In 2013, Las Vegas hosted more than 5.1 million convention delegates, attracting attendees both domestic and international.
Whether the conventioneers were in town for the Consumer Electronics Show or the Potato Expo, most had something in common: They were business travelers on a mission, with luggage to pack, flights to book, hotel rooms to reserve, transportation to arrange and dining options to consider.
Traveling for leisure can be stressful enough, but business trips can be downright daunting.
More tips for a convenient trip
• “You can save an astonishing amount of time, improve efficiency and breeze through TSA simply by sending your luggage via FedEx to your hotel. It sounds crazy, but it works.” — Bill Shelton Left Field Creative, a marketing and advertising company
• “I leave a suitcase containing a toiletries bag, a change of business clothes and a set of workout gear at a hotel in each destination I travel to frequently … (which) saves me hours of standing around luggage carousels as well as trying to cram everything into a carry-on.” — Bill Walshe, Viceroy Hotel Group
• “I do a voluntary TSA PreCheck. I no longer have to remove my shoes, jacket, laptop or belt. I just show the TSA PreCheck certification on the bar code of my boarding pass.” — Bill Whitmore, Allied Barton Security Services
• “A night of tossing and turning can ruin a trip, which is why I bring clothespins or clips so I can secure the hotel curtains and keep unwanted light out.” — Stephen Stagner, Mattress Firm
But they don’t have to be. A few simple pointers can ensure smooth sailing for all business travelers.
Dress to impress
Sneakers and sweats might be more comfortable than a business suit, but Barbara DesChamps, author of “It’s in the Bag: The Complete Guide to Lightweight Travel,” says people get much better service, particularly in airports, when they dress well and appear wealthy.
Traveling in an outfit that doubles as presentation attire also comes in handy if your luggage is lost or you are late.
“That way, you’re not stuck in jeans for a big meeting,” said Melissa Gillespie, of Innova Communications, a public relations, social media and marketing company.
Pack like a pro
Road warriors advise keeping a “go bag” partially packed with necessities such as toiletries, sleepwear, work-out gear and undergarments. Make sure to include phone chargers and extra batteries.
Keep high-resolution scans of your driver’s license, passport and credit cards on your phone or computer in case you lose the originals.
Arrive wrinkle-free
If your hotel’s iron gets more use than its free Wi-Fi, you’re probably still using the traditional fold-and-stack packing method, which creates wrinkles and creases. Savvy fliers swear by bundle wrapping, which involves layering clothing around a central core object.
It takes a bit longer and might involve some trial and error, but once you bundle, you’ll never look back. Several tutorials can easily be found online.
Gift card yourself
Meals typically account for the third-largest cost on expense accounts, after airfare and lodging. Travelers are likely to grab a meal on the run, but “a great way to save money is to get a gift card to a chain restaurant you like,” according to David Weber of Learn About Flow, a corporate and personal life coaching company. “You save time, as you know the menu in advance, and you potentially save money and hassles over unknown local options or hotel offerings.”
Consider hotel alternatives
For weary travelers looking for lodging, there used to be two basic schools of thought: Stay at a mid-priced big-name hotel chain near the airport or book a higher-end room downtown at a more upscale — and expensive — sister property of the big-name chains.
In “Five Tips for Smarter Business Travel,” British journalist Hazel Davis suggests embracing hotel alternatives.
“Don’t get hung up on the idea that you have to stay in a corporate hotel,” Davis writes. “Before your trip, check out private rental sites such as Airbnb and Wimdu.”
Davis also recommends Onefine-stay, which offers rooms in private homes in New York, Paris, London and Los Angeles.