subject: Advice for business travellers [print this page] Travelling away on business can be nerve-wracking the first time around, but once you learn how to effectively manage all parts of your journey you may even start looking forward to the chance to get away from home - even if you'll be spending most of your time chained to your laptop.
One of the most important aspects of travel is looking after your health, which means more than just keeping up with vaccinations if you're heading overseas. Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis are common on long-haul flights, meaning it's important to stretch your legs and walk around if you're taking a flight that lasts longer than 10 hours - even if it's just to the bathroom and back. Making sure you take time to eat and drink enough on your flight can also help stave off illness.
Choosing what to leave out when packing for your journey can be just as essential as knowing what to take, as the last thing you'll want to do is lug heavy suitcases around the airport. While you might spend time fretting over how many shirts or blouses to take, making sure you have any current prescriptions to hand - as well as details of your travel insurance and medical history - could save time and even be life-saving in some circumstances. You also need to consider your comfort during the flight, which could mean buying an inflatable pillow and eye mask to make sure you arrive at your destination feeling well-slept.
Choosing airport hotels can be another effective way of staying rested and alert during your important business trip, especially if your hotel room includes all the amenities to keep you connected, such as wireless internet access. Taking advantage of the hotel restaurant can also save you the time and money involved in finding a place to eat while out and about in a strange city, while choosing a hotel that caters specifically for business travellers can also help you avoid the noise and distractions of family hotels.
If you find you're travelling regularly, it is also well worthwhile finding out how you can accrue frequent flyer miles and other benefits, which could save you significant amounts in the long run - useful even if your business is funding your travel. These can also include benefits such as free upgrades to help you relax in even greater comfort when flying overseas.
