Scotland

As a sometimes travel weary business woman I can tell you that business travel can be a real hassle. For one thing it never seems to ‘fit in’ well with my personal schedule which right away adds a negative hue to the event. Now more than ever, any travel that forces you to catch a plane is now more time consuming and tedious. More flights than ever are running late and airport security can add an easy hour to your schedule. But fear not, read on for a few tips to make the process easier.

Let’s start with what we can do to make the airport component of the travel flow more easily. Check in can be performed online with some airlines and by kiosk at the airport at others. Most of us bring PCs with us during our business travels so checking in online and assigning our own seats is easy. Of course you’ll need to print your boarding pass so as you check into your hotel be sure to ask about use of a business center where there are printers.

As far as packing light, this is a skill set that just about anyone can develop. I used to pack heavy and bring all my cosmetics, shampoos and even hair dryer and a couple outfits to boot. Now I chuck most of that. I keep a few sample sized items that fit nicely into a baggy. I have one small overnight bag I’ve learned to pack carefully. I also carry an oversized bag that holds my PC, my purse and a few other essentials. And then I’m a walk on – no bags to check – no bags to potentially lose.

Once you arrive at your destination there are some things you can do to make your stay more pleasant. Before you go, research the location. Get the lay of the land and take a map with you. Better yet, get directions on-line, and take that information with you.

Even if it’s a business trip – it doesn’t need to be all business. Enjoy a good dinner or two while you are there. Ask a the hotel front desk about good restaurants. Another idea is to indulge yourself in things that you usually don’t. For example, sometimes I spring for a massage which seems so decadent but if fun and takes a lot of the stress of travel away.

If you don’t have someone to escort you around town, don’t just have dinner in the hotel. Ask the hotel employees for suggestions, hail a cab, and get out on the town. Seeing the local sights and tasting the local fare can be once in a lifetime events.

Business travel can be inconvenient, but take the opportunity to learn something new and see another part of our great world.