The business world might take brief breaks during the Holidays, but it doesn’t come to a complete halt. Some professionals attempt to clear the dockets so they can vacation during the last two weeks of December. Others discover it’s a great time to seal deals before the calendar turns to a new year.
Thus, business professionals must travel during the Holidays. The Holidays include Christmas and New Year’s. However, it also takes Thanksgiving into account. Then, there are other holidays to consider, such as President’s Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day.
Essentially, any day that counts as a day off for the banks also impacts business travelers.
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Holidays also mean that schools give kids days off, and families might use the time to vacation during the long weekends.
Thus, business travelers must figure out how to contend with the airport and ground traffic spikes.
We outline how to make travel during the Holidays a breeze.
Research the Options
Since airport and ground traffic spikes during holidays, research the options. For example, consider traveling at least one day sooner and one day afterward.
The goal is to avoid crowds.
You might also look into alternative travel methods. Most business travelers fly to their destinations while road warrior salespeople drive to their destinations. A third option is to take the train. Even if you must leave a day or two early, the train allows you time to complete work and relax.
Book in Advance
Once you decide how you will travel, book in advance. Then, look for business hotels and find out their availability for your travel dates.
Your goal is to obtain the best rates, but your priority is to reserve spots. Even if you travel early, you’ll contend with the increased demand for ground transportation, restaurant tables, and amenities.
Demand might cause hotel rates to rise quickly months ahead of the travel dates. Hotels allot rates for blocks of rooms. Once guests book them, the prices increase to the next tier.
If you travel at the last minute, you might have some negotiation room as a business traveler. However, it’s best to book with time to spare.
Check the Weather
The weather has a mind of its own, but you can look at the average and make informed assumptions about what to expect during your trip.
Knowing the average weather conditions ensures that you pack the most appropriate business attire and accessories. In most regions of the United States, the winter Holidays bring rain, snow, and wind.
If you travel west, you’ll most likely experience a 70-degree Christmas.
More importantly, check the weather to anticipate delays and cancellations. Then, you can formulate Plan B.
Confirm Reservations
Since travel demand spikes during the Holidays, confirm your reservations, including ground transportation and restaurant.
Some airlines encourage travelers to confirm their flights 24 hours before takeoff. Hotels prefer that guests confirm their stay three to four days before arrival.
Confirmations help establishments keep your spots. Plus, it helps them anticipate whether or not they will become overbooked.
Pack Tech
Most business travelers take their laptops, smartphones, and tablets with them. Technology becomes more important during Holiday travel since it allows you to check the real-time weather and communicate with the office and your accommodations.
If you experience delays, you can complete some work, catch up on email, or relax.
Dress the Part
The hospitality industry understands that the business travel sector is valuable. Therefore, they will accommodate professionals.
To reap the benefits of business travel, dress the part. Hospitality customer service representatives must make decisions on the fly when demand spikes. Thus, they need to set you apart from the tourists visually.
Moreover, business travelers represent their companies, and it’s important to always make a good impression.
Arrive Early
Allotting yourself enough time to arrive at the airport is solid business sense. The TSA recommends that travelers give themselves enough time to complete the security checks, obtain boarding passes, and have their luggage screened.
Thus, arrive at the airport at least two hours before takeoff. When travel demand spikes, arrive earlier. You’ll contend with more traffic on the roads and the airports.
If you arrive too early, you can use the time to grab a bite, a cup of coffee, and snacks. Plus, you’ll arrive safely.
Conclusion
Sometimes business does not take a break during the Holidays. If you must travel, make it a breeze by booking in advance, confirming your reservations, and packing your tech.
