So many women in business travel for work regularly, and it can be overwhelming to say the least. The lines, the delays, the pushy, aggressive people…. even for someone who travels as frequently as I do, I still find the idea of a business trip daunting. Over the years, I've come up with 6 life-saving techniques that ease the stress of travel and make the trip so much more comfortable on-the-go! 

Tip #1 - Pre-Packed Travel Bag

It took a little while, but I slowly accumulated 2 of the majority of my beauty products. Face lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, small perfumes, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, q-tips, tweezers… whatever your personal care necessities are, keep 2 of them (of course, travel size!), and perhaps even keep a bag permanently packed. This becomes your travel bag. Mine hangs on the back of the linen closet door in my bathroom, and I don’t even have to double check it when I travel because I know everything I need will be in there. It's truly just a grab 'n go! Unless you must have your own hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron… I recommend women in business leave them at home. The hotel hair dryers get the job done just fine for me!

Tip #2 – Less is More (Leave the 3rd pair of heels at home)

When you are traveling for work, less is more. Packing multiple pairs of heels and a variety of pants and skirts just isn't feasible. Stick with a color scheme. Dying to wear your new black pumps? Plan the rest of your travel wardrobe around those shoes. And I know we’re all tempted to bring workout attire in the hopes of getting a quick sweat sesh in, but let's call a spade a spade. If you aren't exercising regularly at home, you probably aren’t going to exercise on a 2-day business trip - and tennis shoes take up tons of valuable space! 

Tip #3 – Negotiate Deals for Long-Term Trips

On a different note, are you going to be traveling back and forth regularly for the foreseeable future? Negotiate with the hotel! The guaranteed revenue for them means they are more than willing to give you a better rate! A coworker was on a 12-week project in New York City, and booked the hotel on day 1 for the full 12 weeks, for the entire team. They ended up with a nearly 20% discount on the rooms, plus access to the club level lounge, which was significantly better than even the corporate rate! And, hotels are usually pretty accommodating, so back to the whole wardrobe thing – you could always leave a bag with the concierge (typically free of charge if you ask nicely!) over the weekend if you want a bit more variety on the next trip! Just don't forget that eventually it all has to come home with you!

Tip #4 – Sign-up for Loyalty Programs

There are a lot of loyalty programs to choose from. As an Atlanta native and employee of a consulting firm, I'm a Delta & Starwood Preferred Guest enthusiast, but all the major airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs. Jump on board! There are so many websites that can help you navigate the impossibly tricky and ever-changing world of points and miles. My personal favorite is www.thepointsguy.com but prepare to be overwhelmed, as he posts multiples times a day about a wide variety of topics. However, the information shared is priceless and can really help you reap the benefits of being a traveling business woman!

Tip #5 – Be Assertive When You’re on the Go!

As a woman in business, traveling for work can be intimidating. The airport is chock-full of imposing men in suits on Bluetooth devices, families that are completely lost and causing a ruckus, and generally obnoxious, stressed out individuals.  I’m not saying you have to be obnoxious back, but be assertive! If you are a Medallion traveler, make sure you are at the front of the line to board the plane. Want the upgrade to first class? Head up to the counter and ask! Women are criticized all the time for not advocating for ourselves in the workplace, so why not practice in a completely harmless environment? 

Tip #6 – Speak Up If Something Goes Wrong

My final piece of advice for travelers is that if something goes wrong, let the company know about it. I had a flight attendant spill hot coffee all over me on a 6am ATL-BOS flight for a one day trip. I had no other clothes and she was incredibly apologetic, but I called the airline as soon as we landed. Not only did they upgrade me on the way home but they also offered complimentary miles to compensate for my inconvenience. You don't want to be the person who abuses the opportunity to voice a complaint, but companies should know when service is poor (and when it's fabulous!).

So with that I say, "Happy travels!" Hopefully some of the little tricks I've picked up over my career will come in handy! Have any trips for professional business travelers?  Tweet me @katiehamilton or use the hashtag #bSMARTtraveltips to discuss!