How to survive business travel.

When someone asks if you do extensive business travel and you respond with an audible "sigh" and say "Yes, too much travelling," the uninitiated immediately think of exotic lunches and late nights schmoozing with the clients.

The initiated, however, know better.

Packing and unpacking bags, drive-through suppers and waking up in the middle of the night not knowing where you are is all part of the real story behind business travel. Don't get me wrong. Many great accomplishments and relationships are forged during a business meeting away from home that just cannot happen during a conference call. Rather, allow my experience to work for you.

Here is my list, in order of importance, of the Top 10 Support Strategies you need to have to survive extensive business travel.

10) Stamina 

Eating properly, doing some regular exercise and having the right mental outlook will get you to your destination and back safely. You will need it to cope with the stresses that come at you from every direction on the road.

9) Plan your route

Take time before you leave the house and check where you are driving to, where you plan to stop for the biological break, the weather and road conditions along the way. This has become a religion for me before I start the car. If you are flying to your meeting, a quick call to the airport before you leave your home can confirm your plans are still on track.

8) Add 15 minutes to every travel plan each way

As much as you plan, things happen, so always add 15 minutes to your estimated travel each way. Even the MTO Road Report cannot foresee every challenge on the roads, including the ever-present northern wildlife.

7) Appreciate your surroundings

Here is one of the benefits of business travel in Northern Ontario: We have some of the most breathtaking scenery. I am not suggesting being a dangerous "gawker" but some of that additional 15 minutes of time can be used up by safely stopping at the side of the road and soaking up the scenery. This "time-out" will also help with number 10.

6) Reservations (flight, food, motel, meetings)

The last thing you need to worry about is your reservations at your destination. Make sure part of your weekly planning process schedule is to carefully plan your upcoming trip. Ensure your reservations are done and take the name of the person who is confirming it on the phone. It really helps to know who is taking care of you and they know you know who they are!

5) Technology

Where would we be without technology? The modern business traveller can juggle a cell phone, read their Blackberry, and update their day timer while holding a large cup of steaming coffee. In my years of driving, I have seen people do some incredibly amazing and stupid things while steering 1,500 kilograms of steel down a highway. Take the technology with you to stay in touch but do so when safely pulled over.

4) Spare top

If you are just going for the day and you sneered at item number 5, make sure you take a spare shirt with you because I will guarantee you that if it's an important meeting, you will dribble that double-double on your shirt before you can make the second call.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

3) Dependable Transportation

Just like the travellers of the old West or dogsledders of the Arctic, the needs of your transportation mode have to be looked after first. A simple checklist for your car should be completed before you begin your travel. It should include windshield washer fluid, wiper blades, tires, lights and all of the basic functions of your vehicle. Keep your car maintained regularly. Never let your tank drop below half full. A quick "circle check" of your vehicle should be part of the plan.

2) Focus on Driving

After you have made your plans and "circle checked" your vehicle, you are ready for combat. Yes, arriving at your destination is akin to combat because you have to be focused on your drive, ready for sudden changes, while trying to anticipate what can happen while never passing a drive-through. In reality, inattention while driving a car accounts for 20-30 per cent of all vehicle accidents. Focus on the drive and take frequent breaks to remain attentive.

1) An understanding spouse

Last, but most importantly, having a "significant other" who understands and, hopefully, accepts the life of a business traveller is paramount. It's just as difficult for the person that sits at home wondering how things are going and hoping you are coming home safely. Remember that the very high quality soaps and shampoos from your motel as a gift will not compensate for the many nights away from home. Be a little more creative with an occasional gift to thank them for their understanding.

John Bonin is the regional Union Gas manager of franchise and municipal relations. He spends a lot of time on the road.