7 Travel Tips for a Successful Business Trip

As an entrepreneur, it goes without saying that you spend a lot of time outside the office. From client meetings to pitching prospects, you never hesitate to hit the road in an attempt to push your business forward.
While some meetings are local, others require much more travel. For example, an entrepreneur in New York City may find him or herself traveling to Chicago or Los Angeles for an important get together.
If this sounds familiar, if you’re always on the go, it’s imperative to follow these seven travel tips:
1. Prepare a To Do List in Advance
Let’s face it: it can be a challenge to stay on track when you’re not in your comfort zone. Even so, you can’t let your travel have a negative impact on the rest of your business.
The best way to protect against this is the use of a comprehensive to do list. It doesn’t matter if you write down your list or use technology to your advantage, this can keep you on track regardless of your travel schedule or location.
2. Use a Business Credit Card
There are many benefits of using a business credit card as you travel. Consider the following:
· Efficiency when making purchases.
· Safety, as you don’t have to carry a large amount of cash.
· Easier to track your expenses, such as those associated with entertaining clients, lodging, and food.
· Earn reward points for every dollar you spend (this can help you save on the cost of future travel).
3. Pack Light
As an entrepreneur, you’re traveling with a purpose. You’re traveling with the idea of growing your business. For this reason, you don’t want to be bogged down by too much “stuff.”
Can you get away with nothing more than a single carryon? If so, this is the way to go. Checking a bag is a waste of time and money, not to mention the fact that it could go missing somewhere along the way.
Although you should do your best to pack light, you still need to take all the essentials. For instance, you need to look your best if you’re meeting with clients or prospects. Along with this, you don’t want to leave any important technology (such as your laptop or tablet) at home.
4. Eat Healthy and Exercise
It’s only natural to throw your diet and workout regimen out the window when traveling. Instead of eating healthy and exercising regularly, you slack off and vow to return to normalcy upon your return.
You don’t have to go down this path. By planning in advance, you can ensure that you eat healthy and exercise as necessary when you’re away from your home base.
An example of this would be choosing a hotel with a gym. Taking this one step will make it much easier to get in a good workout before or after your workday.
Yes, it’s always more challenging to eat healthy and exercise when you’re on the road. Even so, it’s not impossible if you plan ahead and remain devoted to making the right decisions.
5. Get Enough Rest
There are times when you have no choice but to take an early flight. Conversely, there are times when flying through the night is your only option. This comes with the territory of a traveling entrepreneur.
Even though your sleep schedule is sure to be turned upside down, this is no excuse to run yourself into the ground. Simply put, you must find ways to get enough rest. If you don’t, you’re taking a big risk with your health. A lack of sleep can take a toll on your immune system and hinder your ability to think clearly (and that’s just the start).
Fortunately, the more you travel the easier it becomes to adjust your schedule to ensure yourself of getting enough rest.
6. Leave Yourself Plenty of Time
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a business traveler is putting yourself in a position where you have to rush.
This often happens if you leave too late for the airport. The same holds true if you’re in a crowded city with no idea of where you’re going or how to get there.
By leaving yourself extra time, you can avoid all of the stress associated with being in a hurry. For example, leave 30 to 60 minutes early for the airport. Sure, you may have to sit around the terminal a bit longer, but this will give you peace of mind. Not to mention the fact that it will also give you the ability to catch up on some work before your flight takes off.
7. Network Along the Way
There is never a bad time to network. Get friendly with the people sitting around you on the airplane. Share your thoughts with your Uber driver. Hand out your business card as often as possible.
You never know when you’ll meet somebody who can help grow your business. Conversely, you may come in contact with somebody you can personally help.
Conclusion
Maybe you travel once a week. Maybe you travel once a month. Or maybe you only travel a few times per year. Regardless of your schedule, the seven tips above will help keep you on track while you’re away from the office and traveling the world.
As an entrepreneur, you have what it takes to adapt to any situation. This skill will come in handy as you travel far and wide to advance your business.
Are you an entrepreneur? Do you travel regularly? Would you add any additional tips to the seven above? Share your thoughts and guidance in the comments.