Business travel can often be fun, but just as often it can become a real grind. The key to successful business trips is to have as much control of the situation as possible. Here are five ways you can do that.

5 Keys to Successful Business Travel
1. Benefit from Membership Rewards.

If you are going to travel, reap the rewards. Sign up for any possible hotel chain and airline that you might use, then identify the ones you prefer and try to book with them consistently.  

2. The Power is in the Power.

Whether you’re waiting for a plane, waiting for a meeting to start, or just arriving in your hotel room, plug in. You never know when you’re going to need it, so be sure your PC/phone/tablet is fully juiced up at all times.

3. Travel Healthy. 

Think Orange instead of Oreo. Don’t use travel as an excuse to load up on junk food.  And even if you can’t formally work out, skip the elevator and take the stairs. Throw a towel on the floor and call it a yoga mat. Spend a half hour in the pool. All great alternatives to HBO.

4. Create a Sane Schedule.

Don’t cheap out on connecting flights when you can get a non-stop for $100 more. And if you have to connect, allow enough time to make it without running a 4-minute mile. Flights will be delayed. Flights will be cancelled. Count on it. Plan accordingly.

5. Spend Money to Buy Time. 

Invest in the technology you need to function from a hotel or airport as easily as you do from your office.