Tips for Better Business Trips

Being sent out-of-town to cultivate new clients, schmooze with big donors, run meetings, or do a million other things that could happen on a business trip can be difficult enough. Don’t make it more difficult for yourself than it needs to be. There are some very simple things that you can do to make your business trip much more pleasant.

Packing – This is the first step in your trip. You’re completely frazzled trying to remember all of that paperwork, clothing, underwear (can’t forget that!) and not to mention your toiletries. The best way to de-stress the packing process is to make a list a week or so in advance of everything that you will need to bring. Spend the next week getting your life organized and then consult that list as you’re putting your clothes into your lightweight travel bag. You really should only have this bag and a laptop, or other work, bag. In your suitcase pack clothes that you know won’t wrinkle, like a wool/cotton blend. That way you don’t have to stress about dry cleaning and/or steaming when you get to your hotel. Also, pack separates so you can mix and match and don’t have to bring a different outfit for each day.