Whether it’s for a company conference, industry trade show, or client meeting, your working life is likely to include at least one cross-state company trip. So how do you prepare for it?
For some people, traveling can cause a lot of anxiety. From packing every necessary item to maneuvering through a crowded airport to navigating an unfamiliar city and then being ready for the big business event, it can get exhausting. That’s why it’s important to be proactive to lessen stress.
Preparation is essential. Start with making an itinerary of events for your business trip – where you’ll be going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be away for. From there, you can identify all the items needed for your stay.
Pack everything you’ll need, but aim to fit it in a carry-on. Not having to deal with the additional luggage will save you time and money. By folding clothes and packing objects snugly, you can maximize space.
But make sure you don’t overpack. Indeed Career Guide points out that overpacking can make your luggage too heavy or force you to check your bags, which can lead to stress and delays (or a sore back).
You can also make things easier on yourself by ensuring that important work items are taken care of before you leave. By checking off tasks, you’ll have less to worry about, and you can devote time and energy to the trip.
If other team members are on the trip, make sure to exchange phone numbers. You’ll want some way to stay in contact to provide updates and coordinate meetups as you travel.
When it comes to time, leave yourself plenty of it. It’s better to arrive at the airport early and wait for a while than arrive late and scramble to catch your flight. You never know when interruptions and delays might happen, so prepare to be unprepared. Staying open-minded will help you adjust when hiccups do occur.
It also helps to familiarize yourself with the layout and procedures of the airport. You can prepare better physically and mentally when you understand how to navigate the space. And keep in mind you can ask airport attendants – or fellow coworkers – for help.
Also, if you travel frequently, Indeed Career Guide suggests applying for traveler programs like TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry to move through security lines quicker.
When you’re finally at the business event, pace yourself. Do your best, but don’t feel pressured to spend every minute working. Business News Daily agrees, saying to consider scheduling downtime in your calendar. You could go on walks around the new location, connect with coworkers, or catch up on sleep. Traveling takes a lot of energy, so take breaks when you can.
Business News Daily also reminds us of the importance of COVID-19 regulations. COVID-19 is still a concern today, so you must “make your own risk-benefit assessment” and plan accordingly.
Be aware that COVID-19 protocols may be different where you’re traveling to. Following regulations regarding vaccinating, masking, distancing, and testing will help keep yourself and other people safe.
Lastly, before you finish the trip, be sure to double-check that you haven’t forgotten anything. Consider making a checklist of everything you brought to make sure it comes back with you – and avoid bringing back so many new things that they no longer fit in your suitcase.
Traveling for business can be as stressful as it is essential for important work opportunities. But by taking steps to prepare for the trip, you can lessen stress and have a fun, productive time in an exciting new place.
Anna Litofsky, Marketing Coordinator, Software For Hardware.
