Six Tips for On-the-Go Business Travelers When you’re on the road, every trick and tip for making the journey easier counts, whether its maximizing your travel credit card rewards, checking in at the office with desktop virtualization programs, or sure-fire methods for hailing a cab. Business travelers are a fraternity to themselves, and they love sharing their own individual methods of getting superior service or making life more convenient. While every traveler is likely to have his or her own individual tricks for taking the hassle out of business travel, there are some tried and true methods used by many. Keep Essentials Packed at All Times – If you travel frequently for business, it pays to keep your suitcase or travel bag packed with the essentials at all times. Keep a regular supply of deodorant, toothpaste, shaving gear, and other necessities stocked in your luggage to avoid having to pack and repack. It’ll save you time on your trip preparation and ensure you’re never without the things you need. Stick with One Credit Card – Maximize the rewards program on your favorite credit card by using it exclusively for purchases. By focusing all your spending on one credit card, you’ll rapidly build up points for rewards. If your company reimburses most of the expenses you incur, this trick makes even more financial sense. Avoid Checking Bags – It’s time-consuming, and the risk of losing luggage is always there. By traveling light, you can put everything you need in carry-on and avoid the hassles involved with bag check. Sign Up for Global Entry – Frequent travelers can avoid some of the hassles of security lines by registering for a pre-check program such as Global Entry. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Program that lets pre-screened frequent international travelers go around the usual bag checks and security lines other travelers must endure. This service is incredibly helpful for frequent business travelers who make overseas flights. Check Your Cell Service before Going Abroad – International call rates from cellular service providers can be astronomical. Before traveling abroad, check with your provider to find out the rate for foreign calls. You may need to get an international phone or SIM card when traveling abroad to reduce costs. Use Virtual Desktops to Stay in Touch – Virtual desktop programs like those provided by CyberlinkASP put all of the resources of your office computer right in front of you. With virtual desktop services, you can stay on top of everything that’s going on back home and get work done while you’re at your hotel or in the air. Business travel is big business. Domestic and international travelers spent more than $283 billion directly on business travel in 2014, and residents of the U.S. alone accounted for more than 450 million trips. More than a third of these business trips were for meetings and events.
Because businessmen and women spend so much time and money on the road, every opportunity to cut a few costs or reduce headaches and hassles is worth investigating.