{"id":14591,"date":"2012-10-12T08:35:54","date_gmt":"2012-10-11T22:35:54","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=14591"},"modified":"2015-03-18T16:02:15","modified_gmt":"2015-03-18T06:02:15","slug":"business-travel-survival-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/business-travel-survival-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Business travel survival guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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No travel should ever be a drag! lastminute lovely Kirsty shares her tips on how to make travel to Sydney as breezy as possible whether it\u2019s for business or pleasure. <\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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If you travel a lot for work it can take the shine right off visiting different cities. While some things are part-and-parcel of travel, by having four key areas under control, you can protect yourself from the frustrations of travel and be smug that you\u2019re doing it like a pro. Take heed, holiday-makers – if we all work together everyone wins.<\/p>\n

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My view from the Amora Jamison<\/p><\/div>\n


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1. Pack well<\/h3>\n


\n<\/strong>There\u2019s a temptation to take half your wardrobe \u2018just in case\u2019 but keeping it tight is key.<\/p>\n

Top tips: <\/em><\/strong>
\n\u2022 Be brutal <\/strong>– Only include the number of outfits you need.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Layer it up<\/strong> – Pack layers if there is a chance of a cool weather (both outside and in air-con offices!).<\/p>\n

\u2022 Only take comfy shoes<\/strong> \u2013 You have been warned.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Take travel-sized toiletries <\/strong>\u2013 Save kilos of dead weight. Have a second set ready and you\u2019re always prepared for last minute weekends away.<\/p>\n

Look sauv\u00e9 on your trip by checking out more travel packing tips<\/a> from fashion blogger Lady Melbourne.
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2. Fly well<\/h3>\n

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Whoever said \u201cgetting there is half the fun\u201d was not on a business trip. Flying is a battle and here\u2019s how to win.<\/p>\n

Top tips: <\/em><\/strong>
\n\u2022 Check in online 24 hours before your flight <\/strong> – If you fly Virgin Australia<\/a> and don\u2019t like steps, lock in a seat before row 13 and go directly through the aerobridge, baby!<\/p>\n

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A familiar sight<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2022 Choose your seat wisely <\/strong>– I used to love the window, but now can\u2019t go past the aisle. You\u2019re in and out with ease. You can board last, and avoid \u201cexcuse me, that\u2019s my seat\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Check your bags<\/strong> – Carry on doesn\u2019t save that much time and oh the stress! Firstly, your bag has to weigh less than nine kilograms.
\nSecondly, you must lift the bag (which let\u2019s face it, is so over nine kilograms) into the overhead compartment in a busy crowded space. Finally, if you like to board last, it\u2019s likely your overhead luggage won\u2019t be over your head \u2026 In the worst case it will be behind you so you have to wait before you get off \u2013 this is not success!<\/p>\n

\u2022 Get your laptop out for scanning <\/strong>– It\u2019s no secret that it needs to be out so let\u2019s all work together.
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3. Book well<\/h3>\n

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I\u2019ve stayed in many Sydney hotels, ranging from four to five stars. Here\u2019s how to nab a great hotel within your travel budget.<\/p>\n

Top tips:<\/em><\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location, location, location <\/strong>\u2013 pick somewhere central to your meetings for convenience. However, a little walk to and from the office keeps you active and helps ward off the kilos that sneak onto your person with regular business travel.<\/p>\n

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My morning walk into the office through Hyde Park<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2022 Get a good deal <\/strong>– I regularly road test Secret Hotels\u00ae<\/a> as they are the best value on the market. You\u2019ll receive a few clues so you know the general area, star rating and facilities. Plus it\u2019s a good way to liven up a business trip with a little surprise \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

\u2022 Give boutique hotels a try <\/strong>\u2013 While you usually sacrifice room size, they often have quirky conveniences. The Park 8<\/a> has great coffee in the foyer, the Diamont<\/a> offers soothing facial packs which I enjoyed, and when I stayed at the Cambridge Hotel I had a huge room with an great view. The Cambridge Hotel<\/a> was walking distance from the restaurants of Potts Point, which makes you feel a little more like you are a local than a visitor in the city.<\/p>\n

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Diamont Boutique Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Cambridge Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

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4. Be well<\/h3>\n

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The most important tip for managing business travel is having a good attitude. Things go wrong. Planes are delayed. Someone will have an issue with a train ticket which means you miss the train. You won\u2019t survive unless you find your traveller zen.<\/p>\n

Top tips:<\/em><\/strong>
\n\u2022 Eat well <\/strong>\u2013 Avoid the temptation to eat fast food in your hotel room just because no one is watching.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Exercise <\/strong>\u2013 If that\u2019s your routine don\u2019t stop \u2013 you\u2019ll feel much better for it.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Load a good soundtrack <\/strong>\u2013 Good music makes every situation better.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Smile <\/strong> \u2013 People are nicer to you when you are friendly and you\u2019ll feel better too. Think of it as travel karma.<\/p>\n

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The beautiful sunset view from the Cambridge Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

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