Every “road warrior” knows that travel is an effective means of closing the deal, managing widespread operations, networking with peers, and learning new tactics and technologies. But those same women and men also know that business travel can be grueling, time-sucking and stressful. To help business travelers stay productive and sane while they crisscross the country or even the globe to achieve their goals, we’ve compiled 10 tips for making the most of business travel.

Tips for Business Travel Efficiency

Be a Packing Pro: If you travel frequently, or even several times a year, minimize the time it takes to pack by keeping a travel toiletries bag ready. I keep travel-sized duplicates of my regular products ready to go in my favorite zippered bag, so I can just toss it in my suitcase and know everything I need is in there. Keep a business travel technology list so you can quickly pull it all together. Travel Maestro tip: I like to pack neutral, solid-color business attire that can go from office to dinner, and add colorful scarves to accessorize.

Carry On: Pack light and minimize size for mobility and flexibility. You’ll not only avoid checked bag fees, but you don’t have to wait for luggage to offload so you’ll get out of the airport and be on your way faster. Plus, checked baggage is like an anchor during travel disruptions; you can’t be rebooked until your luggage is retrieved and can accompany you.

Sign Up for TSA Precheck: This is a no-brainer for anyone who travels a couple times a year. TSA Precheck qualifies you for the fast lane security where you don’t have to remove your shoes, coat, belt, laptop or liquids. It’s not a guaranteed fast pass, but you won’t be stuck behind infrequent travelers who don’t know the drill and appear to have all the time in the world. Travel Maestro tip: The My TSA app shows user-generated security wait times at many airports.

Have a Boarding Routine: Know what you’ll need from your carry-on during the flight and make it accessible to quickly pull out before you stow your bag. That way you won’t be that guy standing in the aisle holding up boarding or flailing elbows in the seat while you’re rummaging through your bag for reading material and headphones.

Stay Productive on the Road

Use Your Time Wisely: Plan ahead for time in the air by downloading work documents, podcasts or reading material in advance. Save online work until you have a faster and less expensive Wi-Fi connection on the ground.

Use your technology: Mobile technology is an integral part of business today and even more so when you’re traveling. When traveling internationally, pack the appropriate electrical adapters and consider an international data plan. Don’t forget the chargers for your devices. Download favorite mobile apps to help you stay productive while on the go. Travel Maestro tip: Some of my must-haves are Tripit, Trip Lingo, Google Maps, Open Table, Skype, Buffer, Pocket, and Last Pass.

Network everywhere: Engaging with others is an excellent way to promote your cause, foster sales leads, and educate yourself on issues pertinent to your business. Attend the social hour. Talk to your seatmate. Use social media. Extroverts have no trouble doing this everywhere they go, but for some others, it may be more challenging.  Travel Maestro tip: Look up the local chapter of your college alumni group to attend a group meeting or arrange a coffee date with someone in your industry.

Attend to Your Health and Wellbeing

Exercise and eat right: Being away from home doesn’t mean you can’t maintain healthy habits. Most hotels have some level of work out facility, or you can take a brisk walk or practice yoga in your room. Attempt to keep your regular eating schedule and make healthy food choices. Travel Maestro tip: I keep a protein-rich snack of dried fruit and nuts handy if I need a boost.

Add a “Bleisure” excursion: The trend of extending business travel to include a leisure element is definitely on the rise. For example, if your business trip is Wednesday through Friday, consider extending over the weekend to sightsee or visit friends or family. Travel Maestro tip: Spending a Saturday night is likely to reduce the airfare, making a “bleisure” extension a win/win for your company and you.

Know when to take a break: Business travel can be tiring, so pace yourself. If you have to get up in the wee hours to make the first flight out, it’s ok to nap for an hour in the air – it really won’t look good if you fall asleep in the meeting later. When you’ve spent a full day of meetings and appointments, wind down the day with some “me time” – watch a movie, phone friends and family, or take a stroll.

Bonus Business Travel Tip

Booking business travel with a Travel Management Company like Covington gives you an advocate and resource during the inevitable travel snafus that happen. Plus, we are able you help you comply with your company’s travel policy while you save time and money on your business travel.

For more information on Covington Travel’s Business Travel Services, please contact us. Safe travels!