6 Business Travel Tips for Traveling to Corporate Events

Traveling for business can be a stressful affair, and not just because you've got to meet new clients or close deals for your company.

You've also got to make sure that you've got everything in order before you travel and have the most optimal arrangements upon arrival.

An estimated 1.1 million people are traveling for business each day in the U.S. If you're one of them, you're in the right place!

Read on for our top 6 business travel tips that will make your next business trip run smoothly so that you can focus on the big meeting. 

1. Don't Check or Ship Essentials

Things can go awry if you don't keep track of your luggage, yourself. Checked luggage can get lost or misplaced and shipments can wind up delayed hundreds of miles from your destination.

If possible, you want to fit everything you'll need for your business trip into your carry on luggage. That way, you don't have to waste any time waiting for your checked bags to make their way to you on that slow-as-molasses luggage belt.

Of course, fitting everything into your carry-on isn't always possible, especially if you're heading out for a week or two at a time. No matter what, make sure you've got enough business-appropriate clothing to get you through the first few days and any irreplaceable essentials packed into your carry-on bag. That includes your laptop, your business cards, and anything you need to bring to your meeting.

2. Choose Your Hotel Wisely

Fight the urge to pick a hotel closest to the airport, even if your flight is landing in the wee hours of the morning. Map out the location of your meeting and find a hotel nearby. It's better to lose some time getting to your hotel from the airport than get lost or caught in traffic on your way to a scheduled meeting or event. 

You may even want to talk to the people you're meeting about hotel arrangements. They'll be able to give you suggestions and may even have a block of rooms booked somewhere at a discounted price.

3. Book Your Transportation in Advance

Don't waste time trying to hail a cab or calling a car. Book your transportation from the airport to your hotel in advance.

Choose from options that fit your budget and your comfort. Mini coaches and buses can carry between 30 and 50 people and have more space for luggage. Sprinters offer a bit more privacy, while Escalades ensure a quiet ride in a luxury vehicle. 

4. Make and Share Your Itinerary

Make an itinerary in advance that includes the time you'll be on your flight and the estimated time it will take to get around your destination city. Don't just plan out the time you'll spend in your meeting or at your event. Make time for meals at local restaurants and coffee shops.

One of the most important business travel tips is to overestimate travel time when planning your itinerary. Assume that your flight will be delayed or that your car will get stuck in traffic or detoured by unexpected construction. It's better to be early than late.

Finally, share your itinerary with someone at home that you'll be in close contact with. This could be an assistant, a family member, or a friend. As long as you have someone you can call if you lose track of your own copy or can't remember what's next on the agenda, you'll be in good shape.

5. Tackle Jet Lag Head On

Jet lag is a huge concern when you travel for business. The last thing you want is to get to your event and find yourself hindered by drowsiness, difficulty focusing, or stomach trouble. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can tackle jet lag before it takes over.

Try to adjust gradually to the time difference before you travel. This may require you to go to bed at odd hours, wake up at a different time, and alter your eating schedule. 

On the day of travel, stay hydrated and avoid beverages that will alter your sleeping patterns, such as coffee or alcohol. Not only does dehydration make us feel more sluggish but it makes our skin appear duller, uneven in tone, and more wrinkled. In other words, you'll look as tired as you feel.

Finally, try to schedule some exercise into your itinerary. It may be the last thing you want to do when you're tired and out of it, but even a moderate-impact exercise routine can boost endorphins, making us feel happier and more energized, and sharpen our cognitive functions.

6. Stay Charged Up

You can't guarantee that you'll be seated near an outlet during your business meeting. How embarrassing would it be if your computer died in the middle of your presentation?

Any chance you get, return all of your devices to a full charge. Invest in a portable charging bank for your computer and your cellphone. That way, even if there are no outlets to be found, you'll have some backup juice to get you through the day. 

Reduce Your Stress with Our Business Travel Tips

Whether you attend corporate events once a month or this is your first major business trip, following our business travel tips can reduce the stress of traveling and give you more time and energy to focus on the big meeting.

Is business bringing you to Louisiana or abroad? Burton Transit has your back with everything from a ride to your hotel to a charter service for your whole team. And hey, why not book a tour of the city for some team-building fun while you're here, too?

Book your ride now and we'll have you all squared away in no time!