This year I embarked on my first experience of business travel – a six week secondment just outside London for some training. As this was my first experience of business travel – I really didn’t have a clue what to expect! But now, two weeks in I am ready to share what I have learnt so far…
Take some home comforts with you – a blanket, hot water bottle or your favorite mug.
If you are away for any length of time it may bring you comfort to have your favorite throw or blanket with you for cuddling up and watching TV. It’s the little things that can often bring you comfort and minimize the risk of feeling homesick. I realized after my first week that I wish I had packed some extra crap home comforts.
Hotel restaurants are brilliant
Providing that there is enough to keep you satisfied on the menu, hotel restaurants can be the perfect alibi for a weary business traveler. You can often get heather meals than you would from a fast food joint and there are often other business travelers eating alone to minimize the feeling awkwardness. Many hotels also offer room service if this still fills you with dread (providing you can afford this as part of your meal policy).
Think about your essentials
Are you a gym buddy who can’t cope with the idea of not working out? Or, does the idea of having to get a new WIFI code each evening scare you to death? Think about the things that really matter to you. For example, a Holiday Inn may have a good central location with lots to do but lack a gym or pool. Again, after week one I realized that I should have thought about staying in a hotel with a gym. Luckily I am staying in a different hotel next week!
Location, location, location
If you are away for a week or more think about your location. As an example, if you know you will get fed up of the hotel restaurant, make sure you have other options for food close by. Alternatively, if you think you will be bored in the evening choose a hotel in the city centre where you can access shops, cinema or even a gym (pure gym doesn’t require a membership so you can join up for a short period of time).
Keep a note of key phone numbers and names
Being alone on business travel can be nerve wracking when you are in a brand new city or town. Keep a note of key numbers such as your travel insurance, home office, taxi / rental car etc. Having these scribbled close by can keep you at ease.
Claiming expenses can be time consuming so do it earlier rather than later
Make sure you can clear an hour out of you diary to sort through expenses as this can take a while. I have actually got into the habit of doing this at the weekend so I have my week to concentrate on actual work rather than bloody expenses. Also, check to see if there is an app you can use for uploading your receipts as this will save time scanning P.S. Keep receipts for everything – and I mean everything!
Hopefully these tips will be of use for anyone new to the business travel game!
❤
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