3 Simple, Practical Steps That Make Frequent Business Travel Less Stressful

The opportunity to see the world is one reason many expats accept a position abroad. 

However, frequent business trips rarely feel like pleasure and are often an unacknowledged area of stress for business leaders. 

Time away from family, intense meetings in unknown places with unfamiliar colleagues,  strange hotel rooms and a much longer work day can all add to feelings of fatigue and frustration. 

If you find business travel challenging and tiring, here are three, simple practical steps to help make it a little easier.  By implementing them as part of your travel routine, you’ll find you feel less stressed and more likely to have a successful trip. 

1️⃣ Plan Well In Advance Wherever Possible. 

Taking time to plan really makes a difference.  

Connect with colleagues at your destination ahead of time and make sure you’re clear on the purpose of your trip and what a successful outcome will look like. Do a little research on the people you're meeting. Research your destinations,  including any relevant local customs, the time difference and how this may impact other work, weather and office etiquette.  

This all goes a long way to breaking the ice, creating stronger new relationships and avoiding any unnecessary surprises.  

Plan out all your travel for the year and make sure it’s easily accessible to everyone who needs to know.

Before you confirm attendance at a high-stakes meeting, know which visas are required, if any, and leave lots of time for delays in bureaucracy.  Make sure you know when your passport is due for renewal and how many pages you have left in it.

Yes, you can delegate these tasks, but you don’t want to be the person who can’t make an urgent meeting because they forgot they had less than six months left until their passport was due for renewal. 

2️⃣ Pack Smart

This is a basic common-sense tip that’s so often left to the last minute.

Packing efficiently can greatly reduce stress during your trips.

Prioritize your business wardrobe and electronic devices. Consider having duplicates and spares packed and ready for business trips, so you don’t have to spend any mental energy thinking about what’s ready and where things are. 

For example, having spare chargers and toiletries ready to go in your case leaves  your mind free to think about the bigger things.

Similarly, create a packing checklist that you re-use for each trip and take it with you when you travel, so that you don’t leave anything behind. 

3️⃣ Take Care of Yourself

Maintaining your well-being is probably the most crucial thing for a successful business trip.

It’s difficult to be your best in important meetings if you don’t prioritize the basics: getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and staying hydrated throughout your journey. Yet, these are often the first things we let slip when we’re away.

Don’t ditch everything from your usual routine.  If you usually exercise or meditate, you can still do this, even if it’s just a short walk or some stretching. Rest whenever possible and pace yourself, building in time to take a breaks wherever possible. 

🌟 Remember, frequent business travel can be demanding, but by making these simple steps a habit, you can help mitigate some of the stress 🌟

If you have any additional tips or advice,  leave a comment below to share with your fellow travelers and help make frequent business travel as pain free as possible. 🧳✨