Maximize your business travels with these travel tips

Make getting ready for your business trip a hassle-free experience with Capital One Business Deals' travel tips for any mode of transportation.


To ensure a smooth trip, you'll want to be prepared for business travel, whether you're flying, driving, or taking the train. Check out Capital One Business Deals’ tips for traveling safely and efficiently to help you prepare, pack, and plan.

Be aware of any restrictions or rules during your trip.

Prior to embarking on a trip, you should be aware of health rules, security measures, travel advisories, and both local and international regulations that may apply to your destination. Be aware of any crowded, high-traffic places such as airports and train stations. Although it isn't quite as common as it once was, there may be policies in place regarding the use of protective face covers, social distancing, and capacity limitations in these public places. Different countries and airports have different security procedures as well, pertaining to transporting liquids, electronics, and more.Learn current policies and regulations, so you're prepared ahead of your trip and don’t get caught off guard.

Travel tricks and tools you need to know

Both travel and technology have evolved to make life easier while on the road. With these convenient services, apps, and memberships, you can get a leg up with your travel.

  • Sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to help you save time with shorter security screening times.
  • CLEAR Health Pass for businesses can help you travel more confidently with real-time health surveys for employees and touchless temperature readings at kiosks.
  • For international travel, Global Entry can help streamline screening times as well.
  • Digitize travel documents. A trip-planning app such as TripIt can help you organize your itinerary. Input all of the dates, times, addresses, contacts, confirmation numbers, and booking information in one easy-to-locate place.

How to travel for business: the essentials

Though business travel may be a fun way to see new places and take a break from your routine, it is still work. It's imperative that you're on time, healthy, and prepared for your meetings if you want to make the most of them. Prepare for your business trip with the following pro-tips:

1. To travel efficiently, plan ahead.

Avoid being rushed, and allow ample time to get where you need to go. Organize your schedule according to your departure time, so you can set alarms, send reminders, or arrange transportation accordingly.

For example, are you checking your luggage? You should check in at least 45 minutes to an hour before your flight. Is your flight departing early in the morning or late at night? Pre-book rides to ensure availability ahead of time.

2. Have all travel documentation ready.

Gather travel documents and IDs. Double-check the expiration dates of IDs, passports, and credit cards in advance.

3. Pack like a pro.

Make sure you pack everything you'll need for work on the go - chargers, extra batteries, day planners, lint rollers, and stain pens - plus the extra tools you'll need to stay on top of your game. Create a business trip packing list to make sure your bases are covered.

4. Stay connected with apps and SMS alerts.

From local weather alerts to appointment times to departure updates, set up SMS or app notifications for the relevant legs of your journey. For example, the airline might proactively notify you if your departure gate changes. To be ready to log in wherever you are with in-flight Wi-Fi, check with your airline's WI-FI provider beforehand.

5. Track travel expenses.

Tracking expenses during travel can help you log and submit for reimbursements and earn points or miles more accurately. Avoid envelopes of paper receipts with apps that make it easy to track mileage and expenses.

6. Communicate your availability (or lack of availability).

Be sure to let colleagues and clients know when you will be unavailable. Consider setting up an out-of-office auto-responder when you're going into airplane mode to notify others that you might be delayed or out of pocket.

Stay healthy on the road

You should always get enough sleep, minimize your chances of becoming sick while flying, and eat healthily while on the road. In addition, you can be more productive or rest easier using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones while traveling. Travel-related illnesses can also be prevented with disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, back-up masks, and plenty of hydration.

A lounge membership is also an excellent way to avoid crowds and build some relaxation (or productivity) into your time on the road. An office lounge is convenient for working, recharging, taking calls, or relaxing after a long day. Even more so, you will be more inclined to arrive early and utilize your free time effectively.

Earning and saving on business travel

You can earn cash back, points, upgrades, or miles from a loyalty program or travel rewards card. So, which is the best one for you?

Evaluate your most common travel expenses to determine where you can obtain additional discounts or upgrades. Are you a frequent guest at a certain hotel chain? Do you frequently fly with an airline with a nearby hub? Are you more likely to rent cars or use a ride-sharing app? Compare travel rewards cards to find the one that’s best for you.

Access travel-related savings with Capital One Business Deals

Where else could you save on business travel? Capital One Business Deals offers discounted deals for businesses on travel-related expenses. Sign up and get access to discounted rates for Priority Pass, Enterprise rentals, hotels, parking and more.


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