5 Mistakes You Might Be Making When You Travel for Business

When you travel for business, there are a few things that you need to do to keep your trip productive and stress-free. However, it’s easy to make some simple mistakes that wind up costing you time and money.

Below are five mistakes you might make when planning your next business trip.

Not Paying To By-Pass Security Checks

No matter what airport you’re headed to, there are security checks. And if it’s a major airport, there will be a long line. The worst part? You’re not guaranteed to make it through before your flight leaves.

However, not paying for an airline upgrade ticket can help you get past the long line and onto your flight without issue. For example, if you were flying from LAX to Honolulu, you would need to pay for a TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership (both of which cost $85).

Keep in mind, prices may change, so always check ahead.

Not Being Prepared for International Challenges

If you’re traveling abroad, there are a few things to consider.

The first is that you might need a different plug adapter for the country you’re visiting. To avoid buying one when you arrive, pack one with your other electronics. If you forget, most places will have them for sale.

Also, be prepared if you need medication while in the country. If it’s hard to find what you need in another country, take some extra before your trip just in case.

Additionally, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies while traveling as they may not be easily found abroad. And always pack extra business travel clothes so you can look professional at all times.

Ignoring Company Travel Procedures

When you travel for business, it’s essential to follow your company’s protocol. This means you should always read your company policy on what items are permitted and what items are prohibited.

Sometimes, these policies change based on the location of your trip. To avoid any problems with security, make sure you know what’s allowed before you get to the airport.

Not Taking Up Discounts and Offers

Another common mistake business travelers make is not taking up discounts and offers. You might assume that you don’t need to avail yourself of the deals available to you because you have a company credit card, or you don’t want to be seen as someone who abuses the system. But these things might benefit your company, too, by saving them money on expenses.

For example, if your company has negotiated a discount with an airline for tickets, but you decide not to take advantage of it because you have a corporate card, your company still has to pay the higher rate. And if your company doesn’t take advantage of a discount, they are losing out on significant savings.

Failing to Book In Advance

There are a few reasons why booking in advance is a wise choice. One of the most important reasons is that it saves you time. When you book in advance, you won’t have to worry about rushing to the airport hours before your flight, and you’ll more than likely get a better flight deal too.

Another reason why booking in advance is smart is because it ensures availability. The closer you are to your departure date, the less availability there will be for seats on the flights that work with your schedule.

Final Thoughts

Finally, booking early gives you ample time to research and plan your trip. You can spend some time finding out what hotels are available, what events are happening during your stay, and other things of interest happening in the city.