Traveling for work can be a very fulfilling experience. You get to see more of the world while getting paid for it. There are few things that compare. But, at the end of the day, it is still work. And it can be extremely draining. The long hours spent navigating through airports and flying. The sleepless nights. The inconsistent working hours.
But there are a number of things you can do to make your life a lot easier. Once you make these changes you will be left wondering why you didn’t do them sooner! I have been traveling for work most of my life. And I can attest to the effectiveness of all of these tips. So, without further ado, here are six tips to make your work travel life easier!
Start Taking Melatonin
Melatonin is the hormone in our bodies responsible for regulating sleep. It is produced in response to darkness. And, if we are exposed to too much light when we are trying to sleep, the body doesn’t produce enough of it. It is why it is often so difficult to sleep on planes.
Melatonin supplements are an absolute game changer. Unlike sleeping pills, which can often be addictive or leave you feeling lethargic, melatonin supplements simply help your body produce the hormones it needs for a natural night’s sleep. Just take one or two a half an hour before you plan to sleep. They are great for helping you maintain a consistent sleep schedule while moving through different time zones.
Invest In A Leather Briefcase
If you are traveling for work a lot then you will want to get your packing down to the bare essentials. And you want a bag that can easily hold all your luggage while also being easy to get through airports and stow on the plane.
That is why I highly recommend investing in a good leather briefcase for work and for travel. They are stylish, functional, and fit into the overhead storage compartments on planes easily. They pair well with any good business attire and will protect your technology and any important work documents extremely well.
Pay For Airport Lounge Access
Most airlines will have their own lounge in major airports. And I cannot stress enough how useful they are for anyone who travels frequently. Airport lounges provide comfortable seating and often provide free food too. Meaning you will save a lot of money in the long run. They are also ideal spots for carrying out business calls or catching up on work.
Some of the larger airports even have bed suites in their lounges. These often come at a premium price. But they are well worth it if you have a long layover or just need to catch a power nap before your flight.
Start Collecting Miles
If you don’t already use American Express then I highly recommend getting one of their cards. One of the biggest advantages is that, with every purchase, you will start to accumulate airline miles. Amex works with many of the major airline companies. Chances are your flights will be paid for by your company. But, if you start to accumulate your own airline miles, you can redeem them for an upgrade during your flight.
Join The Airline Loyalty Programmes
Most airlines also have their own loyalty programs. Each flight you take will reward you with more airline miles. These can be redeemed for upgrades during your flight or allow you certain privileges in the airport. One of the biggest advantages to being on the airline loyalty program is often access to priority boarding and preferred seating during seat allocation.
Cut Out Alcohol
I used to be partial to the odd drink or two during my business trips. Sometimes it is a great way to bond with new or potential clients. Other times it is a great way for you to relax during some downtime.
But alcohol and consistent traveling do not mix well at all. Not only does it dehydrate you but it significantly impacts the quality of your sleep. And, when traveling a lot, your circadian rhythm is already going to be out of sync. So anything to make it worse is going to hinder you in the long run.
We aren’t saying cut out alcohol completely. But, ideally, you should avoid drinking up to two days before you are set to travel. And you should absolutely avoid drinking while you are flying. Especially if you want to get some sleep during the flight.
