Going away on business and traveling the world is fun but can also be stressful if you don’t properly prepare for it in advance. To ensure you get the most out of your trip and have a nice time, there are some tips and tricks that you’re going to want to read more about and implement going forward.

Your business trip should go as planned, and be smooth and successful if you’re able to take on the following advice and make it work for you. What you don’t want to do is wing it and end up not getting much out of your trip in the end.

One way you can improve your business trip the next time around is to have a plan and know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing each hour. For example, know where your meeting is being held, arrange for your travel and a car pickup and book a hotel that’s comfortable yet reasonably priced. Have a good understanding about why you’re going away on business before you commit to going to a specific meeting. This way, you can be sure that you’ll return to work with knowledge that you can apply at your job and share with others.

Although your business trip is work related, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun while you’re at it. Take breaks such as heading to the spa or getting out on the course and playing a round of golf with the other attendees. Check out some of the best golf clubs out there in advance and consider bringing your customized set with you so that you can perform better on the golf course and not embarrass yourself. Use your break time as a way to decompress and relax, so that you return to the classroom feeling energized and ready to learn.

You’re going to enjoy your time away more when you’re open to meeting new people on your trip. Be friendly and outgoing and introduce yourself to the others who are attending the same business meeting as you. Instead of eating lunch alone each day, reach out and see if there are others who would like to join you and then strike up some good conversation. It’s a great opportunity to network and make new connections with people who you can stay in touch with when you return home and to your office.

What’s most important is that you commit to taking care of yourself if you want to have a better business trip. This includes eating healthily, exercising and getting plenty of rest and sleep when your schedule allows. Staying up late drinking alcohol may sound like a good idea at the time, but you’ll likely regret it the next morning. Your business trip will be that much more enjoyable and fun when you are staying healthy, and not giving in to the temptations around you that can put serious strain on the state of your health.