Steps for stress free travel

Before the trip starts

Always keep a travel case ready

For regular fliers, having to pack, unpack and pack again is tiresome and there’s always a possibility that in the last- minute hurry, you’ll not remember something. So, keep a travel case semi-packed all the time – Your travel kit with sample-size toiletries, collective power adaptor. Before your trip, you only require adding your clothes and you are ready to go.

Pack stylish, travel light

Carry whatever you cannot afford to misplace in the cabin luggage, and a change of clothes. Pack classic cuts in basic colours, so you have the liberty to mix and match. Think consistent. Footwear consumes a lot of space, so don’t carry more than two. And match your clothes to the footwear you are taking, instead the other way around. Crush-proof clothing that will survive the journey is a given. Roll clothes to save space. Have selected areas for each item, so you don’t end up looking through your suitcase to find things.

Know where you’ll be travelling

Carry a detailed schedule with important contacts, verification numbers etc. Take an extra backup – Mail the information to a cloud-based email account you can check anywhere. A mobile wallet could make this easier. You can also pre-programme your GPS with all the addresses you have to visit.

At the airport

Take it easy

Just in time work in other areas of your work life, but a rush to the airport amidst heavy traffic is certain to get the pressure up. Give yourself ample time to get there and arrive early. Use the waiting time at the airport as your ‘me’ time — get a foot massage, find a calm spot and read that book, or get a drink.

On the plane

Sleep well, eat well, and use the occasion to relax

Set your watch to the destination time the moment you board and follow sleep and meal guides as if you have reached your destination, this reduces jetlag. And if it is day where you are going, don’t open your laptop for work. Use the uninterrupted time to watch movies, TV serials, music, games or books. Walk around the cabin every hour for a few minutes. If you want to sleep, music is a better choice than watching something on a screen.

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water and don’t overdo your alcoholic drinks.

Beat the red-eye flight

Night flights from India to destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore are killers, particularly as you are inclined to run straight for meetings and take an evening flight back. Book a wash-and-change room near your meeting place, take a 45-minute power nap lying flat on your back, get up, shower and you’ll be all set and fit for your first meeting.

While away

Don’t put your life on hold

Follow your regular routine — call home every day; follow your workout and diet routine; listen to music that makes you feel at home.

Act like a local

If you visit the same city frequently, find out your favourite hang about in — a café, a park, a promenade — and make it a habit to visit it. As a regular, you’ll feel more at home.

Take a break

Sightseeing is the best way to chill out. Take a small tour, go to a concert or go see your favourite painting at the museum. Years later, when your business is done there, these are the things you’ll always remember.