Business travelers have needs that differ from those of people who travel for pleasure. While a delay might be annoying and cut into your vacation time, a missed connection can be catastrophic for a business traveler.
If you''re still learning the ropes, the following hints can help you avoid problems and arrive at your business meeting relaxed and ready for action.
Nothing can take the pleasure out of travel faster than a blistering headache or an upset stomach. Avoid the risk of illness by sticking to light, low fat foods and snacks. Drink plenty of water and juice, but avoid alcohol and too much caffeine. That drink might relax you for an hour, but it will come back to haunt you.
On long trips, get up and stretch your legs whenever the aisle is clear. This will ensure good circulation and aid your digestion. You''ll also decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can cause danger blood clots in your legs.
Many travelers struggle with regularity when they travel, so be sure to include plenty of fiber in your diet. The discomfort of constipation or gas pains can make your business meeting particularly miserable.
If you''re not accustomed to jetting across time zones, try to arrive a day or two early so that you have ample time to get used to a new time zone.
If that''s impossible, set your watch to the destination''s time zone and alter your eating and sleeping patterns accordingly well ahead of departure. This will decrease the effects of jet lag and help you sleep well on your new schedule at destination.
Sleeping pills can help you snooze through the ordeal of air travel, but they often leave you feeling hung over and woozy. This is probably not a good way to greet your hosts.
Improving Sleep on Airplanes Since airlines are saving money by reducing the availability of pillows, you can purchase an inflatable pillow or a new type of cushion that molds to your neck. Although the latter model takes up a bit more room in your luggage, it''s lightweight and ultra comfortable.
Since airlines are saving money by reducing the availability of pillows, you can purchase an inflatable pillow or a new type of cushion that molds to your neck. Although the latter model takes up a bit more room in your luggage, it''s lightweight and ultra comfortable.
Schedules of are critical importance to business travelers, and airline personnel know this. If you''re having problems with connecting flights, they''ll do all they can to book you on the next flight. Keep your host informed of any delays, and call your office to let them know where you are in case anyone is trying to reach you about rescheduled meetings.
Cell phones and laptop computers are important accessories when you travel, but they''ll do little good if you can''t keep their batteries charged. Make sure your adapter can be used with the local power outlet, and check that your hotel has Internet access from each room. Extra batteries can weigh down your luggage, but lugging extra weight is better than losing your presentation files!
Bone up on local customs before you go. Business etiquette in foreign countries can be a delicate matter, particularly in restaurants.
For instance, in the Middle East, you must never put your left hand on the table. Also, in many countries you''re expected to praise your host continuously and lavishly. Are you conducting business in Africa? Avoid direct eye contact. In Brazil the "OK" sign that you make with your thumb and fingers is considered incredibly rude, so don''t trip up you business deal by committing this blunder.
Being gracious and appreciative of your host''s efforts is always good etiquette. Complaining is almost always rude. If something seems unusual, observe the behavior of your hosts and act accordingly. If all else fails, take your host aside and mention the problem apologetically and with great discretion.