1. Packing light : Packing for a business trip can be stressful. One of the best things to do is to pack light and ensure that you pack only the essentials.
* Don't carry more than you need, like, extra clothes, etc. You can always buy clothing at your destination. If you forget your toothbrush and toothpaste, most hotels offer free toothbrushes and toothpaste.
* Use the hotel laundry. If you are staying for a few days, or a week.
* Roll clothing into cylinders when packing. It takes up less space and helps reduce wrinkles.
* Pack clothing that is as wrinkle resistant as possible, such as polyesters blended with other textiles, wool blends, microfibers, silk and rayon.
2. Pre-book your airline seats, if possible, choose your favorite seat
* Pre-book your airline seats. Print, and keep a copy of the confirmation as a "just in case".
* Ask for a specific seat when checking in. Even the best business or first class seats can vary. Some are farther away than you might like to be, from the galleys, toilets or even other seats. Be sure to choose or request your preference and requirement at the time of booking or checking in.
3. When choosing a destination, consider flying into a smaller airport : Alternative or secondary airports can be less expensive and less crowded. For business travelers, this might be an ideal option, especially if you're a frequent flyer.
* These airports have fewer flights, less overbooking and fewer delays than larger airports.
* The lines at security checkpoints are also relatively smaller, which reduces time spent online.
However, these smaller airports do not cater to all destinations. We strongly urge you to call the airport and the airline to check before making your booking.
4. Arriving Early at the Airport : Always arrive early at the airport with time spare; it's the better way to go, rather than getting there at the last minute and taking the risk of missing your flight.
* Given today's security precautions, last minute airport arrivals can be a disaster. Better to be a few hours early than late.
* Waiting until the last minute, in some cases, may often lead to missing your flight.
5. Choosing your hotel : When choosing your hotel, be sure that it's within your budget, of course, but that it meets your requirements, especially because you're traveling for business. Most hotels offer business centers and conference rooms, too.
* Check-out hotels that cater to business travelers and offer facilities that will make your trip less stressful.
* Hotels that cater to business travelers will have Internet, computers fax machines and photocopiers.
* Also, check the distance of your hotel from the clients you'll be meeting, or office you're scheduled to work out of. Travelling from venue to venue can be very stressful. Call the concierge and ask for the distance between their hotel and where you need to go, as well as the modes of transportation available to you.
* Call your hotel ahead of time to ask if they will provide personal items such as an iron, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, a clothing steamer and a hair dryer, as well as the fee for having them do your laundry.
6. Carry electronic documents, if possible : Rather than carrying heavy stacks of brochures or presentations, take electronic documents on your laptop and, or your keychain drive.
* It's advisable to carry the documents on CD's, USB drives, flash drives or zip drives, and have them printed at a local printing store, or at the hotel.
* This would help you in avoiding carrying excess luggage and running the risk of losing your documents. You'll also have a back-up electronically saved.
7. Use calling cards and check your cellular service for roaming charges : Phone bills can be a major expense when you stay at a hotel. The best way to curb this expense is to use calling cards and, or your cell phone.
* The cost of calling colleagues, your boss, friends or family and checking your voice mail can become exorbitant if you're using the hotel phone. Consider a calling card and use the phone in the hotel lobby.
* Cell phone companies always offer new rates. They also have roaming charges. Check to be sure you're getting the best deal; some providers now include long distance charges in their monthly fee. Also, find out what the roaming charges will be from where you're going.
8. Alerting your bank and credit card companies : If you start using your cards in foreign countries and you haven't told your bank and credit card companies, there are chances that your card might be frozen as a means of protecting you from identity theft.
* Banks suspects your transactions are fraudulent. Prevent this problem by telling the issuer in advance.
* This is a general security precaution followed by the majority of banks. Its better to inform them beforehand.
9. Carrying adaptors and convertors : If you're traveling to a foreign country, remember that you might need special voltage adaptors for electricity.
* Special plug adapters might be required to accommodate both electrical plugs and telephone jacks. Most luggage stores carry adaptors and convertors, as do electronic stores. Find out what you'll need before you head out.
10. Staying safe during your business travel : Closing deals and meeting with potential customers and clients, is of the utmost importance to business travelers, of course. Dont forget safety must be a priority, too.
* Before leaving home, make copies of your travel documents, passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, credit cards, license, and itinerary, etc.
* Keep your eyes on your carry-on bags and luggage. Don't put them on the conveyer belt to be scanned until the person ahead of you clears security.
We hope these tips for business travelers helps better prepare you for your next trip. Before heading out, book business class flights or first class flights on CheapOair.
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