It’s been a busy year of travel planning over here at the TravelManor HQ, and as we get ourselves in gear to tackle 2019 with even more verve and determination we’re reflecting on best-practice tactics that make for successful business journeys. As the preferred corporate travel partner of some of South Africa’s most innovative companies, we have a fair amount of insight regarding the type of mindset that paves the way for lucrative business trips, so we thought we’d share our findings.
Here are our top best-practice tactics that will lay the groundwork for successful journeys in 2019:
It can be tempting to indulge in rich foods and enjoy plenty of local wine when you’re overseas, but when you’re traveling for work it’s best to stick to lighter foods and opt for non-alcoholic options. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have an overt reaction to unfamiliar foods or get up with a hangover on the day of an important meeting where you need to make a good impression.
Insomnia and jet lag are real on the road. If you know you battle to fall asleep when you travel, it’s important that you practice sleep hygiene. This newfangled term described a sequence of behaviours leading up to bedtime that gives you the best chance of a good night’s rest. It includes avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants at least four hours before bed; switching off TVs, tablets and other devices an hour before you want to sleep; keeping the room cool and dark, etc.
Make time for exercise while you travel. Most hotels have gyms, but if you prefer to work out in your own space you can always invest in a fitness app that will allow you to do a few high-intensity exercises in the comfort of your room. Alternatively, you can also lace up your trainers and go for a walk and run (this is a great way to see a little more of the city or town you’re visiting as well!).
Accept invitations to dinner and other social engagements when you travel for work. Even if you’re not exactly in the mood to socialise, it is an invaluable opportunity to build connections and increase your reach in your field. You never know which contact might come in handy at a later stage.
Even if you don’t have the luxury of extending your stay to explore your destination at your own pace, there are ways to make moments for leisure while you travel for work. Get up earlier to go for a walk in a local park, eat lunch at one of the city’s foremost restaurants instead of dining in front of your computer in the hotel; or plan ahead to catch a show, gallery opening or another cultural occasion. The options are virtually endless.
Following these guidelines when journeying for work will allow you to make the most of your time on the road. For more expert advice on reaping the rewards of a road-warrior lifestyle, keep an eye on the blog in coming weeks and months. In the meantime, get in touch with our team of passionate corporate travel planners if you’d like to learn more about our services and how we go about tailoring business journeys that tick all those must-have boxes.
