10 Tips to Make Work Travel Easier
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Work-related travel is often a necessary evil.
While it provides opportunities for professional growth and networking, it’s also really draining. And it throws your schedule off. Even if you don’t have kids and family responsibilities, even small things like changing your grocery and laundry schedules can be minor annoyances.
However, as someone who is not in sales but travels like I am, I can attest that with a few smart choices and mindful planning, you can turn your work trips into enjoyable experiences.
Here I will give you my 10 best tips for enjoying your time away and returning to not chaos, ultimately making your work trips more enjoyable and less stressful.
1. Rent a Car:
One of my best secrets to making work travel more enjoyable is to rent a car – when I say it provides freedom, I mean freedom. Instead of relying on Ubers with colleagues, you control when you come and go (and sometimes where you come and go).
Having your own vehicle allows you to explore the destination at your own pace, visit off-the-beaten-path places, and make the most out of your free time (if you have any downtime). Additionally, it provides flexibility for impromptu meetings or last-minute changes to your schedule.
2. Go to a Grocery Store:
Eating out for every meal during work travel can make you feel gross.
A simple yet effective way to make your work trip more pleasant is to go to a grocery store (easier to do when you rent a car). Stock up on healthy snacks, fresh fruits, and other essentials that can be stored in your hotel room (most rooms have a mini fridge). This ensures you have access to nutritious options, which makes the huge dinners out with clients less of a punch to your waistline.
3. Check Out a Local Fitness Studio:
Maintaining your fitness routine while on the road can be challenging, but it's important to maintain consistent healthy habits.
Instead of relying solely on your hotel's gym, consider checking out a local fitness studio. Many cities offer a discount on a first class, allowing you to participate in a variety of workouts such as yoga, spinning, barre, or HIIT.
Not only does this keep you in your workout routine, but it also provides an opportunity to try a new exercise, plus make your work travel more socially engaging!
4. Make Airport Time Productive:
Airport layovers and waiting times can be transformed into productive or enjoyable moments. Bring along your FitBit and turn your early morning flight or layover into cardio (much better than fighting to stay awake at the gate or getting drunk).
Put on a podcast and aim to complete a certain number of steps or laps while waiting for your flight. This not only helps you stay active but also makes the otherwise monotonous wait more engaging.
Want more ideas for enjoying layovers? I wrote about 15 ways to do that (even on long international layovers) here.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothes:
Comfort is key when it comes to work travel, starting with your choice of clothing. And fortunately with the popularity of athleisure, you have lots of options for every price point. (I.e. you don’t need to – and shouldn’t – wear pajamas.)
This not only makes your journey more enjoyable but also ensures you arrive at your destination looking polished. Additionally, wearing comfortable clothes makes it easier to navigate through crowded airports and sprint to catch tight connections (I see you, O’Hare).
Consider investing in travel-friendly clothing items that strike a balance between style and comfort.
6. Pack Travel Essentials that Make You More Comfortable:
Beyond your attire, packing smartly can significantly contribute to a pleasant work travel experience. Pack a travel pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask to make your journey more comfortable, especially during long flights (or the red eye).
A reusable water bottle and healthy snacks can keep you hydrated and satisfied, eliminating the need to rely on in-flight meals or questionable convenience store options.
I wrote about my favorite travel essentials you didn’t know existed here and here.
And if you have an Amazon Prime account, it’s free delivery!
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption:
While it may be tempting to unwind with a drink after a long day of work or a third glass of wine at a dinner with clients, excessive alcohol consumption can hinder your travel experience.
Alcohol can disrupt your sleep, dehydrate your body, and contribute to feelings of fatigue. Instead of indulging in multiple cocktails or glasses of wine, opt for moderation. Enjoy a single drink to relax if you wish, but be mindful of the potential impact on your well-being and productivity the next day.
Staying hydrated with water should be a priority throughout your entire trip too.
8. Eat Like You Do at Home as Much as Possible:
Maintaining a consistent diet while traveling can be challenging, but it's essential for your to feel good (or even just normal). Try to replicate your home eating habits as closely as possible.
Stick to regular meal times, and opt for balanced, nutritious options. (This is another reason it’s good to pick up some healthy snacks from a grocery store!)
As an added bonus, research local restaurants in advance. If you have dietary restrictions or specific nutritional goals, planning ahead and being mindful of your choices can make a significant difference in how you feel during and after your work trip.
9. Don't Forget to Pack Vitamins and Probiotics:
Traveling exposes your body to different environments and potential stressors, making it more susceptible to illness. Boost your immune system by packing a supply of vitamins and probiotics.
A daily dose of essential vitamins can help compensate for any nutritional gaps in your diet during travel.
In addition to a good multivitamin, I always make sure I have Balance of Nature when I travel. This ensures that I get my 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, even when my eating schedule is thrown off!
Also, probiotics, known for promoting gut health, can support your immune system and help prevent digestive issues that may arise from changes in diet and routine.
10. Clean and Do Laundry Pre-Departure:
This one is a HUGE game changer for me, especially if you’re someone who usually has long flights and/or layovers. This is the time when existential dread sets in, and you think about all the stuff you have waiting for you to do at home. And there is something positively magical about coming back to a clean home and clean sheets.
Instead, taking the time to clean, do laundry, and change your sheets before leaving can make a big difference. This way you return to a clean house and only need to unpack, which takes a huge weight off your shoulders (especially when you’re miserable sitting on a tarmac thinking about all that’s on your to do list when you finally do get home. Coming back to a tidy and organized living space can alleviate post-travel stress and create a more seamless transition back to your routine.
Before heading out, take a moment to:
Clean: Wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, vacuum (and any cleaning tasks you really hate to do). A clean home ensures you return to a space that feels welcoming, and you won’t be overwhelmed with catching up after time away.
Do Laundry: Make sure all dirty laundry is washed and put away. You won’t have stinky gym clothes waiting in your hamper, plus you know you have clean underwear and won’t have to sleep in a bathing suit bottom (we’ve all done that whether we admit it or not).
Change Your Sheets: There's nothing like clean sheets, especially after sleeping in a hotel! Change your bed linens before leaving, so you can enjoy a good night's sleep when you’re back. This small act can make a big difference in how rested and rejuvenated you feel after your trip.
Work travel doesn't have to be synonymous with stress and discomfort. By implementing these ten suggestions, you can elevate your travel experience, making it more pleasant, productive, and enjoyable.
By focusing on maintaining your healthy routine and prepping your house for an easy re-entry, these tips make the actual travel and time away less stressful and uncomfortable.
Whether you're a frequent business traveler or embarking on a short work trip, incorporating these tips into your routine can help elevate your overall travel experience.
Want to make your trip even easier? Skip waiting at baggage claim and just take a carry on. Yes it’s possible - sign up here for my free packing list (that helped me go over 7 days in Australia/New Zealand with just a carry on)!
