When you’re running your own business, travel can be an important part of your weekly routine.

Whether you’re doing regular interstate or overseas trips, or simply need the occasional big trip to attend an international conference or expo, travel tips are handy tools to help you enjoy your travel experience, stress-free.

We asked Your Personal Travel Manager, Leah Boyd, to share some of her favourite tips for business travel.

1.  Act professionally and be polite (to everyone you encounter on your journey)

2.  Invest in a good noise-cancelling headset - helps you concentrate if working on the plane and you are refreshed for the day ahead

3.  Check data and phone rates if travelling overseas

4.  Check in online and print boarding passes to save time - especially on domestic flights. On domestic flights you can do that with your mobile phone

5.  Always remember your charger!  

Some other tips that can help? Use this guide as a checklist before you plan your next trip.

6.  Join a corporate loyalty travel rewards program.  If you travel as frequently as our events team does, you will know just how many frequent flyer points you receive for each flight. As you accumulate these points, you will be eligible for a range of rewards which may include priority boarding, access to the airline lounge or free baggage. These rewards can make a big difference to your quality of travel and are definitely worth exploring.  

7.  Be prepared and on time. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in traffic on your way to the airport, unable to find a parking spot and then rushing to check in your bags. Suggestions to save time include pre-booking your parking or taxi, checking in online before you get to the airport, and allowing time for traffic congestion and airport queues.  

8.  Travel light.  Buy a good quality suitcase, travel light, label and lock your luggage, and don’t take any items with you that aren’t necessary. It will also help to pack your suitcase the day or night before, so you are not rushed and forget an important item.  Stay hydrated and get some fresh air. Airports, and especially airplanes, are dehydrating places. I recommend buying a bottle of water before you board and take the opportunity to get some fresh air if possible. It can make a world of difference in your recovery after a long flight.  

9.  Prepare in advance for the security check.  If you’ve ever been caught walking through security with a pair of scissors in your bag or phone in your pocket, then you’ll know how embarrassing and time-consuming it can be. It is not an enjoyable experience to watch a gloved attendant search through your bag whilst being watched by dozens of cautious travellers. You can avoid those situations by double-checking your carry-on luggage before joining the security line.  

10. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. I don’t think anyone is a fan of cramped airline seating, however you can do small things to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Number one on the list is to wear comfortable shoes. As much as ladies don’t like to admit it, stilettos or heels are not comfortable footwear even at the best of times, let alone on a long flight. Swap your heels for a comfy pair of flats which are easy to slip on and off during the flight. Skinny jeans are not a good fashion choice either, especially when you have to undo your top button to sit up straight for take-off and landing. Save yourself the trouble and wear looser-fitting pants next time you fly. I’m sure those sitting next to you will be thankful as well.  

11. In-flight Entertainment.  Whether you love to read a good book, complete a challenging Sudoku puzzle or delve into a gossip magazine, make sure you take something entertaining or productive on board with you. The in-flight magazine only lasts so long, so potentially take another book or magazine, or use the opportunity to do some work that you can undertake in the small confines of your seat.

12. Travel with a positive mindset. So many things can go wrong when travelling frequently, but it all comes down to how well you manage issues as they arise. If you start with a positive mindset, then you are less likely to let minor issues affect you, such as delays, lost luggage or bad seat allocation.

To find out more about corporate and business travel tips, you can connect with Leah Boyd on her website.