The excitement of an all-expenses paid work trip, staying at top hotels, eating long lunches and taking advantage of a range of other perks on the business credit card tell only half of the story of business travel. The truth is that travelling for work is worlds apart from a leisure trip: tight schedules and long days mean business trips are often stressful. Fortunately, these four tips will minimise the stress on your next business trip so you can be ready to face whatever is thrown your way.

1. Beat jetlag

Jetlag can be major buzz kill, and arriving in a different time zone with a lack of sleep and then having to back it up with all-day meetings is enough to get anyone’s stress levels to rise. That’s why doing whatever you can to beat jetlag should be part of your business-trip planning. Business travel providers such as Corporate Traveller can book overnight flights to help you arrive feeling fresher; they can also book sleeper suites in first class. First and business class tickets also include space to work as well as complimentary airport lounge access that can help you to relax before or between flights. Once you arrive, getting onto the local schedule by eating at normal meal times and taking a walk outside can all help to beat the jetlag blues: you’ll soon feel more rested and less strung out and stressed.

2. Stay healthy

Staying healthy on the road is essential to maintaining performance and energy levels. Travellers may want to think about booking a hotel with gym facilities to fit in a post-meeting workout. Another good tip is to watch your eating and drinking habits, and drink plenty of water. Finally, it might be tempting to hit the town at night in a new city, but plenty of sleep is also a must to be well-rested and relaxed the next day.

3.Disconnect and switch off

It’s important that any corporate traveller takes time out from work and disconnects from technology, especially from the unending stream of emails. The only way to truly recharge is to have periods at the end of day where work is completely put aside. Do whatever helps you unwind: reading a book, watching a movie or going for a run. Despite the trip being work related, downtime on any business trip is a necessity to decompress and de-stress.

4. Pack well and be prepared

Being ill equipped for the trip is bound to bring stress. That’s why its important any business traveller packs well (including professional and smart-casual clothes) and makes efficient travel plans (including how to get to and from the airport). Being prepared can include packing important items in carry-on luggage, backing up important files you’ll need for the trip on a USB or cloud storage system, and making sure you schedule meetings with enough time. You can’t control everything when travelling, but by being as organised as possible, you’ll go a long way to reducing your stress levels while you are away.

What other ways can you combat stress when travelling for work? Leave your travelling tips in a comment below.

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