With more people beginning to once again travel for business, it’s time to answer an important question: what steps can you take to make business travel more comfortable?
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by car or plane, you know that it can be uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be. There are some simple things you can do to improve your comfort so that you reach your destination feeling your best.
1. Consider every mode of transportation
There are times when it makes sense to drive to your destination. There are also times when it makes sense to fly. And in some cases, you may even want to hop on a train or bus. You’ll never know which option is best until you consider them all.
Start by making a list of the pros and cons associated with each type of transportation. For example, you can arrive faster when you fly but driving gives you more control along the way. And of course, you’ll want to look at the financial side of each option.
Tip: don’t rule out a specific mode of transportation just because you’ve had a bad experience in the past. Keep an open mind and remain as flexible as possible.
2. Dress comfortably
It’s easier said than done in some cases, such as if you have a meeting immediately upon your arrival, but do your best to dress as comfortably as possible. You’ll never regret your decision to do so when you’re cramped in an airplane seat or behind the wheel.
Tip: when you dress comfortably you’ll feel better when you’re traveling. And when you feel better you’ll experience less stress and a more enjoyable trip. It sounds trivial, but this one detail can go a long way in keeping you pleasant as you travel.
3. Choose the right shoes
This goes along with the point above about dressing comfortably. No matter what you wear, if your shoes are uncomfortable you’re not going to have an enjoyable time traveling. This is particularly true if you’re doing a lot of walking, such as through an airport.
Tip: while comfort is important, it’s not the only consideration when buying shoes. Take dress shoes for men, for example. Yes, you want to be able to comfortably wear them throughout the day, especially when traveling, but style is also important. If necessary, wear one pair of shoes while traveling and then switch to another pair when your workday begins.
4. Take a travel pillow
This can be a lifesaver when traveling by plane or train. You can use it for a soft spot to rest your head. You can use it for back support. And best yet, it won’t take up a lot of space. The same holds true for a neck pillow. You can stuff it in your carry-on or even attach it to your purse or book bag.
Tip: don’t opt for a full-size pillow, as it takes up too much space and is a hassle to transport. A travel pillow is convenient and functional, and that’s what you’re going for.
5. Consider the weather
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you approach it regarding your wardrobe. Maybe you’re traveling during the cold winter months. In this case, you’ll want to opt for trendy and comfortable boots suited to the climate.
Another point of consideration is the weather in the area you’re visiting. It may be cold when you leave home, but warm when you arrive at your destination. This can make it tricky to dress comfortably, so planning in advance is critical.
Tip: since the weather can change on a dime, plan for all possible scenarios. The longer your trip the greater chance there is that you’ll run into multiple types of weather.
Final thoughts
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to improve your comfort when traveling for business. If you do one or more of the things above, you’ll immediately notice the difference. And that will convince you that you’re on the right path.
Do you typically find yourself uncomfortable when traveling? Are you ready to make a change for the better? Would you add any tips to the five above?
