| If you travel on a regular basis for business, you most | | | | stay, from a replacing a cell phone charger to |
| likely have your own techniques when it comes to | | | | arranging pickup and delivery of important papers. |
| getting the best deals, packing the right clothes and | | | | 4. Make the most of layovers. |
| getting through airport security quickly and easily. Still, | | | | Your best case scenario may not include any |
| there are some little-known tips and tricks that may | | | | layovers, but that's not always possible. If you find |
| come in handy when you travel for business, whether | | | | yourself in a foreign airport with time to kill, make the |
| you're traveling domestically or abroad. Here are five | | | | most of it. Many airports around the world feature |
| of the best little-known travel tips for business traveling. | | | | special lounges and amenities for frequent and |
| 1. Get up and move on long trips. | | | | business class flyers. You can take advantage of a |
| It's commonly known as "Economy Class Syndrome", | | | | hot shower, a massage or a nap; plug in to recharge |
| but it happens to travelers in business and first class | | | | your laptop and cell phone batteries; put your feet up in |
| as well. Its technical name is deep vein thrombosis, a | | | | a massage recliner. Working out may not be an option, |
| blood clot that develops in the legs and can travel to | | | | but a brisk walk between terminals can serve the |
| the lungs or the brain. Doctors believe that a | | | | same purpose - and get your blood flowing and your |
| combination of conditions contribute to the syndrome, | | | | brain working again. |
| including sitting in cramped conditions for 10 or more | | | | Not traveling business or first class? Many airports |
| hours, low cabin pressure, low humidity and | | | | offer "pay per visit" access to the business/first class |
| dehydration. You are especially at risk if you smoke, | | | | lounge that will still allow you access to all the amenities |
| have high blood pressure, or have a history of | | | | offered to business and first class travelers. |
| cardiovascular problems. | | | | 5. Pack smart for safety and comfort. |
| Get up and walk up and down the aisle at least every | | | | Spend as much time thinking about your safety as you |
| two hours, and be sure to remain hydrated. | | | | do about packing the right tie or blouse. Keep a "go |
| Remember, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages | | | | bag" ready to go with your current prescriptions, over |
| actually contribute to dehydration. Drink water and fruit | | | | the counter medications that you use frequently, your |
| juices instead. The best way to give you an extra | | | | health insurance information and an abbreviated |
| advantage is to book an aisle seat with extra leg | | | | medical history. Pack your own amenities kit for the |
| room. | | | | plane trip, too. Bring travel socks, eye shades, an |
| 2. Keep your eye on airline fees. | | | | inflatable pillow and mints, as well as travel size |
| Save your company a bit of extra money by being | | | | moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash. |
| aware of hidden airline fees. Shop around for the best | | | | Five Additional Quick Business Travel Tips: |
| rates and package deals if you need to rent a car or | | | | 1. If you travel to the same city frequently or for |
| are traveling to multiple destinations. While boarding an | | | | extended periods, look into corporate housing instead |
| airplane, keep your bags below 50 pounds. | | | | of hotel stays. The savings could add up in just a few |
| 3. Take full advantage of what your hotel offers. | | | | trips. |
| When you are away from home you do not have | | | | 2. When using a pay phone at the airport, avoid |
| your usual connections, your hotel can help you. | | | | isolated or poorly lighted locations, and face outward |
| Perhaps you need a printer at 2 am, or reservations | | | | while you're on the phone. |
| for a business dinner at an appropriate restaurants. At | | | | 3. Check to see if your credit card or personal |
| home, you would know exactly where to go, but when | | | | insurance covers you while driving a rented car and |
| you are traveling, you need answers from a reliable | | | | save the expense of rental insurance. |
| source. A business class hotel can provide these | | | | 4. Ask at airport check-in if there are exit row or |
| answers and more. | | | | bulkhead seats available. They're usually the last ones |
| Most business travelers know whether their hotel | | | | assigned and there's a good chance you'll get a better |
| offers high spend internet and wifi connections, but | | | | seat without the cost of requesting a specific seat. |
| hotels that deal with business travelers often take | | | | 5. Be sure to keep a photocopy of your passport and |
| those services to a far higher level. The front desk | | | | ID back at the hotel. It will make things immensely |
| clerk or concierge will often go above and beyond to | | | | easier in case of loss or theft. |
| be sure that you have everything you need for your | | | | |