If you’re a frequent business traveler or embarking on your first business trip, you’ll want to travel efficiently and smoothly so you can focus on important matters.

A single trip has many complicated elements, from packing to transportation.

The key to organization and efficiency during business travel mostly depends on your packing and pre-booking skills. Harnessing some quick travel hacks can make your trips go smoother than ever.

Create a Packing Checklist

Most phones install notes or checklist apps to make efficient to-do or packing lists. Consider creating a packing list with all your trip’s essential needs. You can check off every item you pack in real time.

As you leave, you can also peek at your list to ensure you’ve checked off all your important items.

If you need to bring documents or presentation materials, like a laptop, a checklist will ensure you’ve packed these items. You can always replace a toothbrush but not important business files.

Packing Cubes

If you struggle with overfilling your luggage, use organizational tools like packing cubes. Packing cubes are small organizers that fit in luggage.

They help you separate items by category (sleep clothes, formal clothes, casual clothes, etc.) and compress and compartmentalize your belongings for a better fit.

Packing cubes can help you travel far lighter. Rolling your clothing up instead of folding it traditionally can also help you save space.

Skip Airport Security

If you’re traveling by air, you’re probably already familiar with airport security. Going through airport security can be time-consuming and tedious—you must remove your electronics, separate your liquids, and take off your shoes.

A great travel hack to maintain a tighter and more efficient schedule is to skip the regular security line. You can sign up for TSA Pre-Check services to bypass the airport security line after paying a small fee and providing identity information.

TSA Pre-Check is accepted in most domestic airports and is one of the best travel hacks to save time and effort.

Book in Advance

Transportation tickets and hotel rooms can sell out quickly. Prices can also spike closest to your travel dates.

As soon as you know you’re heading on a business trip, book as early as possible to secure your preferred hotel and airline seat.

You’ll want to check multiple agencies for the best deals, but you’ll likely get the best deal directly through the airline or hotel.

Download the App

Many airports, airlines, hotels, and travel services offer mobile apps for convenience. You can access and scan a mobile boarding pass, find your hotel reservation, or reserve a car to rent or rideshare through your phone’s apps.

Sometimes, you’ll even be offered rewards for downloading and using apps. Consider downloading more travel apps to make your journey smoother.

Research Transportation Methods

You’ll want to research transportation options before arriving at your destination to apply effective travel hacks for a smoother trip.

Many business travelers will rent a car or hire a driver, but a variety of options are available. Certain transportation methods may be more beneficial to your itinerary.

Renting a car gives you access to transportation as needed or desired for an added price. A personal driver can be costly but promptly get you to and from all destinations.

Public transportation is a more cost-effective option that allows you to see more of the city, but you will be at the mercy of train or bus schedules. Rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, can provide quick airport shuttle services or simple trips around town.

However, with rideshare services, driving skills and navigational expertise can vary between drivers, and you may rarely be susceptible to an Uber or Lyft accident. You can book drivers, rental cars, or rideshare trips in advance to be sure you’ve secured your transportation.

Adjust Your Phone Plan

You’ll likely experience periods with no service or Wi-Fi, especially when traveling internationally. On business trips, you will want to be accessible during all types of travel.

You’ll want to ensure your phone plan has decent international rates and hot spots for easy internet access. Some plans even offer complimentary airplane Wi-Fi with certain airlines, making you accessible even in the air!

Make an Itinerary

An itinerary details what you’ll be doing on your trip and when. Itineraries are great for organization and keeping yourself on track, especially when attending meetings or conferences.

Consider creating a travel schedule to lay out when you’re available for work, sightseeing, and leisure activities. Don’t forget to include meals!

Prepare for Delays

Delays are inevitable when traveling. You don’t want a travel delay to disrupt your itinerary or make you late for work, so plan for delays when booking and planning your trip. Give yourself extra time to arrive and depart from destinations in case of emergencies or delays.

Travel Rewards

If you take advantage of a travel rewards credit card, you can earn free mileage and other transportation perks with every purchase.

Using this credit card (and quickly paying it off before interest is charged) can give you free travel perks at no extra cost. You can get free airline miles, exclusive airport lounges, priority flight boarding, and more.

Stay Charged

You’ll likely need to rely on technology for meetings, communication, presentations, and files throughout your travels.

If you leave your laptop or phone charger at home, you can lose access to essential technology. Don’t forget to pack your chargers.

Bring portable batteries with you if you don’t have access to an electrical outlet. You never know when you may need to charge.

Top Travel Hacks for Smooth and Stress-Free Business Trips

Efficient business travel is all about preparation and planning. From packing smartly with checklists and packing cubes to booking in advance and adjusting your phone plan, these strategies can save you time and stress.

Using airport security shortcuts, researching transportation, and staying charged will help you stay focused on your professional goals while traveling.

With a few thoughtful steps, you can ensure smooth, organized trips that let you concentrate on what truly matters.