7 Steps for Stress-Free Business Travel

Traveling for work can be a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it. There are some great aspects of business travel like visiting new and exciting places or staying at a fancy hotel with a room just for yourself that make it worthwhile. Dealing with flights, hotels, and transportation on the other hand, can be a bit of a drag.

The only way to completely look at business travel in a positive light is by eliminating the stress that comes with those drags. To start you off in the right direction, here are 7 essential practices to ensure an easier, stress-free business trip.

Apply for Expedited Traveler Status

Apply to the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre✓ program for a quicker security briefing every time you fly. For $85 every 5 years, you can speed through security and skip over removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and other amenities. If you are traveling within the next few months, submit an online application and schedule an appointment at one of their 380+ enrollment centers as soon as possible. With a quick background check and fingerprinting, you’ll be all set for the next 5 years of traveling.

Join a rewards program

Rewards programs are key for every frequent traveler, and this works for both airlines and hotels. Members of rewards programs often receive special perks alongside travel points such as early boarding, priority hotel rooms, and even first-class upgrades. Be loyal to a specific airline or brand and they will treat you well.

There's an app for that

1. AwardWallet. Track your points and miles from all your accounts with one simple app. You will also get notified when your balances change and before your points expire, that way you can use your points at the perfect time.
2. TripIt. This app creates an itinerary in a calendar format by forwarding all your confirmation emails from hotels, flights, car rentals, and restaurants so all your plans are in one place.
3. Evernote. Everything you’ve written, annotated, and collected on any format, all in one place. This is incredibly useful when putting together presentations from the road.
4. PackPoint. The packing list to end all packing lists. All you need to do is tell the app where you are going and on which dates. A full checklist of what to pack based on length of stay, climate, and weather will be generated in seconds. The best part? Checklists can even be shared with friends and coworkers.

Choose an earlier flight in case of cancellations or delays

The last thing you need is a delayed flight and missing your meeting or hotel check-in time. It is always a good idea to pick an earlier flight rather than a flight that will get you to where you need to be right on time. The extra time will decrease stress due to rushing from landing to baggage claim to getting a taxi and so on. Worse comes to worse, you’ll get to sneak in some extra time to explore the city!

Skip the baggage check

Many airlines charge extra fees for checking baggage, ranging from $25-45 for just one bag. Accidently have a bag that’s oversized or overweight? You’ll be hit with a harsh fee that can be more than double the cost. Save your money and stick to just bringing a carry-on and a personal item. Not only does this save you money, but it also saves you time and stress.

By skipping the baggage check, you won’t have to worry about waiting by the carousel after your flight for your luggage and possibly missing your ride, meeting, or hotel check-in. You also won’t have to worry about the possibility of the airline sending your luggage on the wrong flight or losing it all together.

Book your hotel last minute if possible

Waiting to book your hotel until the day your arrive can give you access to the best rooms for the best rates. If the unknown stresses you out, there is no shame in skipping the last minute deals and spending the extra dollar to secure a hotel room.

Charge up the night before

Nothing stresses me out more than seeing my phone battery slowly die… especially in a new place and may need to rely on it for emergencies. Make sure you keep your electronics fully charged before you get on the plane as not all aircrafts have charging capabilities on flight. To eliminate another thing you have to remember the morning of the flight, charge your electronics overnight so they will be ready to go in the morning.

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