Your first business trip can be exciting, career-defining… and a little daunting. From navigating airports to balancing meetings with wellbeing, travelling for work is very different from heading off on holiday. The good news? With the right preparation, your first business trip can be smooth, productive and even enjoyable.
Here are our top tips to help first-time business travellers feel confident, organised and ready to succeed from the moment they leave home.
Preparation is the foundation of a stress-free trip. Before you go, make sure you know:
Your flight, hotel and transfer details
Where meetings are taking place and how long it will take to get there
Any visa, passport or documentation requirements
Keep both digital and printed copies of your itinerary, just in case. A clear plan means fewer last-minute surprises - and more headspace to focus on work.
First-time business travellers often overpack, which can slow you down at every stage of the journey.
Aim for carry-on only where possible to avoid waiting for luggage
Choose mix-and-match outfits in neutral colours that work from meeting room to dinner
Pack one pair of smart shoes and one comfortable pair for travel
If you do require checked baggage, keep a full change of clothes, essential toiletries and any medication in your hand luggage
A simple capsule wardrobe keeps you polished and professional, without the weight and worry of multiple bags.
Staying connected is crucial when you are travelling for work
Keep laptops, tablets and phones in your hand luggage, never checked bags
Pack chargers, a travel adaptor and a power bank so you are not hunting for sockets between meetings
Check your mobile data and roaming plans before you travel, or consider an e-sim for frequent trips
Be mindful of security: avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive work and always lock your screen in public spaces
For businesses, it is worth setting clear guidance on data security while travelling so colleagues feel confident about what they can and cannot do on the move.
Travel days can be unexpectedly tiring, especially if you are new to business travel. Performance matters, so building in time to rest is essential rather than indulgent.
Start hydrating the day before you fly and keep drinking water in transit.
Limit alcohol and caffeine on longer flights, which can disrupt sleep
Adjust your watch to the destination time as soon as you board
Try to get natural daylight and a short walk on arrival to help reset your body clock
If you are planning travel for your team, consider scheduling important meetings at least a few hours after landing, or the following day for long-haul trips. That buffer can make a real difference to how alert and prepared your travellers feel.
Understanding what’s covered - and what’s expected - will help you travel with confidence. Before you go, check:
Booking guidelines and preferred suppliers
Expense limits and reporting procedures
Emergency or out-of-hours support
If you’re ever unsure, having a trusted travel partner can make all the difference.
For both first-time business travellers and the companies they work for, having a dedicated travel expert makes all the difference.
Travel Counsellors for Business provides:
Personal support from a named Travel Counsellor who understands your travellers and your policy
Tailored itineraries that fit around meetings and minimise unnecessary stress and waiting time
Support when plans change, with someone on hand to help rearrange flights, hotels or transfers quickly
With the right guidance and support, first-time business travellers can arrive calm, prepared and ready to perform at their best.
Your first business trip sets the tone for many more to come. With thoughtful planning, the right support and a focus on wellbeing, business travel can become a powerful, and positive, part of your professional journey.
At Travel Counsellors for Business, we’re here to support both organisations and travellers every step of the way, ensuring every trip is productive, safe and stress-free - no matter how new you are to travelling for work.
To experience more peace of mind when it comes to work trips, get in touch with Travel Counsellors for Business today.
Discover how a personalised, human-led approach to MICE travel helps businesses deliver seamless, high-impact meetings and incentive programmes, through the expertise of Travel Counsellors’ MICE specialist Amanda Bower.
Ashley shares her journey into corporate travel, what businesses really want from a TMC, and why having a trusted human at the heart of travel management makes all the difference.
Discover the must-know secrets of designing a travel programme that works for your organisation’s objectives and your most important asset – your people.