Oh, the joys of business travel. What is there not to like about meeting new people, seeing new cities, spending quality time with colleagues and breaking away from the daily routine of the office?  Well, the truth is that those that travel often (road warriors) would say there are definitely aspects of Business Travel that get old, but yet they still enjoy it. The reason is that road warriors have perfected the art of travelling and used lessons learned to make it as easy as possible. Speaking from experience, Business Travel is exciting when you first start out because it is new and different. That being said, there were numerous moments where I wished someone handed me a list of tips to make those first few months simpler and easier.  There were also plenty of instances where I would have benefited from knowing something much earlier on.  Whether you travel 10% or 100% of the time, if you are a beginner, these tips will help make your experience a bit more pleasant and fruitful.

1. Company Travel Policy – You should familiarize yourself with your company travel policy.  Most are very comprehensive on items that range from how to book your actual travel and reimbursable travel expenses. 
2. Identification – Make sure your form of identification is valid.  I always carry two forms, my passport and license (and store them in two different locations).  Some even recommend you carry copies.
3. Credit Cards – Sign up for a new credit card or use a separate Credit Card for Business Travel (this will make expense tracking and reports a lot easier).  Also, choose a card that offers the best points and rewards system that works for you.  It could be associated with an airline or even a hotel.  You will find that some charge an annual fee (and may offer more benefits) and others are free. Take the time to do the research as it will “pay” out in the end. 
4. Cash – Always carry extra cash as you may not run into an ATM.  You may need it for transportation or tipping at your destination.
5. Airlines – Research local airports and assess airlines with the most frequent and cheapest flights from your airport to common locations you will be traveling to.  Almost all airlines have a rewards program so be sure to sign up before you fly out!  In some cases, airlines may partner up and have a shared program (i.e. Star Alliance) so be sure to investigate.  The more points you collect, the higher your status which can result in free upgrades and mileage for a personal trip.  Additionally, be sure to sign up for flight notifications so that you know about any delays or cancellations before you even get to the airport. 
6. Rail – Some rail lines, such as Amtrak, offer rewards programs as well. 
7. Car Rentals – Before you even consider renting, check your itinerary and call the hotel.  In most cases, hotels provide shuttle service to and from the airport (or local transportation center) and even within a certain radius of their location (so if your client is near the hotel, you can hop on the shuttle).  Even if they don’t offer a shuttle, the concierge or front desk may be able to provide you with details around estimated cab fares.  You can make the assessment on what is easiest for you or most cost effective for the company.  Some rental companies offer special benefits for members such as priority car pick up (where you don’t have to wait in line for a rental).
8. Hotels – Investigate what your company hotel chain of choice is as that chain may offer discounted rates.  All major chains offer rewards programs.  Collect enough points and you can plan a vacation, compliments of the rewards program.
9. What to Pack – The obvious would be to pack business trip appropriate attire.  Get a clear understanding of the itinerary, purpose of the trip, and dress code and then pack appropriately.   Make sure you bring all the toiletries you need but remember that hotels do offer the basics such as shampoo and conditioner.  When you forget something, don’t be afraid to ask the front desk as they may offer complimentary items.
10. Steaming a Suit – In most cases, you are traveling with a suit(s) in your bag.  Unfortunately, luggage isn’t always that great in keeping a suit wrinkle free.  I was taught to hang your suit in the shower and give it a nice “steaming”.  Be careful not to set off the fire-alarm (too much steam does that in some hotels, trust me).
11. Staying Healthy – Planes and trains are full of germs but there are many things you can do to prevent getting sick.  For one, be sure to wipe down any solid surface you touch with sanitizing wipes before you get comfortable.  If you want to know more, I highly recommend you click on the following link:  http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/12/22/bt.germs.breed.on.plane/index.html. 
12. Unwanted Stowaways – Look, some people think I am crazy but I consider myself overly aware.  Bedbugs and cockroaches are not your friends.  Learn more about Bed Bugs and how to protect yourself from them via http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/vector/bed-bug-guide.pdf. It is a great guide that gives you tips on what to look for and how to take preventative measures.  As for the roaches, just keep all your bags closed so that they don’t crawl in and come home with you.
13. Tipping – You should always follow your company policy around tipping.  However, it is important to note that tipping etiquette is different around the world.  Here is a great infographic from Mint.com that provides a snapshot on tipping suggestions in various countries:  http://www.mint.com/blog/goals/tipping-abroad-03022011/?display=wide. 

Everyone has travel tips based on their own experiences. Be sure to ask a frequent traveler and they may have a few more to add. 

If you have a great tip you would like to share, please post a comment. 

Having been in the recruiting industry for over 13 years, with over five of those years with Allegis Group Services, I have learned that most employees stay with a company where they feel valued and appreciated.  Whether it is taking the time to listen, showing empathy, or offering perks, it makes an impact on employee morale and loyalty.  While “caring” may not be the silver bullet in talent retention, it definitely has a high rank in my cosmos. 

As most of us in the staffing industry know, there are many other retention factors out there such as compensation, work-life balance, and growth potential.  Instead of conducting my own study on this topic, I analyzed the 2011 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For from the February 7th, 2011 issue of CNN Money.  I initially focused on the 10 All Stars who have been on the list since it launched in 1998.  These companies have a commonality that reinforces my “If you care, they will stay!” motto.  Below are 5 out of those 10…

All Stars (Current Rank) – How They Care:

• SAS (1) – One employee stated that people stay because they feel “regarded – seen, attended to and cared for”. 
• Wegmans Food Markets (3) – Covered cost of health screenings that included a flu shot and H1N1 vaccine.  Approximately 8,000 employees took advantage of this offering.
• Four Seasons (53) – Staffers from all levels give rave reviews every year!  Employees can stay in ANY location (even the “ritziest locales”) for free.
• Marriott (71) – It has been said that when business slowed last year, and some associates couldn't get enough hours to qualify for insurance, leaders changed the policy to benefit the employees.
• Microsoft (72) – Microsoft has always been known for their “legendary” perks for employees.

As I was going through the list of companies, I also found some fun perks and stats that caught my attention:

Some Fun Perks - Company (Rank):

• Free Food and Free Laundry – Google (4): If you don’t believe me, Google it…
• Fun and Games – Hasbro (59): I would hope so!
• Life Coach – Zappos.com (6): My husband thinks he has this gig already and therefore might be offended if I opted for a company Life Coach.
• Botox and Tans – Chesapeake Energy (32):  They should call this perk “The Vidal Sassoon” because “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good.”

A Few Perk Stats :

• 14 offer 100% healthcare coverage – Not easy to offer so kudos!
• 28 have onsite child care – Where it’s “bring your kid to work day”, everyday (sort of).
• 67 have onsite gym facilities (74% have gym discounts) – I probably STILL wouldn’t make it to the gym.
• 80 have a compressed work week – I bet most of their employees are still somehow plugging in and responding to e-mails even on the weekends…
• 83 offer Tele-Commuting – Fits the motto that “Work is something you do, not something you travel to”.

Click here to find out more about how they pick the 100 Best!

While my company did not make this list, it is certainly in a league of its own.  Employees follow a “Whatever, Wherever, Whenever” mentality and are consistently recognized for their efforts.  We all support each other through the good and challenging times and we all play a part in ensuring everyone, at every level, feels appreciated and valued. 

As for AGS perks, we have many but here are some of my favorites:

• Free Soft Drinks – There is nothing like a cold can of Diet-Mountain Dew to start off your day…
• Discounts on Certain Retailers – LOVE my Kitchen Aid appliances.
• Formal Mentorship Program – Professional growth is not optional.
• Great Colleagues – You get to work with intelligent, innovative, and fun people (like me). 
• Fruit Baskets and Valet Parking (in the Stamford office) – An apple a day keeps the doctor away and valet takes your car away.

About the author: Nia Nikolopoulos is currently a Director of Implementation with Allegis Group Services (AGS). Click here to learn more about Nia,