Hitting the road—or, more likely the skies—for business has its perks for the professional traveler, such as experiencing different cities and cultures, expanding their sphere, and meeting people face-to-face.

The trip itself, on the other hand, isn’t always quite so ideal. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With proper preparation, you can minimize any stress and inconvenience and enjoy your experience to its fullest.

Packing

The axiom “time is money” certainly applies to business travel considering how much of it is often frittered away, especially in interminable airport lines. Packing smartly can be your first line of defense against this. If you bring only a carry-on for a short trip, you can save time checking in and retrieving luggage.

In addition, be sure to collect all essential information well ahead of time, including a list of your travel times, transportation details at your destination, and an itemized itinerary of the business at hand. Also consider downloading the apps for your hotel, the event location, and anything else relevant to your business so pertinent info is always at your fingertips. Speaking of tech, don’t make the ultimate rookie mistake of forgetting chargers for your phone and laptop, and confirm that someone in your IT department will be available if you encounter any tech glitches.

Boarding

It’s usually recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure, but there are ways to make the boarding process smooth even if you can’t. For example, you can often check in online and get your boarding pass ahead of time. Plus, if you enroll in the government’s TSA PreCheck program, you can cut down your wait time at airport security points (to typically ten minutes or less). For international business travel, signing up for Global Entry can similarly expedite your return into the country—just keep in mind that the application process takes several months. Whatever you do, always make sure to keep tabs on your flight before you leave home in case of delays, changes, or cancellations.

Comfort and convenience

A key chunk of planning should go toward making your corporate trip stress-free. Consider your biggest pet peeves, then identify possible solutions. Noise-canceling headphones, for instance, can eliminate the surrounding chaos in airports and on flights and allow you to rest or stay on track with work. (Just don’t get so focused that you miss any important announcements.)

In addition, many airports offer business lounges as a convenience for customers; an app like LoungeBuddy will show you which are available and where you can find them, enabling you to secure your own little piece of solitary heaven. You may also want to consider downloading an expense-management app like Expensify to make the process of collecting receipts for reimbursement simple. In the busyness of travel, it can be easy to forget about or even lose them.

You might want to bring the most basic comforts of home along with you as well: namely, cozy shoes and your own pillow. If you’re flying to a destination but stopping at your hotel before the event, wearing casual shoes during the trip can be a lifesaver; as a bonus, it can make going through security easier. (Going right from the airport to the event? Keep dress shoes in your ever-reliable carry-on.) And since you need to be well rested for your business plans, having a pillow you know you’ll sleep comfortably on at night can prevent any sleepdeprivation disasters.

“You” time

Once you arrive at your destination, you will likely be gung ho to dive into business mode. But, if possible, make sure your trip isn’t all work and no play—after all, the travel itself isn’t the only thing that can add stress to a business trip.

Peruse your itinerary beforehand, and pencil in opportunities to see the city, even if it’s just walking through a nearby district, reading a book at a park, or eating at a local haunt. (And take care to pack comfortable clothes for such adventures.) In terms of activity, identify ways to get moving while off the clock, whether it’s going on that aforementioned walk around town, taking a dip in the hotel pool, or hitting the hotel’s treadmills. Maintaining an exercise routine can keep your mind sharp and help you feel energized during your time away.

Don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to business travel. Every trip you take will likely be different, both in scope and duration, so plan according to the time you have and the destination to which you’re traveling to make the most of your experience.

TAKE ACTION:
Start making your business travel checklist now for your next trip, and keep it handy so you can add items to it as you think of them.