Working for a large company like Reynolds and Reynolds has many perks. One opportunity you may have is traveling for conferences, sales calls, installations, or training. Here’s an inside scoop on traveling guidelines, along with a few tips and tricks.

The first thing you should receive when taking a business trip is an itinerary. Your itinerary will list the required events and event times during your trip. You want to check and double-check everything is correct. If flying, is the airport a realistic distance from your residence? Does the itinerary cover everything you need to accomplish during your trip? If anything is incorrect, email your designated travel contact.

The next thing to do is plan the fun parts of your trip. Your itinerary will map out the places you need to be for business, but you can choose where to go in between meetings and events. See if there are any locations you would like to explore while you’re out and about. Have a plan for days with good weather, and a backup plan for days with bad weather. Be prepared for the possibility of staying an extra day due to delays or cancellations.

Next comes packing your bag. First, look at what you’re working with. You will want a sturdy suitcase, preferably with wheels if flying. If you will be taking along ties with your business outfit, invest in a tie holder. You will also want to have a unique identifier on your luggage. It will be easier to find your bag if you have to grab it from a baggage claim or at a hotel.

The next thing you should do is check the weather at your destination. Pack items that may be necessary to overcome the weather conditions. This may include an ice scraper if you'll be driving a rental car in the wintertime, sunglasses for days with no clouds, or an umbrella for stormy weather.

Then it’s time to get packing. Check with your airline about allowances before you put anything in your suitcase. You don’t want to have to throw anything away because it didn’t meet travel requirements. Roll your clothes up tight and leave extra room in the suitcase. Put fluids (including shaving cream) in a ziplock bag to prevent a messy surprise when you get to your hotel. Don’t forget to pack an extra outfit in case you run into traveling complications!

PRO TIP: If you're flying, wear your suit or dress clothes on the plane. Pack extra undergarments in your carry-on as well as basic essentials for getting ready in the morning. If the airline loses your suitcase, you won’t need to make an emergency shopping run.

It’s also important to book your hotels if your travel department hasn't already done so. Check to see if your destination will have available rooms for a reasonable price. Large events or celebrations could lead to a rise in hotel rates and cause you to stay outside of town for the trip.

PRO TIP: Once you have everything arranged, organize your trip even further by downloading the apps for your arrangements and travel plans. Join rewards clubs for hotels, rental cars, airlines, etc. if you will be traveling frequently.

Trip time! Check for delays and leave enough time for traffic or TSA inspections. As you travel, keep mints, snacks, and over the counter pain pills on hand. You may want at least $40 in cash broken down into smaller bills in case something goes wrong with your debit or credit card. You’ll also want a pencil pouch or other container to store receipts to fill out expense reports later.

PRO TIP: If you take pictures of receipts before adding them to your trip's collection, you will have a physical copy, as well as a digital backup.

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful, and can be a fun highlight of any job. Getting to experience other cultures and environments is priceless.

Have fun on your future travels!