That first business trip can be stressful! Here are my top tips for work travel newbies.
- Carry-on your bag. Carrying on your bag will save you time both at the beginning and end of your flight. More importantly, it will eliminate any possible aggravation from the airline losing your checked baggage. (Pictured: I recently got the Victorinox Werks 20” and I love it!) In order to do this, you need to….
- Pack smart. Bring clothes from the same color family, such as brown, black, or navy. Only pack three pairs of shoes (including the ones you wear on the plane). I usually bring one top for every day and one bottom (skirt or pants) for every two days. Add some accessories and your toiletries, and you will be good to go!
- Be prepared for security. Have your documents ready to show the TSA officer before you get to the front of the line. Make sure all of the items that need to come out of your bags for the scanner—usually laptop and liquids bag—are near the top of your luggage. Wear slip on shoes. And once you’re through security, please PLEASE pick up your belongings and get out of the way.
- Only use your allotted space on the plane. Put your rollaboard in the overhead bin as close to your seat as possible, and place your personal item under the seat in front of you. If you are not in the middle, let the middle person have the armrest. Finally, don’t lean your seat back during meal times.
- Take a deep breath. Bumps and hiccups are inevitable with travel. The more you go with the flow, the less stressful the whole situation will be!
For more in depth information, check out my Business Travel 101 series.
Readers, what is your best tip for new business travelers?
Choose a loyalty program and stick with it. Having status with a certain airline/hotel makes travel that much better.
Good list.
#6 Know ahead of time if cabs in your city of arrival take credit cards or not.
Nothing like arriving in Hong Kong, getting to the front of the cab line, and then finding out the hard way that the cabs are cash only.