How to Survive a One Day Business Trip

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While in your job, you may find the need to go on a one day business trip. This quick work trip might be for a sales meeting with a prospective client, or an interview at a new firm. One day business trips can be stressful, however this post will help you get through the day.

Create a detailed one day work trip itinerary

Since your business trip is only one day, you want to be sure that you do not miss any meetings and take full advantage of your time in town. Create an itinerary that outlines where you need to be, and at what time. Save important addresses to your phone so that they are handy, along with phone numbers of contacts at your destination. With only one day to travel, you don’t want to spend too much time being lost.

As you are planning your one day work trip, take into account travel time. If you are flying in, consider the amount of time it takes to get to your rental car, or to get from the airport to your client. You will not be able to leave the second that you land – keep in mind that you will need additional time to get off of the plane.

Find ways to save time

Since your time on your business trip is limited, you will want to save as much time as possible so that your trip is stress free.

Save time at the airport by getting TSA Pre-Check, especially if you will be traveling for work frequently. TSA Pre-Check will help you save time in the morning so that you can sleep in, and it will also give you a few extra minutes in the evening in the event that you are running late.

Consider having a driver pick you up from the airport. If you have someone pick you up, you can focus in the car on your meetings for the day. You will not have to worry about getting lost, or figuring out how to get to your next destination.

Take note of your breaks ahead of time, and plan out where you will be. You do not want to waste time searching for coffee shops or restaurants – if you know that you have a break from your client, look-up places to spend your breaks ahead of time.

Start your one day business trip prepared

Pack for your one day work trip the night before, to ensure that you have everything that you need. If you need to bring your laptop, make sure that you pack your charger and any appropriate adapters. Bring your phone charger, and a notebook and pen.

Depending on the purpose of your business trip, you may also want to bring marketing materials or business cards. In addition, you will also want to throw into your work bag a few comfort items. Pack gum so that your breath is always fresh, and pack tissues for if you need a napkin or have to blow your nose.

Dress comfortably for the one day trip

Check the weather of your destination, and dress appropriately for your quick business trip. For a one day business trip, it can be assumed that you will be moving around a lot.

Wear shoes that you feel comfortable spending all day in. Consider wrinkle free clothes that are low maintenance, and do not require adjustment throughout the day. I prefer tops that are less structure, and ponte pants that are always comfortable.

Pack one day back-ups

You likely will not be bringing a suitcase for your one day business trip, unless you are certain that you are staying overnight. The majority of one day work trips will expect that you fly in on the earliest flight, and fly out on the latest. Even if you are only traveling for one day, you will still want to pack for the worst case scenario.

Especially if you are booked on the last flight out, there is always a chance that your flight could get delayed or inevitably canceled. While you don’t need to bring your entire suitcase, it is always a good idea to pack basic toiletries in your carry-on bag. A hotel will have shampoo and soap, but you should consider adding to your bag:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Contact case and contact solution
• Deodorant
• One extra set of underwear
• One extra top

In the worst case scenario, you can always wear the same clothes as the day before. However, I like to pack an extra shirt just in case.

Make the most of your work day

It will likely be difficult to see any sites or enjoy the city that you are traveling to, because your work trip is only for one day. If you are in a city that you have never been to before, you can still work in a few new experiences.

Go to a restaurant that you have never been to before, or plan your transportation route past recognizable sites. Even if you can drive by a site on your way home to the airport, you can definitely find the ways to make the most of your one day business trip.