So you’re about to hit the road once again for your next business trip. This is exciting, but you may also feel anxious about it. As enjoyable as traveling for work often is, it can also be quite stressful, especially in the planning stages. There are a lot of different factors to consider, and one misstep could mean major expenses for your company or a huge inconvenience for you. The pressure is on, but this doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task. The key is to be thoughtful about each step along the way. When you are planning your next business trip, these tips should help you do so with less stress and more convenience for you.

Booking Your Flight

You don’t have to settle for the first flight you find anymore. The internet now makes it possible to find the perfect flight for your schedule and budget. Try using Skyscanner to compare different flight options so you can find the most convenient and affordable flights and book through the carrier’s sites or through your travel agent. Alternatively, you can use Google Flights to filter flights based on preferences such as whether or not you want a layover. In a calendar format, you can compare prices based on days, so if you have greater flexibility for your dates, you can find the best deals.

Streamlining the Airport Process

As a frequent traveler, it’s essential to have your airport routine down pat. One way you can do this is by being loyal to one airline to gain points towards speedy check-ins and priority security. You should also look into the Global Entry program through U.S. Customs, which can help you speed up the process of re-entering the U.S. with special queues. This program also adds you to the TSA Pre-Check list, allowing you a faster way through domestic security and the flexibility to keep your shoes on! Getting through the airport quickly is key to being a frequent traveler, so look into which options are best for you.

Finding the Right Accommodations

When it comes to lodging, it’s all about location. The location of your hotel could mean the difference between being late to a meeting and the opportunity to have a leisurely breakfast and still make it to the event early. Boutique hotels are often the most convenient option for frequent travelers, allowing you to gain points through loyalty programs. You can compare prices for different hotels by using services such as HotelsCombined or TripAdvisor, as well as read reviews and learn about their amenities. If you have a longer trip, you might consider an AirBnB instead. This lets you have the feel of home while you are away, giving you a more comfortable experience.

Utilizing Ground Transportation

Once you arrive at your destination, the travel stress isn’t over yet. Now you have to figure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. While Uber or Lyft can be handy for getting around, it can sometimes be confusing to figure out where to meet your ride. While taxis are more convenient in that way, they can also be significantly more expensive, and at times, don’t accept corporate credit cards. If you have the time, it can often be beneficial to figure out the public transportation system in this moment. This allows you to get more of a feel for the local culture, save the environment, avoid traffic, and save money. In major cities, most airports have a railway that will take you from the airport into the city. You can help this grand experience along with the use of an app such as Moovit. Moovit offers bus and subway schedules in real-time on a global level, so you can master the local transportation system. If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you aren’t being overcharged with an app like TaxiFareFinder.

Managing Your Time Well

Once you are in your location, you want to do everything in your power to manage your time well. But with your flight information in one email, your meeting itinerary in another, and your hotel reservation in yet another, it might be tricky to stay organized while on the road. If this is the case for you, an app such as TripIt will be invaluable to you. This app neatly organizes your itineraries all in one calendar, sends you email notifications, and keeps you updated on any changes to your flight information. You don’t need to carry around a bunch of paper anymore—you can have all of the important info you need in the click of a button.

Staying Connected

When you travel for business, staying connected is absolutely imperative. Not only do you need to be able to stay in contact with your colleagues, you also want to make sure you can stay in touch with your loved ones back home. That’s why it is so important to plan ahead for staying connected before you even get on the plane. That’s where Sapphire MiFi comes in. This handy portable wifi device allows you access to a 4G connection in more than 100 countries. Regardless of where you are, when you invest in our wireless hotspot, you are able to stay connected online. If you’re looking for portable wireless internet, shop Sapphire.