If you ever wonder why some of your road warrior colleagues seem to sail through business trips, and return to the office looking refreshed, it isn’t because they have an elusive gene that makes them impervious to feelings of burnout or exhaustion. More likely, they’ve mastered the art of how to organize their itineraries, time, and luggage optimally for executive travel. The most effective business travelers are typically highly organized and focused.We’ve curated some of our favorite organization tips to make your next travel assignment less of a nightmare and more of a breeze:
1. Become a Checklist Person
If you aren’t a checklist person, it’s probably time to become one for the sake of preparation for your next executive travel. Make a list well in advance of your trip, and put items on your calendar if you have any errands to run or paperwork to get in order before you leave. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s prudent to start preparations much further ahead. If your organizational center is your smartphone or tablet, consider an App that’s designed with a highly flexible format so you can customize items and deadlines according to your needs.
2. Take a Copy of Your Itinerary
If anything goes awry on the road, you never want to waste precious time sorting through your work email to find reservations or trying to call the corporate travel department at the home office to retrieve information. If your organization doesn’t prepare your itineraries, take the time to make your own. Compile information in an app so your limo service, flight, and hotel information is just a few clicks away. If you’ll be traveling internationally or taking long flights, it’s likely wise to take a printed copy in a clear, plastic protective sleeve in case you lose power or connectivity.
3. Become a Packing Master
Packing is a pain point for travelers. Let’s be honest, very few of us actually enjoy the process of engineering the perfect suitcase or carry-on bag. Travelers are often advised to approach their road wardrobe in terms of layers, so they’ll be well-prepared for a variety of weather situations. Think of packing your luggage in the same terms, to both streamline your journey through the security line and speed your unpacking once you reach the hotel. Layer heaviest items on the bottom, and lighter clothes on top to minimize the possibility you’ll have to iron anything. Place anything that will need to be removed at security, including liquids and electronics at the top of your carry-on to prevent digging before the body scanners.
4. Bring a Keep-All
It’s inevitable that you’ll receive paper itineraries on the road, and you’ll need something to keep your ticket stubs and passport organized, too. Bring a clear, plastic organizer that can be easily slipped into your carry-on and briefcase to keep papers flat and unwrinkled.
5. Leave Your Plans With Someone
If your company doesn’t actively track employees on the road, make sure to leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted loved one in case of the worst. If you’re headed to a high-risk destination, it’s likely wise to go ahead and leave an extra copy with colleagues, too. Avoid posting your plans on social media, and depending on your position and whether you post publicly, it could be prudent to avoid sharing any details until you return.
6. Have Offline Work Prepared
It’s wise to prepare yourself for any unexpected periods offline. You may choose to bring work reading material, a printed document that needs to be reviewed, or other papers to sign. You’ll be glad to keep busy in case of the unexpected.
7. Unpack Immediately
Even, and especially, if you have another upcoming business trip, unpack your suitcase as soon as you get home. It’s probably the last thing you feel like doing, but you’ll be glad when you don’t have to deal with your luggage the next day. The last situation you want to be dealing with is unpacking and packing simultaneously, which could be a recipe for leaving things behind
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