Congratulations for your new management jobs or even a high flying consulting career! While we have reported the rise of virtual teams and office, at the executive levels one can seldom manage absolutely no travel in today’s global business world.
That’s the key reason for us bringing you the tips for Business Travel in management jobs! We are assuming you are suffering like others in executive jobs and hope these tips can come in handy!
Business-related trips are often associated with long hours, uncomfortable hotel beds, and perpetual jet lag. The Business Traveler Market Segmentation Study survey (2011) found the following:
- Majority of business travelers report there is no substitute for being there in person (78%), and enjoy traveling for work (78%).
- Almost half of business travelers report that staying in touch on the road with family and friends (46%) and staying safe (46%) while traveling are the most important goals on trip.
- Nearly half (46%) have to work under tight budgets, putting pressure on their travel plans.
- The average trip lasts four days and costs $1,837.
- Business travelers tend to be college-educated (71%), 38 years old on average, and male (59%).
Whether it’s avoiding lost luggage, exploring new places, or simply using your time as efficiently as possible, there are plenty of ways to maximize corporate travel.
We did some research to provide you some insights on business-related travel in the form of general advice, dos, don’ts, and lessons learned.
10 Tips for business travel in management jobs:
Use a travel agent
Good travel agents routinely perform airfare “miracles,” and can even redeem your award miles when you can’t. While many airlines don’t let non-frequent customers book aisle or window seats in advance or charge extra for them, this is another “upgrade” travel agents can offer.
Make a travel checklist
Even if you travel all the time, it’s easy to forget something. Atul Gawande writes in his book ‘The Checklist Manifesto,’ “To optimize performance, whether you’re a pilot, a doctor or a business traveler, keep a checklist and cross things off until you’re sure you have everything you need.” Keep an envelope in your bag for all your receipts.
Travel with a single carry-on bag
Pack light and employ a lightweight, fabric bag with lots of pockets and zippers. Make sure you carry some hand sanitizer!
Less is more
Pack as little as possible so that you don’t have to check any bags if you’re flying. Roll your clothes instead of folding them, pack heavy things (like shoes) at the bottom of your bag – This will help create more space.
Always keep an energy bar in your carry-on bag
There could be a winter blizzard or a massive string of delays. Prepare in advance by keeping an energy bar in your bag so that you’re always ready in case disaster strikes. Drink lots of water throughout the flight.
Research the local culture and social customs of your destination in advance
Buy a local newspaper. This will help you get in sync with your surroundings beforehand, no matter where in the world you are visiting.
Disconnect on the flight
Use the time on the flight to read a magazine, listen to music, or watch a film. By letting your analytical mind rest, your productivity and focus will improve.
Use ATMs for cash overseas
Instead of exchanging currency at the airport or the hotel, withdraw money from foreign ATM machines using your bank ATM card. You usually get a better exchange rate and no exchange fee. Another benefit is that you can take out money in safer, smaller increments, reducing your exposure to theft or loss. Do also carry some currency for trips as a backup, in case there is some place where your ATM card doesn’t work.
Use credit cards as much as possible
When using a credit card, you get the very competitive ‘wholesale rate’ on the exchange. You also get a degree of protection on purchases, especially anything you have shipped home, if it arrives damaged or not at all.
Get a local/international SIM card and use Skype
You could buy a cheap extra cellphone and get a SIM card from the country you are visiting on arrival. For calling home, since most places offer free WiFi, use Skype and other internet-based calling, whether it is through your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
