4 Things That Can Go Wrong During Business Travel (And How To Recover)
Don’t let one of these travel problems throw you off your professional game
Let’s face it, traveling is stressful—but these tips can help you find peace in the chaos.
Missed flights, lost luggage, traffic jams. Small travel problems become amplified when you’re on the road for work and professionalism is the name of the game. But does that give you permission to melt down into a heap of anxiety and self-doubt? Never! No matter what fumble you’re facing, there is a way to recover. Here are a few worst-case scenarios that could pop up during your business trip—and tips on how to bounce back.
First and foremost, breathe. (This might be easier said than done since you just relied on adrenaline to propel your body at breakneck speed to the gate.) A calm, collected composure is a prerequisite to your next move: asking a ticket agent if you can be rebooked on the next flight, preferably without any additional charges. Perhaps the airline offers the “flat-tire rule,” in which passengers are permitted to fly standby, without rebooking fees, provided they’re at the airport within a short time—usually two hours—of their missed flight’s scheduled departure. There’s a lot riding on this conversation, so mind your manners as you plead your case—even if you’re on the cusp of a meltdown.
Don’t leave the airport without creating a paper trail. File a claim with the airline (write down the reference number!), and then provide your phone number and your hotel and home addresses. At worst, your suitcase has been sucked into the black hole of lost suitcases for all eternity. Even in the best-case scenario, where your luggage is simply delayed and will resurface in a day or two, you’re left in a bind for the short term. Hightail it to a nearby clothing store and grab a few versatile basics: a crisp button-down, slacks in a neutral color, a no-wrinkle black dress that you can dress up or down—you get the idea. In the future, always keep your MVPs (change of clothes, medication, your laptop, eyeglasses) in your carry-on.
Cultural differences, language barriers, a joke that fell flat, one too many drinks during happy hour—business trips often feel like a social landmine. Still, you can find comfort in the fact that anyone you offended will likely forget the incident long before you do. Offer up a quick, sincere apology, and don’t bring it up again. Depending on the severity of your infraction, a second apology will only serve as a reminder of the time you put your foot in your mouth. And try not to let it ruin your confidence. An off-color joke is usually forgivable; a week of subpar work performance is not. In the future, let Mom’s advice be your guide: Always think before you speak.
Hopefully it’s just a mild illness—like a cold or 24-hour bug. In that case, your best bet is to load up on OTC meds, drink plenty of water and rest whenever you can. That might mean declining any invites to post-meeting get-togethers (sorry, no Marco Polo at the hotel pool!). If you’re stricken with food poisoning or you’re seriously injured, don’t try to ride it out; seek medical treatment right away. Whatever it is that puts you out of commission, be upfront with your boss or clients. Give them a call and explain your situation (without going into the gory details), and apologize for your absence. If your condition allows, propose that you participate via Skype or over the phone until you’re back on your feet. Or perhaps they would be open to you sending a colleague in your place. Once home, a handwritten note of apology to your clients would be a nice touch.
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