Professional Development: Tips For The Novice Business Traveler

Let's face it. If you are an infrequent flyer, the thought of jumping on a plane or hitting the road sounds about as appetizing as a frost mug of dirty dishwater. Here are some ideas that will help make your next business trip a little easier to take.

Membership Rewards - It is never too early to sign up and start using membership rewards programs. Be it points on select credit cards to travel rewards programs through hotels and airlines, if you are going to spend you might as well accumulate points toward rewards.

Build Extra Time Into Your Schedule - We are all about efficiency these days, but in our zeal to be efficient we often lose focus on quality. For instance, if you have a 9 a.m. presentation in New York City, don't risk a flight in from Atlanta that morning. Take a flight the night before, spend the night, and be refreshed and ready to go in the morning. You'll be less stressed and more likely to nail your presentation if you do. Likewise, if your presentation or meetings are scheduled until four in the afternoon, don't book a 5 o'clock flight. Nothing says you aren't important to me like leaving a meeting early to catch a flight. Book a later flight. You can always move it up if you end early.

Be Willing to Fly Standby - If you get done with your work early and head to the airport hoping to catch an earlier flight, be willing to fly standby. Ask the attendant if there is an earlier flight. If so, ask how many open seats there are left. If it is not a full flight, simply ask to be put on standby for that flight. It doesn't cost a thing, and for flights with open seats you will usually get on. This is one way of avoiding the reticketing charge you will receive if they simply move you up to the earlier flight.

No Downtime, Ever - In our 24/7 world, we are always connected. Who cares if there is not an earlier flight. With technology, you can be at the office working even if you are hundreds or thousands of miles away. Invest in the technology that works for you to keep getting the job done no matter where you are.

Power Up - All that technology, however, requires juice. So whenever possible, make sure you plug in. While waiting for your meeting to begin, plug in. Most airports now have free charging stations. Plug in. If they don't, just look around: There's an outlet somewhere on the wall.

Internet Deals - Always look for the best deals using the Internet. Expedia.com and Travelocity.com are great for booking hotels and flights even at the last minute. And make sure to scroll through their options, looking for the websites' stars as well as user ratings. Oftentimes you can find hotels that are just as nice for half the price.

Maintain Healthy Habits (If You Have Any) - One of the toughest things about being on the road is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. On the road or not, you've got to behave the same way as you would at home. If you exercise, don't miss it because you are on the road. What greater way to see the city you are staying in than a quick jog or power walk?

NAFA Fleet Management Association
125 Village Blvd., Suite 200
Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone: 609.720.0882 Fax: 609.452.8004