I travel, I choose hotels for their gym equipment, access to walking paths, or access to a nearby fitness chain that offers day passes. I've also downloaded several fitness apps if I need to work out in my hotel room."

3. Enrolling in airline security programs

If you know you'll be flying often, look into signing up for an airline security program to save time before your flight.

"I recommend utilizing TSA PreCheck or Clear," Anneleah Williams-Bridges, a hospital executive and healthcare consultant who travels weekly for her job, said. "These are options to help fast-track your security-check-in process during high travel times and are a valuable time saver that will help you bypass the heavier foot traffic of all the other business travelers."

Both TSA PreCheck and Clear are often great for domestic flyers and can reduce time spent in airport security lines. TSA PreCheck users get access to a separate, shorter security line, and Clear users can jump to the front of the security line after verifying their ID and boarding pass.

4. Prioritizing sleep

While it might be tempting to use all your downtime to tackle more tasks on your to-do list and work late into the night, getting sleep is essential for a successful work trip.

"Don't be brave. You don't get a medal for 'burning through the day' without sleeping," Murray said. "I used to fly to the UK and Ireland and go straight to the office from the overnight flight, which from the East Coast is just enough time to sleep for an hour or two, maybe. In the long run, running on a few hours of sleep wasn't effective for me, my team, and the business."

4 things successful business travelers avoid:

1. overpacking.

Wanting to be prepared for anything is understandable, but don't go overboard with stuffing your suitcase . Overpacking can result in a cluttered hotel room — and you'll likely have to check a bag, which can slow down your commute.

"Packing light is a great way to make it through the airport quicker," Williams-Bridges said. "Only using carry-on luggage for business travel ensures that you can board the plane, exit the plane, and go directly to your destination without waiting for a checked bag. This can save you about an hour and a half of time during your commute."

2. Overplanning

Another successful habit is to avoid overplanning. Burton said that while it's important to have a general idea of what you want to accomplish on a business trip, you should leave room in your schedule for downtime and avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings or events.

"Overplanning every minute of a business trip can lead to unnecessary stress and can hinder the potential for spontaneous discoveries or relaxation," Burton said. "Scheduling downtime allows me to decompress and can offer valuable opportunities for self-care and personal reflection."

3. Booking the cheapest flight

Burton said you should stick to one airline to take advantage of loyalty points if you travel at least once a month. The benefits of joining an airline loyalty program include upgraded seating, lounge access, and priority boarding.

To make things easier, business travelers should also try to book the best direct flights and not opt for the least expensive flight because "sometimes you get what you pay for," Williams-Bridges said, adding that cheaper flights could mean a travel experience riddled with complications like excessive delays.

"I also avoid traveling on holidays, which can be cost-effective," she said. "Lastly, I try to avoid connecting flights, which could add unnecessary flight time to your trip."

4. Consuming too much alcohol

While many business meetings and client dinners can include a glass or two of wine, excessive drinking could result in impaired judgment or a hangover.

"While it's OK to enjoy a drink or two with colleagues or clients, be mindful of alcohol consumption and its impact on your overall health and energy levels," Burton said. "Opt for lighter options like wine or spritzers, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated."

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147 Business Travel Tips – the ultimate list of road warrior tips & tricks

The ultimate list of Business Travel Tips contains 147 (yes, you read that right) practical and useful business travel tips / frequent traveler tips to help you fo work travel smoother, more efficiently, and smarter. As a frequent business traveler myself, I’ve made many travel mistakes over the years. Along the way, I’ve learned a good deal about how to minimize business travel discomfort and maximize your enjoyment while traveling for work.

Because, let’s face it, traveling for business isn’t always fun (see my post on 9 Crazy Myths of Business Travel: Debunked! ).

In fact, many times it’s not .

You are zipping from one meeting to the next, stuck in an airline terminal waiting for your delayed flight, sleeping in an uncomfortable bed (although it’s usually a nice bed with some great sheets ), missing your family and eating crappy food. That’s right, business travel can be brutal at times.

That is – if you don’t know what you’re doing .

With the business travel tips listed here, you can exponentially improve your life on the road. So, fasten your seat-belt low and tight across your waist, stow your luggage, put your tray tables up and start learning how to travel smarter on your next business trip.

• By the way, if you’ve landed here and you have no idea what “business travel” is, head over to my section that defines it for you: Business Travel Defined .
• Also, just a quick note, if you are a first time business traveler staring down the barrel of your first work trip you might want to start here with 11 Tips to Crush your First Business Trip .
• NEW : Finally…we’ve updated this post with the latest travel advice and tips for traveling in a world facing a pandemic

PS, if you are not a business traveler – that’s ok . Many of the tips for work travel actually apply to leisure travelers too …so keep on reading!

Let’s get into ’em!

Business Travel Tips – the ultimate list of business travel advice

This list of business travel tips is loosely organized based on the linear flow of your travel experience. In other words, from booking, to packing, to flying, hotel, etc.

Tips are not necessarily provided in order or importance and are divided into the following categories for easier consumption (you can click on the headings below to jump directly to those tips, if you’d like):

• Booking Travel
• Packing & Luggage Tips

Travel Gear & Tech Tips

• Getting To/From and Through the Airport
• On the Plane – Flying Tips

Healthy Business Travel Tips

• Safety & Security
• NEW : COVID-19 Travel Tips & Advice
• Tips for eating on the road
• Enjoying & Surviving your trip
• Rental Cars

Loyalty Program Tips

• Apparel tips

As you are reading, pay attention for those “must know” business travel tips. I’ve identified them like this:

[ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ]

For gender specific tips, I’ve highlighted them like this:

[ Female-Specific Business Travel Tips! ]

[ Male-Specific Business Travel Tips! ]

Lastly, I’ve summarized the “must know” Business Travel Tips at the very end of this article for easier consumption!

Ok, already…let’s get into the business travel tips and tricks.

Business Travel Tips and Tricks for Booking Business Travel

Every successful business trip starts with booking your travel. By following the business travel tips in this section, you can lay the foundation for a more successful and smoother trip by making good booking choices.

1. Stick with a single Airline, Hotel, and Rental Car company . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] Whenever possible, always consolidate your travel providers into as few as possible. This will allow you to build loyalty and status faster, and earn points quicker.

With status, you will start to qualify for upgrades, point bonuses and other perks that will make your business trip much smoother!

2. Book direct flights. Layovers are the enemy. They add extra time to your trip – extending the day longer than it often needs to be.

Where possible, book direct flights to improve your travel efficiency and get their quicker. Booking direct also minimizes the chances of you missing a connection and getting stuck in the airport.

3. Skip the redeye. The redeye flight might seem like a great option and often it’s a cheaper flight. However, that cheaper price comes with strings.

You will likely be far more tired when you arrive. For business travel you need to be on your A-game and a redeye will likely make that more difficult, especially if you are susceptible to jet lag.

Trust me…this is one of the business travel tips that if you listen to my advice….you and your body will thank me! 🙂

4. Book morning / mid-day flights to mitigate travel delays. Booking the last flight of the day can become problematic if they are any days. Miss that flight and you are staying the night at the airport which is never fun.

Sometimes it cannot be avoided, but whenever possible, book flights earlier in the day to give you some “space” in case your flight schedule blows up.

5. Be careful with layover times. It’s not always possible to avoid layovers. For example, if you live near a regional airport (instead of a major hub), you will likely have to connect somewhere.

Or, if you are traveling TO a regional airport (e.g. someplace like Grand Rapids, Michigan), a connection is likely required. When you do book connecting flights, pay special attention to the layover times.

Too long of a layover means hours and hours of airport boredom and stretches the travel day out longer than you really want it.

Too short of a layover means any little hiccup with your preceding flight might cause you to miss your connecting flight. Then you are stuck at the airport hoping to catch another later flight.

Also, do your homework on the airport itself that you are connecting in. Some airports make connecting easy. Others can mean a lengthy trek between terminals.

Take Detroit (DTW) as an example. If you are connecting to a regional flight (say State College, PA) you have to make a long trek to their commuter terminal. Make sure to allow enough time for the walk.

6. Use SeatGuru.com to pick the best seat on the plane. Picking the best seat on the plane can greatly improve your travel experience. Get stuck with a middle seat or next to a lavatory and your trip just got a whole lot worse. Exit rows are usually great, bulkhead seats can be nice (but not always).

SeatGuru.com allows you to search for the best seats on many different planes. You can find out the plane you are flying (e.g. 737) when you are booking the flight.

7. Do your research on the best hotel to stay at in proximity to your destination (e.g. customer site) while being safe. Don’t simply pick the cheapest hotel in your general area. Find hotels that are close to your final destination and that meet your standards.

Research the area’s safety, too. If your customer’s site is in the ghetto, maybe a longer commute in the morning is the safer way to go.

8. Consider staying close to the airport for those early morning flights home. Don’t be afraid to switch hotels the night before your early morning flight back home.

Staying closer to the airport for that 5:45am flight will give you a few extra minutes of sleep and reduce any goof-ups you might have from that early morning delirium.

9. Learn the unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies of different airports including different times of year, busy / off seasons, etc

There’s a golden rule for business travelers. You can fly TO Philly or FROM Philly, but never THROUGH Philly . That is, unless you want to get stuck in the airport under flight delays and have your flight go to crap.

Many airports have their own unique nuances – many of which are based on time of year, etc.

For example, pretty much any Florida airport in the summer is going to be insane. Disney World travelers, cruise ship travelers, etc. They are always slammed. Lost of kids and lots of irritated and tired parents.

Fly through Dallas in the summer? Expect thunderstorms and potential delays.

Fly through Phoenix during Monsoon season? You might get to see a haboob .

Make sure to learn the unique ins and outs of the airports you are flying to and adjust accordingly (like never to fly to FL…like ever). 🙂

Packing & Luggage Tips for Business Travelers

Getting the right luggage and then packing it correctly is a critical step in the success of your work trip. Here are some packing tips that will aid you in getting this phase of your travel right!

1. Pack light (and well) . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] Fight the temptation to over pack. You need far less than you think you do. Packing light is an important business travel tip.

Over packing might mean you have to check your bag. Or it might mean you carry more than you need – and dragging extra weight around isn’t good for your body (you will be tired enough).

Get anal about your packing list. If you can reuse a pair of jeans, do so. Skip the extra pair.

Packing light is really more of a mindset than anything. You have to be ruthless about deciding to place something in your bag. Only pack the essentials.

2. Never check your bag . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] If you like waiting in line to check your bag, waiting at the baggage claim to retrieve your bag and risking the change it will get lost, keep checking your bag.

The first rule of business travel is NEVER CHECK YOUR BAG .

There are very few reasons why the business traveler will need to check your bag. Perhaps its for an extended trip (e.g. >1wk) or you are packing tools that are best checked. Or maybe your traveling with someone unique like a firearm .

Aside from those very few reasons, no self-respecting business traveler is checking their bags – and you shouldn’t either.

Read my detailed comparison on checking a bag instead of carrying it on.

3. Invest in good luggage ! If you plan to be on the road, traveling for work, on a regular basis, you are going to need quality luggage. It might be tempting to scrimp and go with something cheap.

But don’t . Trust me .

A cheaper suitcase might seem ok – but it won’t have the lasting durability needed for someone tossing their bag into an overhead bin and jostling it through an airport every week.

Nor will it have the features that serious business traveler’s need. Like a garment bag. Or maybe a built in USB charging port.

Some luggage brands that tend to make great quality luggage are: TravelPro and Briggs & Riley . Always check the reviews of the luggage before you buy it.

I highly recommend the TravelPro Crew 11 21″ Carryon Suitcase . It’s what I am presently using and it’s the single best piece of luggage I’ve ever owned. You can read my review of it, here . Or read why I think it’s the best suitcase under 150.00 .

4. Get a 4-wheel roller or spinner suitcase

For many years I had a traditional 2-wheeled carry on suitcase and I honestly did not know any better. I saw people in the airport with the 4-wheel spinners, but I figured it could not be that much better.

I was so wrong.

Having now switched to a 4-Wheel Spinner (the TravelPro Crew 11 21″ ), I will never go back .

No longer do I have the added strain from the weight of the suitcase on my forearm as I lean the bag forward and pull it behind me.

Aside from it occasionally wanting to wander off, I love it. I also will set my backpack on top it and roll them both ever so easily. Again, less strain on the body. The nice thing about a spinner is that you can always lean it if you have to as sometimes is necessary on an uphill carpeted jet bridge.

5. Get a good backpack! [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] Skip the roller briefcase from day’s past. Have you ever tried wheeling a laptop briefcase through the streets of New York? Or stacked your wheeled briefcase on top of your carry on only to have it wobble and topple over?

Investing in a quality business traveler backpack will improve your travel experience in a big way. Make sure to get one that has a good pocket for your laptop.

I personally use the Ogio Metro Backpack and I highly recommend it (although I’ve recently starting using a KnackPack which has proved very interesting). You can read my product review of the Ogio Metro Backpack here .

Many times I will skip the carry on luggage altogether and simply use my backpack – thus allowing me to travel that much more efficiently and lighter. It is amazing how light you can really travel if you work at it.

One less bag to stow in the overhead bin = a little less worry when you forgot to check in on time.

The only downside is having to lug your backpack around instead of resting it on a suitcase most of the time but that is a small price to pay.

Pack smart and light, and travel more smoothly!

Consider investing in Packing Cubes too …although they are not for me they do have a place in the world

6. Mark & Label your luggage . Make sure you label your luggage (even your carry on). Most of us have black luggage and they can start to look the same. If, god-forbid, you are checking your bag, you definitely need to label your bag.

Consider a brightly colored travel strap to more clearly identify your bag (especially important if you’ve checked a bag).

7. Roll your clothes to minimize wrinkling and fit more in the suitcase. Roll your clothes to minimize wrinkling and fit more in the suitcase.

Do it. Live it. Love it .

This is an old trick I learned from the Marine Corps. You can keep the creases out of clothes and typically fit more into your bag. I made this switch years ago and never looked back.

8. Pack your clothes in sets then layer it in your suitcase for daily access. Pack your clothes in a set (e.g. pants, socks, undershirt, etc) then layer it in your suitcase for easy daily access.

Some people like to fully unpack their suitcase and use that dresser they provide you. I only do that if I am staying greater than one week.

Instead, I pack my clothes by day (or at least the pants and shirts anyway – I can tuck my socks, underwear and undershirts around things to get more storage).

Then I can save a little time by leaving everything in the bag and pull it out as needed and in order.

9. Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase to reduce static (and improve smell!). This is a fun little trick that works pretty well. Simply add a dryer sheet to your suitcase somewhere between a few layers.

This will reduce odors (especially important if you traveling with dirty clothes on your way back) and it will reduce annoying static which is never fun.

10. Use a garment bag for pants and shirts – and leave them on the hangar . As a business traveler you are likely wearing business or business casual attire. That means slacks, suit jackets, dress shirts, etc.

Leave your clothes on the hangar, place them in a garment bag and then carefully fold the garment bag into your suitcase.

The benefit of this business travel tip is that it allows you to easily hang ALL of your dress clothes up in the hotel closet and minimizes some of the wrinkles. Now you don’t have to hang up 3 pairs of slacks, shirts and ties.

11. Leave the dry cleaning bags on to reduce wrinkles . If wrinkles are the bane of your existence, there’s an extra step you can take to reduce wrinkles. Simply leave the dry cleaning bag on them before you place them in your suitcase.

12. Wear your suit jacket on the plane instead of packing it . Suit jackets can take up a lot of space in your carry on bag – perhaps even causing you to briefly think about checking your bag (don’t do it!).

Instead, wear your suit jacket on the plane with you (even if you are wearing jeans…it still looks good). Then hang the jacket up when you board plane (if you got the upgrade) and if you didn’t get the upgrade, carefully fold it and store it up in the overhead bin on top of your suitcase.

This will also reduce the chances of serious wrinkles which you might get from stuffing it into your suitcase.

You can always use Weather.com to check on current conditions .

15. When it’s cold don’t pack your winter coat in your bag – this conserves space In the winter you need to bring an extra heavy coat. Get a nice one for sure, but also, don’t pack it. Wear it.

Carry it or wear it from your home airport, then store it in the overhead bin or have the flight attendant hang it. It will keep you from having to use the larger suitcase!

16. Get your travel toiletries in bulk ! If you are going to be traveling on a regular basis you will be going through your toiletries pretty quickly. A tube of travel toothpaste can set you back $1.25 in some cases, where buying a FULL tube of normal toothpaste might only cost you $2.95 or something.

Buy it on Amazon.com, in bulk and save yourself some significant money! You might be interested in this article on buying travel toiletries in bulk .

Can you bring deodorant on a plane? How about Tweezers ? A Razor ? We got you covered in this series of “What Can I bring on the Plane?”

17. On the night before your return flight pack your suitcase . This will save you a few precious moments in the morning before your flight or as you get ready for your last meeting that morning before heading to the airport.

Always get organized the night before when NOT under any stress or pressure. This will help ensure smoother sailing on the day of your return flight home.

18. Have some spare case (small bills too) Most of our business travel life can be dealt w/ via electronic transaction, but having a few bucks is handy. Tipping the shuttle driver or as a backup in case you lose your card. I try to carry about $40.00 with at least five dollars in singles.

19. Bring your passport as a backup form of ID. Nothing sucks worse than losing your ID.

Typically your Drivers License is all you need, but bring your passport as a backup form of ID in the event you need it. If traveling internationally, always make copies of key ID and store them in different pieces of luggage.

20. Store a backup credit card in your carry-on bag. In case you lose your wallet, you will have some form of payment, plus if you followed the previous business travel tip, you will have an extra form of ID.

21. Consider a laptop/purse combo bag. [ Female-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] If you want to look stylish AND still be able to lug your laptop around, skip the backpack and get a fashionable laptop travel purse . The UtoteBag Women 15.6 Inch Laptop Purse/Tote , below, might be the functional and stylish accessory your wardrobe needs!

If you are looking for inspiration on what books to get while traveling look no further that my article The 47 Best Travel Books of all Time – Ultimate List of Books to Read while Traveling for inspiration!

You need some good travel gear and tech! Here’s a great list of business travel tips for finding and using the best travel gear and travel tech!

1. Get some good noise canceling headphones (and a backup set)! [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] The serious business traveler needs to own a quality part of noise canceling headphones! Preferably something wireless. It will help drown out the hum of the jet engines and make binge watching your favorite Netflix show more enjoyable!

If you have a champagne budget, you can’t go wrong with Bose or Beats headphones .

If you are looking for something more affordable, the FX-Viktaria’s are not bad. You can read my product review of the FX-Vitkaria’s here .

Pro-tip: bring a backup set of wired headphones in the event your break your primary set (or they run out of juice).

2. Bring a multi-plug adapter / surge protector. This is a little less important these days w/ everything being USB chargeable, and the extra power bars you bring, plus all of the plugs you now see at airports and hotels.

But it is not a bad idea to find something just in case you have to compete for a spot or you are staying in an old Hampton Inn hasn’t been modernized for the business traveler.

Note: if you are traveling international, make sure you find the right connectors for the power standards at your final destination .

3. Use mobile boarding passes. I seldom use paper boarding passes anymore. The tech is much improved from a few years ago and has yet to fail me recently (last 4 years). The TSA checker is pretty good, but the Southwest boarding pass scanner is a little finicky IMO. Could be better.

Still no need to go find a printer and have something else to carry. Go mobile baby.

4. Keep your stuff charged. Rule #2 of the business traveler handbook is A-B-C. Always Be Charging. At the airport terminal before your flight, the customer’s site during the presentation, the rental car, wherever…always be charging!

5. Get a portable power charger. Because there are few things more frustrating than your phone dying make sure to invest in a good backup power charger…something portable.

I personally always use something from Anker :

6. Make sure your phone has a case. You will be in-transit a lot. Tossing stuff into overhead bins, walking from gate to gate, in and out of cars, etc. You WILL drop your phone. Make sure it is protected. Maybe you can get away w/out a case at home, but no way no how here on the road .

7. Use Facetime or Google Hangouts or Skype to keep in touch with loved ones at home. Most of us have some loved ones at home. I have 4 kids and wife and only while only 2 of my kids are still at home, I miss them all terribly. I always text my wife where I am at w/ my trip (e.g. Made it to the AP or Hotel), and I try to use Google Hangouts w/ the wife and kids a few times each trip.

It is a great way to stay connected to home.

Document your experience on social media for fun.

8. Download your content ahead of time to skip the Internet fee on the plane. [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] Some airlines (like Delta) charge an ungodly amount of money for Internet access on a plane and while Southwest is a bit cheaper, it’s still $$. I prefer to download a few shows, movies or books on my Kindle app using my home or hotel Internet and skip the fees. Plan ahead!

For me, this business travel tip has been a game changer and helps make the trip go a LOT faster.

For more tips on what to do on a work trip (alone!) check out this link

9. Prebuild good playlists for your Spotify app. Whatever app you use for music, prebuild a few good travel lists. I have lists for sleeping, for calm/de-stressing, for workouts and for pump-up times. Sometimes I will actually bring a small portable travel speaker (like the Oontz Angle 3 ) with me to get better sound in the room.

10. Don’t bring a face mask. You look stupid. Face/Eye masks are lame. You and I both know you are NOT going to sleep on that plane and you look like a goofball. Skip the eye masks and save the room in your bag!

Or something more traditional:

12. Bring your own conditioner and hair products. [ Female-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] The hair products in hotel rooms are notoriously tiny and likely not what you need to get your hair on point each morning. Instead, bring your own (within TSA rules, of course) and if necessary get some travel size toiletries containers like these:

13. Get an AC-vent mounted magnetic phone mount for your rental car. Many states now have hands-free laws and since you probably don’t know where you are going you are likely using your phone’s GPS navigation system. However, since it is not YOUR car…just a rental…your phone is probably sliding under the seat on every turn.

Fix that! Get a removable, AC-Vent mounted magnetic cell phone stand. It will easily attach to your rental car’s AC and allow you to keep your eyes on the road!

You can read my product review on the Wizgear Phone Mount here .

14. Bring some wet wipes . Travel size, of course. Tray tables are disgusting. Use the wipes to clean it off before you drop your phone onto it.

In the category of bonus business travel tips and tricks : you never know when the sandpaper toilet paper in the airplane lav isn’t going to cut it. You can also use them to wipe the hotel remote control down.

15. Install and use your loyalty apps. Every airline, hotel and rental car company has an app now. Some are better than others, but most seem to have your boarding pass sorted out and provide update on flights, etc. You can use them to check in, select your, even to unlock your hotel room if you really want to avoid people.

16. Take pictures of your receipts (or better yet use an App to track them). Keeping track of receipts while traveling for work can be a nightmare. I That is why I recommend using an app to store them. Personally, I use the Concur expense reporting app because it ties into my corporate system, but there are many other apps that help you track your expenses.

At a minimum, take a picture with your phone camera of any receipts you get (unless you already get an electronic copy).

17. Stay on top of your expense reports! It is easy to get behind on expense reports if you are not careful. And once your behind it is you that is footing that credit card bill not your company.

Make expense reporting part of your routine .

I often will start them on my trip and finish them on the very first full business day I have back in the office.

18. Use apps like Tripit to integrate w/ your calendar. I like Tripit because it loads all of my flight and hotel information right onto my calendar. No need to go hunting for emails or printing itineraries out. The address of my hotel, the phone number, the next flight, etc. It is all there for me right from my calendar.

19. Get travel size Lint roller. It is likely you will have less lint to deal with on the road than you do at home, but a small travel sized lint roller is a nice addition to your travel kit.

20. Bring a travel size sewing kit . If you pop a button on your shirt or need to fix a stitch, having a travel sewing kit handy can be incredibly useful. I usually don’t bring the scissors and instead simply use a pair of toenail clippers to snip any pieces of thread.

21. Bring a small eyeglass screwdriver . You never know when something will fall apart especially if you have glasses. I always carry a small tool with me. Something that will not geet flagged by TSA as the next terrorist threat.

Something like the Wallet Ninja , perhaps.

22. Bring Backup eye-ware. I wear glasses and there’s few things more frustrating them losing or breaking your glasses while on a trip. I used to bring an actual backup pair of glasses in a hard case. However, now I have switched to a pair of disposable contacts which is a much smaller load to carry.

Business Travel Tips for Getting To/From and Through the Airport

Getting in and out of the airport has the potential to be a real hassle. But that is only if you don’t know what you are doing. Here are some business travel tips focused on getting you to the airport, through security and on your plane.

Then, flip it around for your return home.

1. Get your parking situation sorted out . Parking your personal car at the airport can be an expensive and time consuming process. If you park too close, you pay an arm and leg. Too far, and you add way too much shuttle time to you trip (on both ends).

Do your research for your home airport and make sure you find a good happy medium.

The first few times you use a lot, keep track of the time to/from the garage on the shuttle and then adjust your future trips to that schedule or select a different parking lot.

Better yet, if you can find an airport lot that is not too expensive but still close enough to walk you’ve hit the jackpot! For example, Ontario airport (in California) has an option exactly like this. Check out my article on the Ontario Airport Parking options if you are a local.

2. Take a picture of your parking spot and the phone # to your shuttle company – keep it handy . I actually enter the phone # for my parking lot shuttle right into my phone contacts, but taking a picture is fine too.

If you are the forgetful type or going on a very long trip (or, like me, spend so much time traveling they all blur together and it is hard to remember where you parked you car because you are there so often!), take a picture of your parking location.

3. Get really good at the security checkpoint process . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] This is one of the most important business travel tips I share! If you have ever seen the moving Up in the Air with George Clooney (I love this movie) you will get a good sense of how some of us business travelers see the security checkpoint line and some ideas even on how to get through it quickly.

Here are some things I do :

• First, make sure you know the rules (e.g. 3:1:1 rule for liquids , or electronics rules, etc).
• Get TSA Precheck if you can
• I take my belt off, store my wallet, 2nd phone, etc in my backpack BEFORE I enter the line.
• My pockets are empty except for my ID and Phone w/ Boarding pass on it.
• After getting the green light from the TSA agent I drop my ID and phone into my backpack.
• As I approach the bins I will unzip my laptop bag early for easy removal.
• BONUS Business Travel Tip: Some airports make me take my belt off, some don’t. So I just take it off now.
• My shoes are not slip off, but they do slip off quickly w/ no untying. Easy on and off.
• I always grab two bins. It is all I need. One for my laptop, one for my shoes. If you need more than that…you might want to reevaluate your packing list.
• I stack the bins on top of each while on the table. Latptop bottom, shoes top
• I keep my backpack and luggage OFF the table until the last minute . I figure,save the space for everyone else, and easier it is easier than trying to push everything along while you wait for the belt to catch it.
• I also try to pick the lines that have more business travelers in it. This is common sense. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a family who hasn’t traveled in 9 years, or college students who have no clue what is going on, you learn to seek out the pros. This doesn’t always work, because sometimes you get just get screwed.
• BONUS Business Travel Tip : I am a bit of a germaphobe. So, I never stand on the yellow footprints outside the xray machine. I stand to the side of them. My little silent protest if you will, but also…yucky sweaty feet.
• On the other side of the line, depending on the pace of the scanner I will either start putting some of my stuff back together at the belt or pick everything up and get the heck out there making room for others.
• There is usually a bench or something nearby for you to put your life back together again.

For more details on getting through airport security check out how to get through security faster . As a reminder here are the TSA Rules for Traveling with food

4. Get TSA Precheck . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] The security checkpoint process can be a daunting and time consuming proposition. However, the Homeland Security department has provided a golden opportunity for travelers that are willing to go through a background check and get fingerprinted.

Once you get approved with TSA Precheck you can use an entirely different security line, one that is often shorter.

You will not have to remove your shoes or laptop during the screening process.

For a mere $85.00 (for five years!) and the minor inconvenience of a background check and fingerprinting you can optimize your travel experience in a BIG way. IMO, our government is leaving money on the table as I would pay 3 times that for the convenience.

Follow this link to learn how to sign up for TSA Precheck .

5. Get Global Entry when doing international travel . The US Customs and Border patrol has a similar program to TSA Precheck known as Global Entry. This program allows approved travelers to more easily re-enter the United States after international travel.

By getting pre-cleared you can save significant amounts of time getting back into the United States after an international trip. And by significant, I mean meaningful amounts of time! LOL. It’s a huge and when you sign up for Global Entry you get TSA Precheck too. Bam.

Here’s how to get Global Entry. (and if you are military, you may qualify for various free military benefits including TSA PreCheck .)

6. Learn the airports . Each airport has it’s own idiosyncrasies. Some airports have smoother security checkpoints. Others not so much.

Some airports have the ticket counter and security lines on the same floor. Others require you to take escalators up/down.

When connecting through an airport, try to figure out how much you really have to get from one gate to another. Larger airports may require you to take a train or walk for a long distance to get to your gate.

Over time you will start to get familiar with airports you frequent and this will give you an edge up over the huddled masses struggling to get from place to another.

7. Learn the boarding system for your airline and then try to board as early as you can . Each airline has their own unique airplane boarding process and it’s important you learn your airlines process and policies (and how you can use your status to travel hack your way to better seating and placement options for your carry ons).

For example, Southwest Airlines boards their planes using a letter-based grouping system . Passengers check in no earlier than 24 hours before their flight and receive a number and letter combination (like A23 or B14). Passengers line up in groups of five, loosely in order and board when your group is called. It’s open seating on Southwest so you get pick your seat.

This means the higher your letter and number the better seat you are likely to get. An “A” boarding pass is far more valuable than a B or C boarding pass. Get a C Boarding pass? You are almost guaranteed to get a middle seat. But status, or things like early bird check-in can help mitigate that.

Delta has their own unique process too as do United , American, etc. Make sure you learn how it works, and how varying levels of status might improve your boarding position.

8. When riding shuttles (like between terminals or to the baggage claim) go to the front of the shuttle car to board. By boarding towards the front you can debark the shuttle ahead of everyone else and move that must faster not having to wade between hordes of slow travelers.

9. When riding a shuttle bus (like to the rental car facility) try to sit near an exit and your luggage. This will allow you to get off a little quicker and not have to wait for other travelers struggling with their luggage.

Infographic – Pin Me!

On the Plane – Some Flying Tips for Business Travelers

Once you get on the plane, it’s time to relax. Or at least it should be. Here are some travel tips and tricks for business travelers once you get on the plane.

1. Say howdy to flight attendants as you board. Be kind. Make a point to greet the flight attendant – even if it’s early. You can make a funny comment if “super chipper you” is not present. In addition to simply being a nice human being, acknowledging the FAs could score you an extra drink or something along those lines.

This is one of those secret business travel tips that has a big payoff. When you think about it, it’s kinda obvious, but I am surprised how many people are just rude. And then shocked when THEY get treated like crap on the plane.

2. Find your seat, stow your bags, and get out of the aisle as fast as possible. The rest of us business travelers thank you for getting out the way so the rest of us can board! Make an effort to stow your gear and get out of the aisle as quickly as possible.

Common mistakes travelers make include not being ready. They are a hot mess getting on the plane with gear in different bags, overstuffed bags, and more.

Or they are just oblivious to the fact they are holding things up.

Don’t be that person. Get prepared, have a system and employ it.

3. Don’t use the bathroom during the boarding process. Go before you get on the plane! Trying to fight your way through the herd of boarding passengers is senseless. Go before you get on the plane, or wait until the seat belt sign is turned off.

4. Stow your bags as close to you as possible – preferably above you. Never stow them behind you. By stowing your bags behind your seat you are absolutely 100% guaranteeing a frustrating deplaning experience. You will have to swim upstream to get y our bags adding additional wasted time.

The one exception to this is obviously those cases when you have boarded so late you are pretty much screwed on overhead bin space.

5. It’s ok to stow both of your bags up above if you are tall/big. If you are small…not so much. This business travel tip typically causes a fair amount of discussion. There are good arguments on both sides of the table here, but for my money, if you are tall, it’s perfectly fine to stick both of your bags in the overhead bin.

If you are short, stick your smaller bag (e.g. laptop bag, purse, etc) under the seat in front of you)

6. Don’t stick your bag under YOUR seat – it’s for the passenger BEHIND you. It is surprising how often this rule gets violated – especially for folks sitting in the front row (aka bulkhead row). The area beneath your seat is not for you. It’s for the passenger behind you and their feet or their bag.

Don’t be the goofball that stows your stuff under your seat.

7. Learn the boarding process for your airline For your airline, make sure you research the nuances of it’s boarding process and then adapt your routine to follow. This is one of those business travel tips that will definitely make your travel more enjoyable.

8. If you are boarding early (before many other passengers) life will be easier. Whenever possible board as early as you can. The early you board the more likely you will be able to get adequate overhead bin space for that bag you didn’t check!

Boarding late? It’s going to be tough to find a spot near your seat to stash your bag.

9. If you are boarding later (after MANY other passengers have boarded) it’s time to get creative. Occasionally, as a business traveler you might find yourself boarding late in the process. This doesn’t happen all that often (given our status we usually board early), but from time to time it does happen. Maybe you switched to an earlier flight or booked something last minute, or were delayed an moved to a later flight.

Whatever the reason, it does happen. And when it does it may be time to get a little creative with finding spots for stowing your bags.

When boarding late, take the first open bin you find – even if it’s not directly over or near your seat. There may not be free bin space near your seat! Of course, make sure it’s at least in front of your seat – never stow your bags behind your seat.

10. If you are flying Southwest, use these travel tips to get the best seat Southwest has it’s own unique boarding and seating process. I’ve written an entire article on picking the best seats for Southwest . Check it out for some great tips!

11. Grab your headphones, snack and book/iPad – but keep most of your stuff in your backpack. No need to fully unpack everything from your backpack. Just grab the essentials and quickly sit down. Usually it’s just your headphones (hopefully already out and on your person) and maybe a snack.

Leave the rest in your bag. If you do need them standing up to get them will give your back a break!

12. Embrace the wonders of the takeoff nap. The takeoff nap is a wonderful business travel tip. Those first few minutes when your tired body hits the seat upon boarding until the flight hits 10,000 feet are glorious. I regularly use the takeoff nap to recharge my engines!

13. Skip the sleep mask. Never wear a sleep mask for your eyes on a plane. You look dumb.

And who are you kidding anyway? You and I both know you are not going to get any real sleep on that plane.

14. Use your travel pillow (but no need to bring it on every flight). Travel pillows are the rage these days and they’ve made a lot of improvements in the technology. For longer flights, bring a good travel pillow, like the Trtl , below or the Trtl Plus . No need, though, to bring it on every flight because it might just take up extra space.

On international flights, definitely bring it.

15. Remember, there are no more blankets on most flights. Most airlines don’t offer blankets anymore as part of their cost savings exercise. Honestly, you really don’t need one.

You can usually find one on international flights, and first or business class. If you do find yourself a bit cold, use your jacket and save the space in your luggage. Or invest in a travel blanket designed for easy storage.

16. Get water from the flight attendant instead of soda or alcohol. Flying is a great time to hydrate without filling your bladder up to the brim with a gallon of water. Top yourself off with a glass of water from the flight attendant and skip the booze.

Staying hydrated helps your body fight jetlag. Alcohol does the opposite.

You might be interested in: How to get over jet lag while you travel

17. Keep your stuff charged. Always. Be. Charging.

Establish a charging routine. Charge your stuff the night before your trip and even in the car on the way to the airport. In fact, charge whenever you can – including on the flight if need be using your portable USB power charger (like the Anker PowerCore 10000 – check price ). Check out my review of the Anker PCore1k .

Nothing more frustrating than your phone dying in the middle of Better Call Saul as you are flying over Oklahoma.

18. Use the bathroom that’s farthest away from you seat – and use the walking time to stretch your body out. This is really more of a business travel hack than a business travel tip. Using the lavatory that is farthest away from your seat gives your body a little time in a different position. Loosen those muscles up on the walk!

19. Don’t recline your seat (unless you are in the middle seat) . I hate it when people recline their seat backs. I have long legs and it means my knees are getting squished. As a general rule I don’t recline my seats as a courtesy to the travelers behind me.

Some exceptions, of course, are if you are in the middle seat, where all bets are off, or if you are in first or business class where there’s usually plenty of room.

20. Get up and stretch periodically. On longer flights this is important. Get up, walk to the back or front of the plane and back to your seat a few times. Stretch your body out along the way. I often will do this in the galley at the back of the flight (if it’s not too crowded).

21. Use the lavatory in your class of ticket. In other words, the first class lav is for first class ticket holders, not you. Stay within your class of purchase and avoid getting embarrassed when the flight attendant send you back to your cattle car, head hanging in shame.

You might be interested in checking out our travel memes for some great laughs!

Click here to laugh your arse off!

Or if you are interested in purchasing one of those comfortable hotel mattresses you slept on check out our article 11 Best Hotel Beds

Ok…let’s get back to the business travel tips and tricks!

NEW: COVID-19 Business Travel Tips & Advice

In the face of the arguably the world’s worst pandemic, the face of travel has changed since early 2020. Now, travel of all sorts – be it business or leisure – looks different in many ways. We felt it necessary to add a section that specifically highlights some of the current COVID-19 Travel Tips & Advice business travelers might need when traveling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

While business travel has slowed to a crawl, it is still occurring and it continues to slowly increase. It may be years before business travel fully returns to the pre-COVID levels, but the business traveler will continue to exist. There’s just a few things to keep in mind:

• Face Masks Required. Pretty much everywhere you travel these days a face mask is either required or makes sense. Most airports, airlines and hotels now require face masks or face coverings when traveling. Some, like United or Delta , might ban you from using their services if you fail to comply. Bottom line: you need to buy and wear a face mask when traveling .
• Hand Sanitizer, Wipes and a healthy dose of germaphobia doesn’t hurt . Nowadays, bringing hand sanitizer with you on a business trip is a must. Clorox wipes and a general sense of awareness of where germs can live, touching your face, washing your hands more rigorously, etc, are now worth seriously considering on every single business trip.
• Cancellation policies are pretty lax right now . These days, travel providers need the business and as such, they are pretty loose with cancellation policies. If you’ve not traveled for work in a while, brush up on your hotel, airline or rental car policies – you may be able to leverage them to you or your company’s advantage.

Check back for more coronavirus business travel tips as we continue to update this section with the latest ideas, advice and suggestions on traveling for work during a pandemic.

The business traveler is faced with the very real challenge of staying healthy while you travel. It can be a difficult proposition – especially with your body being exposed to many different germs, exhaustion and unhealthy food. But you can take some important steps to try to stay healthy while you travel.

Here are some recommended steps, and for more read my article The 7 Habits of the Healthy Business Traveler: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling for Business .

1. Bring your workout gear (and actually workout…). Throw your workout shoes and some workout shorts (or yoga pants if you are a gal) in your bag. Working out while you travel is CRITICAL to staying healthy on the road.

And if you bring your gear…actually use it! Make a point of it.

In fact, here is the most essential workout gear you need to get the most out of your trip

2. Workout BEFORE dinner. The Healthy Business Traveler works out before dinner. This travel tip is something I have employed religiously and it has done more than anything to keep my health in check when I travel for business. By setting a firm rule that when the day is done you are going to get a workout in before you go out to eat with the customer or your colleagues is a game changer.

Here’s why. The chances of you working out when you get back from dinner is next to nil. After a few glasses of wine and a steak, it isn’t going to happen. Get it in before dinner! Plus you will find you will have less of an appetite and be more inclined to make smarter menu choices.

3. Pack a healthy snack (and skip the airport snacks). You gotta eat. Sometimes you get snacky. Rather than eating something unhealthy like a Twix bar or spending $7.00 for something at the airport, pack a healthy snack with you.

Here are some ideas on healthy snacks to bring with you while you travel: 9 Healthy Travel Snacks

4. Hydrate your body (but not so much you have to go to the bathroom 9 times on the plane). Aside from gorging on delicious meals, this is the hardest tip for me to follow because I don’t like water. Frankly, it’s boring. And in my family, the men are always going to the bathroom and I hate running to the lavatory multiple times on the plane or in a customer meeting.

So, I tend to not follow this advice as much as I should. I try to make up for it by hitting water hard the night before a flight, and getting after it pretty heavy at my hotel at night.

According to According to OneMedical.com , staying hydrated has multiple benefits including: removing toxins from your body, improving cardiovascular health, keeping your body cool, making your skin supple (translation: less wrinkles) and more

Greatist notes that regular water consumption may promote weight loss, improves mood, fights fatigue and much more. In fact, I have not found anyone who thinks drinking water is a bad idea.

Besides, if you’ve had a kidney stone in the middle of the night stuck in a Nashville Hilton like I have, well, it’s agonizing. You don’t want it. Trust me on that. Had I drank more water I likely could have prevented that unpleasant experience.

You might consider getting a travel water bottle that you can easily fill up on the other side of the airport security lane:

Check out my review of the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

5. “Go” whenever you can, but especially before flights and on layovers. In the military we often follow a few key rules: Eat when can, sleep when you can, and go when you can. You never know when you might have the chance again.

You can employ these precepts on your business trips – and this is especially true with regard to bathroom use. Always go when you can and definitely before you get on a flight.

For example, you might encounter turbulence which means the seat belt sign stays on longer than your poor bladder can endure. It can make a flight excruciating.

6. Build a medical kit (or at least some band-aids, pain relievers, and Cold Medicine, cough drops). Build a medical kit (or at least some ban-daids, pain relievers, and Cold Medicine, cough drops).You never know what will hit you while traveling. You are tired, in a different time zone, around other people in a confined metal tube, etc. My go to kit is (preferably in travel quantities):

• Pain Relievers: Aleve, and Tylenol PM (to help get to sleep if needed – only if needed)
• Kleenex/Tissue
• Cough Drops
• Claritin D Allergy Pills
• Vitamins (which, btw, you CAN take with you)
• Something for the tummy, not much is worse than a stomach issue on a plane
• Any meds I may be on at the time

7. Bring some hand sanitizer! While traveling for work you will encounter numerous surfaces that have yucky germs all over them – just waiting to infect you. Tray tables, lavatory bathroom handles, hotel remote controls, seat belts and more.

Avoid the plague by bringing a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer (check price) with you and using it liberally!

8. Stretch regularly. Maybe even do some yoga! While traveling your body gets into some kinked up positions. Make sure to take time to stretch it. Maybe it’s on the plane, or maybe just in your hotel room in the morning.

I prefer to do some yoga stretches in the mornings in the comfort of my  hotel room.

Your body will thank you!

9. Skip the escalator and especially the people movers. Burn a few extra calories by taking the stairs or walking next to the people movers if you have the time. I make it fun by trying to race-walk someone who is on the people mover. Of course, the people mover can be a lifesaver when you are hustling to catch a flight.

10. Train your body to not care what time zone it is in Seasoned business travelers will be less effected by jet lag. This is because we are simply used to being in multiple time zones and having to be “up” for customers or colleagues. It doesn’t always work (sometimes you are just dog tired), but with practice and training you can start to tune your body to be less dependent on the actual time zone it is in or coming from.

If you are struggling with Jet lag, read my article on how to get over jet lag when you travel .

Hotel Tips for Business Travelers

I’ve written extensively on hotel tips and I would encourage you to check out the following articles for more information:

• 9 Hotel Safety Tips You Need to Know
• 10 Great Hilton Honors Hotels Hacks You Need to Know
• 31 Amazing Hotel Hacks Travel Pros Use all the Time
• Best Hotel Sheets
• Best Hotel Beds

But here are a few hotel tips for business travelers that will get you pointed in the right direction:

1. Get to know the staff (if you are staying there for a long time or multiple visits). Get to know the staff (if you are staying there for a long time or multiple visits).I stayed in a single hotel in Sacramento 3 days a week for 4 months. 2x a month in NYC for almost 2 years and lately 1x a month for a year now in Nashville.

The staff got to know me and started to do things like leave extras in my room (beyond my status stuff) or welcome me warmly when I arrive.

2. Use the Hotel’s HDMI cable. Most modern hotels have HD cables/tvs. Instead of watching your favorite Netflix show on the small window of your cell phone or tablet, connect your laptop to the TV via the HDMI cable and enjoy the latest episode of Peaky Blinders in full color!

If need be bring your own HDMI cable !

3. Take advantage of late check in / out. With status you likely get the ability to do a late check in (e.g. at 1am after you finally arrive from 3 hours of flight delays at Midway airport). If you don’t have status you will need to call the hotel and inform them that you will be checking in late.

4. Know what you are entitled too w/ your status. You’ve earned the status. So use it!

Make sure you understand what you are (and are not) entitled too. For example, as a Hilton Diamond Member I get free waters, snacks and access to Executive Lounge (among other things).

If the clerk forgets something, gently remind them (no need to lord it over them, of course).

Get what’s yours!

5. Ask for the upgrade! Doesn’t always work but every once in a while you can get an upgraded room, car or even a boarding positions. This happens more when you have status with the company but it also helps if you are nice and at least ask. Give it a try.

6. Be nice to the staff! Sometimes you might get a free upgrade too. Or at the very least, when your hotel room shower doesn’t work the desk clerk might actually work with you get you a new room instead of telling you to suck it up. Be nice, show interest. Smile.

7. Use the hotel’s lotion if you forget aftershave or shave cream if you forgot yours. [ Male-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] Even the savviest business travelers forget or lose stuff. One business travel tip I’ve learned is that, in a pinch, I can use the hotel room’s lotion or even shampoo as crude shaving cream and of course the lotion works as an ok aftershave!

The downside is you will smell like lilac butterflies (or whatever crappy flavor their lotion is) all day. LOL

* Update : A female reader informed me that this travel trick applies to women too…so there you go!

8. The hotel usually has replacement toiletries. Almost all hotels will give you a replacement toothbrush or toothpaste if you forget yours. You won’t get deodorant or anything more serious like that, but it’s a nice to remember they got your back!

Safety & Security Tips for Business Travel

Occasionally travel can be a little unsafe. Here are some business travels tips to stay safe and secure on the road!

1. Keep your computer’s firewall on when using the public Internet. No real explanation needed for this one. Networks are not safe. You should know that by now. If want more depth on this business travel tip, you can jump over to my post 7 Cyber Security Travel Tips, Don’t get hacked on your business trip !

2. Keep your antivirus software up to date and be careful what sites you visit . I probably don’t need to explain this one. Just do it.

3. Flip the door latch in your hotel room. I can’t tell you how many times this has paid off. From another traveler who was given a key to my room by the front desk, to the cleaning crew, you never know when someone will burst into your room. Also,it is a good idea from a safety perspective.

4. Glance at the alternate exit plan for the hotel. Glance at the alternate exit plan for the hotel.Just about every hotel has a sign on the inside of the door that shows the emergency exit route. Believe it or not, I have actually been rousted out of my room at 3am because the hotel was on fire.

You will be one step ahead and if you really need it (e.g. 9/11 scenario) it could save your life. Also, grab your backpack on the way out (but skip the suitcase).

5. Put the do not disturb sign on the door when you leave the hotel room. I use this trick when I don’t want the staff in my room when I head down for breakfast or out for a beer.

Obviously if you want them to clean the room, take the sign down. If I go out for a beer I am usually leaving my laptop in the room. No need to make it easier on the staff. The illusion that someone is room might be enough to deter them.

6. Turn the TV on when you are not in the room. This business travel safety tip can be used in conjunction with the preceding tip. By leaving the TV on (and the do not disturb sign on the door) potential intruders are likely going to find an easier room to rob.

Unless they are Chinese hit men and you are their target.

7. Don’t leave valuables in your suitcase (and if you do, make it hard to get at). Generally, I don’t travel w/ too much stuff of value, but occasionally I have to leave my laptop in the hotel or something like that.

When I do, I employ a little trick I think works (although I have no idea). In addition to burying it beneath a stack of clothes and zipping it up and sticking the suitcase in the closet, I throw a pair of underwear on top of it.

Gross right. I figure they aren’t touching it. #LevelUp

8. Take your tooth brush with you during the day – don’t leave it in the hotel room. I’ve heard horror stories about maids jacking with people’s toothbrushes. I don’t know if this is actually true, but I’m not taking any chances.

I always bring my toothbrush (and toothpaste) with me each day.

Bonus: I can brush my teeth after lunch!

9. Carry a personal safety alarm . [ Female-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] This is another business travel tip shared with me by a fellow female traveler. She noted that sometimes you need to feel safe or be safe. Having the ability to trigger a siren on a key chain is comforting.

Better yet, learn Krav Maga .

* Update : I was informed by a female reader that this applies to men as well. Although, I’ve had several other female readers suggest that’s not the case. I give us. If you feel unsafe, maybe this travel tip or trick will help you…

For more travel safety tips check out 9 Travel Safety Tips to help you stay safe on your next trip

Tips for Eating on the Road

You gotta eat! Here are some business travel tips for eating while on the road.

1. Skip the chain restaurants and eat local. The thought of another Applebee’s meal makes me nauseous. Besides, there are so many good local restaurants. Find something local and non-chainy.

Not only will you support small businesses, but you might have a better dining experience. Often the hotel clerk can point you to something good. Or ask the customer!

2. Don’t forget to eat healthy . Nuff said.

Ok, I will say one more thing. One the hardest things to do on the road is to consistently eat healthy. This didn’t make the top 10 list of “must know” business travel tips, but perhaps it ought to: make an effort to eat healthy! If you need some suggestions on healthy travel snacks check out my article 9 Healthy Travel Snacks to eat smarter on the road .

3. Use Yelp to pick a good restaurant . Yelp is a great tool to try to find reputable restaurants while you are traveling. Use it liberally!

4. Better yet, go shopping for food (especially if you are on an extended stay). For longer stays I may shop for food at the local grocery store in my destination town. It saves money, and you can eat a little healthier – usually.

It also helps if you have a hotel that has a kitchen!

5. Eat at a nice (expensive) restaurant for lunch . Without blowing your daily per diem you may be able to sample some of the nicer restaurants in an area by visiting them for lunch (instead of dinner) where you can find a cheaper version of some of their favorites.

Get your Instagrammable experience for less $$.

Enjoying (and surviving) your Business Trip

To get the most out of your trip employ some of the following business travel tips designed to increase enjoyment…and survival.

1. Learn the history of the area you are visiting . Learn the history of the area you are visiting (e.g. Wiki Minot, ND).I was briefly a history major in college and I grew up literally reading encyclopedias. Regardless, I always try and learn a little bit about where I am staying at (check out my guide to Salem Oregon which also includes a brief history lesson on the town).

I once visited Minot, ND. Pretty cool little town w/ some interesting history. It might give you something to talk about w/ the customer or impress your colleagues with your vast knowledge. And you might be able to squeeze in a quick visit to some cool American attraction that you’d never otherwise see.

At the very least it’s something to do in the Hotel room besides watching John Oliver on HBO. This is one of my favorite business travel tips! I hope it is for you to.

2. See if you can squeeze in a quick visit to the major tourist attraction . Of all of the business travel tips, this is probably my absolute favorite! Seeing the sights while you travel for work is often hard to do because on business travel you are rushing from one place to the next.

Still, there are times when you can squeeze something in. For example, I visited a cavern when I was working in Sierra Vista, AZ w/ a colleague for a month.

I’ve toured a lighthouse during a long drive up the Oregon coast. Visited NYC attractions during long stints in the City (like a Yannkees game). Went to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial. The Foodies among us are always on the search for the great food places.

You are THERE so you might as well try to see some of this great country.

3. Take the long way back to the airport / Maybe even get lost on purpose! I love this business travel tip. If time permits I will try to take a different or longer way back to the airport so I can see more of the area I am visiting.

In many cases (again, if time permits) I will intentionally turn my GPS off and allow for the possibility I get lost! You can read my entire article on this unique business travel tip here: My favorite Travel Hack Don’t Use your GPS and Get Lost!

4. Figure out where you are going the next day and map out your route and arrival times . Figure out where you are going the next day and map out your route and arrival times.I always put my destination address in Google Maps the night before to see how long I need to travel.

Then I add a little buffer time, perhaps adjust for traffic if needed and then start setting up my alarms.

No one likes late people.

5. Have a good routine and stick to it . It’s probably the Marine in me, but this is one of those business travel tips that just came naturally to me.

Personally, I always unpack immediately after I get to the Hotel Room. I hang my clothes. Iron the next day’s clothes (usually just a shirt, as my pants are always wrinkle free) and lay out the rest of my stuff (socks, etc).

I also set my toiletries out and on especially early mornings I go so far as to lay the towel out on the floor next to the tub, physically move the shampoo into the shower, hang my towel next to the shower, and get the coffee pretty close to ready.

I will even lay out my Allergy pill and partially open it (sigh..anal much??). Usually, I in a different time zone, and know I will be running on fumes in the morning.

Those extra few seconds seem to add up and give me a little buffer if I am running slow.

6. Set 2 alarms for the morning . Set 2 alarms for the morning.I always set two alarms for the next morning. Usually 15 minutes apart. This is especially important if you are dealing w/ a big time zone swing (e.g. West Coast to East Coast).

7. Never use the hotel alarm clock . It’s likely not the right time, and often is not worth learning how to use.

8. Allocate time to warm your car up and scrape the ice off your windows in colder destinations . When in colder climates expect some ice / frost on the windows and that you will need to warm you car up for a few minutes. Allow time in your morning schedule for this and don’t be late because you’ve never scraped ice off a window before!

9. Consider joining your airline airport club system . These can be a little pricey, but with airline status you can often get discounted rates (or even gratis). The lounges are nice places to briefly relax before a flight, or snag a quick meal.

But where they come in really handy is when your day turns the crap and you are stuck with a serious delay. They can be a little haven for you while you weather out whatever the business travel gods through at you.

10. Document your experience on social media for fun (or start a blog!) . You are traveling, and it can be fun or at least seem to be fun to other people. Might as well upload a pic to Instagram or Facebook and tell everyone where you are.

You will see some funny stuff while you travel for business so take a pic! I am on social media w/ a bunch of other business travelers and we always post our itinerary using the airport codes and see if we can figure out where they are. (SNA to ATL to MSY anyone!?!)

11. Stay even-keeled and realistic . [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] Travel can suck sometimes. You will have delays, you will be tired, you will get stuck in a middle seat sometimes.

The hotel bed will suck, the lady in the hotel room next to you is enjoying the pleasures of matrimony all night, etc, etc. Sometimes there is nothing you can do. There are things beyond your control.

So just roll w/ it.

I’ve been stuck in a middle seat for 6 hours on the way back from JFK. It sucks, for sure.

But it doesn’t last forever .

I’ve also done that same flight in first class. You win some you lose some. No need to lose your ever-loving mind because you had to store your backpack under your seat for the flight back from SLC to SAN. Remember, nothing lasts forever.

Rental Car Tips

If you travel for work, you will likely spend a decent time in rental cars. While each rental car company has their own unique elements (don’t even get me started on Avis..ugh…they are terrible), for the most part they operate the same.

Reserve a car. Pick up car. Use Car. Gas up car. Return car.

Rinse and repeat.

Here are a few business travel tips to make your car rental experience a little better.

1. Skip the rental car if you can (and use Uber or Lyft). The first rental car tip is to avoid them when you can! Many times the cost of a taxi or Uber will be cheaper than renting a car for multiple days. Make sure you do the math on this though (and if applicable, factor in parking!).

Additionally, in bigger cities, renting a car is likely going to result in hassles the whole way. Hassles like finding parking (and cheap parking at that).

Whenever attending a big city it’s likely a Taxi or Lyft is going to be your best option.

Sign up for Lyft Ridesharing and get $5.00 off your first ride

2. Skip the rental car insurance. [ Saving money business travel tips! ] Rental car insurance is a scam. No other way to say it.

If you are on a work trip there’s about a 99% chance your company’s insurance policies will cover any damage to the vehicle. Many companies prohibit their employees from getting the insurance (and they should!)

Even if you are renting it for personal use, you likely don’t need it. Your current car insurance company (for your personal vehicle) will likely cover you and many credit card companies oddly have some coverage here.

Check your insurance company, credit card company and company travel policy for all the details.

3. Sign up for the rental car rewards program. Oddly, many business travelers don’t sign up for the rental car rewards program. While they may get approved to rent a car, they don’t go the extra step of getting fully on-boarded into the system.

Check out all of our rental car hacks

Renting a car can be a smooth process or a real hassle. By signing up for the rental car rewards program you can check in/out quicker, earn free rentals, and occasionally receive special offers.

4. Return the rental car the night before your flight home. This business travel tip falls under the category of saving time and reducing hassle. If you have an early flight the next morning (you know, one of those 6am flights), return your rental car the night before and take the hotel shuttle in the morning (or an Uber).

Of course, this only works if you are actually staying near the hotel. But, it can save you the hassle of dealing with getting a car back in, riding in a rental car shuttle, etc.

5. Always gas up your rental before you return it. Rental car companies are more than happy to fill up your gas tank for you when you return it – “saving you time.” But not saving you money!

The gimmick here is that they are going to charge you for a full tank of gas – regardless of how full your car’s gas tank actually is. Only used 1 quarter of your tank? Pay for a full tank.

Skip the idiot charge and fill it up yourself before you return it.

6. Download the Rental Car Company’s Mobile App. Most rental car companies now have a mobile app. It can be used, in many cases to find the vehicle you are renting (thus skipping the rental car counter and saving you time.

It can also be used to reschedule or change a reservation. Occasionally, I will use it mid-trip to book a car when originally I thought I didn’t need one.

Lastly, it will likely provide easy access to support and roadside assistance numbers which could helpful if you get stuck somewhere with a flat tire or dead battery.

7. Make sure you know if the rental car facility is on-airport or off-airport . This is important as it can mean the difference between needing to RUN to catch your flight or taking a casual stroll.

Many airports utilize off-airport rental car facilities. Anywhere from a 5 – 20 minute ride in a shuttle to get your car (and it’s the same for the return). Keep this in mind as you plan your rental car return times.

8. Use your credit card to scrape ice off the window of your rental car if you don’t have an ice scraper Rental car companies that serve cold weather destinations will almost always include an ice scraper in the rental car during winter months.

But occasionally they don’t or it’s simply not there.

One option is to use one from the hotel front desk (many have one for this exact purpose). You could borrow one from a colleague or a random stranger.

But, a trick that works ok is to simply use your credit card (or Costco card…).

Usually you will have to turn your car on and start defrosting it to get it a little loose, but it works like a charm – aside from it taking longer and being a bit messy.

1. Get the best credit card you can to maximize your points . It is likely you are getting reimbursed by your company and travel is expensive. That means some serious dollars are going through someone’s credit card.

If you can, use your personal credit card and start racking up the points.

It might be easier to use a completely separate card for this, so you can track your expenses. Use the points to get cash back, free vacations, and more.

I prefer the Southwest Chase Card and the Delta Amex, but there are lots of great credit cards out there that offer various rewards.

I also use my cards for personal expenses (like the water bill) to maximize points. We took a week-long trip to Hawaii (5-person family at the time) and the only thing I had to pay for was 2 rental car days, food, and entertainment.

And we got upgraded to a SWEET suite!

2. Actually sign up for the loyalty programs! As was mentioned much earlier in this article, try to stick with a single airline, hotel and rental car brand so you can earn status and points quicker. But don’t forget to actually sign up for the loyalty rewards program!

For example, Hilton (my chosen hotel) has their Hilton Honors program. It’s easy to sign up for and there are MANY benefits to those who earn status. You can read all about them in my article on the Hilton Honors Rewards Program a fresh look .

And for some bonus Hilton Hacks, check out my article 10 Great Hilton Honors Hotels Hacks You Need to Know .

3. Even if you are not flying on you preferred airline provider – sign up for hte loyalty program. I am a Southwest Airlines guy through and through. Occasionally Delta . But if I have to fly say United ever, I still maintain a United loyalty account.

If I have to travel United I will be sure to earn some points which I may be able to transfer somewhere else. Make sure to sign up for any of the loyalty programs for the providers you use regardless of frequency of use. You might be missing out on some points!

By the way, you might be interested in The Mileage Run a Frequent Flyer Travel Hack You Need to Know!

Apparel tips and tricks for business travelers

You want to find that balance between looking professional and being comfortable. Here are a few business travel tips under the category of apparel for business travelers.

1. Get comfortable shoes (and maybe orthotics) . The business traveler will be on his/her feet a significant amount of time. Your feet will be barking as you lug your bags through the airport after standing in a trade show booth all day.

Take the time to find comfortable shoes that work for YOUR feet.

I have larger, wider feet so finding good shoes is a challenge. But once I find a pair…I usually get a few pairs to have in case they are discontinued.

I also starting using Orthotics a few years ago and that has been an absolute game changer for me. The brand I currently use is made by Archmolds (check price) and they are superb!

2. Buy wrinkle free clothes. I hate ironing. Seriously. I really hate it. I did a ton of it in the USMC and came to despise it. But with the life a business traveler it is hard not to do it sometimes.

That said, I try to buy wrinkle free clothing whenever possible. I have personally found that wrinkle free dress shirts are hard to find (polos are no biggie) so I still have to iron them in many cases.

3. Use the “shower trick” to dewrinkle your clothes (and avoid the iron). [ Must Know Business Travel Tips! ] If you do have some minor wrinkles, shut the bathroom door, hang the pants or jacket on the back of the door and start the shower and steam up the room.

This trick works WONDERS. 10 minutes of a steaming shower and the wrinkles will fall right off your favorite slacks.

4. Dress Comfortable. Some folks suggest you should dress nice. Maybe it’s for the mental confidence boost it gives you. Power suit!

But I disagree. Instead, dress comfortably .

On my outbound flights I am often not meeting w/ anyone until the next day. I usually wear jeans and polo shirt.

On the return flight I am usually leaving a customer site or office and am in business gear. I will often change into jeans after I get through security. Sorry, comfort outweighs image.

But don’t be a homeless looking bum, either!

Of all the business travel tips this is one that tends to cause a lot of discussion. What do you say?

5. Get a reversible belt [ Male-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] In the spirit of packing light, invest in a reversible belt (see price) (black on one side, brown on the other). It’s one less belt to carry with you!

6. Get a Navy Blue Blazer [ Male-Specific Business Travel Tips! ] Every man should own a Navy Blue Sport Coat/Blazer. This allows you to quickly toggle from casual to business casual in no time. This is a great travel accessory / clothing item to add to your travel kit.

The Rest: a catch-all of tips when you travel for business

1. Skip the airport souvenir shop. Shop local instead. Airport souvenir shops are notoriously expensive! Ever paid $3.50 for a candy bar? That’s an airport gift shop price!

Occasionally, I like to bring something home for my kids (not every trip or they’d be spoiled). To save money I will try to visit a local Wal-Mart or other similar store and buy something local there (like a I Heart NYC shirt or something).

2. Be nice to the staff! (airline, shuttle drivers, hotel desk clerks, etc). As a general rule being nice will get you a lot farther while traveling. Could be an upgrade to a bigger room. Maybe a nicer car.

I can’t tell you how many times simply being nice has paid off.

Additionally, by being nice you might actually have an interesting conversation and/or meet some fascinating people.

#Don’tBeAnAHole

3. Tip the shuttle drivers, etc. [ A “be kind” business travel tip! ] Driving a shuttle or portering your bags is not a high paying job. Tips are important to these folks. Tip when appropriate and go big when exceptional.

$2.00 for a carry-on, $5.00 for a big bag. But, if the don’t lift the bags, you are under no obligation to tip – nor should you.

Oh…and add a thank you.

4. Share your wisdom w/ the younger travelers. I took my first business trip to Phoenix on a Southwest flight. My second trip was to Oklahoma and my checked bag got lost.

I could have used some business travel tips back then! Share your wisdom with your fellow travelers, colleagues, newbies and more.

In fact, leave us a comment below – what are some of your business travel tips?

Summary of the [ Must Know Business Travel Tips ]

For easy consumption, I’ve summarized the business travel tips that you absolutely must know (and follow):

• Stick with a single Airline, Hotel, and Rental Car company .
• Pack light (and well) .
• Never check your bag .
• Get a Good Backpack
• Get some good noise canceling headphones (and a backup set)!
• Download your content ahead of time to skip the Internet fee on the plane.
• Get TSA Precheck .
• Get really good at the security checkpoint process .
• Use the “shower trick” to de-wrinkle your clothes and avoid the iron
• Stay even-keeled and realistic .

There you have it…the top 10 business travel tips that every savvy traveler needs to know.

Agree? Disagree? What would you add to the list? What business travel tip did we miss?

Business Travel Tips – closing arguments

This concludes the massive list of business travel tips. While it’s possible you already knew about some of these business travel tips I hope that some of the travel tips and hacks we’ve shared will be game changers for you on your next work trip!

If you are looking for business travel news check out our Travel News Section

Join the conversation by leaving us a comment below. And, don’t forget to follow us on social media including Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . We want to hear all about your next work trip!

By the way, if you are interested in more business travel tips and travel advice, you might like these great articles:

• 27 Amazing Hotel Pillows the Best Hotel Pillows You can Buy
• Best Travel Purse
• Zoom Backgrounds
• Things to do when stuck at home
• 53 Amazing Gifts for Business Travelers in the 2020 Gift Guide for Travelers
• 9 Healthy Travel Snacks to eat smarter on the road
• 11 Best Hotel Beds and where to buy that Hotel Mattress you Love
• Ultimate Bitcoin Travel Directory : How and where to use crypto for travel
• 101 Travel Hacks for the Business Traveler
• 26 Must Have Travel Gadgets & Gear to add to your travel kit
• 9 Travel Safety Tips to help you stay safe on your next trip
• The Best Travel Gifts for Her
• The Ultimate List of the Best Travel Blogs
• TSA Food Rules
• What is the best business travel backpack ?
• Best Travel Drone – compare and contrast the top rated drones for travel
• Top Travel Pillows
• Anker PowerCore 20100 Review
• Why Frequent Travelers should buy their Travel Size Toiletries in Bulk!
• TSA Drone Policy – do they have one?

Pin these for later:

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable.

Jeremy Ballou is the editor of the CBoardingGroup.com and a long-time writer in both the travel and tech industry. Most days he's in thinking about travel or writing about it.

Travel Tip Tuesday #39 – Bring ear plugs…but ditch the eye mask

Fun travel advice: don’t use your gps…and get lost on your next trip, you may also like, demon dentist freaks out and removes clothes at..., five days in slovenia: a guide to the..., can i fly with an expired license, what is a redress number and do i..., how to make your bed like a hotel..., how to stop your ears from hurting on..., the traveler’s first aid kit: how savvy business..., 11 tips on traveling with your boss –..., 23 jobs with travel: the ultimate list of..., deal alert: rockland wheeled underseat carry-on 72% off, 16 comments.

Wow you gathered so many tips and covered all aspects that are really important. I always carry a power bank – it could be a real life savers sometimes.

Not everyone will agree on all these. I disagree with the 4 wheel spinner suitcase. I travel a lot and have found that the spinners work really well if….you don’t have to roll them outside much. Many times I find myself in the snow, a cobblestone street, rain, gravel parking lots, etc. So a good 2 wheel suitcase will far outperform in those situations. Also if you do pick the spinner do it for the right reasons and pick a good quality suitcase like the one you mention. The cheap or off brand spinners won’t hold up and don’t roll good. Also if you are using a spinner to roll down the airplane aisle it shouldn’t be because your suitcase is too heavy for you to handle. I also disagree with reclining your seat. You shouldn’t really do this at all on daytime short haul flights in economy. Doing this in the middle seat is the worst because you are reclining into another person in a middle seat where they have no room to move already!

I have a spinner and it’s great on smooth or even smoothish surfaces. As you say, when the surface is rough a two wheel works better. That’s when I pull it on two wheels.

Problem solved

Exactly what I do!

This is some really good information about traveling for business. I liked that you pointed out that you should bring a multi-plug adapter. That does seem like a good thing to do if you are traveling to a different country that could have a different electrical grid.

This is a very enlightening and thorough post. I appreciate the tips!

So true! There was so much info on this post. Red eye flights were always an issue for us haha

Thanks for sharing this awesome list. Keep posting more in the future.

Definitely the best post on travel tips in the web, thank you!

My tip is to plan your wardrobe for your trip in the same color family. I used to travel weekly and one week would be blue suit/pants/skirts, next week black, following week brown. This cuts down on the number of shoes you need to bring. I could usually get away with one pair of dress shoes for the week.

This is really great advice Lisa! Thanks for sharing.

The video perfectly shows problem faced by frequent air travelers. I appreciate you shared the list of business travel tips. Quite useful

Whenever I visit your website I enjoy reading your content because of the good articles.

Usually, my company books me a flight, hotel, etc. for my business trips but these tips are helpful in any case. Also, I recommend traveling with a backpack if your business trip is 2-3 days 🙂

I found this article is very helpful for travelers. It gave me an idea of what useful things I can pack to make my traveling experience more enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing advice here.

It is very easy to explain the difference between heading and heading in this blog. Thanks for sharing. JetBlue Airways reports that you can check in online and print boarding passes up to 24 hours before Departure.

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TechBullion

The ultimate guide to travelling for work.

For those of us who find ourselves hopping between cities, airports, and unfamiliar office buildings, work travel is an entirely different beast than leisurely holidays. It demands efficiency, organisation, and sometimes, a good sense of humour when things inevitably go wrong. This guide will walk through how to make travelling for work a smoother endeavour—whether it’s finding the right transport or striking a balance between productivity and sanity.

Transportation: A Crucial Decision

Getting from A to B should be simple, but work trips often come with tight schedules and unfamiliar cities, leaving you standing in an airport terminal like a deer caught in headlights. Should you go with a taxi? Or should you book a private transfer service in advance, like, say, an AtoB private transfer ?

Pre-Booking Transfers

For those who prefer to avoid the unpredictability of local taxis or the horror of figuring out public transport in a foreign language, pre-booking a car service is a godsend. Opting for a transfer means no waiting around or getting swindled by metre prices. You can pre-book your car, request child seats if needed (though, if you’re travelling for work, hopefully not), and ensure that you’ll be whisked away from the airport in style.

Public Transport

If you enjoy a good challenge, public transport can be a more adventurous option. It’s cheap and, in most major cities, efficient. That said, the charm quickly fades when you’re trying to navigate an underground system during rush hour, sweating through your suit while clutching your briefcase for dear life. It’s always best to research in advance: some cities have fantastic systems, while others will have you yearning for that quiet back seat in a private taxi.

Packing: The Essential Art of Minimalism

Ever tried to shove two weeks of business attire into a carry-on, only to realise you’ve forgotten the charger for your laptop? Packing for work travel is an art, often learned through a series of avoidable mistakes. The goal is to pack light but smart. Select versatile pieces of clothing—think one blazer that works with two shirts—and keep your toiletries small. Trust me, no one wants to wrestle with a giant bottle of shampoo at airport security.

Now, the tools of the trade: your phone, laptop, and cables are your lifeblood on these trips, so treat them as such. Keep an organised pouch for cables, adaptors, and anything tech-related. Remember, while you can always buy a new toothbrush at the airport, forgetting that presentation you spent weeks preparing is a different level of catastrophe.

Staying Productive on the Go

Maintaining productivity during the working trip – this phrase seems easier than it really is. Between long flights, jet lag, the glamour of handsome and clean meals on a tray, one really finds it herculean to sit down and plan actual work. The key here therefore, lies on how to establish a form of rhythm amidst all this commotion. That is why when you anticipate some free time with you such as on a flight or in a car when going for a backseat ride, do not waste the opportunity. Whip out the laptop; answer those emails or do document review or anything else you know once you arrive, there will be limited time for any of that.

Balancing Work and Play

Travelling for work doesn’t mean you’re chained to your laptop 24/7. It’s easy to forget that you’re in a new place, sometimes quite an exciting one. While time for leisure may be limited, take advantage of what’s available. Have an evening off? Explore the local cuisine. Even a quick walk around the city can give you a taste of its character. After all, a change of scenery is often what the brain needs to recharge.

That said, don’t feel pressured to be constantly productive or adventurous. Some nights, it’s perfectly acceptable to shut the door, order room service, and watch whatever bad TV your hotel has to offer.

Wrapping Up the Journey

When all is said and done, work travel is just that: work. It’s a means to an end, not a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle. Yet, with the right strategies and a touch of preparation, it doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Whether you’re trying to decide between a private transfer and public transport, or wondering how to stay sharp during that 14-hour flight, the key is balance. Travel smart, and, most importantly, don’t forget your charger.

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From power lunches to travel tips, Canadian business leaders share how to make the most of a work trip in their cities

Coined ‘bleisure’ by the industry, the multipurpose business trip is a global trend that Canadians aren’t shying away from

The Canadian business traveller is all about mixing work with pleasure these days. Tacking a little more time onto trips to explore, visit loved ones or even just have breathing room around meetings, is a trend that’s gaining momentum in the industry.

According to the Global Business Travel Association, Canadian business travel spending is forecast to reach US$25.9-billion in 2024, which will return it to pre-2020 levels, with an annual growth expected to outpace both the U.S. and global rates. Suzanne Neufang, chief executive officer of the GBTA, said it’s important to remember the average business trip also costs more than it did in 2019.

Coined “bleisure” by the industry, the multipurpose business trip is a global trend that Neufang said Canadians aren’t shying away from. More than half of Canadian business travellers are taking “bleisure” trips more often than they did in 2019. The hybrid adventure appeals to some for sustainability reasons, as it reduces the total number of flights taken, Neufang said. Within travel-related industries such as airlines and hotels, she said it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between business and leisure travellers.

“We see the gamut, all from adding on a couple of hours to do something on a personal basis to actually spending your vacation there,” she said.

Chris Lynes, the managing director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, said employees who combine their work and vacation trips tend to be happier, leading to lower turnover rates at companies.

“Wherever travel can be used for a wellness program, to take a few days off, enjoy where you are and unwind, rather than doing the back and forth, it’s quite healthy,” he said.

With visitors spending more time in destinations, whether it’s for clients or conferences, the opportunity to make the most of their trip is growing. A more practical reason for longer trips is to avoid impact of flight disruptions or delays which make travellers fearful of missing important meetings.

Of 1,049 Canadian adults who are likely to travel for business in roughly the next year, seven in 10 said they have experienced a travel disruption while travelling for business, according to a poll commissioned by Corporate Traveller, whose parent company is Flight Centre Travel Group. These days, Lynes said creating more wiggle room is key for Canadian business travellers.

The Globe and Mail spoke to business leaders and entrepreneurs in the country’s busiest business centres to learn where to go, and what to avoid when travelling for work across Canada. These locals have the insight into how to have a bit of fun, relaxation, team-building and, of course, a great coffee on your next company trip.

Skip to a city... Halifax • Montreal • Edmonton • Quebec City • Vancouver • Ottawa • Winnipeg • Toronto

Visitors walk along the rocks near the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, N.S. DARREN CALABRESE/The Globe and Mail

Dean Handspiker INDOCHINO/Supplied

📍 Halifax, Dean Handspiker

Dean Handspiker is an efficient traveller, meaning when he’s constantly on the road for business trips he finds the experience fairly painless. The vice-president of retail for Indochino hops around from showroom to showroom all year to meet teams at his company’s 86 locations across Canada and the U.S. While he doesn’t mind being on the road so much, he said, “There are times when I’d rather be home, like a warm summer weekend in Canada.” For visitors landing in his city, these are some of his recommendations.

Oysters at Drift Restaurant in Halifax. Jess Emin/Supplied

“I want to be confident in the service and the consistency of the venue, and that’s why Drift came first to mind. They’re just very good at what they do.” Handspiker’s go-to order is a paper plane and a seafood platter. Afterward, if you’re lucky, a word with the manager can get you into the nearby hotel speakeasy.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the quintessential East Coast excursion: a “real touch of the Maritimes” less than an hour’s drive from the city, he said. The small community surrounding it boasts a gift shop, lobster shack, gallery, boat tours and other attractions. Respect the safety warnings during your visit, which are in place to keep overzealous tourists from danger on the black rocks. To get the perfect selfie, enjoy the viewing deck instead.

Oceanstone Seaside Resort and Spa

Less than a five-minute drive away from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, the Oceanstone spa offers a “hydrothermal journey.” For $85, guests can spend three hours sampling different temperature pools, a salt-inhalation hammam and an aromatherapy sauna. Plus, the dining is fantastic, added Handspiker.

Le French Fix Pâtisserie

The café serves everything you’d expect from a typical barista, but the rainbow of macarons is what makes the destination worth the trip. The entire operation is a master class in French pastry, he said.

Drift Restaurant at The Muir Hotel Halifax. Brandon Barré Photography/Supplied

City travel tip

Taxi, don’t Uber

Don’t bother with an airport Uber, Handspiker said. Just walk out and get a taxi. “You’re probably going to have a fun conversation with the taxi driver on the way in. He’s been doing it for 40 years and he’s going to have that Maritime hospitality.”

Money-saving tip

Prioritize pub food

Studio East Asian Gastropub is Handspiker’s latest find for affordable eats. “It’s a pub, but it’s not.” Its chef-driven approach is supplemented by “unbelievably friendly” service, he said.

People walk along St-Laurent Boulevard during the Mural urban art festival in Montreal, in June, 2024. SEBASTIEN ST-JEAN/Getty Images

Dax Dasilva Supplied

📍 Montreal, Dax Dasilva

Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed, travels once or twice a month to meet customers, investors and team members of his Montreal-based company, which has offices across Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. When he gets the chance to do business at home, this is where you’ll find him.

For an Italian fine-dining experience, Dasilva orders whatever is on special at Nora Gray, because he trusts their creative process. “It’s always a discovery.”

A magical place that resembles the Florida Everglades awaits those willing to travel about an hour outside of Montreal, Dasilva said. Near Sorel, visitors can get on a boat cruise and travel down the St. Lawrence River for a few hours, immersing themselves among herons and silver maple trees. “It’s not what people think when they see the river from the city.”

Visitors can take a boat tour down the St. Lawrence River near Sorel, a city about an hour away from Montreal. Supplied

A little farther from the city centre, in Bromont, Que., Dasilva said he often makes the trek to Balnea Spa for its private lake and hot and cold pools. Last time he visited, he said a group of turtles graced his presence while swimming in the lake.

“Even though their slogan is ‘World’s worst coffee,’ the very cheeky Pigeon café on Monkland, in the neighbourhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, has excellent coffee.” It’s a big enough space to go at any time of the day, with a bar in the evening, and Dasilva’s go-to order is a black coffee – and a shakshuka if he’s hungry.

BIXI, Montreal’s bike-sharing service, offers riders a quick and easy way to navigate the city and access to car-free spaces. Supplied

If the weather co-operates, Dasilva said hopping on a BIXI, the city’s bike-sharing service, can be faster than trying to navigate Montreal in a car. It’s a prolific form of transport in the city that doesn’t incite parking woes and gives riders access to car-free spaces, such as the paths beside the Lachine Canal.

Can’t beat a classic

You don’t need to fork out to eat well in Montreal, Dasilva said. For example, he recently took his head of technology to Schwartz’s Deli for a corporate dinner that cost less than $20. “Once you accept that it’s not about the dollar amount, you can open up your options.”

The Capilano branch of Edmonton Public Library has a 'maker space,' which provides tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to people in search of a creative recharge. Leroy Schulz/Patkau Architects

Connie Stacey Supplied

📍 Edmonton, Connie Stacey

Connie Stacey racked up 75,000 kilometres in the air last year travelling for work. The CEO of the battery manufacturer Grengine said while she has purposely slowed down her travels in the past few months, after some dirty looks from her kids, she is often on the road every six to eight weeks. Stacey has spent a lot of her life in Edmonton and much of that time curating her list of favourite places within the city.

Happy and Olive

For dinner or lunch, Stacey said Happy and Olive is a popular, quirky spot where nothing on the menu is a bad decision. Last time she was there, she said the waffle sticks were a highlight.

The ICE District

A giant ice wall erected in the middle of downtown Edmonton drew Stacey’s team to the ICE District in February to watch the world ice climbing championships. Events like this, and, of course, the Oilers’ playoff run, make the entertainment district the perfect place to spend some time with colleagues.

Edmonton Public Library

Winner of the Library of the Year Award given out by the Library Journal since 1992, this downtown book oasis is where Stacey goes to recharge. She’s a particularly big fan of the library’s maker space, which provides tools such as 3-D printers or laser cutters to people in search of a creative recharge.

Square 1 Coffee

Good vibes and a “sustainable, friendly approach” to their business make Stacey feel very comfortable when she visits Square 1 Coffee. Her typical order in the open, airy space is a caramel macchiato, latte or anything that’s a little sweet.

Square One coffee in Edmonton. Supplied

Nothing out of the ordinary

Shared electric scooters or the city’s train system are Stacey’s recommendations for visitors. Otherwise, she said, avoid driving during the typical morning and evening rush hours and your experience should be fairly painless.

Hit the markets

“You don’t really need to spend any money and you can enjoy some good entertainment.” Grand Markets Edmonton holds free street markets on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, throughout the summer and fall, where the window shopping alone can be fabulous, said Stacey.

Bistro l’Orygine in Quebec City. Supplied

Rachelle Séguin Supplied

📍 Quebec City, Rachelle Séguin

Rachelle Séguin, co-founder of dermocosmetics company Omy Laboratoires, has cut down on travelling for work since her newborn daughter came along about eight months ago.

Usually, she heads to beauty industry events in places such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and France. She has a reputation within her team for staying in the cheapest hotels to get to know the place she’s visiting better – an ode to her adventurous spirit.

Bistro l’Orygine

With vegan and non-vegan options, Séguin said Bistro l’Orygine has something for everyone and is her favourite restaurant in Quebec City. She usually goes for brunch and enjoys their four-course “Tasting Formula,” which she said is abundant with locally grown food and has a boreal flavour to it. Even the oysters on the breakfast menu won her over.

This nomadic company offers a variety of stand-up paddle board experiences paired with gourmet meals, only about an hour outside of the city in the Portneuf region. From a simple wine and cheese experience to an entire three-course meal, Õ Pagaie has a few options for groups and Séguin said it’s worth the trip.

The German Aufguss sauna ritual is Séguin’s preferred treatment at Skyspa. As a “sauna master” pours hot water infused with essential oils onto hot stones, the degree of humidity in the sauna rises sharply. Eventually, sauna-goers are rewarded with ice to cool the body. “You almost have a buzz because it’s very intense.”

Skyspa in Quebec City offers a unique sauna experience. Supplied

Séguin isn’t much of a coffee person. Instead, she orders a matcha with some plant milk – hot or cold, depending on the day. But regardless of the order, she said Nektar is a nice go-to for coffee and matcha lovers alike.

Consider a rental car

To access Quebec’s natural landscape, in places such as Portneuf and Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier, Séguin said it’s worth investing in a rental car. Uber isn’t always readily available and to get a taxi at an odd time (such as for an early morning flight) it’s worth reserving in advance.

Picnic on the plains

The Plains of Abraham in the heart of Quebec City is a wide-open green space totally free to enjoy and steeped with history. Nearby, a walk around the grandiose Chateau Frontenac is also worth checking out, Séguin said.

Stanley Park Seawall, with Downtown Vancouver on the horizon. Supplied

Barbora Samieian Supplied

📍 Vancouver, Barbora Samieian

Barbora Samieian, co-founder of Sundays Furniture, travels every other month for work, usually to Toronto, Los Angeles, New York or Seattle. Most of the time, it’s to visit one of her company’s showrooms, but sometimes it’s coupled with an event too.

With four kids at home, she said work trips usually only last two or three days, but they’re a welcome respite from the daily grind and a chance for a creative recharge. For visitors to her own city, these are her go-to spots.

Caffé La Tana

Samieian can often be found feasting at this old-world, Italian-inspired restaurant during lunch or dinner on an iconic Vancouver street, commonly referred to as “The Drive.” Her menu hack? Order the kale salad with a side of two meatballs. “For a lighter option, it’s what I love ordering. And it hits the spot every time.”

People cycle and walk the seawall path near Siwash Rock in Stanley Park. Heath Moffatt/Supplied

Stanley Park Seawall

The seaside path hugs the outer edges of Vancouver’s beloved Stanley Park in a loop that spans roughly 10 kilometres and takes about two hours to walk, Samieian said. For a speedier option, rent a bike or use the local bike share. Both offer gorgeous views of the North Shore Mountains.

Jaybird Studio

While the outdoor Kitsilano Pool is her favourite place to relax in the summer, during the colder months she opts for the Balance workout class at Jaybird, where candles and an infrared-heated room make for a cozy atmosphere to stretch the day away in.

Oidé Coffee

“Coffee is my moment of self-care between dropping off the kids and hopping into the office,” Samieian said. At her favourite coffee shop, only a five-minute walk from the tourist destination Granville Island, she tries to sip and savour her macchiato.

People shop at Granville Island Market in Vancouver. DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press

Ferries for the win

With multiple stops along the seawall, False Creek Ferries is a small ferry service zipping passengers between destinations such as Olympic Village, Yaletown, Kitsilano, Granville Island and the West End. “It’s a really great way to explore different parts of the city.”

DIY charcuterie

Everything you need to create your own charcuterie board is at your fingertips inside the Granville Island Market. With a visit to Oyama Sausage Co. , Samieian said she often creates her own picnic for a reasonable price and then, has the pleasure of eating it oceanside.

Major’s Hill Park, located beside Parliament Hill, is the site of the city’s tulip festival. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Cassandra August-Rene Supplied

📍 Ottawa, Cassandra Auguste-René

While working a full-time position in the federal government, Cassandra Auguste-René runs It’s Time Event Management, where she focuses on supporting local Black-owned businesses. For entrepreneurs landing in Ottawa, these are her top picks.

La Terrasse

Connected to the Fairmont Château Laurier, La Terrasse’s patio overlooks the Ottawa River and has a nice vibe for either lunch or dinner, Auguste-René said. To share, she recommends the charcuterie board and for one, the tofu poké bowl is a favourite.

Major’s Hill Park

A site for the city’s tulip festival, Major’s Hill Park is centrally located beside Parliament Hill. There’s a nearby restaurant called Tavern on the Hill if you get thirsty, but Auguste-René said most people just sit on the ground, take in the view of the Ottawa River and let their surroundings wash over them.

The Kōena Spa is located a short distance from downtown Ottawa, across the border in Gatineau, Que. Kōena Spa/Supplied

Hopping across the border into Gatineau, Auguste-René said she loves spending time in the sauna and stopping in at the in-house bistro during a full day of relaxation. “Sometimes we go from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”

Luxe Blooms

This café-flower shop hybrid is a go-to for meeting clients, Auguste-René said. “The whole coffee shop is decorated in pink roses. The tables are pink, the chairs are pink, the drinks come in a pink cup, glass or mug.” Try the avocado sandwich, she said.

La Terrasse restaurant, connected to the Fairmont Château Laurier in downtown Ottawa. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Stay central

“Oftentimes, people say there’s nothing to do in Ottawa, but I don’t believe so. Whenever I decide to walk downtown, if it’s with a business partner or my family, we always find something to do.” To avoid missing out on any of the action, choose somewhere to stay that’s within walking distance of downtown.

Try a taco snack

When looking for a quick bite that won’t break the bank, Auguste-René said El Camino ’s eggplant taco is worth every penny of its price tag.

The Pavilion, one of Winnipeg’s most beloved landmarks, currently hosts various events and four art galleries, which are free to the public. Wayne Hewitt/Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Destiny Seymour Supplied

📍 Winnipeg, Destiny Seymour

Destiny Seymour is able to travel for work a little more often now that her daughters are growing up, currently at 12 and 14 years old. The interior designer said she founded Indigo Arrows eight years ago, with a focus on bringing respectful Indigenous design into projects. Once in a while, she travels to places such as Toronto or the U.S. for Indigenous fashion arts festivals or markets. Otherwise, you can find her at home with her family in Winnipeg, enjoying the city.

Tucked away in Winnipeg’s Wolseley neighbourhood, this small restaurant fills up quickly in the evenings, Seymour said, and likely requires a reservation. Its quiet nature and outdoor patio make it a lovely spot for meeting in a relaxed atmosphere.

An indoor horticultural space, this leaf-shaped building houses different biomes bursting with plants to walk through and various rooms available to rent. In July, Seymour rented the ballroom for her wedding, and she said it didn’t disappoint.

Seymour’s favourite spot at this outdoor spa is in a hammock between two trees in the relaxation area. “I am not a napper. I rarely sit still. But the last time I was there, I laid in it and instantly fell asleep.” Other highlights include a eucalyptus steam room and an outdoor pizza oven. It’s open in the winter too – just be prepared for frozen eyelashes.

Thermëa specializes in thermotherapy and relaxation techniques from Scandinavian countries. Supplied

Little Sister Coffee Maker

Seymour goes to Little Sister for the best oat-milk latte in her neighbourhood. Sometimes she gets a croissant with her coffee, but often, she travels the two kilometres to Hildegard’s Bakery for her sweet treat.

Uber is your best bet in Winnipeg, Seymour said. And if you can avoid it, rush hour makes commuting a headache between four and six in the afternoon.

Make it Mediterranean

With a grocery store, restaurant, wine store and bakery, La Grotta Mediterranean Market is a one-stop shop for a deliciously affordable evening. At the top of Seymour’s must-haves list is a piece of tiramisu or chocolate cake.

Visitors can walk through Toronto’s ravine system at Evergreen Brick Works. Alexander Yoshiki/Evergreen Brick Works

Eva Wong Patryk Adamczyk/Supplied

📍 Toronto, Eva Wong

Once every couple of months, Eva Wong, co-founder and chief operating officer of fintech company Borrowell, travels to cities such as New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Montreal and Vancouver. She enjoys the opportunity to travel for work and connect with people in-person – something she missed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. When it’s her turn to play host to clients in her own city, this is where she goes.

“Rasa does an amazing job making vegetables taste good.” If Wong could make salads the way Rasa does, she said she might eat them more often. The chopped salad is her particular favourite, with crispy chickpeas and feta. The great food and lowkey atmosphere make it a great dinner spot.

Borrowell has done a number of team-building events, but electric go-karting is among the highlights, Wong said. Located in North York, she said it’s accessible by subway and very well organized. The activity lasts a couple of hours and can include food. “Honestly in the last three years, the biggest adrenalin rush I’ve got is doing this electric go-kart racing.”

Evergreen Brick Works has become a hub for local food and artisan markets. Laura Iruegas/Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works

Lace-up some sneakers and go for a walk within Toronto’s ravine system at Evergreen Brick Works. The old, abandoned brick factory has become a hub for farmer and artisan markets and is attached to a network of trails that are perfect for some alone time in nature.

Balzac’s Distillery District

For Victorian architecture and a decaf cappuccino, Wong will often stop at Balzac’s in the Distillery District. “They have a second-floor seating area where you can see the CN Tower out of one of the windows.”

Balzac's Cafe in Toronto's Distillery District. Moe Doiron/The Globe and Mail

Anything but driving

“Traffic is terrible.” If you can avoid driving, do. Staying near a subway station or within walking distance of your destination is the best strategy. If it’s winter, just be prepared to put on a pair of boots, Wong said.

Skip the rental car

It’s expensive, traffic from the airport is bad and parking costs add up quickly, Wong said. Take transit instead. The Union Pearson Express train is a great option for getting downtown quickly from the airport.

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7 Travel Tips Every Malaysian Should Know To Avoid Alamak Moments

Travel tips for Malaysians

Every trip overseas gives us main character feels. But with the best-laid travel plans, you can still run into a few villains along the way – think flight delays and missing baggage that have even frequent flyers slapping their foreheads and going alamak.

To reach your destination with as few hiccups as possible, whether you’re jetting off to Bali for a relaxing long weekend or securing your bag with a work trip, here are 7 travel tips every Malaysian should know .

Table of Contents

1. Book your flight at least 2 months in advance to get the best deals

2. get compensated for delayed, overbooked or rerouted flights, 3. have essentials with you in the case of a missed flight, 4. know your options when faced with lost or delayed baggage, 5. be financially and mentally prepared, 6. plan ahead to avoid add-on fees on flights, 7. stay updated with your travel plans.

Before you pack your bags, you’ll need to secure your flight tickets, which can often be a more stressful affair than the flight itself. Timing is everything when it comes to this.

Tuesday was once said to be the golden day to secure flight tickets with the best deals. But recent Expedia and Google studies show this isn’t necessarily true. The first study concludes that Sunday is the best day to make bookings, while Google says that midweek fares are cheaper compared to the weekends.

Nonetheless, there’s a recommended sweet spot for travel days and how far in advance to book a flight. Google analysed weekday flights to be 20% cheaper than weekend flights. And while most airlines release bookable flights a year in advance, experts advise to start looking for airfares 2-5 months before your travel date, as that’s when average prices tend to be lower.

To compare prices and deals without jumping between sites, start your search on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner which make it easy to navigate fluctuating airfares.

The latter aggregates and predicts fares from various airlines. It also allows you to track and get notified of fares for rises or drops, and uses historical data to analyse flight prices over the past 12 months to predict fares.

We’ve all been there, or at least know someone who has, when it comes to cancelled or overbooked flights. Hence, it’s a good idea to be clued up on your rights as a flyer.

The silver lining to schedule and booking mishaps is that most airlines offer compensation for them. Here are some examples of the most common ones:

Delayed and cancelled flights

Flight delays and cancellations are like uninvited guests that pop up at the worst time. A delay means your flight doesn’t leave on time, while a cancellation means it’s been scrapped entirely.

Overbooked flight

Think of overbooked flights as a crowded party that has reached maximum capacity and has to be blocked by a bouncer. This typically happens when airlines sell seats to more passengers than a plane’s actual capacity, to account for potential no-shows.

Rerouted flight

When your flight gets rerouted, it’s like being forced to go on a detour on a road trip – not what you planned, but not the end of the world either. A rerouted flight means your journey has changed due to various reasons, such as the weather or operational issues.

What to do next when faced with travel interruptions

If you find yourself in any of the above situations, first take a deep breath. Then, head to your airline’s service desk or flight gate for assistance and to know your options. You’re usually entitled to compensation and, in some cases, you can get rebooked on a later flight.

Compensations typically come in the form of meal vouchers, complimentary hotel stays, or even cash to help tide you over during the extended wait – so don’t be paiseh or malu to reach out for assistance. Note however that they don’t typically apply to extraordinary circumstances, or occurrences like bad weather and security and safety issues.

Travel pro-tip: Utilise your airline’s dedicated app to track flight statuses in real time and get a heads-up on any further updates. It can be your best friend in scenarios like these.

Imagine taking your mum’s advice and arriving at the airport 3 hours early for your international flight – only to discover your initial flight has been delayed, causing you to miss your connecting flight. Arriving early is always good advice to heed, but this uncontrollable scenario can still make a dent in your itinerary.

If it happens to you, don’t panic just yet.

If you miss a flight, inform your airline as soon as possible. Letting them know immediately about your missed flight and the reason behind it can help you avoid being marked as a no-show, which can complicate things further and make it harder to get assistance.

On-ground airline staff will typically rebook you on the next flight, for reasons such as missing a connecting flight due to delays with your initial flight. But there are reasons the airline won’t be faulted for, such as natural disasters, traveller negligence, and medical emergencies.

Next, check out the airline’s refund policies. Generally, missed flights don’t qualify for refunds, but airlines may have you booked on the next available flight at a reduced fare or with a minimal charge for the price difference.

While waiting for your next flight, being prepared can make all the difference.

In the event you get separated from your baggage, having essentials such as your toothbrush and a change of clothes can make your time in transit more comfortable. If you’re able, get access to an airport lounge for a more comfortable wait, as most have amenities like complimentary WiFi, shower rooms, and charging stations.

Having travel insurance can offer additional support and cover unexpected costs too. Some trusty ones offer 24-hour worldwide assistance and also make up for the difference between your compensation and the price of your new ticket up to a certain amount.

Nobody wants to find out that their baggage is lost or delayed – it’s like losing a limb while travelling. But knowing your options can elevate such mishaps into minor inconveniences.

Be sure to report the issue and file a written complaint to the airline’s baggage desk as soon as possible – most airlines recommend within 21 days of arrival. They can help track down your missing luggage or assist with filing a compensation claim.

It’s advised to take a picture of your bag, to better describe its appearance to the staff while they attempt to locate it. Having proof of the value of items in your luggage can also help validate your claims.

A good travel insurance policy can come in handy here too, covering you for the essentials while you wait to be reunited with your baggage.

When it comes to financial preparation, it’s wise to carry emergency cash or at least RM500 or equivalent in the local currency, aside from what you’ve already budgeted for your trip. This ensures you have a safety net for minor emergencies or unforeseen expenses.

Alongside cash, having a backup credit card can be a lifesaver. If you don’t have one, you can utilise travel money apps and prepaid cards. Apps like Touch ‘n Go and Wise have features such as instant reloading and can be used for various transactions in many countries now.

Another often overlooked handy tip is to inform your bank that you’re travelling and using your credit card abroad to ensure smoothness with overseas transactions.

Mental preparation is equally important as travel can be unpredictable. Having a plan for how to handle potential issues, such as having emergency contacts or quick access to funds, will make it easier to navigate stressful situations and stay focused on enjoying your much-deserved trip.

Once your tickets are in the bag, add-on services such as seat selection, meal choices, and extra baggage allowance will be presented to you. As these can be purchased later, it’s best to review what will actually ease your travel experience beforehand.

Go for extra baggage only if you’re planning a shopping spree. Or, opt for a loose or collapsible carry-on bag you can fill with souvenirs on your return flight.

Whether you must have a window or aisle seat, most airlines now charge for seat selection. To avoid add-on fees, check in early. Some airlines offer complimentary seat selection when online check-in opens.

Most of us tend to overpack for trips abroad too – dedicated outfits for different excursions and extra undergarments and all. However, oversized and overweight bags can be a hassle to deal with. Stay light by keeping personal care consumables travel-sized, or by purchasing basic toiletries such as body wash at your destination to save on space and weight.

Before you jet off, it’s advisable to check local news and weather reports for your destination. Disruptions to travel plans, such as natural disasters or events like strikes, can be manageable by staying informed and prepared.

In case of potential disruptions to your travel plans, it’s important to understand your airline’s policies on things like cancellations and delays. Airlines often have specific procedures in place for these scenarios, and knowing your options can help you make informed decisions.

If you find yourself in a situation that could affect your safety when abroad such as a natural disaster – touch wood – your first step should be to contact your country’s embassy or consulate . These agencies are there to provide crucial information, guidance, and assistance, to help you navigate such situations.

Finally, safeguarding your trip with travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides vital protection and support for a range of issues, from trip cancellations to unexpected emergencies, ensuring that you’re prepared for when things don’t go as planned.

Safeguard your travel plans with MSIG

A smooth travel journey starts with smart preparation and protection.

That said, travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for safeguarding your safety and personal belongings, whether you’re jetting off to international locales or exploring closer to home.

If you’re ready to make your long-awaited trip smoother and stress-free, think of MSIG as your travel superhero, swooping in to save the day when unexpected hiccups arise. Choose from Single Trip or Annual policies, with comprehensive plans that cover various types of travel interruptions.

Their TravelRight Plus Insurance, for starters, will cover the following up to a stated amount:

• Travel delays of first 4 consecutive hours and every subsequent 6 consecutive hours
• Missed travel connection and overbooked flight with no alternate form of transport for more than 6 hours
• Missed departure due to public transport breakdown
• Medical expenses, including alternative treatments such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, as well as other costs like follow-up treatments in Malaysia, are subject to the overall limit for medical expenses
• Mishaps and accidents such as death and loss of sight
• Travel cancellations and loss of travel deposits

Head over to the MSIG Online website to secure your travel insurance and enjoy a 25% rebate when you purchase plans online.

Throughout MSIG’s Travel Smart, TravelRight campaign from 10th September to 31st December 2024 , you’ll also pocket Touch ‘n Go rewards in the form of e-wallet credits when you use the promo code <MSIGxTSLocal> at the checkout page. Think of it as a little bonus treat for being travel-savvy.

Alternatively, you could also contact an MSIG Insurance Adviser for more information about their travel insurance.

With top-notch protection, you can rest assured that your next travel adventure will be a breeze.

Find out more about MSIG’s TravelRight insurance here

This post was brought to you by MSIG. 

Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia

This is for general information only and shall not constitute as a financial advice. T&Cs apply. MSIG is a member of PIDM. The benefit(s) payable under eligible product is protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my ).