21 WORK TRIP TIPS FROM A PRO - Packing, Rewards, Points, & Essentials For Business Travel

[@larrysangrikdds4265]

I travel to give educational lectures. I always have my travel shirts professionally laundered (i.e. at a dry cleaners) AND ASK FOR THEM BOXED (instead of on a hanger). They come professionally folded with cardboard inserts in the collar and individually wrapped in plastic. Makes packing much easier. Additionally, they look great (without ironing). Any creases from where they were folded at hidden under your suit.

[@MeansToTravel]

This is a great tip, thank you so much for sharing it!! 😀🙏

[@Blackpearl1993]

Excellent tip1 never thought of this

[@flaviovelasquez4451]

Question What is the appropriate lead time that a manager should send travel plans for a work trip? I once had a manager tell me to be in another city 6 hours drive away 4 days before the trip. I wasn't given the hotel information until I arrived which was about 8pm. Although the trip was fine and productive, I found this very unprofessional.

[@tosht2515]

*bleisure travel* - I think this will be my final comment. Business travel is a great topic. I’m glad you broached this topic. When I’m on the road it’s usually M-Th and I book early morning meetings to maximize my day while out of the office so traveling on Sunday is needed. Companies understand this and are happy to pay for the Sunday night hotel stay and extra rental car day. I always land early and scout out at least my first Monday appointment and get a general feel for the roads and distances. Then it’s pretty much all fun after that. Over the years I’ve gotten to see and do lots of pretty cool things on the Sundays prior to my business week. 👍

[@MeansToTravel]

Sounds like you have extensive business travel experience, and I'm really glad that you've been able to squeeze in a few Sunday nights to explore. Plus I'm sure that can give you a little thing to chat about at your meetings, such as "I tried this restaurant last night" or "I saw this landmark." Very cool, and thanks so much for sharing all of your tips in the comments!!!

[@burdeo2313]

I’m so excited right now! I just landed a role at my company that requires 20% travel. I’m kind of jumping the gun trying to learn all these tips, but I’ve always dreamed of being able to travel for work.

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad this video could help! Congrats on the new job!! 😀

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Packing an extra set of clothes is a great idea... I have had to stay longer on a business trip, and that is a lifesaver!

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes it totally is!!

[@samanthab5006]

I fly 4-6 times a year to corporate for team building/networking weeks. I totally agree on the extra outfit and have found it worthwhile to bring my own travel steamer. I usually have time to pick up distilled water as not much is planned on travel day. Most of my evenings are typically planned out by my work with dinner/events (making for very long days), when I do get an evening to myself I'm usually so burned out on social interaction.

[@MeansToTravel]

The extra outfit is KEY! In fact, Derek was flying back from business meetings last night and his flight got cancelled, so he needed some extra clothes. I've actually been looking into travel steamers - do you have one that you recommend? 😀

[@ChristopherChin141]

You probably do it and didn't mention it, ... Travelling every week, my toiletries never leave my carry on bag. I have 2x of everthing, contact lenses, toothpaste, yoothbrush, electic razor ... so I never unpack them and never forget them. One less thing to stress about while preping for the week. Same thing for the tech sleeve ... chargers, etc. Also like that you stress the importance of quality luggage. I use Pelican 1510 carry on and my "briefcase" is a Pelican 1500. They have been going strong for +10 years, ... over 150 flights per year, multiple continents ... and I lock them with real paddle locks. It isn't worth the hassle of buying a new 100$ bag every 6 months ... or having it fail in the middle of DFW. Great channel ... Thanks

[@mr.meanstotravel]

💯 agree with your points Christopher! I typically do not unpack the gadget bag or toiletry bag either. Huge piece of mind when traveling and you know you have what you need!

[@MeansToTravel]

Ditto to what Derek said! Thanks so much for adding more tips for us all!!! 🙏🏻😀

[@essentialtravelitems]

Great video! As a frequent business traveler myself, I found your tips and advice incredibly helpful. Your experience and knowledge shine through, and I appreciate you sharing your insights. Investing in high-quality luggage with good wheels is definitely a game-changer, and I couldn't agree more about the importance of professional color. I also love the suggestion of using a hanging toiletries bag to stay organized in the bathroom. Your practical and well-explained tips make travel less chaotic and more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing these valuable recommendations!

[@MeansToTravel]

We are so glad you enjoyed the video and feel the tips were spot on! Thanks for watching and commenting! 😀🙏

[@JDMSTi7]

This video was one of the most helpful things I've watched. Excellent work!

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tosht2515]

*Packing extra clothes in case you need to stay an extra day/night is an excellent tip, Derek.* Even though I personally would not change my flights last minute mainly due to the expense, it’s definitely happened while on the road and usually for very good business reasons.

[@MeansToTravel]

Exactly, it's always good to be prepared for anything!

[@picofreeflow]

Great Video

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BlackoniansAroundTheWorld]

Wow! You really are a pro. Thank you for this! :)

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Where in the world are you all now?

[@BlackoniansAroundTheWorld]

@@mr.meanstotravel We relocated to Estonia. Been here for nearly a year due to covid de-railing our travel plans. But hope is near... :)

[@ronniedove2891]

Great Video Guys

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Thanks Ronnie! I hope all is well and you have a great holiday weekend!

[@AlonsoRules]

Bro that tech bag for electronics is great - why didn't I find this brilliant idea earlier? I might have to get one of those instead of my previous method for carrying those items - a kid's lunchbox! Mind you, I find those good too because the lid can't fall off in flight.

[@MeansToTravel]

Haha! The tech bag works great, but it sounds like you created a system that works for you!

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

Great video,good info.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks Eric! 😀

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Glad you liked it Eric!

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

@@mr.meanstotravel Gotta definitely order that bag for my chords and cables.

[@tosht2515]

*eating on the road* - While on business trips I always have lunch and dinner with prospects, clients, resellers, etc. There is no better way to connect than “breaking bread.” Lunch is hopefully some iconic local joint 👍 while dinner is usually a steakhouse. Some want to impress while others are taking advantage of a free meal. It’s all good. That said, you’re not going to be eating light all week so it’s fruits and a bit of yogurt for me at breakfast even though the hotel buffet is tempting me. I’m not complaining about a week or ribeyes, pulled pork and fried seafood mind you. Just something to consider especially since beer, wine and cocktails are also showing up.

[@MeansToTravel]

Yeah, I used to go out to dinner a lot with work colleagues, and it truly is important to strategize your eating. After a while, you just constantly feel full. Just like you I'm not complaining at all, I'm more just sharing to act as a call-out to be mindful so you can be comfortable.

[@tosht2515]

@@MeansToTravel “constantly feel full.” Bingo! That’s the very best way to put it.

[@woltersworld]

Great job Derek!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks I agree, he did great! 😀

[@reid.b2926]

Very helpful!

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad to hear you liked the video! Thanks for watching, and good luck on your business travel! 😀

[@erikzwart5896]

Awesome video Derek skillzzzzz 🙌🙌

[@MeansToTravel]

He rocked it!! 😀

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Thanks Erik! Glad you liked it. So many bloopers though... Eliz was like: "I need to somehow cut down an hour and a half of you talking to like 20 minutes!"

[@erikzwart5896]

@@mr.meanstotravel hahaha well thats part of it haha but don’t tell us just accept that you are awesome and run with that :p

[@JNTravels]

Lots of good tips🐸

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks guys! Glad you think so!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Thanks y'all! Hope some of them are helpful!

[@thewordforever4839]

I used to travel once a year to Asia from UK with business class flights and 5 star hotels. But my new company is a start up and I now travel 6 times a year by budget airlines and economy hotels. I am struggling to adapt and really trying to find my way in this new regime. A lot of good things to think about in this video!

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad that this video might be helpful! We totally agree that it can feel like a huge bummer to go from business class to economy for long haul flights, since sleep is so important. Some tips would be to try to invest in quality products that can help facilitate good sleep (cabeau neck pillow, eyemask, headphones, etc.). Plus, as best as you can, also try to stick to the same airline, hotel, and rental companies, in case you can earn status that gives you upgrades. Good luck and hope you can enjoy the ride! 😀

[@travelknighterrant]

Thank you, content is very helpful.

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@cheri-annwalcott5786]

This video was extremely helpful!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks! So glad to hear!!! 😀

[@kimm3473]

Excellent tips! I cringe every time I see the suggestion to eat on an ironing board. Glad you addressed to cover it.

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Yeah, that picture of reheating pizza on an iron freaked me out!

[@MeansToTravel]

Completely agree! A nice dress shirt costs a lot more than take-out, so the towel tip is key! 😀🙏🏻

[@tosht2515]

Excellent tips for business and leisure travel. I’ve done some business travel and will add a couple of tips and some thoughts. *Really enjoyed this video.* It was well organized and comprehensive.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks for all of your terrific additions!

[@thomasreiser]

In the US most grocery stores sell distilled water frequently for less than a buck a gallon

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes so true, definitely nice if you can quickly run out and grab some!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

True. The problem is that most guests at hotels won't do that and so build up tends to occur in the iron before you check in. I've seen it many times at all levels of hotels (budget to luxury).

[@tommyedodson2412]

Nice tips for work or pleasure travel. Pretty disappointed with our Away bag we purchased recently (after it's maiden trip) so perhaps we'll look into the others you mentioned.

[@MeansToTravel]

So sorry to hear that!! I wonder if Away cut corners at all with the quality when the luggage industry tanked last year. If you don't mind sharing, I'm super curious to hear when you purchased it. I don't own an Away bag, but many of my frequent traveler friends rave about them, so I found this super interesting!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Oh no! That's the only bag I mentioned that we don't own (but many friends do, including consultants that travel ALL the time). Is the issue something they could fix? I know Away offers a limited lifetime warranty, so it might be worth looking into.

[@KageManTV]

Loved these tips andnthabk you for many of the recommendations unfortunately the toiletry bag is out of stock forever!

[@leecal5774]

Thanks Derek, great video. Also, Just to let you know that I’m still following and watching your videos. Although I don’t comment as much nowadays.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks Lee!!!

[@unapologeticmoi]

Such great tips. Thank you

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@BryanSnider]

Also forgot to mention I agree with on TSA / Global entry. I once sat last row of a 747 on BA. Landed in Phoenix and was home within 45 min of arrival. I live 35 min away so got through in minutes because I didn’t check bags

[@MeansToTravel]

It's the BEST!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Global entry + carry on only for the win!

[@glenncamp733]

Years ago, I was in Bahrain and the hotel invited frequent guests to a cocktail party in the boiler room. Very inventive, and while in the elevator, I met a fellow traveler and ended up doing a large line of business with him. Be open to meeting others and it will often pay off. It was also a very "behind the scenes tour."

[@MeansToTravel]

That's so cool, what a great story about meeting someone while traveling for business!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

That's such a unique experience! Great example of staying open to new opportunities while traveling Glenn!

[@sc-rq7zy]

Just a tipp about the toiletry bag, the only one sided see trough will create problems in Europe, especially in Germany. I used a tsa approved bag from Tumi and in 8 of 10 times, i got in trouble. So just put all liquids direct in a zipped bag if u fly trough Europe.

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes, over the years I've started to agree with this point more and more...it's just better to pack everything into a regular quart baggie. I feel like Derek gets away with using that hanging bag because his liquids never fill up the space, but I ALWAYS have to remove my liquids and place them in the aiport's own baggies! Thanks so much for adding this note to be helpful for other travelers 🙏

[@iggieminana8371]

Had no idea about the iron problem. Do you use distilled water at home as well?

[@MeansToTravel]

Yeah at home we always use distilled water just to be safe. The travel hacks for the hotel irons and ironing boards are so crazy!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

We only use distilled water at home. The problem is that because the irons at hotels are only using tap water, they may have developed buildup in them, which is no bueno, especially on white clothes items!

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

Very well done video Folks. I love the idea of having a separate bag for all of my tech stuff. I will be ordering one from Amazon in a few minutes lol. Gret tips on the ironing as well. I love using the point system. My flight to Germany was paid for with miles plus $133.00 for taxes. Thanks for sharing :).

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes, so glad you're getting all those great points and using them for your trips! And keep me posted on what tech bag you end up getting - we love ours so much!!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Glad you found some tips helpful Darion! The bag for your cords is very clutch!

[@analissalowe8469]

Could you do a video on how to pack a carryon for men, business trip edition?

[@MeansToTravel]

I'll add it to the list!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

American Airlines and Marriott Hotels all the way! Although we have just started accruing points with Hyatt also with a new credit card. I'm ashamed to say my first job out of business school was at HIlton Hotels... I worked on the HHonors program. But I have not been brand loyal to them ... oh well!

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes, AA makes total sense for you, especially since you're based in Texas! Sounds like you've tried out ALL of the hotels. 😀 We really like Marriott and Hyatt too. It's really nice that Derek and I both have Marriott gold status through one of our travel credit cards!

[@BryanSnider]

Great tips!!! I agree with your luggage choices. I worked as a baggage supervisor for a major airline in Phoenix and these brands not only held up well, but they are often designed well enough for self maintenance aka replacing wheels and such

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks for adding this comment and validating the brands! I know a lot of crew use Travelpro, too. Also, I should totally interview you sometime about your luggage handling experience, because I'm sure you have some great insights! 😀

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Glad you liked the tips Bryan! Those brands seem to be pretty popular, and we own almost all of them!

[@SimonChambers]

@@MeansToTravel I was going to ask about Travelpro, as they're what I use. I upgraded to their Platinum Elite just before the Pandemic hit and am looking forward to using them once travel starts up again.

[@MeansToTravel]

@@SimonChambers If you like it and it works for you, then definitely keep using it! Would love to hear what you think when you give the new bag a spin!

[@SimonChambers]

@@MeansToTravel It'll be October before I travel again to COP26 in Glasgow, but I'll try to remember to post here. I did use my checked Platinum Elite case once and very much enjoyed it before lockdown. I then ordered the carry on size, although I won't use that for 3 weeks in Europe!

[@etherdog]

The gear comments were very helpful, Derek, and the whole video was well presented! Olga and I only travel by air twice a year (and only for leisure), so I wonder how useful it is for us to be mining points when the prices and destinations are so varied? Does Eliz do all the editing?

[@MeansToTravel]

Great question about points and rewards. We think that it's always important to sign up for the rewards programs since it's free. With airlines, you'll likely at least earn a free domestic flight over time even if flying twice per year. If you like to vary what hotels you stay in, then I recommend using something like hotels.com's rewards program to earn free nights. They give a free hotel night after only 10 nights of stays, so if you use that website to book two week-long vacations a year, you'll have at least one night free to use the following year. And thank you, yes, I (Eliz) do all the editing and pretty much everything for the channel, but it's nice to have Derek in a lot of the videos to lend his expertise/thoughts! If we're filming a vlog together, Derek often will help with filming too, which is so handy!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Eliz does 100% of the editing - I just show up and look pretty! I think points are something you should look into though. With the right credit cards and some thought behind how you use them, it's possible to pay for your flights using points that you earned. It's important to make sure you don't overspend in the process, but can be well worth the effort!

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

Great tips, until recent times I had never even thought of using an hotel iron and ironing board for anything other than ironing clothes. Then a friend who works in China showed me a Whatsapp group for expats returning and having to quarantine in a Chinese hotel. The tip posted was 'you can make in room pancakes on the iron'!!!! 'Pack pancake mix and have fresh pancakes for breakfast'!

[@MeansToTravel]

Oh my gosh that's CRAZY! I'm really surprised those hotels wouldn't just give them hot plates to use if it came out that people were using irons to cook pancakes in their room!!! It's way more expensive to have to replace a future guest's dress clothes or replace the irons + ironing board than to supply a hot plate in a room. I also hope the people who made pancakes told the hotel that they did so to avoid a future guest ruining their clothes!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Yikes! I'd rather wait for real pancakes! I will certainly be WAY more mindful of how clean the irons are after filming this video.

[@katiesmith252]

Great video and tips, as always!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks so much Katie!

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Thanks Katie! Glad you liked it!

[@jackeddemon]

Tumi for life!

[@MeansToTravel]

Tumi’s are great!

[@tosht2515]

*hotel bar* - I’m so glad you discussed this. So accurate. Business travelers are always open to chat and your Dayton anecdote is perfect. In Minneapolis during a major storm my local business colleagues and I decided it wasn’t a great night to hit the city. I had dinner and drinks in the bar and met a corporate trainer (for a company I do not respect 😆) in town on business. She was super interesting and a talker. We joked about meeting again the next night if the weather was still problematic. It was and we did. In Seattle I had drinks with an executive for Maglite. He taught me (complained about) the ins and outs of trying to do business with the big box stores. Woot. 😀 In Indianapolis I unfortunately met a young aspiring corporate business and life coach. She wasn’t even staying at this hotel! Just hanging out trying to make contact during a conference week. *Anyway, yes, socializing at the hotel bar is a great way to unwind and end the business day.* 👍

[@MeansToTravel]

Sounds like you have some great anecdotes for this point as well! I will say, as a woman, I unfortunately have felt slightly less inclined to do this. Not from lack of wanting to relax and chat, but just in an effort to keep myself protected. If I go to a hotel bar alone, I'd bring items such as headphones, notebook, or electronics (to be able to pretend to be working, or to simply pass the time). And I'd also make sure it feels like the bartender would have my back.

[@tosht2515]

@@MeansToTravel Always be diligent about your safety indeed! 👍 Story - hopefully short. I’m sitting at my hotel bar in Santa Monica reading a bit. A couple sit around the elbow of the bar like a foot away. I give them the head nod and say hello. The guy forgot something and runs off leaving his girlfriend I assume. She’s super attractive. After a few minutes of silence she says “Why do Americans not want to talk?” I replied “Pardon?” to which she says “you would prefer to read than speak with me.” Haha. I said “Well, first of all, beautiful women are hit on all the time and I’m sure you’re tired of it. Secondly, I’m not going to disrespect your boyfriend while he’s away.” This kind of shocked her and she lightened up and said “he is not my boyfriend.” 😆

[@MeansToTravel]

@Tosh T Haha I loved this story!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Mr Means to Travel has all the pro tips! Loved these very practical suggestions! My biggest challenge (I should say "our" challenge) is that we are crazy frugal... and that makes us not invest is proper stuff like luggage. Hence my wheel busting in two with my 55 lb suitcase as we were arriving here in England on this trip! Oi!

[@MeansToTravel]

Yeah we’ve learned the hard way, and we’ve decided it’s nice for our trips to have the reliability of well made luggage. Sometimes you can get good deals at outlet stores and stuff. One time I purchased a rolling duffle from an airport shop in Tucson for $15 on sale, and it lasted for years. But generally we’ve leaned towards specific brands lately so there’s warranties if they break.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Mr Means to Travel needs a new hanging toiletries kit! haha

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes he does!!! Perils of being on the road for a year!! 🤣

[@tosht2515]

*International business travel* - I mentioned this on your Wolters World collaboration video but wanted to reiterate that it is very important to do a bit of research on greetings/handshaking, salutations, business gift giving and dining etiquette. You don’t need to understand all the nuances but making the effort will be noticed and appreciated.

[@MeansToTravel]

Yes, this is such an important tip! Glad you mentioned it!

[@loris7964]

looks like you have your Zoom shirt on

[@MeansToTravel]

Haha yep, accurate.

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Yup. Pretty much.