If you’ve taken up a new role which allows for frequent travel, you might be thinking to yourself that you’ve just hit the jackpot. After all, the opportunity to fly around the country (or world) for business is little more than a pipe dream for much of the public.
That being said, there are some hidden pitfalls of frequent travel that often go undisclosed. Beyond feelings of homesickness and sheer boredom, constant travel takes a toll on your sleep quality (think: constant time-zone shifts and red-eye flights) as well as your overall physical well-being.
Does traveling for business mean that you’re doomed to a life of misery? Absolutely not.
Looking and feeling fabulous as a frequent-flyer means being prepared. Keep the following tips in your back pocket to ensure that you can actually have the opportunity to enjoy your trips and feel awesome while you’re on-the-go.
Make the Most of Your Time at Home
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to spend as much time as you can at home doing what you want to do. Whether that means relaxing or socializing with your friends and family, take essential “me time” to rest and recuperate from your trips.
Likewise, it always helps to have a comfortable bed to come home to. If you have trouble catching z’s, it might be time to look into pieces of new bedroom furniture which will actually allow you to get a good night’s sleep. The better your sleep quality at home, the more rejuvenated you’ll feel when it’s time to hit the skies again.
Invest in Sensible Fashion
Paying attention to fashion can be a challenge when you’re constantly away from home. Although you don’t necessarily need to sacrifice style for sensibility, packing for consistent business travel represents somewhat of a balancing act. For example, consider ways to keep yourself looking fresh on-the-go such as:
- No-iron shirts and pants which can take a beating andserve as a stylish option when you’re stuck without an iron or steamer
- Clothes that fold and pack easily: heavy shirts and items which take up needless space should stay home (think: every inch counts in your carry-on)
- Pieces you can wear more than once: be prepared to mix and match outfitsto the get the most mileage out of your travel wardrobe
Pack Smarter, Not More
As noted, you should strive to fit as much as you can in your carry-on bag to avoid having to check luggage: after all, you probably don’t have the time or desire to worry about your checked bag, do you?
The solution is to pack smart: investments such as luggage compression bags and travel-sized containers for your toiletries allow you to bring all of your essentials without the hassle. Similarly, make sure to invest in a carry-on bag that won’t get you in trouble in terms of size (as many bags considered “on the border” size-wise can end up getting checked at the discretion of your flight attendants).
Supercharge Your Smartphone
The best way to keep homesickness and boredom at bay is to keep yourself connected to the things and people you love. Mobile chargers and wi-fi hotspots, for example, ensure that you can stay in constant contact with co-workers and loved ones alike regardless of where you’re staying.
Don’t let your sleep or sanity fall to the wayside while you’re traveling on business. Instead, take the steps to prepare yourself for frequent travel and truly enjoy each and every destination along the way.