10 Tips for Staying Comfortable While Traveling for Business

This guest blog post was curated for Bucky by Kacey Bradley.

Traveling isn’t for everyone, and if you’re a homebody, you probably dread it more than most. Going on vacation or taking fun trips to see friends and family is one thing, but traveling for business can feel overwhelming for some. You have to cram everything into one suitcase and hope you don’t forget anything. Your favorite pillow? Forget about that — oh, and the four shoe options you had planned out. 

Then there’s the worry that your hotel will be too noisy or that the bed will be too firm. What about air travel? Do you get anxious or feel on edge when squished against another stranger in the middle seat for hours at a time? You may want to work out and stick to your diet but don’t know how to with such a tight schedule. These are all common concerns business travelers have. 

You don’t have to feel uncomfortable and out of place during business travel. There are many ways to stay comfortable and on track with your normal lifestyle, you just have to plan ahead. Read on for ten travel tips for staying comfortable during business travel. 

Stay Hydrated 

Travel can be nonstop, and bathrooms can become scarce, but it’s important that you always keep yourself hydrated. Especially if you’re flying, proper hydration can help reduce any potential headaches that come from the pressure. Just because you’re not thirsty doesn’t mean your body isn’t. If you’re not using the restroom regularly, you’re not drinking enough water. 

Pack Snacks 

Your body needs energy to keep going, especially during long travel days. Pack your own snacks so you can stay healthy and avoid all the processed junk at airports. Try Protein bars, almonds or a simple trail mix. Pick things that can easily fit in your pocket, purse or carry on. It’s best to stock up before you get to the airport, so you can have more options and avoid inflated airport prices. No one wants to pay eight dollars for a pack of nuts. 

Watch What You Eat

A business trip is not always the best time to try a new foreign cuisine you’ve never experienced before. You don’t know how your body will react, and if you have meetings scheduled, this could impact your ability to attend. Be mindful of what you eat, and try to stick to things you’re familiar with or at least ingredients you’re familiar with. Bloating and indigestion are never pleasurable. 

Exercise 

The last thing you want to do after a long travel or work day is exercise. However, it can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. It can decrease stress, help you stay in shape after all those work dinners and relax you, so you can sleep better at night. Get motivated and seek out the hotel gym or pool, where you can get in some cardio. If you’re in an interesting city, rent a bike or go for a walk so you can exercise while you explore your surroundings. Alternatively, try a morning workout to clear your mind for the day. 

Create Your Own Itinerary

It’s very helpful if you have your own schedule planned out ahead of time, so you can avoid missing any meetings, know what to expect and have everything all in one place. Include things like confirmation numbers, flights, hotel information, addresses, meeting times, etc. If you create your own schedule, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable on your trip because you will have something to keep you on track.

Sleep

Even if you have a firm bed or noisy hotel, you need your sleep. If you know you’re a picky or light sleeper, prepare ahead of time. Bring earplugs or an eye mask to wear to block out light and sound. Ask the front desk for a softer pillow if it will help or a fan to drown out the noise. You can also download apps on your phone that provide white noise, rain, ocean waves and more. Think about your sleeping habits and find ways to bring them with you on the road.

Designate a Location for Important Items 

Make sure you organize your luggage so it’s easy for you to locate things you may need while traveling. Keep your computer, tablet, chargers, headphones and other important travel items handy in your carry-on or briefcase. It also helps if you have your license or passport easily available. This will make it easier for you to keep track of everything, so nothing gets lost. 

Pack Light 

Don’t overpack. You’ll regret it when you have to lug your bag around, try to get it through security and worst of all — the overhead compartment. The lighter you pack, the better you’ll travel. You don’t need four shoe options for a weeklong trip. Select two or even one, if you can do it. Only pack items you absolutely need and that you’ve already planned out.

Follow TSA Rules

Know the TSA basics, then make a trip to the store, so you can stock up on appropriately-sized bathroom products. If you can buy a solid version of something, like your face scrub, opt for that instead. Unless you want to get stopped at security or have your bag searched, this is the way to go. 

Check-In Online 

Most airlines let you check into your flight online 24 hours prior to its departure. Set a timer, so you remember to check in as soon as possible. This will get you a better boarding spot with some airlines and give you better seating options. You don’t want to be in the C boarding group, with no choice but to take the middle seat in the very back of the plane, by the bathrooms.

While there isn’t much thrill in business travel, you can reduce the stress that comes from it if you plan appropriately. The ten tips above are a great place to start. If you learn to pack light, watch what you eat, stay hydrated and create your own travel itinerary, your travels will become less chaotic and stressful almost immediately. Apply as many of these tips to your travel life as you can. Before you know it, business travel won’t be so bad after all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!