With summer coming to a close, the traditional kick-off to peak business travel season is just around the corner. Between deadlines and meetings, travel adds another layer of pressure to an already impacted schedule. Here is a list of tips to help ease the stress of your upcoming travels:

• Luggage – Starting with the basics, a reliable carry-on suitcase is a must. Retire that old suitcase with broken handle and frozen wheels. And if high-tech is your thing, check out Forbes’ review of the Barracuda Bag.
• Checklist – Do you have a checklist for all your business and personal items? You don’t want your laptop running out of power during a presentation because you forgot a power cable, or when you are on the plane putting the final touches onto your presentation.
• Directions – If you are traveling, having addresses and maps readily available for taxi, rideshares or your own rental car can save precious time.
• Helpful Apps – With programs that allow better tracking of flights, schedules and expenses, travel has never been easier. Check out Inc.’s full list here.

When it comes to travel, it’s all about the details – and tracking all the small things makes any big issues easier to handle.

SAFETY TIPS

Workplace Protocol
Before you travel, review your company’s travel protocol. A travel protocol should include an in-office contact that may stand in for you in certain circumstances, a contact with which to share itineraries and meeting schedules, and emergency contacts that are at home as well as your destination.

Be aware of any risks associated with travel times such as traffic or large events, and always expect the unexpected.

These of course are just a couple main points for any travel protocol action plan. Consult your company for more information regarding these issues. Should you be interested, we are also available to help with any plan documentation and integration.

Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is paramount in business and personal endeavors, and should be included in travel protocols as well. Each level of cybersecurity is different depending on market, environment and industry, but there are things all of us can do to create a more secure digital environment.

• Lock your devices and change your pins while traveling
• Update all passwords
• Avoid Wi-Fi that is not encrypted
• Disable auto-connection features on mobile devices including Bluetooth
• Before travel, ensure that anti-virus and operating system software is updated and as current as possible
• Don’t share USB and other plug-and-play devices

By following these simple travel tips and communication techniques, you can ensure an easy and stress-free holiday travel schedule.

Should you wish to discuss partnership opportunities, business development programs or other communications campaigns related to the fields, please reach out. We will be happy to put our contact network and significant expertise to work for you!