As pandemic limitations begin to ease, work travel is starting to ramp back up for the fall season. With more than 462 million domestic business trips every year, travel is a large part of American culture. Grand Rapids has become a popular travel destination due to the number of growing companies like Meijer, Gordon Food Service, General Electric, Sysco, Steelcase, and many more. From the airports to back-to-back meetings, business travel can be a taxing experience. Whether you are a new or an experienced business traveler, we are here to provide some travel tips to help make your business travel easier and more enjoyable.
Here are some tips to help you through this next season of business travel.
#1. Charge your technology and invest in a quality battery pack. When you are on the go for work, the last thing you want to happen is your phone, laptop, or headphones to lose power. You should make sure all your electronics are charging the night before traveling. A battery pack can also be a lifesaver should you run out of juice on the go. Although, you must remember to charge it too.
#2. Invest in a good computer travel bag. You’ll be on the go a lot when traveling for business and making sure that you have a durable bag is a must. We encourage bags that have proper computer storage. Whether you use a backpack or an over-the-shoulder bag, make sure it is a comfortable fit and something that you are willing to carry around the city or in the airport.
#3. Keep those plastic garment bags from the dry cleaners. You can use them to pack your dress clothes in your carry-on suitcase, so they do not wrinkle.
#4. Use travel rewards programs like frequent flyer miles. If you travel a lot for work, you should make your airtime work for you. Many airlines offer frequent flyer mile programs where you can rack up points. The best part is you can use these points for personal use. So, all the traveling you do for business could help you get a great deal on the next family vacation.
#5. Keep to your fitness routine. Traveling for business may change many aspects of your day-to-day life but you don’t let it change your fitness routines. Hotels and even some airports have gyms you can use to stay active on your trips.
#6. Utilize airport lounges. These lounges usually require a membership. However, they offer an oasis for business travelers. They can have sleeping pods, comfortable seating, private dining, showers, spas, and massage chairs.
#7. TSA Precheck is worth it. Getting pre-checked for your flight saves you time and stress when getting to your gate. Completing it also takes little time. It is worth taking the time to get pre-approved so you can skip the long security lines.
#8. Double-check you have sleep and snack essentials. You can be on the tarmac for a long time. You don’t want to be stuck without everything you need to be comfortable. Take the time before you board to buy some snacks, a neck pillow, or an eye mask.
#9. Buy a refillable water bottle. When you are on the go, it can be easy to forget to do basic things like drinking water. Airports and many facilities now offer filling stations and make it easy to stay hydrated. Be sure to pack a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
#10. Make safety a top priority. Chances are your business travels will take you to lots of unfamiliar places. Sometimes you may even travel alone. While this is a great opportunity to experience something new, never compromise your safety. Have a plan, know your hotel room number, and where you parked. Also, tell a relative or close friend where you are traveling and staying.
#11. Take time to explore and have some fun. While traveling for business may not always feel like a vacation, you can still take some time to have fun. Find one new restaurant to make a reservation at and try anytime you are in a new city. For example, if you are staying at Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown, there are great local finds within walking distance as well as Burger Theory which is attached directly to the hotel. you can This simple act can make business travel feel more relaxed and intentional.
#12. Grand Rapids has an abundance of hotel packages for travelers. You should send some of them to your boss. You’ll show initiative by saving the company money and possibly get into some nicer hotels. Check out this offer from the Holiday Inn.
#13. Understand Gerald Ford International Airport. There are 140 plus flight services that come out of the airport every day. Although this airport is relatively small, rush hours is still something to consider. Most destinations are within a 30-minute drive from the airport, but always make sure to give yourself an extra 20-30 mins to ensure you make it to your final destination on time.
#14. Utilize the DASH, or downtown shuttle. Rideshare services and taxis can be expensive. Luckily, Grand Rapids has a shuttle service called DASH for the downtown area. Best of all, the service is free and can take you anywhere downtown.
#15. Find FREE Parking. Like many cities, Grand Rapids is very limited on Free Parking. If you are renting a car for your business trip, its helpful to find a place that has free or affordable parking. Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown is one of the only hotels that offer FREE parking onsite with your stay. With its accessibility to businesses and attractions throughout the city, keeping this option top of mind makes travel easier.