Travelling for work can be both fun and tiresome. On the one hand, you get to meet new people and perhaps further your career. On the other hand, it can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. However, you can maximise your business travel experience – both professionally and personally – if you’re just a tad bit organised and in sync with some travel hacks.
Book Through Your Corporate Helpdesk
‘Corporate travel often comes with special deals and discounts,’ says HR professional Haritha Jhamni. ‘Companies often have tie-ups with agencies and other travel partners, who are able to ensure that the volume translates into better rates. It is also a good idea to check your company’s travel policy and go through the fine print in detail, so you’ll understand your dos and don’ts better – especially where approvals and spending are concerned. Try to avoid last-minute bookings if you can help it.’
Join Rewards Programmes
Your company may already be part of a rewards programme with a hotel or airline. Even if they aren’t, perhaps it’s time for you to notch up air miles or use a credit card that incentivises your travel with cashback, upgrades, accrual of points, and so on. Loyalty and rewards programmes with the hospitality industry can also be helpful in the long run, providing discounts and freebies on your future stays with a particular chain – both personal and business.
Consider Time Vs Money
The ideal thing to do is book the cheapest flight, but sometimes that’s not always the smartest move. A non-stop flight saves time and therefore money, unless the difference in fare is prohibitive. Look for flight options with lesser layover time if you have to book a one or two-stop option. When booking, look for deals but also read the terms and conditions about cancellations and refunds before going ahead.

Pack Smart
Soft skills trainer Dr Mandira GH says, ‘When you’re on a business trip, there’s usually no time to lose. A carry-on should suffice if it’s just for a couple of days, with all your essentials packed in. This way, you don’t have to wait at the baggage carousel, or waste time in case your check-in baggage goes missing. If you have to check-in something, make sure your important items are packed into hand luggage.’
Don’t Forget Personal Care
Being on the run when you travel for work, sometimes means you don’t get to make healthy food choices or take care of yourself. Pack a few healthy snacks, or reach for the fruits on your breakfast buffet so that you compensate for indulgent meals with clients. Similarly, pack your skincare and specific toiletries, even if you’re just travelling for one night. If you’re staying for longer than a couple of days, ideally find a hotel with a gym, pool or yoga centre so that you can catch some exercise every day.
Ensure Smooth International Travel
Dr Mandira says, ‘When you travel internationally, consider business etiquette in different countries and behave accordingly. Japan may have entirely different rules from Europe, but remember you’re the guest in both countries and need to be polite. There are also practical considerations while travelling abroad. It could be the smallest of things like carrying the right power adapter to charge your devices. Or it could be something more intense, like finding a coping mechanism for jet lag. I find that setting your watch to time at the destination country, and then living by that is the best and quickest way to cope. However, if a few extra cups of caffeine keep you afloat, go for it!’
Keep Track Of Your Receipts
‘One of the vital aspects of business travel is to keep tabs on your expenses,’ says Haritha Jhamni. ‘Everything you spend towards official costs needs to be documented, invoiced and above board. Along the way, you may encounter personal expenses as well – keep these separate. For instance, you may visit a café for lunch, which can be reimbursed by the company. But if you choose to pick up a box of chocolates for your family from the same café, ask for it to be billed separately so that you can claim only part of the expenses you’re entitled to. Cabs and other incidentals must also be documented, with the purpose of expenditure for each invoice. File your bills for reimbursement soon after you return, within the mandatory period, and don’t let it lapse.’
Stay Safe
It goes without saying that you ensure a safe and secure environment for yourself when travelling. However, in addition, one also has to consider cyber crimes like data fraud, identity theft, and financial fraud. Don’t connect to an open or public network while travelling, and never ever save passwords on a device. Keep digital or cloud backups of all important documents such as your passport or Aadhar card, in case you happen to lose a physical copy.
Travelling for work can be a rewarding experience, as it opens your world to a wealth of exposure and allows you to network and explore new cultures along the way. It’s up to you to find ways to make the most of it!