17 tips for stress-free business travel

Published: April 1, 2023

When you have a business trip in the books, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. From inexperienced travelers to total pros, everyone needs reminders and new ways to make their trip better—they just might not know exactly what they need to do to make it more enjoyable from start to finish.

The good news is, with the right information, navigating this doesn’t have to be a struggle. We’ve compiled a list of 17 business travel tips that will help you feel more prepared before traveling, more energized after you arrive, and less stressed after your trip comes to an end.

Before your business trip

When it comes to business travel, planning ahead is the key to a more enjoyable experience. Here are some business travel tips to help you start your business trip on the right note.

Pack ahead of time

Packing with time to spare is one of the biggest secrets to stress-free business travel. Spend a little time reading up on your destination, pack outfits that will be appropriate for the occasion, and keep your travel documents in order. On the morning of your trip, you’ll wake up feeling ready to go rather than worried about what’s left on your checklist.

If you’re staying at a hotel where the rooms are not equipped with irons, pack clothes that don’t wrinkle easily. This way, you don’t have to worry about not looking your best or an outfit being ruined.

Plan your day

Look at your itinerary for your travel day and make a list of things you want to accomplish. Since you’ll be on a business trip, this might include taking time to check in or do work before you set out, and attending meetings after you arrive.

You’ll also want to check out the weather forecast for the place you’re traveling to. Mother Nature may affect your plans. If there might be snow or heavy rain, for example, you may need to build extra time into your schedule to get from your hotel to a meeting location to avoid being late.

Give yourself extra time

No matter the weather, you might want to allow yourself an extra buffer anyway, in case your schedule goes awry. Some airports post recommendations on when to arrive before your flight. If available, use those as a guideline so you have plenty of time to get through security without rushing or feeling stressed.

If you’re driving or taking public transportation, give yourself even more time than recommended. Delays can happen on buses or trains that could make you late, but you can avoid this by building space into your schedule.

Dress for comfort

Being uncomfortable while you’re traveling is a terrible feeling. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and easy to pack. Your future self will thank you as you navigate a new destination.

Dressing in layers is also a good idea when traveling if it makes sense for the climate, but keep it simple. Don’t pack more than one outfit for each day of travel unless absolutely necessary. This will save room in your suitcase and help you avoid feeling restricted or bogged down.

Schedule your airport ride ahead of time

Request your ride to and from the airport before you leave for your trip. In many cities, you can book a taxi ride or public transport tickets in advance. You might also have access to multiple ride services to make the process easy. With Uber Reserve, for example, travelers can request rides in advance for when they land and arrange curbside pickup.

Get your boarding pass on your phone

Have you ever dealt with the sinking feeling of being ready to board your flight and realizing you misplaced your boarding pass before you made it to the gate? A little preparation to get your boarding pass ahead of time will save you a headache. Use the airline app or website before you leave. You can save your boarding pass directly to your device so you don’t have to worry about printing it out. Take a screenshot if you don’t want to worry about connecting to wifi or using data.

Charge your electronic devices

We’re connected to our devices for communication and entertainment, so it’s wise to make sure everything is charged ahead of time. A portable charger or an external battery pack with enough power to charge your phone is a good idea, too. They’re small enough to fit in your purse or backpack.

While traveling

Now it’s time to take off or get on the road. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the travel process.

Stay hydrated

Drink water. This is a simple but important step for feeling good and keeping your energy up while traveling. Getting thirsty during the day can affect both your concentration and mood. Studies show that only around 50% of adults regularly drink enough water, so remember to prioritize this.

Choose food that fuels you well

Healthy food may mean something different to everyone, but it’s important to pay attention to what makes you feel your best. It can be tempting to pick up something quick as you’re on your way to your destination, but if it makes you feel uncomfortable, your trip won’t be off to a great start. Pack some snacks or do research on what options will be available to you as you travel.

Stretch

Don’t forget to stretch during your travels. You might be seated for long periods, so it’s a good idea to get moving every now and then. This will help you stay relaxed throughout the trip and potentially help you avoid discomfort as you begin to move around again when the trip is over.

Keep jet lag in mind

You can’t be at your best if you’re exhausted. And while you may have a schedule to stick to and meetings to attend, it’s important that you mind your body clock throughout your travels. By doing so, you can stay alert and focused during the day and avoid crashing in the evening. During your trip

You’ve gotten from point A to point B, but how do you make the most of your time in a new destination? Try these work travel tips to manage your trip with a bit more ease.

Prioritize your well-being

As much as possible, try to make time for yourself while you’re away on business. If you usually meditate, exercise, or do another activity to de-stress, take time for that in your day. Stress often leads to physical symptoms, so you might not be able to perform work tasks well if you’re too stressed out.

Plan to get outside of your accommodations

You may be traveling for business, but that doesn’t mean it has to be your focus for the entire trip. Make space to explore the new place you’re in. For example, you could:

Take a walk around the neighborhood
Eat at a local restaurant
Take a taxi to another part of town

Track your spending

Save yourself from potential stress after your trip by keeping track of expenses you’ll need to submit later. If you’re looking for a more streamlined solution for expense tracking, Uber for Business offers integrations that allow employee ride and meal receipts to flow directly into your expense provider dashboard. Choosing an option like this takes the guesswork out of the process and helps to ensure that purchases aren’t forgotten.

After your trip

You’ve finished your business trip, but you still need to tie up some loose ends and navigate back into your daily life. Here are a few key business travel tips you shouldn’t forget.

Report your expenses

Traveling and spending go hand in hand, but you don’t want those expenses to come out of your own pocket if your employer can reimburse them. When reporting expenses, be sure to understand your company’s policy and include all necessary information.

Communicate with leaders and colleagues

It’s important to inform relevant stakeholders on your team about key takeaways from your trip as soon as you can. For instance, you may have had a meeting with a client that impacts the work people back at the office are doing. Plus, catch up on anything you may have missed while you were away. This will make work less stressful when you return to your normal routine.

Rest and recover

Traveling takes a lot of mental effort and energy, even if you use all the best tips for business travel. While it might be tempting to jump back into work at full speed right away, don’t forget to take some time to rest. You may need more of a break than you think to return to work as your best self.

Take the stress out of business travel for your organization

Looking for more tips for traveling for work? There’s an easy way to improve travel for your team. Oversee your travel program with the flexible rules and streamlined reporting you need. The Uber for Business platform provides corporate travelers with access to rides, meals for delivery, eco-friendly options, and easy expensing in over 70 countries, so you can keep moving forward. Learn more about Uber’s business travel solution by going to this page.

Select your preferred language

English 简体中文 Español (Internacional)