I have put together some tips to make travelling less stressful for the seasoned voyager.

1. Choose your method of travel wisely.

What mode of transport you decide on can vary depending on the type and length of journey. Long trips are obviously taken by plane, but shorter one might be easier by train, or maybe automobile. When trying to work out which to choose, you should consider factoring the time it takes to get to the airport, as well as time spent in the check in line or passport control. The weather is also a deciding factor. It wouldn’t be the first time that poor weather delayed a flight.

2. Take into account flying from or to a different airport in the same area. Sometimes an alternative airport within the same city can have less bookings and also less delays.

3. Get Your Maps Before You Leave Home

Research your destination before you leave by getting maps. There are a number of websites online to do this, like City Search or even Googlemaps. You can print them of and then I recommend keeping them in a plastic sleeve to protect them from the element, in case you have to check it on a rainy street corner.

4. Avoid Carrying Hard Copy

Rather than carrying large piles of brochures or sales letters, take electronic documents on diskettes and have them printed at a local printing service. Similarly, if you are working a booth in a trade show, it’s a good idea to carry electronic documents in case you run out of the stack you shipped from the office.

5. Contact your Cell Phone Company

Cellular companies are always offering new rates and deals. You should check to see whether this is the case for you. Some offer a flat rate for international calls. Finding if this is the case for you can possibly save you a lot of money.

6. Find Hotels that Cater to Business Travellers

This is important if you require certain facilities such as internet access and business machine like photocopiers or faxes.

7. Don’t Forget Your Electric Adaptors

When travelling abroad, remember to pack you voltage adaptors for your electric appliances as well as mobile phone adaptors. Any travel shop will usually have a selection for you to choose from.

8. Use a Calling Card

When you’re staying at a hotel, the phone bill can be a major expense. The cost of calling your family, checking your voice mail and checking your email is best handled by using a telephone calling card or a corporate credit card.

9. Apply for an International Driver’s Licence

If travelling outside your own country, an international driver’s license will be more readily recognized than your locally issued driver’s license. The cost is not prohibitive and in most regions, the licenses are easily obtained by showing your local driver’s license. Inquire at your local Automobile Association.

10. Protect Yourself Against Theft

One very important thing to do when you travel is to make copies of all your travel document e.g. passport and travel insurance, card cards etc… These copies should be left with a friend or family member at home. Pack your electrical equipment properly in way that doesn’t advertise them to suspecting thieves. You can buy laptop cases that hide what they are used for. Also never put important document in hip bags or back pockets.