5 Business Travel Tips for First-Timers

5 Business Travel Tips for First-Timers

Business travel can be an exciting aspect of working for a company. However, there is still a lot of work involved. Stress can start piling up pretty easy without the proper cautions. Here are five business travel tips for first-timers.

1. Play the Nightlife Smart: When traveling for business, the business part should always win out over the traveling. In other words, don’t mistake a business trip for a vacation or holiday. Employees are sent as representations and extensions of the company for which they work. This means that at all times during the trip, the company should be a factor when making decisions. This is true when it comes to nightlife. There will undoubtedly be free time, especially in the evening. Understand the restrictions that go along with a business trip and act accordingly. This doesn’t mean a night in a new city can’t be enjoyed though.

2. Prioritize: Unlike work at the home offices, projects and meetings on a business trip have an expiration time. For this reason, it is critical to prioritize and accomplish the most important tasks first. This ensures that no important work is left until the last minute with the risk of failing completion.

Instead, it is advisable to schedule appropriately keeping in mind the time limitations and work that must be completed.

3. Ditch the Luggage: Over packing is a hassle for a trip of any duration. However, it is especially taxing on a business trip. Excess luggage gets in the way and slows everything down. Even worse, it poses a potential for losing important documents or other important items. As business trips are usually around 2– 4 days, only pack what is absolutely necessary. A few pairs of clothes, a pair of shoes and some toiletries should do the trick. Less luggage often results in less stress during the trip.

4. Take Advantage of the Miles: Taking a business trip doesn’t just have to be only expenses. If you are the one purchasing the flight, consider using a credit card that offers airline reward points. More business trips down the road will help build up these points, which can later be redeemed for a free flight. It is also helpful to use airlines with a rewards club. I’m these cases, flying to the same destinations can have a rewarding impact. Airlines offer many benefits to passengers who continue to use their services.

5. Save Those Receipts: There’s nothing more frustrating than having to pay business expenses with your own money.

On a business trip, there are a lot of small transactions to keep track of. Instead of having to guess at the end of the trip, make sure to save all receipts. These can simply be added up at the end for reimbursement from the company.

These five tips will help you make the most of a business trip while also reducing stress and unnecessary pressure. Stay focused on the purpose of the business trip and don’t forget to relax a bit!

Mark Angelo is the Co-Founder of Yorkville Advisors.