Originally posted on November 28, 2015 @ 5:09 am
Business travel is nothing like vacation travel, and for those of you that have not done much business travel you may do well to know the difference. While you may have a little time for sightseeing and fun while you are on a business trip you can’t make it all about that and you need to make sure that the work related stuff is always at the top of your list.
You’ll probably have some sort of itinerary telling you where to be and when to be there. You may even need to plan a speech, show a presentation, or be prepared to answer questions. That means the time you might spend checking out cute little antique shops should be spent preparing and practicing.
Have no fear, work travel can be fun too, if you enjoy your job. It can also at least be less stressful if you plan ahead. Here are some tips to make your business travel trip less stressful.
Always Get There Early
Just like you should be doing each day for work, get there early. If you have a speech to do an early arrival will give you a few more times to read over your notes. Showing up early shows dedication, and it shows that you are a timely person. Those that show up late attract the wrong kind of attention.
If you are one of those people that tends to always be late try setting your clock ahead. Then if you get there 15 minutes late, and your watch is 15 minutes ahead, you’ll at least be on time!
Check Your Luggage
You’re going on a business trip, so it’s not likely you need any party clothes or jeans. When it comes to this kind of travel, make sure you are packing light for your trips. You should only pack what you need, find out how much you’re going to be paying for extras, and fit what you can in a carry on.
Keep Business On The Brain
You may want to have some fun while you are visiting a new city, but you need to make sure that work is number one on your mind when it comes to business traveling. That means not showing up to meetings hung over in the morning.
You may be able to squeeze in a nice meal out or a visit to a local museum, but you should make sure this only happens when your work is done.
Don’t Panic
Don’t let traveling get the best of your nerves. Even if it’s your first time flying or your first time giving a speech, find some ways to stay calm so that you can get through it all without a hitch. Stay calm, breathe, and be a professional until you get back home.