Business owners know it is often essential to travel for business, and it can be very stressful. Through apps and websites, you can ease this stress and make traveling as pleasant as possible. By minimizing stress from travel you can maximize your productivity. Here are a few helpful apps and tricks to make traveling for business easier:
Custom packing
A great way to make sure you have everything is Packingessentials.com. This site generates a packing list for your trip. Simply enter your destination, and the dates you will be traveling to generate a customizable packing list. The packing list can be printed, or viewed from any mobile device. It also includes the weather forecast of the destination for your dates of travel and include essential items for the weather. Lastly, make sure your electronic devices are fully charged in advance. Put them next to your car keys and purse or wallet so you make sure to pack it in your carry-on before driving to the airport.
Traveler programs
International travelers can register for services like Global Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection programs allows pre-approved travelers to bypass traditional security checks. Enrollment information is available at www.cbp.gov. This site also provides up-to-date information you need on airport and border wait times before you begin your travel, estimated wait times for incoming travelers at top major U.S. airports and estimated queue times for Preclearance Travelers. This can let you know ahead of time what you can expect at the airport.
Ask for upgrades
Get upgrades on flights by booking an economy ticket with a Y or B booking code. This means that the ticket will be full fare but you will receive a complimentary upgrade if there are open spots in the next class of service. Just request the upgrade when you book your ticket and then check your status 24 hours before your flight. Frequent flyers should hear about upgrades within 100 hours of their departure (based on status level).
Avoiding jet lag
Everyone reacts to changing time zones differently. Jet Lag Rooster is an app that gives you a customized jet lag plan. Lag Rooster suggests when to expose yourself to sunlight and when to avoid it. People who follow these suggestions report less jet lag. It is important to remember to staying well hydrated, and avoid too much coffee and alcohol. It will only dehydrate you and make the jet lag worse.
Recharge
For shorter trips it may not be cost effective to rent a hotel room, but getting away to recharge is important. If you are in need of a space short term the Breather app can help you. They rent professional spaces by the hour. They provide professional spaces for work, a quick nap, a private phone call or just to get away from it all. Simply launch the app, scan for locations nearby, select and book a space.
Keep in touch
While traveling Skype is a great way to connect. This is an obvious one but seeing your loved ones faces, even for brief moments, is a huge help at reducing stress. Set aside time in your schedule to catch up with loved ones. Skype also lets you share videos from your smart phone. Sharing videos of your travel with friends and family at home can help you to feel connected when you are away.
The stress of travel can be difficult, but there are many options now that help make your travel experience as stress-free as possible. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!