Business travel survival guide

If you travel a lot for work it can take the shine right off visiting different cities. While some things are part-and-parcel of travel, by having four key areas under control, you can protect yourself from the frustrations of travel and be smug that you’re doing it like a pro. Take heed, holiday-makers – if we all work together everyone wins.

My view from the Amora Jamison

1. Pack well

There’s a temptation to take half your wardrobe ‘just in case’ but keeping it tight is key.

Top tips:
• Be brutal – Only include the number of outfits you need.

• Layer it up – Pack layers if there is a chance of a cool weather (both outside and in air-con offices!).

• Only take comfy shoes – You have been warned.

• Take travel-sized toiletries – Save kilos of dead weight. Have a second set ready and you’re always prepared for last minute weekends away.

Look sauvé on your trip by checking out more travel packing tips from fashion blogger Lady Melbourne.

2. Fly well

Whoever said “getting there is half the fun” was not on a business trip. Flying is a battle and here’s how to win.

Top tips:
• Check in online 24 hours before your flight – If you fly Virgin Australia and don’t like steps, lock in a seat before row 13 and go directly through the aerobridge, baby!

A familiar sight

• Choose your seat wisely – I used to love the window, but now can’t go past the aisle. You’re in and out with ease. You can board last, and avoid “excuse me, that’s my seat”.

• Check your bags – Carry on doesn’t save that much time and oh the stress! Firstly, your bag has to weigh less than nine kilograms.
Secondly, you must lift the bag (which let’s face it, is so over nine kilograms) into the overhead compartment in a busy crowded space. Finally, if you like to board last, it’s likely your overhead luggage won’t be over your head … In the worst case it will be behind you so you have to wait before you get off – this is not success!

• Get your laptop out for scanning – It’s no secret that it needs to be out so let’s all work together.

3. Book well

I’ve stayed in many Sydney hotels, ranging from four to five stars. Here’s how to nab a great hotel within your travel budget.

Top tips:
• Location, location, location – pick somewhere central to your meetings for convenience. However, a little walk to and from the office keeps you active and helps ward off the kilos that sneak onto your person with regular business travel.

My morning walk into the office through Hyde Park

• Get a good deal – I regularly road test Secret Hotels® as they are the best value on the market. You’ll receive a few clues so you know the general area, star rating and facilities. Plus it’s a good way to liven up a business trip with a little surprise 😉

• Give boutique hotels a try – While you usually sacrifice room size, they often have quirky conveniences. The Park 8 has great coffee in the foyer, the Diamont offers soothing facial packs which I enjoyed, and when I stayed at the Cambridge Hotel I had a huge room with an great view. The Cambridge Hotel was walking distance from the restaurants of Potts Point, which makes you feel a little more like you are a local than a visitor in the city.

Diamont Boutique Hotel

The Cambridge Hotel

4. Be well

The most important tip for managing business travel is having a good attitude. Things go wrong. Planes are delayed. Someone will have an issue with a train ticket which means you miss the train. You won’t survive unless you find your traveller zen.

Top tips:
• Eat well – Avoid the temptation to eat fast food in your hotel room just because no one is watching.

• Exercise – If that’s your routine don’t stop – you’ll feel much better for it.

• Load a good soundtrack – Good music makes every situation better.

• Smile – People are nicer to you when you are friendly and you’ll feel better too. Think of it as travel karma.

The beautiful sunset view from the Cambridge Hotel