Top Business Travel Stress Factors and How to Beat Them

Working professionals have figured out how to maximise the value and opportunities that come with business travel, but for the weary business traveller it can still be a source of stress – regardless of their profession. According to recent research from Booking.com for Business, the global leader in connecting business travellers with the widest choice of places to stay, over a third (35%) of professionals find business travel stressful. So what are the top stress factors, and how do you beat them? Booking.com for Business shares top tips for calm and worry-free business travel.

1. Travel delays/cancellations

• Four in ten (41%) working professionals globally find travel delays and cancellations stressful, rising to 53% among Charity and NGO employees
• Solution: There is no guaranteed way to avoid travel delays and cancellations altogether, but there are ways to damage-control and save yourself time and money. With flights, try to avoid stop-offs and layovers by booking direct flights where possible. There are also several apps which provide early warning of expected delays and cancellations. Particularly useful is GateGuru, which tracks flight times but also plots your door-to-door journey to make sure you are updated in real time with any red flags or expected delays.
   

2. Bad or no Wi-Fi signal

• One in three working professionals (33%) finds this stressful, but most particularly those in the Sales (43%) and Legal (41%) sectors
• Solution: Do your research! Booking.com for Business provides a useful platform with fellow business traveller-reviewed accommodation options – and more verified business reviews than any other site. Recommended places to stay have been vetted for business travel-specific amenities such as strong Wi-Fi signal, a fitness centre or complimentary breakfast.
   

3. Falling ill

• Three in 10 working professionals (30%) find being under the weather stressful, with Arts and Culture professionals (39%) and Management Consultants (38%) most likely to be impacted
• Solution: Long haul journeys, jetlag, a hectic schedule and work-related pressures can all take their toll on health. It is best to always pack a mini ‘survival kit’ of over-the-counter medicine and vitamins to boost your immune system, ensuring you give your best performance in that important meeting! To conquer jetlag specifically, use Jet Lag Rooster, which can provide a personal jetlag plan, and make sure to book a comfortable room to get a good night’s sleep.
   

4. Language barriers

• Three in 10 working professionals (30%) find not knowing the language in a destination stressful, especially Manufacturing (38%) and Architecture and Design (34%) professionals
• Solution: Language barriers can prove awkward, especially in a business setting. Online tools such Google Translate and other translation apps are reliable and easy to use on-the-go, with many even including a pronunciation feature. It is also a good idea to learn at least a few basic phrases ahead of time. If the language barrier is absolute, hire a translator to make sure communication is effective and face-to-face meetings are as productive as possible. Booking.com customer service is available 365 days of the year, 24-7, and in 43 languages.
   

5. Forgetting an essential item

• Over one in four working professionals (28%) finds this stressful, with those in the Legal profession (39%) most concerned about forgetting a key item
• Solution: Packing can be especially stressful if business trips are last-minute. Download PackPoint, which creates bespoke lists so you don’t have to! It tracks the weather in your destination, takes into account the purpose of your travel, and can recommend pre-made lists by fellow business travellers. It’s also common for hotels to have items typically forgotten by guests available at reception, so it’s always worth asking.
   

6. Managing your itinerary

• One in four working professionals (25%) finds managing an itinerary and booking meetings for a business trip to be stressful. Across professions, Architects are more likely than others to feel this strain (33%).

Solution: Itineraries for business travel are often jam-packed to make the most of limited time. When it comes to travel organisation, Booking.com for Business provides complete oversight on all bookings, accessible on any device. In addition, try out the Tripit app, which provides a master itinerary so all your plans and meetings are in one place.