Traveling for business doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s far more important to think about how you are going to present to your clients and landing the all-important contract.
Travel becomes a breeze when you have everything in order before you go. For first those of you that have never been on a business flight before, make sure you pay close attention. If you do what we are about to show you, every future trip will be made so much easier.
So with that being said, here are the life hacks you need as an Indian business traveler.
1. Pick The Right Seat On The Airplane
The first thing you must think about is your seat. It’s the place that you will spend the majority of your time while you’re in the air.
You need to be comfortable. Think how far you are traveling – if you’re going on a long haul, think about upgrading your seat. The last thing you want is having a terrible experience putting you in a bad mood just before you have that all-important meeting.
Also, as mentioned by Gift Wits, consider the location of your seat. The aisle seats give you that extra bit of legroom in economy and it gives you easy access to the bathroom. However, if you’d rather not be disturbed by those sitting next to you, asking you to get up every so often so they can go, consider getting the window seat.
All these little details can make or break your flight.
2. Choose The Right Security Line At The Airport
The fastest line isn’t always the shortest line. This is a secret life hack for Indian business travelers that not many people seem to understand.
The most important thing to look out for is the type of people in the line and how efficient the security is at checking. For example, if your line has a large family, they tend to spend more time managing the party rather than just getting through.
If you can spot the fastest line, you will save a lot of valuable time.
3. Arrange Internet Access Before Traveling
As noted by SaveDelete, the Internet is a modern-day essential for the business traveler. Money never sleeps so you need to have access to emails, Google for client prospecting, etc.
Now, depending on where you are traveling, you could get great internet or a connection so slow you’d prefer not to have it at all. So, make sure you pay attention to access to the internet and WiFi when you’re looking at places to stay.
Hotels often provide free WiFi with a room but you may have to pay extra to make use of the fastest speeds. In this case, it may be more efficient to contact your cell phone provider and take out an international data plan. You can then use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot for your laptop or tablet at the hotel or on the go.
4. Carry The Essentials
When it comes to surviving international business travel, there are certain things you must always have on your person: a portable power bank and a reusable water bottle.
People carry all sorts of devices nowadays, but they all need power to function, whether it’s a cell phone or wireless headphones. A portable power bank allows you to continue using these devices all day long without having to worry about losing power. Of course, you will also need the USB cables to plug into the charger and the device.
Reusable water bottles are also essential for business travel. They are key to staying hydrated, keeping you focused and on your toes for any notices that come up during your travel.
5. Join An Airport Club
This is a vital life hack for Indian business travelers, particularly for those that do it often. Since you’ll be spending more of your time in an airport than your own home, an airport club can be the place you can relax or do some extra work.
There may be days where you have long layovers between flights. In this event, an airport club can provide a comfortable chair and desk or provide refreshments without having to wait in line with the masses.
Airport clubs are all about making life easier as you travel. Check your email, browse the web, research the company of those you’re about to meet, etc.
6. Take Care Of Your Diet
Stick to what you know. Do not overeat or go all-in on the local cuisine before you attend an important meeting. You never know how your body will react to the new environment, and the last thing you need while you’re with a client is to feel bloated or have indigestion. It could get in the way of clinching a deal with a new client.
Check out the places to eat in the area you’re staying before you travel and create a list. This way, when you get there, you won’t be tempted to venture off and put your meeting at risk.
Online reviews can help you find the best places if you are struggling to make a decision.
9. Sleep And Try To Avoid Jet Lag
According to Kate Huber at NJGamblingFun, “Not everyone can avoid jet lag but many of us can if we approach it the right way. Firstly, get as much sleep as you can at home so you start on the right foot. The best way to do it is to find out the local time of your destination and plan your bedtime around what it would be like there. Then it’s about getting as much sleep as you would during your regular 24-hour period.”
Another way you can beat jet lag is by taking short naps throughout the day or by drinking good coffee to keep you awake long enough before going to bed at the local time.
Rest is important to your overall well-being. Lack of sleep can affect your performance too, which is never good when going away on business. Making sure you minimize jet lag will help you pay attention during meetings and give your client your full participation.