Business travel isn’t quite the glamorous jet-setter life it sounds like. Of course, you get to see new places. But it’s usually more of a fleeting visit, dragging a suitcase through arrivals with no time to explore the sights or sip cocktails on a rooftop That said, with a few simple hacks, it can be a whole lot easier. Whether you’re hopping on the train to a client meeting or flying out for a week of conferences, here are some tips that make business travel feel more manageable and less chaotic.
There’s no one right way to pack but there are definitely mistakes to avoid. If your bag involves wrestling zips and a last-minute hunt for chargers, it might be time for a rethink. Packing cubes are surprisingly helpful for keeping your stuff in order and rolling your clothes really does save space. Try to stick to a capsule wardrobe or basic colours so everything goes together and you’re not stuck with three tops and no matching trousers. Always pack a spare shirt (and pants) just in case.
Choosing what to wear when you’re in a rush is a stress you don’t need. Settle on a go-to travel outfit that’s comfy, presentable and won’t set off airport scanners. That means less jewellery and accessories plus a version of soft trousers, decent trainers and a breathable layer or two. Throw in a packable waterproof jacket and you’re basically unstoppable. Lay it out neatly the night before to save time.
If you’re only going for a night or two, a decent backpack or carry-on with pockets for gadgets can make life much easier than wheeling a case over cobblestones. If you do need a suitcase, make sure it has good wheels and a handle that doesn’t collapse the minute you pick up speed. Always check your bag fits the airline dimensions as they all vary. You don’t want to be hit with an overweight luggage charge.
Create a little kit you only use for travel – things like a working phone charger, plug adaptor, toothpaste, earplugs, eye mask and a decent pen. Keep them packed and ready so you’re not scrambling around each time. You can also keep a few long-life snacks stashed in there for delays or early starts. Nothing fancy – just something to stop you spending £4 on a tiny bag of crisps in the terminal.
Travelling for work is often a strange mix of rushing around and waiting around. The key is to make the most of those quieter pockets of time without overloading yourself. A little prep can help you stay on top of things and avoid falling behind while you’re out of office.
Try these small wins:
Organise your inbox: Use filters or folders so incoming emails are easier to triage on-the-go.
Get calendar clever: Block out travel and meetings so no one calls when you’re mid-flight
Plan ahead: Download decks, notes or materials you need for meetings in case Wi-Fi is patchy
In the loop: Share important messages or handovers with your team before you leave
Track your thoughts: Use an app or simple doc to jot down follow-ups and ideas
A few well-chosen apps can save a lot of faff. Try ones that store your booking info, track flights or help you find a decent coffee shop near your hotel. A good password manager is also a lifesaver if you need to log into work systems. If you’re using a business phone abroad, it’s worth looking into the effective management of travel eSIMs. It sounds very official but it’s really just a way to avoid roaming charges and switch between networks easily without swapping SIM cards.
Different plugs? Annoying. Different voltage? Risky. If you travel often, a decent universal adaptor is well worth it. The ones with USB ports built in are even better. While you’re at it, double check your phone or laptop doesn’t have region-based settings that might block access to company systems. If you’re planning on using a hotspot, make sure that works on-the-go too.
It’s tempting to pack your trip with meetings, dinners and sightseeing squeezed in between. But travel days are tiring and things often take longer than expected. Give yourself buffer time where you can. Even just an hour to decompress or grab some food can make the whole experience feel less like a mad dash. If you’re somewhere for more than a day, try booking one evening off completely. You deserve the time to reset your brain with no emails and no networking.
There’s no magic fix for business travel but there are ways to make it feel less exhausting. Most of them involve being a bit more prepared, realistic and kinder to yourself when things don’t go exactly to plan. Whether it’s a perfectly packed case or working charger when you need it – these little wins can make a big difference to how you feel on the road.