Business trips can be extremely stressful. As a business traveler, you may not have the time to relax. If you’re traveling to San Ramon, California for business, there are plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation if you can fit them into your schedule. The first step is to choose one of the many hotels in San Ramon. Choosing the right hotel can make your stay more enjoyable.
The Hyatt House San Ramon is minutes away from the Bishop Ranch Business Park. Its rooms are spacious enough that you feel at home. This hotel has amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and free public computer access. You can also take a dip in the world-class swimming pools or catch up on work at the conference center.
There are some things you should do before your trip to reduce the burnout from business travel. From packing light to eating smart and investing in travel insurance and exploring the city, it’s all about staying organized.
Pack Efficiently
One of the best tips for business travelers is to have a carry-on bag or a small piece of luggage that’s sturdy yet lightweight. This bag should allow you to travel on any plane without having to check in your luggage. This reduces your risk of getting your luggage getting lost and gets you going as soon as you hit the ground. If you pack light enough, you’ll still have room for those last-minute souvenirs.
Keep all of your business apparel in their original dry-cleaning bags when packing them into your luggage. This prevents wrinkles and fading. When you reach your destination, remove them from the bag and hang them in the bathroom. Every time you take a hot shower, the steam from the shower will steam press your clothes.
Stay Digitally Connected
When you need to travel for business, it’s important for you to stay connected to your business contacts at all times. There are thousands of mobile apps that can make business travel easier and more efficient. Some apps provide you with real-time updates on your flight status. Others provide you with information on accommodations, restaurant reviews, and nearby attractions.
Other mobile apps offer document scanning, expenses claim platforms, and offline e-mail access. If you need to connect with your colleagues last minute, there are always communication apps like FaceTime, Snapchat, Skype, and WhatsApp. These options – minus FaceTime – are also available for Android users.
Make sure all of your devices are charged before your flight. There’s nothing worse than having your phone die when you’re in the middle of an important business call or video conference. Always bring a back-up charger or energy pack with you in case you can’t locate a charging station at the airport.
Plan for Comfort
You should plan for a lot of downtime in between flights. While it may be a short flight, you need to make sure you arrive at the hotel awake and refreshed. Pack an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a travel pillow especially if you’re on a red-eye flight. If you’re bored on the flight, make sure you load your smartphone or tablet with your favorite music and television shows. Or, you can load your tablet with a few novels, magazines, or journals to catch up on reading (and likely help you nod off!).
Watch What You Eat & Drink
If you travel for business often, it’s easy to get tempted by the fast food court. While these chains provide a quick bite, fast food meals are usually unhealthy and won’t keep you full for longer. Instead, eat foods high in protein such as cheese and nuts that will keep you fuller long in between flights. Also, pack energy bars and trail mixes.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Dehydration happens when you’re up in the air for hours at a time. Reduce your alcohol and coffee intake when traveling and carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times.
Become a Loyal Airline Customer
Join your airline’s frequent flyer program since they offer exclusives and incentives to business travelers. The more dedicate you to a particular airline, the more perks and upgrade you’ll receive. When you’re loyal to a domestic airline, you can save on international flights as well. It’s easy to rack up points and travel miles for future flights.
If you ever have to travel internationally, some airlines partner with hotel chains and rental cars. If you become a frequent flier, you’ll get access to hundreds of international airport lounges. The moment you book your flight to San Ramon, you should join the frequent flyer program, so you can get in some of these savings and upgrades.
Invest in Travel Insurance
Purchasing travel insurance for your domestic flight can save you time and money. There are several reasons why you should consider travel insurance. Depending on the type of travel insurance you choose, it can cover a wide variety of problems such as canceled flights. Your travel insurance may also cover baggage losses and theft. Some policies may even cover the damage or theft of your rental car.
Set Aside Time for Play
While you’re on a business trip, you shouldn’t dedicate all of your time to work. In between the conference calls, long meetings, and networking events, you should take the time to explore San Ramon. One of the best tips is to explore the city so you can prioritize your sightseeing. Regardless of whether you visited San Ramon before, there are always plenty of things to do. Make an itinerary so you can visit the places you want to see.
No matter what time of the year you visit San Ramon, you should stay in a central location. The closer you are to the attractions and entertainment you want to check out, the more likely you’ll make the time to see them. Most places in San Ramon have digital city guides, so download these mobile apps before your trip and use them to explore.