Travel Hacks: Get 3 Valuable Tips from the Pros

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Travel Hacks: Get 3 Valuable Tips from the Pros | GTI TravelWhether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, traveling like a pro can save you time, money and reduce some of the annoyances that can come with the territory. These three tips from business travel agency pros can help you avoid hassles and navigate travel more easily.

Get TSA Precheck & Global Entry

TSA Precheck can help you cut down on stress and save time. You can skip the line at airport security, you won’t have to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and laptops & liquids can stay put. An $85 membership is good for five years, and all you have to do is submit an online application and visit an enrollment center for a short appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry is a program that allows for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers to return to the U.S. using automatic kiosks at select airports. That way, you can fly (no pun intended) through customs and get home sooner. Corporate travel companies have professional business travel agents who are well-versed in the details of obtaining a TSA Precheck or Global Entry and can help you with the process. The less time spent languishing at the airport, the better, right?

Pack Light

Packing like a pro allows you to skip the hassle of waiting at baggage claim and possibly losing your luggage. $25 to check a bag doesn’t seem like much, but if you’re a frequent business traveler it adds up fast. Even if it’s a long trip, pack only the essentials and use laundry and dry cleaning services at your hotel. Just ask your business travel management company to book you a hotel that offers these amenities. Bringing just a carryon will save time and money, and it’s one less thing you need to keep track of when traveling.

Research Your Destination Before You Go

Food and travel information is more accessible than ever. Researching your destination online and checking out the travel sections of newspapers can keep you abreast of the latest restaurant trends and things to see and do. Because their agents are experienced in planning events around the globe, corporate event travel management services can be a great resource for getting the scoop on what’s hot.

Locals like taxi drivers are typically more than happy to give you the skinny on restaurants, sights and can’t-miss activities. Following your nose while you’re out exploring can yield affordable and tasty results; and street food will give you an authentic taste of the local culture. If you’re traveling to a foreign country and don’t know the language, learn basics like, “Hello,“ “Please,” “Thank You,” and “Do you speak English?” Using phrases in the local language such as “I would like…” can help make sure you’re ordering what you want to eat or drink. While it’s okay to splurge once in a while, eating healthy and nourishing foods can keep your immune system working like a charm and leave you feeling good overall.

If you’re looking to make travel a little more painless and a lot more fun, a business travel agency can provide specialized corporate travel management solutions designed to fit your specific needs.

Essential Items for Healthy Travel

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Essential Items for Healthy Travel

Falling ill or getting hurt when traveling is no fun, especially when there’s work to be done. Whether you are on a quick jaunt to attend a last-minute meeting or are involved in more extensive business event travel, it is essential to pack items that will help you maintain your health on the road. This handy list of must-bring things can help you stay healthy and prepared for anything.

Essential items for Healthy travelHand Sanitizer–One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you at all times. That way, if you can’t wash your hands you can still keep them clean.

First Aid Kit–When it comes to business travel planning, you can never be too prepared. Accidents happen, so make sure your first aid kit includes Band Aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze, tweezers and a small pair of scissors.

Medications

Prescription Medications–Don’t forget to bring any prescription medications you are taking. Skipping vital medicines such as heart or blood pressure medications can be dangerous.

Antihistamines–Combat hay fever and other allergic reactions with antihistamines. Benadryl can make you drowsy, so if you’re driving or hitting a meeting, opt for a non-drowsy antihistamine like Claritin. Benadryl can also double as a sleep aid if you struggle with insomnia.

Pain Relievers–Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help ease aches and pains so you can focus on the tasks at hand.

Gastrointestinal Relief–Many people suffer from tummy troubles when they travel. Medicines such as Pepto-Bismol, Pepcid and Immodium can help keep upset to a minimum.

Motion Sickness–Traveling on crowded planes, trains and buses can make some people feel ill. If you have a history of motion sickness, carry medicine such as Dramamine with you.

Immune Boosters–There are lots of invisible critters swirling in the air, especially in enclosed spaces like airplanes. Supplements such as Airborne or Emergen-C contain vitamins and other ingredients that may help to stave off colds, flu and other illnesses.

Sunscreen

Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can lead to long-term health issues like skin cancer and premature aging. Always bring a high SPF sunscreen with you when you travel. You never know when you will spend time outside, and bad sunburn isn’t pleasant to deal with.

Portable Gym

Although most hotels have 24-hour gyms these days, if you prefer working out alone, there are kits you can buy that contain a jump rope, resistance bands, pedometers and other light, easy-to-carry fitness gear. Running shoes, workout clothes and a bathing suit are also indispensable to stay fit and relieve stress while you’re on the road.

Healthy Snacks

You may be running from one place to another while traveling for business, but don’t forget to eat. Pack non-perishable healthy snacks like nuts, jerky, trail mix and dried fruit to keep your blood sugar level steady.

Looking for more valuable business travel planning tips? Small business travel solutions? Finding the best corporate travel agency to provide top-quality corporate travel management services can help reduce stress and make traveling a more pleasant experience, which is always good for your health.