Winter can be a difficult time to travel for business. The weather is often unpredictable, and it can be hard to prepare for everything that comes with traveling during this season. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can make winter travel as easy as a summer breeze!
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to make traveling for business during winter as successful as possible. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to a smooth trip!
1. Stay flexible
Traveling for business during the winter can often feel like a logistical puzzle, with flight delays and cancellations a very real possibility. But instead of being daunted by the potential headaches, smart travelers will stay flexible and prepared. Keeping up to date on forecasted weather patterns, not just at their destination but also along the route, will provide essential information as to what can be expected before leaving.
Having several options for alternate flights booked in advance will allow for quick adjustments if road or air travel is thwarted by significant weather issues. And packing an extra pair of warm clothing and snacks can lessen the misery of unplanned delays or luggage transportation snafus.
Staying flexible with travel plans might mean sacrificing some level of comfort while journeying, but it could also save everyone involved considerable difficulties should external circumstances prove to be uncooperative.
2. Book some extra days in your hotel
Business doesn’t take a holiday just because winter has arrived and it is important to keep that in mind when you are planning a winter business trip.
One way to ensure that you are well prepared is to book a few extra days at your hotel so there is some room for unexpected delays due to weather or transportation issues. This extra time can also give you the opportunity to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of your destination without unduly adding stress to the situation.
By allowing yourself those additional days at your hotel, should something go wrong, you aren’t rushed on top of surprises such as snowstorms or airline personnel strikes. If you want to get the best deals on hotels (so you can afford those extra days), make sure to visit Hotel Engine to learn more.
3. Communicate regularly
When sending employees out on the road, regular communication is key to make sure traveling during business in the winter goes off without a hitch. A regular check-in system – whether it be daily calls or setting up an instant messaging group – can help employers stay updated on any bumps in the road their employees may encounter during their trips.
When communicating with travelers, opt for text messages instead of emails since messages tend to get lost in transportation workers’ crowded inboxes. By making sure you keep your finger on the pulse of how employees are doing out there, you can all but ensure a successful trip.
4. Mitigate delays by avoiding certain airports
During the winter months, certain airports tend to become notorious for flight delays and cancellations due to weather or other factors. While it may be impossible to avoid all of these airports, savvy travelers will take the time to study route and airport options in order to determine which routes are most likely to deliver them safely and on time.
Researching reviews from other travelers can also prove helpful when avoiding certain hubs with a tendency for delays or cancellations during winter months.
5. Make plans to stay productive no matter what
As you are probably already aware, winter weather can make traveling for business a dreaded endeavor. Inclement weather, cancellations and delays, and other bumps in the road can all make getting to where you need to go an exhausting prospect.
For those who actually have to travel for work during the coldest months of the year, it doesn’t have to be a struggle however; planning ahead is key. Making plans for every part of your journey —from where you leave from and when you’ll leave, what you’ll wear, snacks and drinks in case of delay, comfort items like a neck pillow— can create peace of mind by knowing you’ve thought ahead as much as possible.
Make sure that you have the capability to go virtual for your important meetings in case of significant delays. This will help to ensure you get the most out of your business travel during the winter months.
Conclusion
Traveling for business during the winter months can be tricky. However, by taking into consideration safety concerns, staying in contact with your employees, and making sure you have plans in place for both worst-case scenarios and downtime, it is possible to make winter business travel a success.
Also read: 6 Signs Your Travel Business Needs Digital Transformation
