5 productivity tips for business travelers
Business trips are a nice experience to travel and see new places. However, there are things to do while traveling that will save time on your trip and help you get things done such as:
1. Planning
It may sound like a cliché, but planning is critical to being effective. Planning helps you get organized, and everything can be in its rightful place. Organization allows you to take care of the critical issues of your business trip instead of having to make things up as you go. The better you plan the less likely that you will be caught in a jam in the middle of your trip. Believe or not, planning could be the key to you having some spontaneity on your trip.
2. Use Technology
Your laptop should be a mobile workstation. Instead of watching movies during a flight, you can take care of certain menial tasks such as replying emails or organizing your files for the coming meetings. To ensure you will be able to access the internet, ensure that the airline you are flying with has in-flight Wi-Fi access before you book your ticket. Ensure you pack the technology that does not take up too much space. If you need to use audio files, an iPod or small mp3 player will do just fine. Many airlines provide noise canceling headphones so that you will not be disturbed all through the flight.
3. Efficient Packing
Making good use of space is a significant aspect of being efficient on a business trip. You will probably be traveling alone, and you should not be lugging luggage around. You can still carry all the things that you wanted to carry, but you need to pack smartly. If you have suits or any other clothes that you do not want to wrinkle, then you should pack them in plastic bags. Folding clothes well is also another way to save space in a bag. Compartmentalization can also be helpful. Carry your official things in your briefcase, your clothes in your suitcase and basic things like a toothbrush or shaving kit in a carry-on bag.
4. Do your Due Diligence
Research is necessary for all facets of modern life. When going on a business trip, get acquainted with the area before you land there. The internet is a great resource since you can use Google Maps to take a virtual tour of the area. It should help you find your way a lot easier once you land there. It does help if the people on the ground are friendly and willing to show you around but knowing the area limits the chances of losing your way or being misled.
5. Focus your Activities
You cannot see every attraction in a city within a few days. You should have a list of maybe five places you must visit. You should leave room for spontaneous visits but do not get pulled in every direction. If you are too spontaneous, you may even not get the chance to visit the places you had set out to visit. You will probably get a good feel of the city by visiting its major attractions. You should not expect to make new friends and learn the culture in a few days. Enjoy what you can and move on.
Originally published at Carey San Diego Blog.
