5 Essential Tips For A Smooth Business Trip

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting countless business travellers from all corners of the globe. Along the way, we’ve picked up a few excellent travel tips that can make a good business trip great. Here are 5 ways you can ensure that your next business trip is the smoothest one yet.
Fly Non-StopSpending half a day waiting around in the airport for a connecting flight is a massive waste of time and energy. Flying non-stop is almost always worth any extra expense or arrangements that need to be made. Ideally, you need to arrive at your destination as fresh as possible ready to get down to business.
 
Bonus Tip:Ensure your flight is non-stop and not just direct. Direct flights can have a stop where the plane lands, refuels, and takes on passengers without you leaving the aircraft – this is better than a layover, but it’s still less than ideal.
Join Loyalty ProgramsIf you’re making several trips a year, it pays to be loyal – both in the air and on the ground.
 
Many airlines have frequent flyer schemes that can provide you with a range of benefits including lounge access, free upgrades, and priority boarding. Not all airlines are going to fly to every destination you want to go to - so try and pick one or two major ones and stick with them whenever possible.
 
Similarly, most hotel chains will have loyalty programs that provide you with rewards to thank you for sending your repeat business their way – and they can be extremely generous.
 
For example:Here at Monte Carlo Inns we have our Diamond Rewardsprogram with which you can earn free upgrades, complimentary rooms, and enjoy a whole host of other gifts and benefits too.
Try And Avoid Checking BagsFor longer trips and in certain situations this tip isn’t going to be applicable - but if you can avoid checking in your bags, everything about flying becomes quicker and easier. 
 
The most obvious benefit is that you don’t have to wait 30 minutes after you land to collect your baggage, but there’s much more to it than that…
 
•   You don’t run the risk of missing an important meeting or turning up in your traveling clothes because the airline has lost your bag
•   Getting to and from the airport is much easier as you only have to carry one bag
•   If you only have carry on luggage in some airports you can skip the check-in desk completely. Simply print out your boarding pass at home and head straight for security when you arrive instead
Get Your Charging Routine SortedThere’s nothing worse than leaving for a long haul flight only to find that you haven’t remembered to charge your phone / laptop / headphones. Leave all your essential electronics on charge overnight before you leave and place them next to your wallet or purse so you have no chance of forgetting them.
Order A Vegetarian MealOn the vast majority of flights, special meals get distributed among the passengers first – which includes vegetarian options. 
 
Even if you’re not a vegetarian, if you’re willing to skip meat for just one meal while you’re on the plane it’s possibly a good idea to order the veggie option when you’re booking your ticket - especially on night flights. 
 
By doing this, you’ll almost certainly get your food before everyone else - which means you don’t have to wait for the entire plane to be fed and for dinner service to finish before you can relax and go to sleep.