Travel Peacefully with Colleagues Using These Expert Tips

(Reuters)

We've all had less-than-ideal travel partners and know how difficult traveling with business colleagues can be. When traveling for business, experts say it's best to be considerate of your business partner for the duration of the trip.

Compromise
On every trip, everything will not go exactly the way you anticipated. This is even more so when you have a travel partner. Rather than stubbornly insist that everything goes your way, listen to your fellow colleague's ideas and suggestions.

David Wise, CEO of SmarTravel, stresses the importance of considering the other person's needs as well as your own. You will need to compromise on the timing of meals and restaurants, as well as maintain awareness of the other person's work schedule.

Stay optimistic
Negativity is contagious. If you say send out pessimistic vibes, you will probably encounter them. Conversely, if you send out positive vibes, you will encounter those.

"No matter what's going on, try to see the bright side," says career coach Ellen Lubin-Sherman. It's easy to see and believe the negative. Remember to note the positive.

Respect boundaries
People want their privacy. Don't unnecessarily intrude on your travel partner's life. They might want to be alone for awhile for a variety of reasons. As Marc Cenedella, CEO of TheLadders, says, "Set boundaries collaboratively and respect them."

One way to respect boundaries is to know when your partner wants to talk. If they aren't in a chatty mood, and you have a long flight in front you, let the person sit quietly for a little while.

Relax
Business trips can be stressful. You need to be on your best behavior because you're representing your company. But an uptight business partner can make a trip much worse. Don't worry the whole trip away. Take time to relax and enjoy yourself. There's a time to be serious and there's a time to unwind.

If you're concerned that you don't belong there, remember that they picked you, which means they respect you enough to send you on the business meeting in the first place. Lubin-Sherman notes, "Face-to-face meetings can be very productive, but companies are cutting back. Obviously, asking you to travel is a sign that you're a key member of the team."

Don't over-pack
When packing your luggage for a trip, you might get nervous and think of everything that could go wrong on your trip. Then you might throw too many things you own into your suitcase. Worse yet, you might pack multiple suitcases that you will need to lug around your destination, slowing down everyone's journey. Just pack what you need. If you absolutely must have something that you left at home, you will most likely be able to purchase it in the new city anyway.

Go off on your own for a little while
When traveling, you will be confined with your partner for a long time. You don't want to get sick of the person. Consider going for a walk by yourself to clear your head every now and then.