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Whether for business or pleasure, any type of travel is always more enjoyable when it goes smoothly. However, there’s an added layer of pressure with business trips. You have an itinerary to meet and less flexibility to make changes without someone else’s approval.
Millions of people travel for business every year, and, for the most part, their trips go off without a hitch. Of course, there are occasional hiccups and the less frequent major problems.
If you can be prepared ahead for the more common business travel difficulties, you’ll know how to handle them if they happen on your trip. We’ve put together a list of the most frequent issues, along with suggestions to help you avoid or recover from them without extra stress.
1. Missing Luggage
It’s a dreaded occurrence that, unfortunately, happens all the time. You had a connecting flight, and your checked baggage didn’t make it to your final destination.
If everything you planned to bring was in the missing suitcase, you’re stressed at this point. But when you pack smart, this is an annoyance instead of devastation.
Packing Smart
We can’t prevent your suitcase from disappearing. However, we can help you minimize the damage if it does.
When you’re packing for a business trip, and you have to fly, invest in a carry-on suitcase, and get a large purse or briefcase. Most airlines allow a personal item and one carry-on, so you should be able to fit everything you need in those two bags.
Keep two or three outfits, including a business one, in your carry-on. If you get one with wheels, your clothes won’t be as wrinkled. Wear a pair of sneakers and pack your professional shoes.
Throw in a travel set of toiletry items, essential makeup if necessary, and any medications. Add your chargers for any devices and your laptop, and you’re ready to go!
You can still bring a checked suitcase if you need to, but if it disappears for a while, it won’t be the end of the world.
2. Your Flight Was Delayed
Even after decades of perfecting the system, there are thousands of things that can cause a delayed flight. Maybe yours was overbooked, and you didn’t make the cut. Or a primary flight was late, making you miss your connection.
When this happens, all the screaming, yelling, and stressing you could do won’t change the outcome. Instead, there are a couple of things that make this unexpected loss of time a little easier to deal with:
- When you plan, budget extra padding in your schedule for delays. For instance, if you can choose a two-hour layover instead of a one-hour option, you won’t have to rush, and a small delay isn’t as big of a deal.
- Find a quiet place to call your employer, hotel, and transportation, and let them know about the delay.
- If the delay is going to impact your itinerary, email or call anyone it would affect so they can prepare, too.
- Pack for productivity. Keep your laptop and charger with you so you can get some business or personal work done.
An airplane that catches engine trouble before it takes off may be a hassle to you, but it’s better than the alternative! No matter why you end up delayed, how you prepare for and handle it is the key to reducing your stress level.
3. You Don’t Feel Well
If you’re a creature of habit, any change in routine can mess up your immune system. Traveling across time zones does the same thing for most of us because it affects our sleep schedule, too.
Not feeling well when you need to be professional is never fun. You can’t always avoid getting sick, but there are a few things you can do to prevent jet lag and travel blahs.
What to Do, and Not to Do, When You’re Traveling
No matter how you’re getting to your next destination, keep these tips in mind.
- We’re all guilty of the road trip munchies, especially when it’s easier to grab a bag of chips than a healthy meal. Pack your favorite fruits and veggies ahead (unless you’re traveling internationally). Airports let you bring food through security, not liquids.
- Avoid coffee and caffeine as ways to get through the day. They’ll help you at first but may keep you up all night before your big day.
- Pay extra for a roomy seat if possible. If you’re renting a car for a long road trip, check the reviews and get one that’s comfortable to drive.
- Stay hydrated with lots of water. Dehydration is the quickest way to get sick.
- Skip the alcohol. You’ll get drowsy, and the after-effects will keep you from being at your best during your meetings.
If your body is used to eating healthy and getting exercise, try to keep that routine going on your trip.
On the other hand, don’t decide to start a diet or exercise routine while you’re on the road. Both of these major changes will throw your body out of its expected habit and can make you feel sick.
Pack any medications you think you might need, like antacids, pain relievers, and cold meds. Buying them on the road can get expensive, and having them on hand will knock the problem out faster.
Conclusion
There is no magic solution that will help you avoid all business travel difficulties. The trick is to prepare ahead for any you can expect and to be flexible if they happen.
These three difficulties are the most likely to occur. Forewarned is forearmed, and you’ll be able to navigate through the problem easier now that you’re prepared.
