5 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Business Trips
Not all of us will take one, but for those that are in the corporate world, there may be a time where you have to go on a business trip. Most of the time, you’ll have to make the trip on your own, which can make things a bit lonely. If the boss has assigned you to travel away from home (and approved for your travel to be paid), things don’t have to be so bad. To make the most of your next business trip, here are some tips that you should follow.
1. Take Advantage of Air Amenities
In most cases, you’ll be traveling to your business destination via airlines. The more you use one airline, the more points you’ll be able to rack up, and we’ll get to the advantages of that in just a bit. When flying for work, it’s going to be best to upgrade some of the amenities that are offered, including wireless internet access. When you’re awaiting your flight or en route to your destination, you can use your computer to get some work done to give you more free time after landing.
2. Don’t Be Confined to the Hotel
See your business trip as a way to explore new areas that you may have never seen before. Many business travelers find themselves staying in their hotel for a majority of the trip, but don’t be afraid to explore. If you need to get some exercise, pack some comfortable clothes and shoes and get walking around the city. You’ll feel like you’re getting a full experience and, who knows, you could open yourself to more business opportunities.
3. End the Week Right
Of course you’ll be doing a lot of work on your business trip, but you can make a vacation out of it, too. If you plan a business trip toward the end of the week, you can give yourself the opportunity to experience the city you’re visiting by staying on Friday and Saturday before heading back on Sunday. You’ll find that it’s a lot less stressful when you can unwind for a couple of days in a new location.
4. Use Your Credit Card
Companies will typically pay for your expenses on a business trip, but it’s best to get paid afterward via reimbursement than upfront. When you use your own credit card for travel, it’s going to be easier to get any potential mess sorted out with your name, but there’s an even bigger advantage. You’ll get all of the rewards such as cash back and travel points when using your own credit card instead of your company reaping the benefits.
5. Room Service Not Needed
When you’re short on time, it will be tempting to order room service in your hotel when you’re feeling hungry or thirsty. If you want to feel like you actually had an experience instead of just shacking up in a hotel and working the entire time, skip out on the room service. Try one of the local restaurants, taking advantage of the hotel’s concierge to find out what suits your cravings the best.