Business trips are a wonderful break from the 9-5 routine. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the sport, use these tips from Sarah DeGuire, Director of Sales at Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, to make your business trip carefree and successful.
Tip #1: Find a Place You Can Relax
Your hotel should be a place you escape and recharge when you’re traveling. If you want to make the most of your business trip, you need enough energy to balance working hard with exploring a new city. A clean hotel with comfy beds can make all the difference in how you feel when you start your day. DeGuire recommends researching the place you’re staying and reading reviews, so you can put your best foot forward for your conference, client meeting, or sales pitch.
Tip #2: Always Book Direct
While searching third-party hotel booking sites can be super helpful for finding a place to stay, you’ll get the best deal if you book directly through the hotel’s website or phone number. Make sure to inquire about the hotel’s packages. DeGuire says you might be able to score deals like free parking, extra reward points, or even discounts on tickets to area attractions. Make sure to read the fine print for cancellation policies and other hidden fees, which sometimes aren’t mentioned on third-party booking sites.
Tip #3: Use the Hotel’s Amenities for Some “Me Time”
Taking advantage of your hotel room’s relaxing atmosphere is key, but take it a step further and treat yourself with the hotel’s amenities. “You’re away from home and working hard, so you certainly want to find that place in the evenings where you can enjoy a nice, delicious cocktail poolside,” DeGuire says. “Or if you’re a busy mom like me, sometimes there nothing better than ordering room service and being in charge of the TV remote.” If your hotel has a spa, unwind with a facial or massage.
Tip #4: Carry Printed Copies
We live in a world that increasingly favors electronics, however, we all know they can sometimes fail us. Even if you think you have all of your confirmation numbers saved in an email, there’s a chance you could lose your phone on the flight or forget to charge it altogether. In the case that something goes wrong during check-in, keep a printed copy of your flight and hotel confirmation details handy. Mistakes happen, but if you have the right information, you can resolve reservation discrepancies much quicker. The last thing you want to do is miss a flight or have to wait several minutes before climbing into your pajamas after a long day of travel.
If you’re on an international business trip, DeGuire says you should also carry a printed copy of your passport. Unfortunately, pick pocketers are a common problem in large cities. In the case that a thief takes your passport or you misplace it, having a printed scan of your passport can expedite the replacement process. Make sure to keep the printed copy in a separate place from your passport, like in your carry-on suitcase.
Tip #5: Rack Up Reward Points
Did you know your business trip can provide credit toward your next vacation? Check with your hotel to see if they have a rewards program. According to DeGuire, by staying at hotels who partner with Choice Privileges Rewards, you can earn points for free hotel stays and vacation rentals. Or, you can redeem your points for gift cards to places like Starbucks or Amazon. You can even exchange your points to a cash donation to one of your favorite nonprofits through Choice Privileges Rewards.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind on your business trip in Springfield, MO, book a room at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. From our special packages to our relaxing pool, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
