Mark Cohen, Metlife, on Advice to Make Business Travel Easier

Traveling for business can often become tedious, especially if you do it constantly and feel as though you’re rushing from airport to office to airport every other week. If you’re not methodical in your approach to business travel, you’re going to have a miserable time and find it difficult to stay on top of everything and be productive. Instead of becoming burned out from all your business travel, learn how to make it as stress-free as possible and actually enjoy the trips.

Have a to-go bag

A great way to make business travel easier is to keep a bag packed and ready for when a trip occurs. You’ll probably know about most trips in advance and have time to prepare, but if last minute travel ever occurs, having a bag ready to go takes a lot of stress out of the equation. Have a bag that has what you need for up to a week and can easily be taken in a car, on a train, or on an airplane.

Pack minimally

In your to-go bag and any other luggage you have, pack the minimal amount. Overpacking can waste time while checking luggage or make your bag much bulkier and more difficult to carry than it needs to be. Plan what you need according to the climate of wherever you’re going and pack your items in a way that takes up as little space as possible.

Plan ahead

When you’re heading out on a business trip, do not wait until the morning you’re leaving to make sure you have everything you need. Keep your important documents together, make sure you have any tickets or confirmation numbers you’ll need, and double check the times for everything in the week leading up to the trip. Planning ahead and knowing where, when, and how you’re going makes business travel much easier.

Make the most of travel time

While you’re traveling, try to get work done and be productive. Set time aside to take care of work or personal emails and then try to rest during transit. Instead of staying up for the entire flight, getting some rest, relaxing, and being productive for a period of time ensures you do not waste travel time.

Find something interesting

Even if you’re only in a city or country for a short amount of time while on business, make a point to find something interesting about the place. Check out recommended restaurants, have a conversation with a local, or visit historical sites if you have the time. Even taking time to learn interesting facts about the place can make your trip more exciting.

About the Author

Mark Cohen is a financial professional who has previously worked at BCG Securities and Metlife. Mark has extensive experience working as a financial advisor and enjoys being able to help others successfully manage their personal finances. He feels that working in finance provides a challenging environment where there are constant developments and changes. Mark Cohen has enjoyed great success in his career and achieved much at the various companies he's worked at, including building a talented team of investors, being recognized in the top one percent of financial advisors in the country, and being recognized in the top 20 of advisors throughout the country.