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Simple ways to make business travel more relaxing

22nd March 2018 Print

Business travel is something that many people out there are faced with on a regular basis. Here in the UK, statistics show that more than seven million UK residents travel on business each year, which is a rather significant number. Knowing that travel is part of your job is one thing, but finding ways to make business travel more relaxing and even productive if you choose, is a whole other can of worms. 

If you’re the type that travels on a regular basis for work and sees it as a huge hassle, then it may be time to shift your thinking. With just a few simple tips and changes to your routine and the way you travel, you may come to realise that it doesn’t have to be so bad and can even be something you end up looking forward to.

Arrive at the Airport the Night Before

A big fear for travellers is that fear of missing their flight, especially if they are making a connection elsewhere. Missing a flight when you’re talking about a business trip means possibly missing an important meeting, a conference, or seminar where your non-attendance would be disastrous. A great way to ease that stress and worry is to make a habit of staying at an airport hotel the night before. 

Take, for example, the Birmingham airport hotels with parking available through birminghamparking.com, where you can book in advance and check the prices. You’ll be able to check in the night before without feeling rushed or stressed, get a good nights’ sleep, not have to worry about making it to the airport on time, and start your trip off in a more relaxed frame of mind. Your car will also be safe and secure, which is important.

Make Sure You’ve Got All Your Contacts and Documents with You

In order for your trip to be relaxing, not just while on the flight, but at the destination as well, you’re going to want to be sure you’ve got access to all your contacts and documents. Being able to work seamlessly will allow you to work stress-free. It can also help you to be that much more productive.

You may want to leave a copy of your schedule with your office too, in case they need to reach you while you’re away. 

Tie Up Loose Ends at the Office

Because you will need to be focused on your trip and meetings, you will also want to be sure you tie up any loose ends at the office before you leave. This can include appointing a go-to person while you’re out of the office, who can deal with the day-to-day issues that can pop up. You may not be reachable at all times, so employees need to know what steps they should follow and who to go to with questions.  

Use Your Flight to Get Work Done

If there is work that needs to be done, reading to do, or documents to look over before your meetings, your flight can provide you with the perfect opportunity. You don’t want to leave it until the last minute when you arrive, as you’ll feel rushed and unprepared. Just remember, while you’re flying, you may not have access to online content, so be sure to download all material in advance.

Catch Up on Your Sleep During the Flight

If you found yourself rushing around for the past few days trying to prepare for your business trip, then there’s a good chance you are feeling tired and low on energy. In order to be your best self and have the energy you need when you arrive, you may want to consider catching up on sleep during the flight. Just pack a travel pillow with you and some earplugs.

Don’t Overbook Your Meetings

Trying to pack too much into one trip can also lead to disaster and stress. Sure, you want to make the most of your time and see as many customers, clients, and suppliers as possible, but sometimes, you just can’t see and do it all in one trip. Know when your schedule is full enough and don’t over-book and over-extend yourself.

Try to Give Yourself a Little Downtime in the Destination

The reason you are travelling is for business, of course, but that doesn’t mean the entire time you are there you will be working. It’s great if you can try to schedule a little free-time to explore, check out a local restaurant, do a little sightseeing, and give yourself the chance to decompress and step away from work, even for a short time.

Business Travel Can Be Relaxing

When you use these tips, you’ll be transforming the way you think and behave on your business travels, leading to a more relaxed and productive trip. There’s no reason to dread going away. It’s a matter of making smart use of your time, planning in advance, and not over-extending yourself while you’re there.