If you’re a business traveler and you travel regularly, there are probably a few little things you do to make the whole process run more smoothly. But we’re sure you’re always looking for more tips to improve your travel experience. Here are the best tips for business travellers:
Convenient and Secure
Virgin offer a Premium Entry and Exit service, which, while not actually bypassing security, does mean you’ll spend much less time in the terminal, and more time relaxing in the lounge. Currently offered in Sydney and Melbourne, this is a semi-private security screening point which is connected to the lounge and available for premium economy and business class guests, as well as Velocity Gold and Platinum members.
Take a Ride
Ditch the taxi ranks. If you’re traveling business or first on some of the top airlines like Emirates or Qantas, you’ll be able to take advantage of complimentary chauffeur-driven transfers, which will pick you up before your flight and take you to the airport, and then take you back home when you arrive after your trip.
Check in
Everyone knows you can check in for your flights online, but many people are unaware that you can sometimes also check into your hotel room. The hotel group Accor offers online check ins for more than 40 hotels, including big names liek Mercure, Sofitel, Novotel, Pullman, and the Sebel, with more than 80 due to join the club by the end of 2015.
You can check in up to two days before you stay, and simply have your key handed to you as soon as you arrive. The new Apple Watch is also expected to let you ditch check inc completely, as a digital code which is sent to the watch will unlock your room as you swipe your wrist.
Stay Packed
If you do a lot of business travel, try to keep your suitcase partially packed, with business cards, toiletries, jewellery, makeup, notebook, pens, and anything else that doesn’t necessarily need to be removed. As soon as clothes and pajamas have been washed, simply repack so it’s ready to go and you can save time, or switch out the clothes for new ones.
Be Productive
If you have to be traveling for business, use the time to be as productive as possible. Write speeches and emails on the plane, get to work as soon as you arrive in the hotel and look forward to relaxing once you’re home. The time away from family also goes far more quickly if you’re busy.
FedEx your bags
This may sound crazy, but if you’re constantly running short on time, and need more than just a carryon, overnight your bags, and you’ll save days of billable and productive time that you would have spent waiting on checked bags.
Be Sure to eat
There’s nothing worse than arriving in a new city, starving, and not having any idea about where to eat (other than room service). Use Yelp to figure out what’s open and within a quick walk or drive, and you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants you’re sure to return to.
