Top tips for savvy business travel

by Natalie Sisson

When you’re required to travel for business it’s pretty easy to let routines slip and systems slide.

Different time zones can play havoc with your sleep and energy levels. Lack of knowledge of local amenities means you have to resort to non-healthy food choices, and days filled with meetings can disrupt your normal working patterns.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. A little preparation and some savvy moves will see you feeling right at home in whichever destination you’re off to.

If you’re one of those conference goers who only sees in the inside of the hotel, a taxi and the airport then you’re missing out. Or if you pack your day with client meetings the minute you land or step off the train followed by lunches and dinners – it’s really not necessary.

Even with the limited time you usually give yourself to make these business trips don’t forget to enjoy the city, look after yourself and as a result look after your business.

Go lightly

When it comes to packing, less is more. You start to know what really is essential and what’s just extravagant. All you really need is your passport and wallet and e-ticket. Throw in one pair of dress shoes, one set of running shoes/ sneakers, flip flops and if you must one other pair of casual dress shoes.

Fabrics that don’t crease are your best friend (no iron required). Outfits made of rayon, nylon and spandex. Depending on the climate then travel knits are useful – 92 percent polyester 8 percent spandex, although don’t pack too many as they can get heavy.

You don’t need a hairdryer – all hotels have them. You only need travel size beauty products – mine have been permanently packed in a make-up bag for the last 8 years! Take workout gear, something for the swimming pool and hot tub if they are available, ear plugs and clean underwear. Don’t forget to take your travel plug converter.

The Airport is your best friend

More and more airports are offering fantastic free wireless. If you’ve caught the red eye but your first meeting isn’t until mid morning then what a perfect opportunity to sip on tea and complete some important tasks on your laptop. You have all the amenities you need surrounding you and no need to vacate your space as they’re open 24 hours.

While you’re there make sure to pick up the local airport `deal’s book. They often have great discounts on accommodation, transport, restaurants and activities plus specials on events too. If anything, take time to skim through it in the taxi or shuttle as it will give you a talking point with your clients or customers.

Find your personal chauffeur

Where possible take public transport like trains that take you door to door, express buses and walking where possible. Obviously when you’re travelling being kind to the environment by reducing your personal carbon footprint isn’t always on your mind. But you can check with other colleagues, conference attendees or clients in advance on whether they want to share a taxi to reduce costs and do your part in saving the environment. If you’re staying at a decent hotel they often have free airport shuttles so use them.

Finally, if none of these appeals, then look up a premium car service in advance. It’s worth the investment for the peace of mind they give you in knowing that your car and driver will be ready in advance and only focused on you.

Like anything, if you develop a great relationship, these people can be your best ally when you’re running from meeting to meeting. It’s worth the investment for your peace of mind.

Don’t skimp on your health

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to forget your fitness, gorge out on rich foods and over indulge on alcohol. Most hotels have some semblance of a gym and even better they’re in the same building so no excuses for it being too far away. Do yourself a favour and set that alarm clock 45 minutes earlier than normal to get in a 30 minute weight or cardio session. You’ll feel refreshed and energized for the day ahead – and yes it’s time well spent.

Even if you’re on day three of your back to back meetings just make sure you skip that last client drink at the bar or make your dinners earlier so you can get adequate rest. If you’re in town a little longer, or your hotel doesn’t have a gym, hit the pavements for a brisk walk or run. Bonus is you get to discover your travel destination.

Even better – and here’s my latest trick – Google your address and search for nearby gyms. Most of them offer a complimentary day pass or week long pass – take them up on it. Look them up online or phone them to get the scoop (or get your virtual assistant to in advance).

Get your Groupon

Kind of like the Entertainment Book online, if you sign up for Groupon or one of the 500 other similar services in the city or area you’re in, you can get incredible deals. Go to that restaurant for 50 percent off, take your client on a sightseeing tour for 60 percent off, or if you really need it treat yourself to a pedicure why you’re in town.

These online group discount services offer up a deal a day with some seriously great discounts that show you the best that city has to offer. Take them up on it.

Go nuts on nutrition

Being on the move can make it difficult to stay healthy and make smart food choices, especially in some countries where `vegetarian’ is not a recognised word. So take back control and come prepared. A trail mix of nuts and dried fruits is the perfect snack material that lasts for ages, satiates your appetite and keeps your energy up between meetings. Protein or energy bars help too- although less natural.

Instant porridge (oatmeal) is the great because all you need is a small Tupperware container to bring with you and a plastic spoon. Then you just need hot water for a healthy, nutritious breakfast – avoid that full and costly buffet. Berocca’s a great antidote to constant late nights and early starts providing you with that extra Vitamin C boost – it's also a great hangover cure.

Bring your own tea bags. Seriously you don’t need 5 cups of coffee. Make a concerted effort to fill yourself with herbal teas so that you remain clear and focused not wired and strung out. Pack a trusty nalgene – unbreakable, light and convenient you can just keep topping them up with water and quit buying plastic bottles.

Reward yourself

Make sure you have signed up for your air points plan with your airline and the travel scheme with your credit card. You can really build up significant points making purchases while travelling that then transfer into hotel and travel discounts, or priority check-ins and treatment for this time or the next.

Use location based service Foursquare to see if there are any discounts or specials as a first time visitor to a restaurant or venue – make the most of it.


Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi Entrepreneur and Adventurer dedicated to finding creative ways to help you run your business from anywhere. She focuses on using online tools, social media and outsourcing to create more freedom in business and adventure in life. Her blog The Suitcase Entrepreneur features articles on all aspects of running a virtual business, a wealth of resources, biz and travel tools plus a large dose of inspiration, insight and intelligence.

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The views and opinions of the author expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Hotfrog.