- Employees who travel for work can make their time on the road more enjoyable by developing a few habits.
- For a successful trip, business travelers need to eat healthy, prioritize sleep, and pack wisely.
- This article is part of the Business Travel Playbook series on getting the most out of business travel.
Business travel continues to recover from the early stages of the pandemic as employees travel more.
A 2023 U.S. Travel Association survey of 2,379 business travelers found that respondents expected to take an average of about three trips per month, a slight increase from the previous year's two trips per month. Did.
With more and more professionals traveling for work, Business Insider spoke to three frequent travelers about their successful habits and some of the things they avoid when they're out and about.
Four habits of successful business travelers:
1. Thorough hygiene management
It may seem obvious, but Donzella Barton, owner of Assisted Living Healthcare and Training Center, says if you're traveling a lot, prioritize your health by practicing good hygiene. He said it was important.
“I travel 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, use alcohol-based soaps that contain at least 60% alcohol. I make sure to use hand sanitizer” content. “
2. Healthy eating and exercise
Traveling can disrupt your daily routine, but eating healthier and drinking plenty of water can help you feel more energized. Michael Murray, CEO of electronics manufacturer Kopin, travels at least twice a month for business, but he says it can be difficult to eat healthy meals, especially if his flight arrives late at night. He said he could not.
“By the time I arrived, many hotels had ended room service at 9 p.m.,” he said. “If it's late, I often order from food delivery apps on the way to the hotel, focusing on highly rated restaurants, natural foods, and decent salads.”
It's also important to find time to exercise while on the go, as exercise has the potential to boost your immune response and keep your energy levels high.
“I invested in lightweight running/training shoes that are easy to pack, and lightweight, breathable training gear for frequent use,” Murray said. “When I travel, I choose hotels based on gym facilities, access to walking trails, or access to nearby fitness chains that offer day passes. If I need to work out in my hotel room, I also downloaded some fitness apps.”
3. Enrollment in airline security programs
If you know you fly frequently, consider signing up for an airline security program to save time before your flight.
“I recommend taking advantage of TSA PreCheck or Clear,” says Anneleah Williams-Bridges, a hospital executive and healthcare consultant who travels weekly for work. “These are options that can help speed up the security check-in process during high travel times, saving valuable time to help avoid the crowded walkways of all the other business travelers. Become.”
Both TSA PreCheck and Clear are often best suited for domestic flights and can reduce the amount of time you spend in airport security lines. TSA PreCheck users have access to a separate, short security line, and Clear users can jump to the front of the security line after verifying their ID and boarding pass.
4. Prioritize sleep
While it may be tempting to spend all your downtime tackling more tasks on your to-do list or working late into the night, sleep is essential to a successful business trip.
“Don't be brave. You don't get a medal for not sleeping and 'burning out the day,'” Murray said. “I used to fly to the UK and Ireland and take an overnight flight straight to work, which is probably enough time to get an hour or two of sleep from the East Coast. My sleep hours weren't working for me, my team, or my business.”
Four things successful business travelers should avoid:
1. Excess packaging
It's understandable to want to be prepared for anything, but don't overpack your suitcase. Packing too much can mean a cluttered hotel room, the possibility of having to check baggage, and a longer commute.
“Lightening your luggage is a great way to get through the airport faster,” Williams-Bridges said. “If you're traveling for business, by using only carry-on baggage, you can board the plane, disembark, and go directly to your destination without waiting for checked baggage. This saves you about an hour and a half of commuting time. ”. ”
2. Over-planning
Another successful habit is to avoid over-planning. Barton says it's important to have a general idea of what you want to accomplish while traveling, but leave room for downtime in your schedule and avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings or events. Stated.
“Over-planning every minute of your business trip can lead to unnecessary stress and inhibit the potential for spontaneous discovery and relaxation,” Barton says. “Scheduling downtime can help you decompress and provide valuable opportunities for self-care and personal reflection.”
3. Book the cheapest flight tickets
Barton said if you travel at least once a month, you should limit your loyalty points to one airline. Airline Loyalty When you join his program, you get perks like seat upgrades, lounge access, priority boarding, and more.
To make things easier, business travelers are advised to book the best non-stop flight instead of choosing the cheapest ticket, as “sometimes you get what you pay for.” Williams-Bridges said, adding that cheap flights can cloud the travel experience with complications such as excessive delays.
“I also avoid holiday travel because it's cost-effective,” she says. “Finally, I try to avoid connecting flights, which can add unnecessary flight time to your trip.”
4. Excessive alcohol intake
Many business meetings and client dinners include a glass or two of wine, but drinking too much can lead to poor judgment and a hangover.
“It's okay to enjoy a drink or two with colleagues or customers, but be mindful of your alcohol intake and the effect it has on your overall health and energy levels,” says Barton. “Choose light drinks like wine or spritzers, and alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to stay hydrated.”
