Timesaving Travel: How to be Efficient, Productive and Organized on Your Next Trip

As every business traveler knows, business trips can be tiring and stressful. In fact, sometimes you need a vacation just to recover. Here are some tips on how to make that next business trip more efficient and productive, to stay organized and to make the most of your time.

Do Your Research

One of the most valuable - and easiest - things that you can do is to research your destination ahead of time, especially if it's somewhere you aren't familiar with. This means not only having your hotel room confirmed, but knowing how far your hotel is from the airport, what the options are for car service, car rental or other ground transportation, etc. You may want to research possible restaurants or nightlife options if you have free time or plan to meet clients out. Print directions and anything else you might need ahead of time, rather than at the last minute. The airlines have made your life a little bit easier as far as being organized is concerned; most now allow you to check in, assign or change seats and print boarding passes - all with the click of a mouse, from your home or office before you leave.

If your business trip is taking you overseas, do some research on such things as the exchange rate, any local customs, which clothes to pack, etc. You don't want to be dressed too casually or too formally. Most savvy travelers have also learned to pack light; if you are going on a short trip you can almost always manage with just a carry-on bag. Clothes should be mix and match, to minimize the number of outfits you need to carry. If checking a bag, pack essentials in your carry-on, just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.

Plan for Flight Delays

While flight delays can't be avoided entirely, there are certain steps you can take to minimize the inconvenience. Nonstop flights and flights departing early in the morning are less likely to be delayed or canceled, as delays tend to build up throughout the day. Before you travel, have some information on which other flights may be available - on other airlines as well as your own - just in case your flight is canceled; that way, you have some idea of your options. Make sure you have the toll free number for your airline, hotel and car rental company. Or better still, program the numbers into your cellphone so that you don't have to search for them. Most airlines today also offer a system of electronic notification in case of delays - take advantage of it.

High Tech, Low Tech

Whatever gadgets you are taking with you - cellphone, pager and laptop - make a point of ensuring that they are all charged and working before you leave. Take spare batteries with you. You don't want to have to spend your valuable time buying a battery. Having back-up discs or jump drives for important documents, papers, names and addresses, etc. is also a good idea. Even though our lives have become high tech, sometimes low tech works just as well. Always carry a notepad and pen with you on a business trip and always make sure you have enough business cards to distribute to potential contacts and colleagues. Wherever you are traveling, some change for snacks, taxi fare or a tip is always a good thing.

Use Your Time

Use your time in the airport, in a taxi or on the plane to read through notes or other relevant material. You don't want to work all the time though; try to schedule some down time during your business trip. You should plan appointments and meetings well ahead and schedule some time between meetings, so you aren't too rushed. A day at home before you are scheduled back at work is a good idea if possible, to relax and just in case of delays.

If you spend more time in airports than you want to, consider joining one or more airline clubs or lounges. They offer a pleasant and less hectic environment in which to work or relax than the airport terminal. Many of them offer all the facilities a business traveler may need including Internet access, fax machines, copiers, and even conference rooms. Some lounges have showers; most have complimentary snacks and drinks. And if the lines at the ticket counter have you groaning, most of them can issue or change tickets, issue boarding passes and generally assist you in the event of a delayed or canceled flight. A hotel with a good business center can also be invaluable - almost as invaluable as a good breakfast to set you up for the day and a fitness center in which to relax.