Top 10 Business Travel Tips for Mindset and Sanity

Business travelers know this all too well.

“Annoying Thing A” happens.

“Business Traveler B” decides what to do.

Some days are a constant impetus/response pattern. Some of us get good at it.  Some of us pride ourselves on our inner peace in spite of Annoying Things A, B and C.

But here’s the kicker:

Even if you learn how to react well, you’re still just reacting. That’s why your proactive choices – the ones you determine in advance – are a key to a sense of confidence and inner peace when you travel for business.

So, here are my top 10 business travel tips for mindset and sanity…

Tip #10 – Do-able Self-Care.

No, I won’t tell you to go to a luxury spa in your spare time.

However, I will tell you to…

… sleep when you’re tired.

…pull off at the next exit when you have to pee instead of making yourself hold it.

…allow extra time to get places.

Travel takes energy.  When you don’t practice self-care in healthy do-able ways, you reach for it in unhealthy ways.

You eat hub-cap-sized plates of pasta, telling yourself you “deserve it.”  You drink 3 extra glasses of wine.  You numb out in front of the TV.  This isn’t self-care. This is self-medication.

One is pro-active. The other is reactive.

Tip #9 – Use headphones.

Whether you like music, audiobooks or meditations — having a pair of earbuds or headphones within reach is crucial.

I highly recommend uploading the following brain-changers to your phone:

• Learning Strategies Paraliminals (Choose your favorites from their site.)
• Holosync
• Headspace  (One of the best apps out there to kickstart a meditation practice.)

I also love Audible.com. They have an app that let’s you access your entire library of purchased books from their server. Wildly convenient!

Now, when the baby next to you on the plane begins screaming… you can simply plug in and get lost in learning.

Tip #8 – Carry a water bottle

Please don’t drink from plastic bottles anymore. Get a SIGG bottle or something similar.  Pop it in your purse, and fill up as you go.  You need extra water for hydrating as you travel.  (And those ridiculously tiny water cups on the airplanes? Don’t get me started!)

FYI:  Most hotel gyms have filtered water dispensers. Bring your SIGG with you when you work out and fill up!

Tip #7 – Get Travel Apps you’ll actually use.

My favorite Travel Apps are:

AroundMe:  to find anything and everything within walking or driving distance of where you are staying)

Uber:  To get door-to-door car service in any major city without hassle or waving your hands all over the place.

TripIt:  Your assistant can upload your itinerary right to this handy little app, and all of your info is in one place. Evernote is handy for this as well.

Passport: For easy parking meter payment without digging for quarters.

Audible:  See Tip #9.

Tip #6 – Fly First Class. Or Board the Plane Last.

I know, I know.  You’re on a budget. But if you travel often, you must learn to budget first class into your year.   My clients resist this for a while, but then thank me profusely when they finally take my advice.  Air travel has become a cattle call. The only one who’se going to honor your energy is you.

If you simply refuse to fly first class, then do this:

When the gate agent calls the zones, let everyone else trip over each other so they can then stand in the hot jet way punching their cell phones.

Give inner peace a chance. Wait until the final boarding call to board.

Tip #5 – Work out.

Nothing uplevels your mood like a great work-out! Wake up a little earlier, or find the hotel gym after you check into your room.

Tip #4 – Wash off your travel

If I have the opportunity, I always take a shower after I fly. I call it “washing off the travel.”  If nothing else, shower before you climb into bed. Try not to sleep with your travel still on you.

Tip #3 – Forgive unexpected expenses

You rush to the airport in your rental car after the conference. There’s no time to fill the tank. You end up paying $45 for a teaspoon of gas at the Hertz desk. Argh!

Travel expenses like this can make you crazy. You can spend the day beating yourself up or criticizing the world for its unfair policies.

Don’t waste your precious creative energy.

Travel is filled with lots of unexpected expenses.  Your money will get spent because of A) stupid things you did, B) unforeseen situations, or C) the fine print.

Do yourself a big favor.  Breathe and let it go because A) you’re traveling, B) you’re wealthy, and C) you’re worth it.

Tip #2 – Think Ritual

A business trip is not the time to start a new diet or yoga practice.

You can, however, keep small daily rituals.  Write in your gratitude journal, even if you feel tired. Wake up 15 minutes early and remind yourself of your intentions for the day.  Personal rituals put you in charge of your day.

Tip #1 – Pay for Help.

And your number one travel tip is all about honoring your heart, soul, and physical being!  You must get over the crazy idea that getting help is a waste of money. It’s actually an investment in YOU.

Many years ago, I lugged around my suitcases, my computer bag.  I rented the cheapest cars and dragged my butt all over the place to save a few extra bucks per day. I prided myself on saving a buck or two.

Now?

I pride myself on hiring a car service to pick me up at baggage claim. I’m not into struggle anymore.

Get massive support when you travel.

Bell hops, airport limos, room service, concierge service. These are extra expenses, they are investments in your energy.

(Plus, the extra $75 you might spend costs less than a visit to the chiropractor when you get home!)

Got a favorite travel tip or travel app?  Share with us!