Traveling can be a nightmare these days. Delays, cancellations, overbookings, and other inconveniences are more common than uncommon. These make for some pretty tense and often expensive situations.
If you must travel for business, you’re likely to experience these issues frequently. Add to that the routine stress of work itself and you may find yourself looking for an off ramp. Your health and your budget can both take serious hits.
But all is not lost. A little smart planning and a few insightful hacks may turn your frown upside down. Sure, your travel is still work. But these tips can help lighten the load.
Avoid Jet Lag and Hit the Ground Running
So much of the time, you have to hit the ground running when you deplane. Taking steps before, during, and after your flight can help you keep up your energy, even with a significant time change.
The science behind all the factors that cause jet lag is making strides. Don’t be afraid to invest in a superior jet lag supplement and use as instructed. Targeted supplements and blue light-blocking glasses will help your circadian rhythm adjust while supporting energy and avoiding inflammation.
Staying well hydrated is crucial to good health every day, but especially so when traveling. Carrying a collapsible bottle and filling it with water once you’re past security will ensure you’re never without it. And every time the flight attendant rolls the beverage cart by, ask for a glass of water.
Proper hydration and proven supplements will help ensure you’re ready for business when you arrive at your destination. Make them the core of your travel plans, and you’ll be ready to take the lead when it’s time.
Eat Responsibly
There’s truth to the saying that “you are what you eat.” And it can be extremely difficult to maintain a healthy diet when traveling. Those sugar-packed, over-processed grab-and-go foods are tempting, especially when your eating schedule is out of its normal routine.
Make sure you consume enough protein, which may mean packing your own to eat while traveling. Protein not only gives you energy, but it also helps you sleep by stabilizing blood sugar levels. That’s really important if you have an overnight flight abroad with a morning meeting on day one.
You may also be tempted to imbibe in an alcoholic beverage or two before and during your flight. That’s especially true if you aren’t driving after you land. Remember that alcohol dehydrates you, makes you drowsy, and numbs the senses – none of which is healthy for you or your job.
If you want to be at your professional best when you arrive, consume wisely before you get there. To celebrate a successful business trip, maybe you can have a cocktail and cookies on the ride home.
Be Loyal
Virtually every company involved in the travel and hospitality industry these days have loyalty programs. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally for business, you can save money by choosing where your loyalty lies.
It’s OK to try out a few loyalty programs to see which ones you like most. After all, your choices for a particular trip often depend on which programs are available there. Regardless, sticking with a few will save your company money over time.
One of the hallmarks of loyalty programs is knowing what to expect from the companies you do business with. They will value your commitment to them. And if they’re doing their job well, they’ll reciprocate with top-notch service that saves you time, money, and headaches.
Moreover, you may be able to earn points you can use toward personal travel in the future. Company policy will dictate whether you book through them directly or if you can use a personal credit card and be reimbursed.
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel Every Trip
The places, people, products, and pitches may change with every business trip you make. However, the steps in scheduling and organizing them remain basically the same, time after time. Sticking to a policy and process will save time and money.
It’s well worth the effort to negotiate special rates for frequently used travel vendors. Not only will you receive discounts, but you will also form relationships that ensure you’re taken care of at every turn. Those alliances will come in handy when you have to adjust travel plans on the fly.
To facilitate trip planning, implement a travel management software program. It can help make bookings a breeze and ensure compliance with policies regarding vendors and loyalty programs. And on the back end, it can track expenses and allow input of expenditures in real time, boosting budget compliance.
Traveling to new places occurs. However, there’s no need to approach each trip like a rookie. Save yourself some effort by getting the process down pat.
Travel Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
If business travel is part of your job description, undertake it like any other part of the job. Staying healthy will help you perform at your best, whether you’re in the office or a continent away. And taking steps to streamline the process will keep your bottom line in good shape as well. It’s all in a healthy, wealthy, and wise day’s work.
