Need to travel long-distance for a client or to close on a new deal? Though you may have had your fair share of vacations, business travel is far different, so it’s best to be aware of the nuances that go into traveling for work. As a CFO consulting firm, we know how important it is to get the most out of your trip, while still being productive.
And while you may be traveling to a new destination for the first time, business trips are about – you guessed it – business. But we’re here to help – so our team of consultants (who have done their fair share of travel) have culled our best tips on how to stay focused. Even before you get there.
Taking a trip – for business or for pleasure – involves careful planning that takes place long before you arrive at the airport. So, when choosing a flight, try to pick the best one for your schedule. It’s important to factor in when your first meeting will be and plan for whatever could come your way – be it possible flight delays, baggage claim hiccups, or adjusting to a different time zone – factor in all of these obstacles so you’re prepared for anything.
Another note, give yourself ample time to get to the airport. Nothing is worse than sprinting to your boarding gate. Or worse, missing your meeting because your flight gets delayed. So, if you have meetings on the same day as your flight, make sure you book a flight that is well before any of these appointments take place. Remember, it’s always better to give yourself some extra time in case anything goes wrong.
And, while we’re on the topic of time, determining what time of day you fly also dictates what you can get done prior to landing. If you’re taking a red eye flight, it’s in your best interest to sleep on the flight. Especially if you’re headed into a new time zone. Though you may have difficulty sleeping on airplanes, try your best. Getting on the correct time before you get there will start you off on the right foot –plus you’ll be less lethargic for the days that actually matter.
But if you’re flying during the day, a long flight is great for you to get a head start on work. So before you get on the plane, check to see if your airline has Wi-Fi. If not, see if there is way to access it prior to taking off. No Wi-Fi? Attend to what you can before you leave and tackle the Word docs, Excel charts, and non-internet related items on the plane. You’ll be surprised by how much you can get done without any distractions.
All in all, we want you to be able to enjoy the time you have in the destination. And in order to do that, you need to get your ducks in a row before you take off. So take our tips above into consideration. You won’t regret it.