Overcoming the Challenges of Long Business Trips
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Written by Reace

February 14, 2024

Overcoming The Challenges Of Long Business Trips

Business trips can be very exciting as well as very rewarding, but they can also be challenging and stressful, especially when they are long and happen often. Long business trips can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as your personal and professional relationships. How can you overcome the challenges of long business trips and make them more enjoyable and productive?

Below we will look at some of the main challenges of a very long business trip and how to overcome them are.

In this article, we will share some tips and strategies that will help you overcome the difficulties of long business trips and make sure you make the most of your time away from home.

Not Finding Essential Documents, Clothing or Accessories When You Need Them

It’s common for business travellers to either pack way too much or pack very little, and it’s also very common to forget essential things behind. When going on a business trip it’s important to pack light and smart for your journey. Choosing clothing and accessories that are versatile and work for your destination and purpose is a good place to start. 

It’s also very important that you keep track of your flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel details. Make sure to keep all your travel documents and information in one place, such as a folder or a binder so you always know where to find it and can access it easily. 

 

Suffering from Jet Lag

When travelling it’s common to experience Jet Lag you may experience symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, or mood swings due to the time differences between your destination and home.

You can overcome this challenge by changing your sleep routine before you start your travels. You can do this by going to bed earlier and getting up later depending on your flight and in which direction you will be flying. 

Planning your flights strategically can also help you overcome this challenge. You can do this by selecting a departure and arrival time that is as close as possible to your destination’s time zone and try to avoid overnight flights if you can.

Be sure to drink a lot of water and eat healthy food during your flight to ensure you avoid dehydration and digestive problems, as this can heighten jet lag symptoms. It’s also a good idea to avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as these can affect your sleep and make it challenging to acclimatise to different time zones.

You should also try to limit the amount of light you are exposed to, you can do this by wearing sunglasses, using drapes, or eye masks to block off harmful light, try to seek out natural light when necessary. As light is a powerful cure for your circadian rhythm, you need to expose yourself to it at the right times.

Another way to overcome this challenge is by taking melatonin tablets before you go to bed. As Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates your sleep cycle, these tablets can help you fall asleep faster and can help you to stay asleep for longer. 

Exercising early in the morning or the afternoon can help to enhance your energy and mood. Try to avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this can keep you awake. You should also avoid napping during the day unless you are extremely tired and need a quick nap so that you can function. Taking a nap during the day can make it challenging to sleep at night and can prolong your adjustment to the new time zone.

Try your best to stick to your normal routine as much as possible, as this can help you feel more relaxed and familiar with your new surroundings. 

Overcoming The Challenges Of Long Business Trips

Loneliness

It’s very common that travellers might feel isolated, depressed or homesick during a business trip especially if the trip is for a long period of time. This is normally due to a lack of social interaction and support from friends and family. These feelings can seriously affect your mood, productivity as well as your well-being. Therefore it’s important to find ways to cope with this loneliness and make sure your trip is enjoyable and fulfilling. 

It’s important to be intentional about being among other people to help deal with these feelings. You can do this by dining out instead of ordering room service, joining a group or club that offers something you are interested in and attending their meetings. You could find and attend events related to your work or industry, this is also a great way to meet people and expand your network. 

Using apps or websites can also help you to find local events and activities that fit your hobbies or passions. You should also explore the city, its culture, history, and attractions. You can do this by going for a walk through the city, visiting a museum or joining a guided tour. 

You can also overcome these feelings by staying connected with friends and family back home via regular phone calls, messages, or video chats. Speak to them about your experiences and feelings, as this will help you feel supported. 

 

Health risks

Long business trips can expose the traveller to challenges with their health. During the trip, they may have exposure to infectious diseases, stress-related health risks, extreme fatigue, and even accidents. That’s why it’s very important to take precautions and stick to guidelines that are there to avoid or reduce these health risks.

Before you start your journey make sure you determine the safety of the destination you are going to. Make sure you find out about what vaccines or medication you might need to enter that destination as well as what diseases or health risks there are in the area that may be of concern. If you feel unsure it’s a good idea to wear a face mask when inside or around large groups of people, make use of hand sanitiser to clean your hands regularly, and wash your hands frequently.

You should also try to keep your distance from other people especially if they are showing signs of illness, coughing or sneezing and avoid shaking hands or hugging strangers. 

Packing a travel health kit with allowed prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines is a very good idea for a long business trip. You should also pack a first aid kit or supplies, and travel with your health insurance card.

 

In conclusion, finding the balance between work and leisure while travelling for business can be difficult, but can also be very beneficial for you and for the success of the trip. Make sure to plan ahead for your trip and be intentional when allocating time for work, rest, and leisure.

Clearly communicate your expectations as well as your availability to your colleagues, clients, and family. You should also avoid overworking or overscheduling yourself. Make sure you prioritise your tasks and goals and don’t feel worried about declining any extra requests or invitations that are not part of your itinerary. It’s also important to try and avoid distractions and interruptions that can derail your productivity or relaxation.

Exercise regularly to keep your body and mind healthy and energised and make sure you are drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated and prevent, fatigue, or jet lag.

Lastly, be sure to turn off your work emails and notifications during personal or leisure time. This will help you focus on getting rest and will reduce stress.

 

At The Travel Group, we offer corporate travel solutions to help you overcome the challenges of long business trips and ensure that your trip is a successful one.

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