31 Clever Business Travel Tips from Industry Professionals

We’ve collected some of the smartest business travel tips from those in the know to help you be fully prepared.

Leverage Concierge and VIP Travel Services

1. VIP Airport Services: Streamline your travel tips by using VIP airport transfer services to expedite check-in and security, saving valuable time and reducing stress.
2. Hotel Concierge: Make the most of your stay by utilizing the hotel concierge for restaurant reservations, local advice, and any special requests.
3. Personalized Itineraries: Concierge services can help create a detailed and personalized travel tips itinerary, allowing you to focus on your business objectives.
4. Access to Exclusive Lounges: Gain access to exclusive airport lounges through VIP services, providing a comfortable space to relax or work.
5. Chauffeur Services: Arrange for chauffeur services to navigate the city smoothly, ensuring punctuality and convenience.

Make the Most of Your Airport Experience

6. Arrive Early: Arriving at the airport early reduces stress and gives you ample time for security checks and finding your gate.
7. Airport Lounges: Relax in airport lounges that offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments to make your wait enjoyable.
8. Stay Productive: Use mobile apps to manage your time efficiently and stay updated on flight status, gate changes, and other important information.
9. Healthy Eating: Opt for healthy meal options available in airport lounges and eateries to maintain your energy levels.
10. Pack Essentials: Keep your carry-on organized with essentials such as chargers, snacks, travel documents, and any items you may need during the flight.

Maximize In-Flight Productivity and Comfort

11. Maximize In-Flight Productivity and Comfort: Business class or first class isn’t just about comfort—use the time in the air to recharge or get work done efficiently:
12. Seat Selection & Flight Prep: Opt for seats with direct aisle access, ample legroom, and in-flight Wi-Fi. Many airlines, such as British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, offer fully-reclining seats that turn into beds in their business and first-class cabins, especially on long-haul international flights. Plan ahead and request a sleep kit from the airline to ensure you rest comfortably during long journeys.
13. Meal Preferences: Some airlines offer onboard chefs or curated dining experiences that you can customize before departure. Enjoying a good meal in-flight can help boost your focus upon landing.
14. Workstation Setup: For productive work in-flight, keep a portable, lightweight Bluetooth keyboard and travel-sized tech accessories in your carry-on. Many premium airlines provide in-seat power outlets, but carrying a high-capacity battery pack ensures your devices stay charged, even on shorter flights. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the packing section.

Minimize Jet Lag with Smart Strategies

16. Adjust Sleep Schedule: Gradually shift your sleep schedule a few days before your trip to align with your destination’s time zone.
17. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water during the flight to stay hydrated and reduce the effects of jet lag.
18. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol can help you sleep better and adjust more easily to a new time zone.
19. Natural Light Exposure: Spend time outdoors and expose yourself to natural light upon arrival to help reset your internal clock.
20. Short Naps: If needed, take short naps to combat fatigue, but avoid sleeping too long during the day to prevent further jet lag.

Plan Your Ground Transportation with Precision

21. Pre-Book Chauffeur Services: For hassle-free transfers, book a premium chauffeur service in advance. Blacklane offers transfers in hundreds of cities and airports worldwide, providing a seamless option for those who want to avoid navigating unfamiliar public transport or negotiating with local taxis. With Blacklane, you’ll enjoy direct transport from the airport to your destination. Our professional chauffeurs monitor your flight and adjust for any unexpected delays.
22. Book in Advance: Arrange for car rentals or chauffeur services ahead of time to ensure you have reliable transportation upon arrival.
23. Navigation Apps: Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic, making your travel tips more efficient.
24. Save Contact Information: Keep addresses and contact numbers saved for quick access in case you need directions or assistance.
25. Reliable Transportation: Ensure your transportation plan is dependable and efficient to avoid any delays or inconveniences during your trip.

Optimize Your Hotel Stay

26. Business Amenities: Choose hotels that offer high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and a business center to support your work needs.
27. Quiet Rooms: Request a room on a higher floor or away from elevators to minimize noise and ensure a peaceful stay.
28. Use Hotel Facilities: Take advantage of hotel facilities like the gym and spa to unwind and stay active during your trip.
29. Establish a Routine: Create a routine to stay organized and maintain productivity during your stay.
30. Ask the Concierge: Seek assistance from the hotel concierge for local recommendations, reservations, and other services to enhance your experience.

Stay Connected with Global Wi-Fi and Local SIM Cards

31. Global Wi-Fi: Invest in a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure reliable internet connectivity wherever you go.
32. Local SIM Cards: Purchase a local SIM card for affordable and reliable data access, especially for longer stays.
33. International Plans: Check with your mobile provider for international data plans to avoid high roaming charges.
34. Communication Apps: Use apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom to stay connected with colleagues and clients, ensuring you’re always reachable.
35. Tech Gadgets: Carry essential tech gadgets such as portable chargers and adapters to keep your devices powered and functional.

Always Have a Contingency Plan

36. Pack an Extra Set of Clothes: Keep an extra set of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
37. Document Copies: Have digital and physical copies of important documents, such as your passport, itinerary, and contact information.
38. Emergency Contacts: Know the location of your country’s embassy or consulate at your destination and have a list of emergency contacts.
39. Flexible Itinerary: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary in case of unexpected changes or delays.
40. Travel Insurance: Invest in travel insurance to cover unforeseen events such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Incorporate Leisure into Business (Bleisure Travel Tips)

41. Extend Your Stay: Consider adding a few extra days to your trip to explore the destination and enjoy some personal time.
42. Local Attractions: Plan visits to local attractions around your business schedule to make the most of your trip.
43. Dining Experiences: Try out local restaurants and culinary specialties to experience the culture and cuisine of your destination.
44. Cultural Events: Attend cultural events or performances to enrich your travel experience and gain new insights.
45. Relax and Recharge: Use leisure time to relax and recharge, enhancing your overall travel experience and productivity.

Efficient Packing Tips for Business Travelers

46. Pack Light: Opt for carry-on luggage to avoid baggage claim delays and ensure your essentials are always with you.
47. Use Packing Cubes: Organize your clothing and accessories with packing cubes for easy access and efficient use of space.
48. Versatile Clothing: Choose versatile, wrinkle-resistant clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
49. Essential Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries and keep them in a clear, resealable bag for easy airport security screening.
50. Tech Essentials: Bring necessary tech gadgets, chargers, and adapters to stay connected and productive.

Prioritize Your Health While Traveling

51. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during long flights.
52. Healthy Snacks: Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and protein bars to maintain your energy levels.
53. Stay Active: Use hotel gyms or go for a walk to stay active and reduce travel fatigue.
54. Sleep Well: Prioritize sleep by creating a comfortable sleep environment and using sleep aids like earplugs or eye masks.
55. Hygiene Products: Carry hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and other hygiene products to protect yourself from germs.

How to Make Business Travel Less Stressful

Despite significant advancements in business travel tips over the past few decades, many professionals still find it a source of stress. According to research from Link Executive Transfers, 56% of business travelers experience stress due to poorly planned trips, with C-level executives feeling the most strain—62% report their journeys as particularly taxing.

One primary cause of this stress is the declining quality of services despite increasing travel costs. Business travelers are now paying more for less, facing reduced in-flight amenities and additional fees for basic services.

Data from Link Executive Transfers’ Work & Travel Trends Report highlights that C-suite executives have identified key services that would significantly reduce the stress of their journeys: