(ARA) – Business travelers know that jetting across the country for their jobs is no vacation – it’s work. Business travelers frequently must cope with weather and flight delays, are so crunched for time they take conference calls from moving walkways, and often eat sub-par meals on the go. But business travel can be something more than settling for what’s quick and close at hand – and it doesn’t have to affect the success of your trip.
From the food you eat to how you spend time between meetings, there are ways to make working on the road more comfortable, satisfying and even more efficient.
* Start the day right. When you’re traveling for business, eating right is important. Meetings can go long, new engagements can pop up, and you never quite know when you’ll be able to get your next meal. Look for hotels that provide a variety of breakfast choices, like Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. These hotels offer rotating hot breakfast options, fresh whole fruit, and warm waffles, all included in the price of your room. You’ll always have a good morning with the breakfast options featured in their new Be Our Guest Breakfast, available at Country Inn & Suites hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
* “You” time. Your schedule is almost always hectic during business trips, so find some down time whenever you can to relax and unwind. Keep Sudoku puzzles, crosswords or a good book at hand for those unexpected travel delays. Keep your luggage light by adding a few books to an e-reader or downloading puzzle apps to your smart phone. Carving out a few minutes of your day to do something you like – between meetings, while waiting for your plane to board or in the cab ride en route to your hotel – can help give you a more positive outlook.
* Stay connected. It’s always a good idea – whether you’re having a good day or a difficult one – to stay in touch with someone outside of your colleagues and clients. A quick phone call from an airport, taxi or hotel to check in at home or an e-mail exchange with a good friend are welcome distractions from work and help balance your day and lift your mood.
* Work smart. Let’s face it – during business travel, office hours rarely apply. When planning your trip, it’s important to consider hotel amenities that can make working easier, so you feel more at home. Look for hotels like Country Inns & Suites that do both; with free high-speed Internet access and use of their business center for printing and faxing, working smarter is easy.
* Get moving. When you’ve arrived at your destination, the last thing you want to do is hurry up and wait. Always consider ground transportation options beyond local taxis or rental cars. Research local public transportation ahead of time, or check with your hotel about shuttles and transfer services; also, some cities have train service.
If you’re planning an upcoming business trip, finding the best deals ahead of time that can save your company money is part of smart business travel. For those travelling now through Nov. 21, 2010, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson gives you the opportunity to receive 15,000 bonus Gold Points that can be saved or redeemed for a free night at select locations.. You can find out more at www.countryinns.com.
Business travel can be grueling, but it doesn’t need to be. Making a few small adjustments in your travel planning can make it easier for you to enjoy where you are and what you’re doing, which can help make your trip an even greater success.
