9 Ways to Stay Sane on Your Next Business Trip

Between interminable airport layovers, scheduling inconveniences, and dealing with coworkers’ strange travel quirks, staying positive during a business trip can be a struggle. But with a little foresight, planning, and a positive outlook, you can turn your next business trip into a productive and enjoyable experience. Use these tips as your guide—your travel-weary body will thank you.

1. Stick to a schedule.

Time management is especially tricky when you’re in a different location than usual. Before arriving, create a detailed schedule for your days away and the tasks you aim to accomplish. Another tip: schedule all your meetings in the same location. While sitting tight might not be the most interesting option, especially if you’re in an exciting new location, you’ll save yourself the logistical stress of running across town between meetings.

2. Pack light.

You don’t need to take your whole closet with you for a business trip. You know exactly what to expect from your schedule, so pack accordingly—whether you need a tailored suit for a slew of formal business meetings or business casual for an industry conference. Considering the cost for checked luggage, packing a carry-on suitcase will be both a time- and moneysaver.

3. Pack smart.

On a similar note, you’ll need to do some smart planning up front if you want to look sharp without those extra checked bags. Select clothing in solid, neutral colors that can be combined and layered to create multiple outfits. Before you fill up your suitcase, study up on packing techniques to be sure you get the most out of your space.

4. Keep track of your expenses.

By that, we don’t mean to say that you should collect all of your travel-related receipts and stuff them in your wallet. Streamline the expense-reporting process by tracking your expenses digitally. If you’re able, book your flight, hotel, and car in advance with the company card so that the bulk of your expenses are taken care of before takeoff.

5. Download your airline’s app.

Instead of waiting for the gate agents to announce your airplane’s status, get real-time updates from the app. In the unfortunate circumstance that your flight’s been cancelled, you’ll be the first to know—and the first in line to rebook. In addition to the airline app, download GateGuru and Seat Alerts for seamless boarding and flight experiences.

6. Treat yourself to a VIP lounge.

Given the heightened stress of a business trip, treat yourself to a comfy chair at the airline lounge. If you’re not flying business class, or your ticket doesn’t come with access to the lounge, many airports offer day passes at their own home lounges. Take advantage of free food, drinks, and wifi to get work done while you’re waiting to take off. Better yet: kick back and relax before the work really gets started.

7. Don’t lose sleep.

One thing’s for sure: a hotel isn’t home sweet home. If you’re flying through time zones, take a melatonin pill—an all-natural sleep supplement designed especially for jet-lag relief. If stress or a change in scenery is keeping you awake, download an episode of the “Sleep With Me” podcast, which airs boring stories that will lull you to sleep in no time.

8. Try to Maintain your regular routine.

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to give up all semblance of your normal life. Get your usual seven hours of sleep, hit the hotel gym, and eat the food that makes you feel like your best self. Of course, don’t skip out on trying the local delicacies too.

9. Plan your transition home.

Imagine returning home to a mowed lawn, a washed car, and a fridge full of all the groceries you need. Well, there’s an app for that. By taking advantage of apps like Instacart, which does your grocery shopping for you, you can make your transition back home from a business trip as seamlessly as possible.

Business trips don’t have to be stressful. With a little extra effort and preparation, you’ll feel on top of your itinerary and ready to hit the ground running upon your return.