Calling all globetrotting business travellers 🛫
Got a business trip overseas coming up? Maybe you’re a seasoned traveller or perhaps this is your first venture abroad. Either way, international business travel can be a whirlwind – exciting but also a tad intimidating.
Discover our top business travel tips and tricks to help you navigate your next trip abroad like a champ. From knowing what to pack for a business trip to staying connected and investing in those business travel essentials, we’ll be covering everything you need to feel confident and focused (and maybe even squeeze in a little sightseeing!). So, buckle up and get ready for a smooth and successful business adventure!
Book your tickets early
First up, let’s talk plane tickets. Booking your flights sooner than later promises smooth (and budget-friendly!) business travel abroad. The earlier you book, the more likely you will snag that perfect flight time.
Also booking your flights early gives you the best pick of the seats, so you can grab that comfy window spot and catch some pre-meeting snooze time. And best of all, airlines love to reward people who plan ahead – often offering discounts and deals for tickets purchased well in advance.
Choose your seat carefully with SeatGuru
Trying to squeeze yourself into an Economy seat on any flight these days feels like a contortionist act. In fact, we’re almost certain Harry Houdini had more room to wiggle out of a straight jacket and stop himself from drowning than you do on the average Easyjet plane.
One website will, however, change all this. SeatGuru (with its free app for both iPhone and Android) tells you which seats have extra legroom, where the nearest power outlet is and even where you want to sit to avoid the stench of the chemical toilet! Simply enter your flight details and let SeatGuru advise you on what seat to pick when you check-in.
Stick to carry-on luggage
We’ve all been there: the airport scramble, the worry about lost luggage, the endless wait at the baggage carousel. For international business travel, we recommend ditching the checked bag and becoming a carry-on convert.
With carry-on luggage, your essentials are always with you, meaning no more worrying about your meeting suit getting lost in luggage limbo. Skipping the check-in counter and baggage claim also saves you precious time while forcing you to pack light – only the essentials need to make the cut!
Pack practically and efficiently
Time to talk packing. Business travel abroad means navigating new airports, transport systems and maybe even a few twisty-turny streets. The last thing you want is to be lugging around a suitcase the size of a small car. So mastering the art of efficient carry-on packing is essential no matter how big or small the trip.
Well-prepped business travel packing can save you time and stress before, during and after your trip. Using rolling packing methods, organising your tech effectively and having a permanent ‘going away’ washbag can all help save packing time and remove rummaging through luggage.
Check out our ultimate guide to packing like a professional for your next business trip here.
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones
Let’s face it, flying can often be about as peaceful as a construction site. Between the roar of the engines, the chatter of fellow passengers and the symphony of coughs and sniffles, focusing on work or catching some shut-eye can feel near impossible.
Long flights can leave you feeling like a zombie. But with noise-cancelling headphones, you can block out the engine hum in a flash. This business travel essential creates the perfect zero-distraction zone, letting you focus on those last-minute work tasks or just getting some kip.
Book a hotel the night before
The airport dash is everyone’s least favourite part of flying. Battling rush hour traffic and stressing about making your flight on time – not exactly the way you want to start a business trip, right?
So why not consider booking a hotel room for the night before your early morning flight? Sets yourself up for a smooth, stress-free journey to the airport. That means no more panicking about missing alarms and getting stuck in traffic – simply roll out of bed, grab a quick breakfast and hop on the local shuttle feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Stay nearby
Let’s be honest – jet lag can seriously mess with your mojo. Instead of feeling sharp and focused for your business travels, you’re battling fatigue, brain fog and maybe even a grumbling tummy.
When the 3pm slump hits, feeling hangry and sluggish isn’t exactly the recipe for success. That’s where healthy eating comes in. Packing healthy snacks and making smart food choices will give you the energy and focus you need to crush those meetings and presentations.
Packing for your well-being is just as important as packing those all-important travel must-haves. By including your self-care essentials, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth, successful and (dare we say?) enjoyable business trip abroad.
Sticking to your everyday habits while travelling can be tricky. But keeping up your daily routine whilst on the go provides structure, keeps your energy levels up and helps you adjust to the new time zone faster.
Wouldn’t it be a shame to land in a beautiful city, perhaps Prague, Lisbon or Sydney, and not take a peek at the iconic sights? Sure, you’ve got work to do, but carving out time to explore can be a total win for your productivity.
