While frequent traveling is some people’s dream come true, it can get old fast. Trying to get quality sleep on a plane, doing red-eye flights and getting jet lagged, dealing with shirts getting wrinkled in your suitcase, and paying astronomical fees to use your credit card in a foreign country are just a few reasons why business travel might feel like a pain. However, there are things you can do to prepare for and prevent these predictable challenges. Read on to learn how to make your work travel as enjoyable as you can.

Prevent jet lag as much as possible

When you know in advance you will be traveling to a different time zone, start adjusting your body a few days beforehand. In other words, if you are traveling east, start going to bed a little earlier. If you are traveling west, start going to bed a little later. It will even help if you shift your eating times closer to what they will be at your destination.

The day of travel, drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and govereating. Avoid taking sleeping pills—instead, use the tips below to sleep well on the plane. If possible, get some sunlight when you arrive.

How to sleep well on a plane

First and foremost, if you are planning on sleeping on a flight, book a window seat! This is the only seat that guarantees the person next to you won’t wake you when going to the bathroom, and you won’t get bonked by a flight attendant’s cart or anyone walking down the aisle. It can also be nice to lean against the wall of the plane while resting. If possible, choose a window seat near the front of the plane (the back of the plane moves more and could be more disruptive to your sleep). Second, give in and invest in a neck pillow. Not only do these help avoid awful neck pain, but they also prevent waking due to your head falling to the side. Third, wear warm and comfortable clothing. Even in the summer, AC can make a plane an icebox. Soft pants, warm socks, and a sweatshirt or sweater will help you sleep much better. It’s hard to sleep when you’re shivering and uncomfortable! Next, avoid looking at screens. Watching a movie will not help you get drowsy—the blue spectrum light will only delay sleep. Last, but definitely not least, bring a pair of earplugs (or noise canceling headphones if you want to spend the money). You never know which flight will have a crying baby or talkative family near you.

Stay healthy

Consider these tips to making your business trips healthier and avoiding sickness.

• Bring a travel-size container of hand sanitizer, and use it frequently.
• Boost your immune system by taking extra vitamin C and B-complex vitamins a few days before flying.
• Choose a seat in the very front or rear of the plane, or in an emergency exit row to maximize your leg room. Stretch and walk down the aisle frequently to avoid blood clots.
• The extreme low humidity on airplanes can lead to more rapid dehydration. Drink 8 oz. of water for every hour of flight to prevent this.

For a more in-depth guide on staying healthy while traveling, click here.

Handy travel apps

Take advantage of these awesome apps to make all your trips a little better:

Kayak: This free app can track your flight, convert currency, locate local attractions in case you have time for sight-seeing, and includes a packing list feature so you never forget anything important.

Postagram: A postcard delivery app! Take a photo with this app, type in an address, and Postagram will print a postcard and mail it for $0.99 each. Send a postcard to your family, girlfriend, boyfriend, or friends back home and show them where you’ve been and that you’re thinking of them.

AllSubway: This handy app provides maps to subways in 137 cities, doesn’t require the internet, and will plan routes for you for only $0.99.

SitOrSquat: A free public bathroom locater! Use this app’s database of over 100,000 toilets to find somewhere to go. Not only does SitOrSquat locate toilets, but it also tells you their level of cleanliness.

Pack as efficiently as possible

Learn how to prevent wrinkles in your clothes, pack your bathroom products cleanly and safely, and more in this video.

International travel musts

Before you travel abroad, make sure to do a little preparation at home:

• Let your credit card company know you will be out of the country so they don’t freeze your card when they see unusual charges.
• Review your health insurance coverage in foreign countries. If you want more coverage than your insurance provides, consider getting travel insurance.
• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers you might need in the country you’re going to. Include work contacts in that country, as well as the equivalent of 911 if there is one.

Make sure to bring a few extra things:

• Plug converters that are the right shape and voltage
• Cash! Not only are credit cards not accepted everywhere, but there are usually hefty fees when used
• Color photocopies of your passport incase the original is lost or stolen

Apply these tips and enjoy safer, healthier, more efficient and convenient trips.