Four Ways to Stay Efficient While Traveling for Business

The U.S. Travel Association calculated an estimated 459 million business trips were made in 2015. That's a whopping number, and many entrepreneurs like myself know all too well the familiar feeling of jumping on a plane a couple times a week for business.

Business travel can seem daunting, exciting, exhausting and invigorating when traveling to a new place and working in an unfamiliar environment. However, traveling to and from airports, checking in, and packing can eat up precious time needed to conquer that mountain of endless tasks. As an entrepreneur that travels intercontinentally from Norway to Los Angeles, and not to mention all over the U.S., I have found certain hacks that make my travel experience as productive as possible. Here's how I stay productive when I cross the Atlantic:

• Designate airplane time as an extension of the office. Every businessperson or entrepreneur should make the airplane a dedicated work zone. With today's global marketplace, digital connectivity is available 24/7, and in today's day and age, work demands that we be available constantly. Use this airplane time as means to get ahead and focus on tackling your to-do's. Stay connected but limit communications (unless urgent) so that you are not distracted. One strategy I have found that is effective is to block out your travel time on a calendar as you would for any business meeting. This will set the tone that your travel time is meant to be time for work and crossing items off your checklist.
• Treat yourself. You might think that I snuck this tip in in order to justify traveling in style, but it's essential to take any step necessary to ensure a seamless and enjoyable work trip. The airport is known to cause annoyance or irritation – long lines, delayed flights and inconsiderate travelers. This can disrupt your flight time and interrupt the hours you have to focus on work. So before any business trip, I purchase a new set of headphones or travel accessory. The excitement of opening up a brand new pair of headphones gives me something to look forward to while in-flight, and puts me in a positive mood. Maybe it's a pair of new shoes or buying a really good book – whatever it is, just splurge a little and you'll feel an instant pick me up.
• Get geeky with gadgets. Take advantage of the cool tech literally available at your fingertips. Buy a portable charger, a wireless keyboard, a wireless router, and a backup battery pack. These items alleviate all stress when traveling and you won't worry if your laptop or phone might run out of juice. It's best to be prepared in case the in-flight Wi-Fi isn't working or the charging port happens to be broken, or occupied.
• Apps, apps, apps. There are so many incredible apps that help with business travel. Personally, apps that function as a personal assistant are essential when I travel. This helps me stay on time for meetings, or assist if I'm running late and need to alert the executive team. Whether you need assistance with keeping track of meetings or keeping track of flight and hotel itineraries, there's an app for it.

Business travel can be enjoyable for many reasons – taking a break from your regular work-life routine, visiting an interesting location, and an opportunity to re-evaluate work goals away from the office. However, before you set off, make sure to set up a check in with staff prior to and during your travels. Ensure that your employees or team members feel like you're available and able to communicate. Use the waiting areas before a flight to check in or call, and delegate tasks that you are unable to achieve. It's inevitable that your work schedule may stray from what you may have planned out, but it's okay, be sure to over communicate and adjust your end objectives. You will be able to accomplish tasks you set out to achieve, and this will also set the tone for future business travel and will keep you productive along the way.