Inside: The Modern Woman’s Guide to Stress-Free Business Travel. Collaborative post.
On the face of it, business travel can feel exciting at first. After all, you get the chance to visit new cities or countries, meet movers and shakers in your industry, and grow your career.
However, over time, the thought of it can become a much less exciting proposition. Indeed, after a while, travelling for work can get tiring. Especially when it’s a constant pattern of flights, meetings, packing, and tight schedules.
When you consider that many professional women also juggle work responsibilities, family commitments, and personal well-being, then it’s not surprising that some experience acute levels of stress when they travel for work. A business trip can easily add extra pressure to an already busy routine. That is why it’s important to try and do all you can to take it in your stride.
The good news is that with the right mindset and a few helpful strategies, work travel can become something that you don’t have to dread. That is why we have put together this guide of business travel tips for women who want their trips to feel more organised, calm, and productive.
Why Business Travel Can Feel So Stressful
Travelling for work often involves a lot more than simply catching a flight and attending a meeting. There are emails to answer. Schedules to manage. And presentations to prepare. Many women also carry the mental load of managing home life while they are away. This can be especially an issue if the trip is last-minute.
The biggest challenge for some female business travellers is the disruption. Early flights. Unfamiliar hotels. Packed workdays. All can make the experience feel rushed. When you throw in time zones, long days, and interference with sleep patterns, it is no wonder it can also leave you feeling drained. Even knowing what to pack can cause extra worries. Some female travellers are concerned they’ll be judged for what they wear.
Sometimes, the destination can raise red flags in women’s minds, especially if they are venturing there alone. They will naturally want to feel comfortable and safe whilst away from the office. Unfortunately, some cities and countries may not have the best of reputations for female travellers.
Planning Ahead for a Stress-Free Business Trip
Wherever possible, you should plan as much of your trip as you can before you head off. A good place to start is by confirming your travel itinerary well in advance. Make sure you check your flight times, meeting schedules, and accommodation bookings. It’s always handy to save these details in one place, such as a travel app or notes folder. This will make them easy to access.
It could also help to organise transportation for when you arrive. Many professional women arrange business car rentals in advance, often from the airport or their hotel. Having a vehicle at their disposal helps them easily and more safely get around. Just make sure you have one with a good GPS system.
You may also find it handy to create a small checklist of work travel essentials before you pack. This can include items such as your laptop charger, presentation materials, business cards, and any work-related documents you may need.
Additionally, many female travellers may find it helpful to prepare their home routine before they leave. Cooking meals, stocking the fridge, organising school pick-ups or drops-offs, can all take a load off their minds.
Packing Tips for Business Travel
As mentioned, packing efficiently can cause a few headaches for women on business travel.
Depending on the length of their trip, many professionals prefer carry-on packing for business travel whenever possible. Travelling with one small suitcase saves time at the airport. It also reduces the chance of luggage getting lost.
It is a good idea to choose clothing that works in multiple situations. For instance, you can wear a blazer, a comfortable dress, or tailored trousers in both meetings and dinners. If they are neutral colours, then all the better. This will allow you to mix and match outfits during the trip.
Many seasoned female business travellers also have a ready-to-go toiletry bag with travel-sized toiletries and beauty items. In the rush to get ready for a trip, having this on hand can save them a lot of time and mental energy.
How to Stay Organised While Travelling for Work
One of the hardest things to do when you are on the road for work is to keep on top of things. However, it is important to do this because you will be better able to focus on the purpose of your trip rather than worrying about logistics.
Thankfully, there is a suite of digital tools you can use to stay on track. Many travellers keep their schedules in calendar apps. They can send you reminders for meetings, flights, and check-in times. You may also find it handy to keep your boarding passes, identification, and receipts organised in a slim folder or travel wallet.
Whilst you are away, it can be helpful to create a small daily routine. This can involve:
- Checking emails at set times
- Prioritising the most important tasks to complete
- Reviewing your meeting schedule each morning
- Preparing the next day’s outfit the night before
Doing this should make things run more smoothly on your trip. Additionally, you may find it beneficial to block out short periods for rest or quiet time. This will help you maintain your energy levels on busy days.
Safety Tips for Solo Business Travel
Many women travel alone for work. And this can cause them a sense of unease, especially if they are visiting an unfamiliar place. However, there are some steps you can take to remain safe and give yourself greater peace of mind.
One of the most sensible things to do is choose accommodation in business hotels. These are geared towards business travellers and typically offer 24-hour check-in desks. They tend to be in safe, convenient locations, such as airports or CBDs. They also usually offer concierge services that can provide you with recommendations and assistance as needed.
You should always share your travel plans with work colleagues, families or friends. It might even be an idea to share your location pin with them on WhatsApp.
Lastly, trust your instincts and adopt the same sensible precautions about going out alone at night as you would back home.