Career Advice: Don’t Let Travel Throw You Off Your Game

Traveling for work can be a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities to see new places, network with colleagues, and experience different cultures, it can also be exhausting and disruptive to your everyday routine.

We both just returned from a week of work travel and thought, “hey, we do this a lot—why not share what we’ve learned along the way?” Mastering the art of work travel is all about finding your rhythm.

Here are our hottest tips and favorite travel items.

1. Plan Ahead Like a Pro

Choose the Right Flights: Whenever possible, try to book flights that work with your schedule. Consider avoiding redeye flights or those that would leave you with minimal time to rest before meetings. If you can fly direct, that’s even better—fewer layovers mean less travel stress.

Pack Smart: Packing light but effectively is essential. Focus on packing versatile pieces that work for both meetings and casual downtime. Don’t forget to include some comfort items that make traveling feel less stressful, like a neck pillow or noise-canceling headphones.

Know Your Destination: Look up your destination’s time zone, weather, and any amenities your hotel may offer. If your hotel has a gym or a nearby park, you can plan for workouts or outdoor walks that help maintain your health and rhythm.

2. Stick to Your Routines

One of the most effective ways to prevent travel from disrupting your life is to hold on to your core routines as much as possible.

Maintain Sleep Hygiene: Stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible, and if you have to shift because of time zones, begin adjusting your routine a couple of days in advance.

Bringing along sleep essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, or even a small white noise machine can help create a consistent environment wherever you are.

Move your Body: Even if you don’t have time for your regular workouts, move. A quick morning yoga session, a few minutes of stretching, or a morning run exploring the city can keep you energized and reduce the stress of travel. Exercising also helps shake off stiffness from long flights and boosts mental clarity before important meetings.

Make Healthy Food Choices: Try to limit fast food and opt for healthier options when possible. Pack some snacks like nuts, fruits, or protein bars (Brooke doesn’t leave without these) for when you’re hungry between meals.

And don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially when flying!

3. Set Boundaries

Create Buffer Time: When scheduling meetings, calls, or events, try to build in buffer time between work and personal downtime. Use this time to decompress, relax, or recharge.

Just Say No 😀 : If your trip itinerary is jam-packed, it’s okay to say no to an additional meeting or after-hours socializing. It’s important to protect your time and energy so you can perform your best.

4. Stay Connected with Your Support System

Travel can feel isolating, especially if you’re away for extended periods. Maintaining communication with your family, friends, or partner can provide a sense of normalcy.

5. Prioritize Mindfulness and Mental Health

Work travel often comes with a mix of stress, fatigue, and pressure. Prioritizing mental health practices can keep you feeling grounded and calm.

Practice Mindfulness: Take time to meditate, journal, or practice deep breathing exercises. These small mindfulness techniques can make a significant difference in reducing anxiety, helping you focus, and giving you clarity during busy travel schedules.

Set Intentions for the Trip: At the start of your trip, reflect on your goals. What do you want to accomplish, both professionally and personally? Setting intentions helps you maintain focus and gives your trip a greater sense of purpose, reducing feelings of burnout.

Traveling for work doesn’t have to knock you off your game. Also, we would love to know your work travel hacks?!? Simply reply to this email! We want to be influenced by you. 😂 

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Resources Worth Your Click: Travel Edition

✈️ Beat jet lag with the Timeshifter App

🧴These small magnetic travel containers are a game changer and aesthetically pleasing as well. We love functional, well designed products that spark joy!

🎧 We recommend having podcasts downloaded to listen to on a flight, recently listened to this episode on how to build a great culture with restaurateur Danny Meyer.

💪 We love these stackable storage containers to pack our protein powder and supplements on the go.

🍫 These protein bars are delicious, don’t melt easily and are made with clean ingredients.

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Connect with us on Linkedin 🔗 Kenna & Brooke