Four Ways to Maximize Business Travel (that aren't boring)

1. Invest in exceptional luggage

I've been on forty three trips since January of this year--and let me tell you, nothing makes traveling worse than crappy luggage. I like to carry on my bags for ease of travel, and frankly, once you've had luggage lost and had to buy changes of clothes three times in a row, you become reluctant to let that bag out of your sight. I was using large duffels or canvass totes as luggage and my body was paying the price. The straps weren't padded and left my shoulders a raw mess, the bags didn't close properly, causing the contents to spill, they were too tall to effectively travel through the TSA screening and would inevitably wind up emptied in a plastic bin. Around April, I realized my luggage was just not cutting it: so I invested. I don't think the brand is as important as understanding the functions. I like a bag I don't have to lug on my shoulder, something that moves with agility, and has plastic lined pouches in case of toiletry spills. I chose two stacking bags, one for clothing and one for personal items. The whole ensemble counts as my carry ons and holds enough supplies for a week (it would hold more if I packed fewer shoes, to be honest.) I spent a little over $120 but the return on that investment is phenomenal. I am no longer lugging heavy, unwieldy bags through the airport, nor am I lamenting my lack of space. Seriously--do some research and stop using whatever bags you have sitting around. Your body will thank you for it.

2. Learn to sleep on flights

As someone with a moderate amount of travel anxiety, nothing has proven more helpful than learning how to sleep on planes. Crying babies? Don't hear them. Annoying seat mate? Ignored. Hours of boredom? Nope. Jet lag? I arrive refreshed. I view air travel time as self-care time, and I behave accordingly. I find it obnoxious and distracting to try and do actual work, so instead I've figured out how to catch up on my sleep. I try to travel first thing in the morning on those flights taking off so early that people act like you're crazy for selecting it--but guess what? I'm usually so zonked out that I fall asleep before we even take off. I come equipped with a cozy neck pillow, a long cardigan that doubles as a blanket, and free from caffeine. Since I pack the night before, I don't need to worry about remembering any last minute details and I can show up as deliriously wiped out as I please. I may sound glib, but truly, learning how to sleep on planes has saved me so much stress, anxiety, and helped me feel like I was using my time wisely: by catching some much needed beauty rest.

3. Vitamins, vitamins, vitamins

It's no great revelation that regular travel can wreak havoc on your immune system. I'm not germaphobic, but I am definitely way more conscientious of what I expose myself to while traveling. Since most of my trips are for business, getting sick isn't just an annoyance, it's a hinderance. In addition to getting plenty of sleep (see above), I also checked with my doctor about which vitamins and nutritional supplements would be best for me--and I suggest you do the same. I pop a multivitamin, vitamin D, and a vitamin C every day. The week before I travel, I add L-Lysine, since I'm prone to cold sores when I get stressed, and Emergen-C packets. I try to avoid caffeine and get some exercise, since I'm pretty stationary on business trips. I make sure to keep hand sanitizer, tissues, and a scarf in my carry on bag to avoid contact with any nasty plane germs. This isn't just about avoiding illness, either. I want to be in good shape to enjoy my travels, to have down time, to be productive and successful at work. I feel privileged to have a job that allows me to see so much of the world, so I want to honor that privilege by being present and thankful for my good fortune.

4. Self care on the go

If possible, add an extra day to your travels. Not only can this usually get you a competitive rate (if you leave on a Sunday or fly out mid-week), but it allows you time to unwind. I always try to arrive a day early just to acclimate. I unpack my suitcase properly, have a really great dinner, go for a long walk, or read a book. Since I need to be highly engaged during my trip, I like to start off feeling secure in my surroundings and nourished enough to keep up with the long hours. Once I explained the business case for this to my boss, she was completely supportive of my schedule. Figure out what you need to feel safe, healthy, and happy and then blend that into your travel--I promise, this is one return on investment you will see flourish.