4 Tips for a Smooth First Business Trip

4 Tips for a Smooth First Business Trip Have you just been assigned your first business trip? Whether you’re traveling within the US or abroad, going on the first business trip of your career always feels like a step in the right direction, and it is an adventure that you’re sure to feel excited about. But, while you may be thrilled about what’s to come, what can you do to make sure that your first business trip runs smoothly and everything goes to plan, from booking tickets to submitting your expense reports? Successfully traveling for business can be daunting for first-timers, and it’s not uncommon to be overwhelmed by the new environment and different set of responsibilities compared to what you are used to. We’ve put together some top tips to help you make the most of your first business trip. Find Comfortable Accommodation: If you’re only going to be traveling for a day or two, then you can probably get away with staying in a hotel room. However, if your business trip is a long-term one, then you will probably want to find some more comfortable accommodation to stay in. Choosing furnished apartments in Washington DC, for example, instead of a standard hotel room, not only gives you somewhere comfortable to stay but more space to work, hold meetings, and relax outside of working hours. Plus, it’s cheaper â€" furnished apartments to rent in Washington DC tend to cost less over the long-term compared to other accommodation types and you’ll save money by having a fully-equipped kitchen where you can make your own food instead of eating out all the time. If you are looking for corporate apartments in Washington DC for your first business trip, there are a range of furnished apartments here from Blueground that are definitely worth checking out. Limit Your Luggage: If you are flying for business and you’re only going on a short trip, then it’s a good idea to limit your luggage to a carry-on bag only. This can be difficult if you are used to packing a large bag when you travel, but both you and your company will be grateful for the money that you’ll save and you’ll be relieved when you land as there’s no need to wait for your case at the carousel â€" perfect if you are on a tight timeframe and need to start heading to meetings and getting things done as soon as you arrive. Pack smart by choosing items that you can wear several times or pair with different pieces to make a new outfit; neutral colors such as white, cream and black are ideal for this. Downsize to travel-sized toiletries or even wait until you arrive to get essentials such as shampoo and shower gel. Limit cumbersome items such as books, and wear your heaviest shoes and clothes wherever possible. Be Smart with Scheduling: When it comes to meetings and appointments, it’s a good idea to be smart about your schedule and wherever possible, give yourself enough time in between so that you’re not inadvertently overbooking yourself. There’s nothing worse than being stressed because of time on your first business trip and the last thing that you want to do is make a bad impression on the people or groups that you’re meeting with by turning up late or rescheduling due to tight scheduling. If you must work to a tight schedule, it’s a wise idea to research transport options before you begin, or try to have meetings as physically close to each other as possible in terms of location, to limit your traveling time and give you enough time to prepare in between. Look After Your Health: Last but not least, don’t neglect your health while traveling for business.    You should still be your number one priority. If you can, find a hotel or serviced apartment that has an on-site gym you can use to continue working out as normal if this is a habit of yours, or research the area for the best place to run. When you’re traveling to a city that offers bicycle rental, this could be ideal for you if your go-to exercise is cycling. If you’re staying in a hotel or serviced apartment with an on-site pool, set some time aside for swimming whenever you can â€" it’s great exercise and will help you wind down and relax when the working day is over, or help you get set up for a busy day of meetings. Don’t forget the importance of sleep, too â€" while it might be tempting to pull some all-nighters to get everything done, instead keep your morning agenda in mind and try to get a full eight hours of rest each night, even if that means cutting the night short and resuming your work the next morning â€" you’ll feel much more refreshed and energized for it. What are you most looking forward to about your first business trip? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.