Traveling for business isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. In fact, one in five business travelers feel stressed about their upcoming trips.

Sure, you may get to visit new and exciting places without having to worry about airfare. However, these perks don’t always outweigh the anxiety you feel during the journey.

We’re here to talk about ways to manage that travel stress on your next business trip. From skipping the airport chaos to taking advantage of your downtime, we’ve got you covered.

Read on for our best tips to minimize stress on your upcoming business trip.

Clarify the Itinerary

Do you spend your entire business trip worried that you’re going to miss an important meeting or forget about lunch with a client? Clarify the itinerary and expectations before your trip begins.

Add a note to your phone that includes every important date, location, and time. Make note of the names of anyone you’ll be speaking with and when. If necessary, book all short-term travel (like taxis or Ubers to meetings and lunch spots) in advance. 

Travel Comfortably

Some people don’t mind the time away as much as they mind the actual travel. If you get serious airport anxiety or can’t seem to calm down when you’re en route to your destination, focus your efforts on traveling more comfortably.

Take private charter flights to skip crowded airports and unexpected delays. Pack items that will help you relax, like neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask. If your nervous system starts acting up, use grounding exercises like deep breathing or playing with a fidget device to keep the panic at bay.

Maximize Your Downtime

Maybe you’re used to being a frequent flyer but you struggle to keep up with the jam-packed schedule of a business trip. If so, it’s time to make better use of your downtime so that you feel rejuvenated and recharged.

For some, that means heading back to the hotel between meetings to catch a nap, lounge at the pool, or book a massage. For others, it could be focusing on desires, like checking out that coffee shop down the street or doing some sightseeing, in the midst of all the requirements. 

When someone else plans your schedule, it can feel like you’re not in control. Take control back by meeting your own needs and wants when you have breaks in the itinerary. 

Stay Calm and Comfortable This Business Trip

A business trip may seem exciting and glamorous from the outside, but for many, it’s a huge source of stress. Use this guide to find your inner peace and comfort the next time you travel for work. By managing your anxiety, you can have a better experience that isn’t quite as taxing.

Looking for some great entertainment to absorb during your plane ride? Wondering what the latest business trends are that you can use in your next meeting? Take a look around as we cover more of the topics you care about.