8 tips for stress-free travel for business

For many, business travel can be an exciting perk, while for others, it’s a necessary challenge. Seasoned corporate travellers know that the key to a seamless experience lies in efficient and thoughtful preparation. 

By following these strategies, you can transform even the most demanding work trips into productive and enjoyable journeys. Here’s how you can optimise your travel for business success.

Best 8 strategies to optimise travel for business

The following strategies cover all aspects of business travel and can help even the most seasoned business traveller be well-prepared for their next trip.

1. Stay Informed about your company’s travel policies

When planning a business trip, it is important to be aware of your company’s travel policies. These policies establish clear guidelines on travel expenses, approval flows, and even sustainability goals.

Here are some factors to consider before even starting to book a trip: 

• Spend limits: What is the maximum price allowed for flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, etc.?
• Travel class limits: Is there a limit to which travel class you can book? For example, is business or first class allowed?
• Reimbursements: What expenses are included in the policy for reimbursement requests?
• Booking time: Are you required to book your business trip a certain number of days in advance?

If your company uses business travel management software, following policies can be a breeze. For example, a modern platform like Navan will clearly display which bookings are within company policy so that, when planning your travel, you can act independently and swiftly without chasing approvers for every move.

2. Pack smart

Experienced business travellers are familiar with the art of smart packing, which can transform a business trip from a hassle to a pleasant journey. If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry. We’ve gathered some of the best packing tips so you won’t have to spend years figuring out the perfect way to pack. These strategies will have you packing like a pro in no time.

Here’s what you need to know about packing efficiently:

• Opt for carry-on luggage only: This is a great way to save valuable time at the airport waiting for your luggage at baggage claim and avoid the headache of potentially lost baggage.
• Be prepared in advance: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider keeping a separate set of essential items, such as toiletries, medications, chargers, and other small necessities, specifically for your trips to save time on packing.
• Maintain organisation: Keep essential documents such as boarding passes and identification in an easily accessible location. The ability to grab these items without searching through your carry-on bag can make a significant difference.
• Pack versatile attire: Pack a combination of business outfits and casual ones so you can transition between work and leisure with ease, all while staying comfortable during your trip.

3. Benefit from loyalty and reward programs

Those who travel for business frequently can turn their work trips into opportunities for incredible perks. Loyalty programs allow travellers to collect miles and points and receive unique perks like room or flight upgrades, priority boarding, lounge access, or VIP treatment. These rewards can unlock significant discounts on personal travel — turning every business trip into a step closer to a dream getaway.

Here is how to make the most of your travel for business when it comes to points:

• Sign up for loyalty programs for the airlines and hotels you use the most.
• Check for co-branded credit cards that facilitate miles earnings.
• If your company uses a travel management company (TMC), add your loyalty details to the platform so you don’t miss out on a single point or mile.

4. Prioritise comfort and well-being

Comfort and well-being are important factors in business travel, especially for frequent travellers. By prioritising these two things, travellers are more likely to arrive well-rested and fresh at their destination and make the most of their business trip.

Here are some tips to help travellers remain refreshed and energised throughout their trip: 

• Pack items that help you feel at home for maximum comfort.
• Bring travel-size toiletries from your favourite brands to feel pampered.
• Enjoy the relaxing advantages of the airport lounge, whether you may have free access with a business-class boarding pass or by paying separately.
• Nourish and energise your body with healthy foods and plenty of water.
• Dedicate some time to exercising to support your health and keep your energy levels high.
• Stretch during and after the flight to improve blood circulation and prevent sore muscles.
• Stick to routines to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

5. Stay connected

The business world relies on people connecting with one another in myriad ways, whether via emails, video calls, or internal communication platforms. Staying connected will help you run your business trip as smoothly as possible.

Try these tips to make it easier to stay connected:

• Fully charge your electronic devices before your journey to avoid the inconvenience of searching for an outlet.
• Pack a power bank for situations where outlets are unavailable.
• If your business trip is international, pack a power adapter to maintain seamless outlet connections and avoid voltage issues.

By staying connected, in case of a flight cancellation or delay, you’ll easily be able to change your flight through the Navan platform, independently or with the help of travel agents available 24/7.

6. Set yourself up for a smooth journey

If you need to take a flight or train to your destination, making thoughtful, strategic choices will allow you to arrive much more relaxed and fully ready for any meeting.

Here are the best strategies to create a stress-free journey:

• To save valuable time at the airport or train station, check-in early whenever possible.
• When booking, prioritise nonstop flights and direct routes. Layovers prolong the journey and can leave you exhausted, especially with the added stress of making your connection on time.
• When choosing your seat, consider what will make your journey more comfortable. If you enjoy the view, go for a window seat. An aisle seat might be optimal if you prefer easy access to the bathroom or want to stretch.

7. Maximise your layovers and connections

Sometimes, layovers and connections are inevitable, whether due to budget considerations or the availability of route options. But when you travel for business, there are ways to make the most of that time.

Here are some tips for maximising this time:

• Catch up on work by checking emails and making business calls.
• Learn about the business culture in your destination to help you connect better with prospects or colleagues.
• Take the opportunity to unwind from previous travel and grab a nourishing meal to arrive at your destination refreshed.

8. Manage your expenses

When travelling for business, organised expense management is imperative. This is an important factor in making sure that travellers are reimbursed for business expenses.

Follow these tips to manage your expenses while travelling for business:

• Before travelling, review your company’s policy regarding per diems or allowances so you can stay within budget.
• Capture receipts for all transactions to support reimbursement requests or document transactions made with a corporate card.
• Submit reimbursement requests promptly. If your company uses expense management software like Navan, expenses are automatically captured, and you can request reimbursements quickly through the system.

Use these strategies to boost your business travel experience

Business travel doesn’t have to be a stressful and demanding event where juggling logistics is an endless task. With the right preparation and mindful strategies, you can elevate your journey into a more productive and enjoyable experience.

From smart packing and staying connected to managing expenses and maximising layovers, every step takes travellers forward. Better planning pays off in comfort and efficiency.

By incorporating these tips into the travel routine and leveraging tools like Navan’s all-in-one travel and expense solution, travellers can spend less time worrying about the details and more time focusing on their business goals.

Ready to enjoy a streamlined business travel experience? Book a demo today to learn all about our solution.