From A to Z: A Complete Guide to travel hacks for business travelers

Business travel has made a strong comeback after the pandemic, with 400 million long-haul trips taken by US corporate travelers last year¹. In many of these trips, employees add vacation days before or after work to relax¹. This trend of mixing business with leisure, known as “bleisure,” is catching the eye of big companies and travel firms¹.

By embracing bleisure travel, companies can show they care about their employees’ well-being. This approach can lead to happier, more dedicated staff. For those traveling for work, bleisure means less stress, better productivity, and a better work-life balance.

Key Takeaways

70% of business travelers recommend staying in AirBnB accommodations if hotel rooms are fully booked or overpriced².
80% of frequent business travelers suggest using apps like TripIt to manage travel itineraries seamlessly².
75% of business travelers recommend making use of loyalty programs for hotels and airlines to accumulate rewards points for future trips².
95% of business travelers suggest writing down addresses and taking pictures of maps to navigate without relying on internet connectivity during travel².
80% of business travelers suggest inquiring about room upgrades as hotels are often accommodating to such requests².

Planning Your Business Trip

Research and Preparation

Planning ahead can make your work and play trips better. Check if you can plan your fun on off-peak days to save money³. Book special activities early and look for local spots near your stay. Try famous local foods with colleagues or business contacts.

Start researching early – ask locals or colleagues for tips, use travel forums, and follow blogs⁴. Learn about local customs and etiquette. Know about local events, cultural experiences, or festivals during your visit.

Travel Hacks	Benefits
Traveling in the middle of the week	Cost savings for regular business travelers³
Setting up multiple meetings in the same area	Increased productivity by reducing frequent travel³
Flexible travel dates	Securing cheaper deals for regular business travelers³
Considering budget flight options	Cost-effective business travel³

Plan well for your business trip to make it productive and cost-effective. Schedule downtime, research local spots, and learn about the culture. These travel hacks for business travelers help you enjoy your work trips more³⁴.

“Proper planning and preparation can unlock a world of opportunities during business travel.”

Using corporate travel tips and business travel advice can make you a pro at business travel³⁴⁵.

Packing Essentials

Packing the right items can greatly improve your business travel experience. From versatile clothing to smart tools, there are many travel hacks for business travelers to help you stay efficient and avoid hassle.

It’s smart to pack clothes that work for both the office and social events. A pair of well-made pants or a button-down shirt can easily switch from work to a casual evening. Choosing a versatile bag that holds your laptop, documents, and other items is also crucial⁶.

For staying organized, consider packing a Tide-to-Go pen, a power strip for charging, and extra chargers⁶. Comfortable shoes you’ve worn before are a must, along with a light jacket or sweater for cold conference centers⁶.

When traveling internationally, print out your conference and hotel details to simplify filling out travel documents⁶. Remember to bring small bags for dirty or smelly clothes to keep your luggage fresh.

Travel Essential	Recommended Brand
Water Bottles	Nalgene, S’well, Hydroflask, Stanley⁷
Portable Chargers	Anker⁷
Noise-Canceling Accessories	Bose Quiet Comfort, Loop earplugs⁷
Carry-On Luggage	Tumi, Lo & Sons, Cole Haan, Vera Bradley, Baggalini⁷
Business Attire	M.M.LaFleur, Ministry of Supply, Paul Smith, Talbots, White House \| Black Market, Aday, Wool&, DvF, Lafayette 148 New York, Akris⁷

Packing smart can make your business travel experience better. Focus on bringing only the essentials to ensure a productive and stress-free trip. The goal is to travel light and efficiently, so you can enjoy your time away.

travel hacks for business travelers

As a savvy business traveler, you can make your trips more efficient and convenient with the right hacks. Learn your company’s travel rules and use loyalty programs to make your trips better. These tips will help you stay productive and stress-free on your business trips⁸.

One important hack is to always use carry-on bags. This avoids the trouble of lost or delayed luggage. Also, apps like TripIt, Expensify, and Pocket can help organize your trip, track expenses, and give you important info on the go⁸.

Packing smart is crucial. Roll your clothes to save space and pack healthy snacks like RXBARs and trail mix for energy⁸⁹. Use your flight time to relax, read, or just take a break⁸.

Travel Hack	Benefit
Utilize carry-on luggage	Avoid delays and hassle of checked bags
Leverage travel apps	Organize itinerary, manage expenses, and access information on-the-go
Pack smart and efficiently	Optimize space and fuel your body with healthy snacks
Embrace downtime during flights	Relax, recharge, and prepare for your business activities

Using these travel hacks can help you be more efficient, reduce stress, and enjoy your business trips more. With the right strategies and tools, you’ll become a pro at business travel⁸⁹¹⁰.

“Travel can be a powerful tool for empowering your leadership style and expanding your global mindset.”

Making the Most of the Conference

To make the most of the conference, start by setting up an out-of-office reply. This lets people know you might be slow to respond during the event. Sign out of all company instant messaging to avoid constant distractions¹¹. Get familiar with the conference space and agenda before the event, and download the conference app to stay updated. When you have Wi-Fi, turn your phone on airplane mode to save battery life while still using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth¹¹.

Memorize a few icebreakers and exit lines to avoid awkwardness in networking. Practice your elevator pitch to make a smooth impression¹². Use tech tools like Google Maps, Flight Tracker, SeatGuru, and Airline Apps to make your travel smoother¹¹. If travel issues happen, stay positive and use credit card concierge services to help with rebooking¹¹.

Follow these tips to make the most of your conference and boost your business travel productivity¹². Enjoy the networking, stay organized, and use the tools and resources available for a smooth conference experience.

FAQ

Can I add personal time to my business trips?

Yes, “bleisure” travel, mixing business and leisure, is getting popular. In fact, 60% of US corporate trips now include extra personal time before or after work.

How can I save money on my blended business and leisure trips?

To save money, plan leisure time on off-peak days. Book activities or tours early. Try local restaurants with colleagues or contacts. Use travel loyalty programs and credit card rewards too.

What should I pack for a blended business and leisure trip?

Pack versatile clothes for both work and fun, like smart pants that can be dressed up or down. Bring a comfy bag, a Tide-to-Go pen, a power strip, extra chargers, and worn-in shoes. Remember, a jacket or sweater for chilly conference rooms, even in summer.

What are some travel hacks that can help me save time and reduce stress?

Book flights with layovers in the airline’s hub for quick city breaks. Use loyalty programs and credit card rewards. Choose public transport over cabs to save cash and experience the local vibe. Apps like TripIt, Expensify, Pocket, and ride-sharing can help plan and organize your trip.

How can I make the most of my conference experience?

Set up an out-of-office reply to manage expectations. Sign out of instant messaging to avoid distractions. Know the conference layout and agenda beforehand, and use the conference app for updates. Use Wi-Fi wisely to save battery while staying connected. Learn some icebreakers and practice your elevator pitch for networking.