1. Only Use a Carry-On for Short Business Trips

When you travel for business, you're most likely only traveling for a few days at a time, which means you don't need much, so skip the line to check bags by using a carry-on. When traveling for short periods, you can get away with just one pair of dress shoes, two pairs of dress pants, and however many tops you need to get you through the trip because each top will make each ensemble look like a whole new outfit. Longer trips will require you to bring extra clothes, shoes and toiletries, and you will need to be strategic on how you pack the carry-on bag. (Link “how you pack the carry-on bag” to “How to pack your carry-on for 5 days” page)

2. On Longer Trips Pack Extra Dress Shirts in a Plastic Garment Bag

Not all hotels provide clothes irons, so if you're unfamiliar with the hotel you'll be staying in, it's best to assume you won't have access to an iron. To make sure your clothes still look sharp, pack extra dress shirts in a garment bag to keep them as clean and unwrinkled as possible. It's also a good idea to pack an extra dress shirt in case you spill something and need to change. Always have a backup plan.

3. Keep Meals Simple and Healthy, Plus Get Plenty of Sleep

Traveling puts a lot of stress on the body. Eating simple and healthy meals will help keep you balanced. Eating unhealthy meals can make you feel like you're dragging and can affect your work performance. Don't forget to get plenty of sleep. For overnight trips, start by getting a good night's sleep before you travel. If you can't, take a nap on your flight. For long trips in a different time zone, adjust your sleep schedule to the local time and remember the optimal time for sleep is 11PM to 7AM.

4. Bring Accessories to Help You Sleep

Airplanes can be noisy, and hotels can be, too. If you need silence to sleep, be sure to bring a good pair of earplugs to block out noise. If music helps you sleep, bring a pair of noise-cancelling headphones so you can nod off to the sound of your favorite tunes and nothing else.

Airplane seats are notoriously uncomfortable, especially if you're flying coach, so bring a neck pillow or anything else that might make it easier for you to sleep on the plane if your flight is early or a red eye. You might also want to bring a sleep mask to block light.

If you have room, a lightweight blanket or an extra layer of clothing can be helpful, because airplane cabins tend to be cold.

5. Ship Additional Materials Ahead of Time

If you'll be giving a demonstration at your destination, skip the hassle of traveling with your supplies by shipping them ahead of time. In addition to making your flight easier because you'll have less luggage, it can also make it easier to set up, because everything you need will already be there and ready to go.

You should also check with the venue to see what they have so you don't pay to ship something you could rent or borrow from the venue.

6. Join Membership or Rewards Programs

The benefits of signing up for a membership or rewards programs with airlines includes everything from the ability to earn points (which can get you free upgrades), to priority boarding and/or seating. There are also hotel and airport parking garage membershipsthat offer perks and discounts when you stay with them or use their facilities. These programs are a great way to save money while also traveling more comfortably.

7. Sign Up for TSA Pre-Check

The lines to get through security at the airport can be overwhelming, and the ability to skip those lines can be invaluable when you're running late. Signing up for TSA Pre-Check has many benefits, and skipping the long lines at TSA security checkpoints is one. When you go through security you will not have to remove your shoes, belts, light jackets, or liquids that follow the 3-1-1 rule, and you can keep your laptop in the bag.

Make your travel better. Read tips and articles that can help you in our Travel Tips section.

8. Hand sanitizer due to COVID 19

TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that these containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids permitted through a checkpoint will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint screening experience. Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be allowed at the limit of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters carried in a one quart-size bag.