Most of us would absolutely treasure the opportunity to travel for work.
From traveling to new locations on the company dime to getting away from the office, what more could you ask for?
That said, there’s much more to traveling for work than fun and games. Beyond the need to actually take care of the job at hand, there’s are many personal and professional stresses that often go overlooked for those who frequently travel for business.
But what stresses are we talking about? Consider the following five must-dos for those tasked with business travel for the long-term who actually want to enjoy each and every trip.
Keep Your Budget in Check
Just because your company is footing the bill of your travels doesn’t mean you go should go crazy in terms of spending. Unfortunately, many business travelers do let loose which not only leads them to potentially burning a hole in their own pockets, but also causes higher-ups to cut the cord on their travel plans.
On the flip side, some smart ways to save for those constantly heading out of town include:
- Discounts on transportation, such as Uber promo codes for existing users which are a smart alternative to rental cars or taxis
- Reasonable meals instead of five-star fare: you can survive on your hotel’s free breakfast and smaller meals out, for example
- Accommodations: if you’re flying solo, a smaller discount hotel or Airbnb is fair game granted you’re staying in the appropriate area for your business trip
Master the Art of Getting Through the Airport
Although you’ll likely learn this skill over time, frequent travelers should strive to get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible. From light packing and investing in TSA precheck to having an Uber ready as soon as you step out onto the street, being able to move swiftly is a huge stress reliever.
Don’t Stay Cooped Up in Your Room
The phenomenon of loneliness during work travel is something that often goes undiscussed. That said, it’s emotionally and physically taxing when you’re traveling alone and have limited interaction with others beyond your work.
Within reason, don’t be afraid to go out on the town during your travels. Especially if you’re in a big city, there are often so many sights to see for free there’s no reason to stay confined to your hotel. For example, snapshotting your travel experiences and sharing them with social media is a great way to stay connected to the outside world without feeling isolated.
Mind Your Health
Did you know that frequent business travelers commonly suffer health problems including insomnia, viruses and weight gain? The combination of long hours, unhealthy eating and little sleep all take a toll on your body over time, and likewise do a number on your immune system.
In addition to being mindful of those corporate meals, you absolutely must incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine. Beyond bodyweight routines and hotel gyms, consider how the occasional long walk during your adventures can work wonders for your heart health.
Take Time to Focus on You
Finally, don’t let your mental health fall by the wayside, either.
While you may indeed be traveling on business, take some time every day to do something that makes you feel fulfilled. That might mean daily reading, checking out a museum or even catching up with friends and family via a phone call. In short, don’t totally lose yourself in the midst of your travels.
Again, traveling for business isn’t as simple as hopping on a plane and calling it a day. Focusing on these overlooked aspects of your trip will help ensure that you’re happy during your travels and likewise most productive as a result.
