Traveling for work can be extremely stressful as it involves being away from home and loved ones for extended periods of time.

If you are required to travel long distances by air, it can mean lots of hours spent waiting in airports and sitting on cramped, noisy flights for hours on end – bored to tears and angry at the passenger sitting behind who keeps kicking your seat!

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to take the stress out of business travel – here are some ways to do so.

Be Prepared

Before you travel for business, ensure that you have all of your important documents in order, especially if you are traveling a long way from home.

Check that your passport is within its expiry date, arrange international citizens insurance to cover any health emergencies, and pack essential business documents you will need to prove the purpose of your business trip if questioned by airport officials.

Pack a bag well in advance and keep it in a place in your home where it is always ready and easy to find should you be required to travel at very short notice.

Place some perfumed tumble dryer sheets in with your clothes to keep them smelling fresh while stored in your bag.  Charge electronic devices before you travel and store spare chargers in your hand luggage.

Carry toiletries in your hand luggage where you can get to them easily to freshen up. You may want to pack some water and snacks for emergencies too.

Have a Nice Trip

If traveling stresses you out because you suffer from travel sickness, take some anti-sickness medication with you. Medications come in the form of tablets, patches, liquid, or wristbands, so choose one that most suits your requirements.

Some people find that peppermint or ginger can ease a queasy stomach, so try sucking on some mint candies.  Sucking candy will also help prevent your ears from popping due to pressure if you are on an airplane.

If you are a nervous passenger and fear flying or being on a train, consider asking your doctor for some medication to calm you down. They might prescribe you some mild Valium or Xanax for your anxiety but if you want something a bit milder, check out over-the-counter medications such as Kalms or Bach’s Rescue Remedy.

Rubbing some calming oils such as lavender on your temples and wrist may be beneficial too. Do not be tempted to calm your fears with alcohol, as you will end up feeling a million times worse than you did before your journey.

If you drink on an airplane, you will become very dehydrated, making you feel dreadful when coupled with jet lag.  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Try to relax on your journey and make it as enjoyable as possible by taking a book to read, a puzzle book to complete, or listen to some soothing tunes on your iPod. If you are on a long-haul flight, take advantage of the in-flight entertainment and watch an uplifting movie to distract you from your fears.

If you miss loved ones while you are away, carry plenty of photos of them on your phone or in your wallet and talk to them through video chat as often as you can during your trip.