Business travel

[AltheaVestr1t]

I've recently started a new job, and I'm going on an overnight trip to London in a fortnight. It sounds ridiculous, but at the age of 42 I've never been away on an overnight business trip before (former teacher). My train and hotel are all booked - what are your top tips? 😁

If it’s going to be a regular thing, keep a completely packed toiletry bag just for this purpose.
If you like to sleep in dark rooms take eye shades (or blu tack for the numerous lights in hotel rooms)
Join the brand loyalty scheme if there is one - this has got me room upgrades and free breakfast in the past.

Sorry posted too soon! (You May guess I do this a lot!)
I always take antibacterial wipes for handles/switches etc.
If you are eating alone and feel self conscious, take a book or something to read. Honestly no one bats an eyelid and you do get used to it after a while.
There are never enough tea bag’s/milk in the room -save yourself a journey and ask for more when you check in.
Just from a safety point of view make sure your windows and doors including any interconnecting door lock ok.
Have fin and enjoy your new job

One thing it can be easy to forget is whether your overnight bag is going to have to come with you to meetings so having something vaguely respectable, and if your laptop is going to go in that bag as well (I often put my laptop in my wheely suitcase on a short trip so my handbag is light), use packing cubes or a divider so opening your bag to get the laptop doesn't show everyone your knickers.
A power bank is useful to charge your phone by the bed as a lot of hotels still don't have convenient sockets

If I’m on my own I usually order room service, but don’t forget to order wine. If there is no room service then take a book down with you to dinner. Hotels are used to people eating on their own.
I endorse the idea of keeping a toilet bag permanently packed for business travel. I always do.
Remember to ask for receipts and keep them safe so you can claim your expenses.

If you are not expected to work or socialise in the evening, go out to the theatre, ballet etc. Get an Oyster card if you are using public transport. If you are drinking alcohol, order it separately from your food if you are not allowed to claim it on expenses so your receipt doesn’t show alcohol. Agree on using hotel loyalty schemes, you will often get an upgrade. Make sure they have booked you into a safe hotel - not some cheap place in the middle of nowhere.

I forgot my top tip which is to know your expenses policy. For instance, I can't order room service but can have wine at dinner. We can't claim for confectionery (even on a meal deal), but can take a taxi or have a £50 dinner. In the UK we can claim a fixed amount for breakfast/lunch/dinner without receipts which can be handy if you just fancy an M&S bed picnic

Sooo many good tips here, thanks! I'm going to order a new overnight hold-all and toiletries bag. And a power bank!

I especially like the tip about making sure people don't see your knickers. Very good call!

I always like to have a stash of chocolate in my case on overnight trips and enjoy it in bed (without having to share with anyone!)

More sage advice. 14 hours blissful peace!

Have a credit card for business travel exclusively, as most people don't claim everything they spend - we book hotels but the team checks out and pays on their last day and reclaims expenses. Get to know your expenses policy - for example we will reimburse breakfast and dinner but not lunch, a glass of wine or beer with dinner would be fine but no more - everyone buys their lunch whether at the office or at a client site - you'll get the feedback on this anyway. Keep all your receipts - photograph your train tickets - they sometimes get swallowed by the machine.

Ensure you ask for VAT receipts or they may just give you the card payment recipe.

*receipts

Have a complete second set of chargers (phone, tablet, etc) and a second toothbrushes that stay in your suitcase - there's no forgetting to pack them in the morning that way.

If you wear specs, pack a spare pair.
Dry shampoo is handy as hotel hairdryers can be useless.
Pack an extra pair of tights.
If you use the room safe, put a shoe in there too so you won't forget to empty it!

If you are going to buy a new toiletry bag, then I really like a hanging up one with pockets so you can see everything and don't have to rummage. Most hotel rooms have a dreadful lack of space in the bathroom, and you are less likely to leave things behind if they go straight back in the bag. My current one is Mia Tui which is a great size for a few nights

Make sure you know your companies policies regarding expenses, what you can claim and what you can't.

What used to make business travel work well for me was a nice car with a uniformed driver picking me up, with the FT and a coffee waiting in the back of the car, then another to drive me to and from my appointments at the other end.

Charged powerbank for your phone in case you're delayed.