Productivity Tips for Road Warriors

If you're a business professional, your day-to-day workload may require some business travel. Whether you travel by car or by plane, each work trip has its challenges, from losing luggage to ultra-long layovers.

We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you stay as productive as possible when traveling for business – on the road, in the air, at your hotel and even between meetings.

Plan Ahead

On your next business trip, remember the simple ‘Five Ps’ for optimal success: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. As soon as you receive word for upcoming business travel and book your airline and hotel reservations, the next step is to make a list of everything you need to take along. This includes electronics and communication accessories, general office supplies, appropriate business attire and travel-sized toiletries. Keep your stress level low and your productivity high by preparing for meetings in advance and practicing presentations.

Keep a Digital Itinerary

It’s good to keep all your travel information in one place, from airline tickets and car rental information to hotel and restaurant reservations. There are many trip-planning apps that can help you manage your schedule and usually come with handy features like real-time flight alerts, rewards program tracking, alternative flight notification and VIP travel benefits.

When you're on the go for business, using your time efficiently not only eases your travel experience, but provides a greater window of opportunity to get work done.

Travel Light

When packing for your next business venture, take a tip from Laura Gassner Otting, the author and founder of non-profit Professionals Advisory Group. "If you control your bag, you control your time." she says.

Limit your travel essentials to one carry-on bag, pack mix-and-match business clothing and ship presentation supplies and product samples to your destination ahead of your arrival. 
 

Nix Unwanted Noise

When traveling for business, chatty seatmates and crying infants can really put a damper on productivity levels. That's why Jason Miller, Head of Content and Social Media Marketing for LinkedIn, relies on noise-cancelling headphones to "block out the world" when needed.

Whether you need to take a power nap in flight or work during a layover, headphones can keep distractions at bay.

Know Your Destination

Save a lot of time on your next business trip by getting to know your destination before you arrive. Go online and pinpoint your business location, hotel, any grocery stores, restaurants, fitness centers and sources of post-work entertainment in the area. To handle last-minute dinner reservations or car service while traveling, load your smartphone with useful apps that allow you to book restaurant tables, hire cars and get food delivered.
 

Manage Jet Lag

Nothing zaps work productivity like jet lag, and author and business etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore offers a few suggestions for managing it. To get as much rest as possible when traveling internationally, she recommends packing a neck pillow, earplugs and a sleeping mask. To help your body adjust to a new time zone, Whitmore advises arriving at your location one to two days early, if possible. Because dehydration contributes to jet lag, she also suggests drinking plenty of water before, during and after your trip. 
 

Don't Forget to Network

Besides seminars and meetings, work trips often provide plenty of possibilities for networking. Informal chats with like-minded businesspeople can result in great advice, future opportunities and longstanding friendships. On your next work trip, arrange to meet with fellow participants over a good meal in a nice restaurant or snacks in your hotel lounge.

If you take to the open road for business, it's important to stay productive every step of your journey. To save time and stay focused throughout your trip, take advantage of these strategies and share your personal tips with us on Facebook.

Searching for inspiration? You’ll find lots of travel tips on our blog.