Do you have an upcoming business trip you’re responsible for planning?
Whether you’re the business owner or an employee, you might be wondering about the best ways to plan a business trip, so everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Seasoned professionals and first-time business trip planners can both benefit from some of our expert tips for handling the preparation process and the trip itself.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive right in.
1. Book Early
Book your reservations right away once you know the exact dates you’ll be traveling. That includes flights, hotel stays, and dinner plans.
Why?
While you can likely always find the reservations you need at the last minute, you’ll end up paying more and have a limited selection when it comes to flight times and hotel offerings.
2. Keep Time Zones and Travel Days in Mind
While keeping a travel budget in mind, it may be tempting to select the most affordable rates for your flights and keep the trip as brief as possible. But you may want to rethink that strategy.
Cheaper flights tend to mean you can expect to travel at off-peak hours (like early in the morning or very late at night). Even if you’re comfortable with these travel times, make sure your flights still allow you to rest sufficiently with any time zone changes and travel days in mind.
3. Create an Itinerary
Creating a travel itinerary isn’t just for retirees on vacation; it’s also wise for business travelers of every experience level.
Why?
Creating a structured itinerary helps you effectively manage your time and ensure no details fall through the cracks, like when you’ll be hosting a client meeting and how long it will take you to get there.
4. Plan Time to Relax
Business trips can be hectic and increase your stress levels as you navigate an unfamiliar destination. If possible, space out your client meetings or convention and training events to plan for some relaxation time.
It can be as simple as a refreshing nap or time to catch up on your favorite shows, but you might consider getting a massage or visiting the hotel’s pool area for a swim and some lunch.
5. Safety First
Never underestimate the importance of ensuring the safety of yourself or that of your employees during a business trip. And it’s worth considering every factor, like these:
- Accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Severe weather threats
- Social unrest or potentially volatile events
- Safety of the hotel neighborhood
6. Be Ready for Anything
Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned while you travel, including business trips.
Whether you encounter flight delays, changes in weather, client meeting cancellations, or long lines to check-in at your hotel, be ready for anything.
Be prepared by allowing extra time to check off every item in your itinerary and pack extra clothing if the weather takes an unexpected turn.
7. Pack Smart
You probably have a few favorite outfits for work and client meetings in your local area, but will they be suitable for where you’re headed on your business trip?
It’s crucial to check the weather forecast for your destination in the days leading up to your trip so you can pack accordingly.
Even if you aren’t too far from home, never make assumptions about the climate. It’s better to have what you’ll need than be caught off-guard and try to find suitable attire in a pinch.
8. Print Important Documents
Printing out your travel documents, reservation information, and making copies of your IDs may seem like a thing of the past as we continue to use digital tools in the modern age.
And while it may seem unnecessary, paper copies of your essential documents are an indispensable way to ensure your business trip runs smoothly in case your devices malfunction or you aren’t able to access your relevant accounts.
9. Confirm or Double-Check Reservations
One of the most critical steps in ensuring your business trip runs smoothly is to confirm or double-check the dates and locations of all your travel reservations.
Some of the biggest mistakes business travelers make involves reservation details. So before you hit the road or head to the airport, make sure you’ve added all the details into your calendar accurately to avoid unnecessary (and unprofessional) mishaps.
The Takeaway
When the pressure is on you to plan a business trip, it can add undue stress.
Fortunately, these tips for planning a successful business trip typically help most people travel more easily and focus on the tasks at hand.
Good luck, and safe travels!
