The 5 micro-habits experts swear by when travelling for work.

Thanks to our brand partner, VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

I'm lucky enough to have travelled a fair bit for work.

At first, travelling on the company's dime felt like going on your first excursion in primary school — a bit too fun to be real.

But over time and if the frequency increases, doing regular work trips can take its toll. Travelling can be exhausting, disruptive to your routine and get in the way of precious time with your loved ones. And to be honest, I never quite nailed the elusive art of the business trip.

That's why I've turned to the experts to help figure this whole thing out for both of us. Whether you travel interstate, intrastate or internationally, there are a few things you can add to your routine to ensure your work trips are as smooth as can be.

From packing with precision to finding a great rewards program that works for both you and your boss, here are the top tips to master your next work trip — straight from the frequent flyers themselves.

Pick a rewards program and stick with it

Let's start with the people with serious skin in the travel game — Virgin Australia. These guys have created a Business Flyer program designed to take the hassle out of corporate travel. With a booking portal that auto-fills traveller details and serves up discounted fares, it's a set-and-forget habit that takes the mental load off planning.

The program fast-tracks you and your company to Velocity Gold status, unlocking sweet perks like lounge access and priority boarding — and if you spend $2,000 in the first three months, you'll score two three-month Gold memberships to get you started. Keep using the program and you'll unlock even more, like 12-month Gold memberships, bonus points and extra lounge passes — perks that really set Virgin apart.

Your Points stack up even faster when your company books hotels and car hire through Virgin's 40-plus partner brands, making your trips that little bit more comfortable. And who doesn't want that?

Photograph your receipts

There'll be certain things you'll be able to be reimbursed for when you return from your work trip and no one wants to be carrying around a handbag full of random receipts — which will inevitably be accidentally chucked out.

@emily.the.recruiter Things that will help you when you travel for work👀#worktravel #travel #careertips ♬ original sound - Emily The Recruiter

To avoid this, follow TikTok creator Emily The Recruiter's advice which is to take photos of all your tax invoices as you go. No more lost dockets or missed reimbursements. Genius.

My two cents? Add the photos to their own album on your phone so they're all in one place when you go to submit them to your employer post-trip. You're welcome.

Carry on your essentials

Losing your luggage is kind of inevitable at some point when travelling but losing it when you're away for work is a whole other level of stress. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way. That's why nailing your carry-on is essential.

My new approach to packing carry-on is with a worst-case scenario mentality to ensure I have the items crucial to do my job on board with me.

Whether it's a piece of tech, a slick outfit you really want to wear for a client presentation or important documents, having these ride or die items in the cabin with you will give you peace of mind knowing they're within arm's reach. The same rule applies for your favourite toiletries.

@claireobryannp Travel tips from a lady who’s tired and hates unpacking. #corporatetravel #workingmom #workingmomlife ♬ Up - Movie Theme - Giampaolo Pasquile

And Claire Obryan agrees. In fact, in her video about work travel she says nailing your next business trip comes down to the following three things:

1. Don't overpack.

2. Never check in a bag.

3. Keep a 'go' bag for toiletries if possible.

Hard agree.

Long haul is a whole other level

If you're heading somewhere international or on a red-eye flight, private equity content creator Mira Amber has a few tips she absolutely swears by.

@miraamber

I flew business for the first time in my life for work and played it all wrong. Here’s how I’ve mastered it since!!!! Feeling extremely grateful I even get to do this and also same rules in economy you just need to pack a bit more stuff #corporategirlies #worktrip #businesstravel #financegirl #corporatelife #worktravel #businesstrip #highmaintenance #nycgirl #corporatebaddie

♬ LoveHate Thing (Sped Up Version) - Wale

They are:

1. Skip the booze because alcohol just dehydrates you and makes jet lag worse.

2. Wear compression socks to help with swelling and blood flow.

3. Try to go to sleep once the flight takes off.

4. Wear an eye mask and headphones to block out the cabin noise.

Invest in AirTags

Tag your bags. Before you check in any luggage, make sure you tag them with an AirTag so you can keep track of them and know exactly where they are.

@erikakullberg

3 things I won’t fly without doing #lawyer #travel #money

♬ original sound - Money Lawyer Erika

Erika Kullberg is a lawyer and TikTok creator who travels a lot for work. In her video, she explains that not only do AirTags help you narrow down the whereabouts of your belongings, but they can also help you manage your time effectively when you land at your destination to know if your bag is close to the carousels or not.

That way, you know if you have time to do things like go to the bathroom while you wait for your precious cargo to arrive. Smart.

Check out Virgin Australia's Business Flyer program to simplify your corporate travel.

Feature Image: TikTok/@miraamber/@emily.the.recruiter.

Virgin Australia Business Flyer is the more rewarding business rewards program, that works as hard as you do. Access exclusive discounts of up to 6% off great value fares. Plus earn Velocity Points for your business when you fly and on everyday business running costs. Supercharge rewards for your business - join today.*T&Cs apply