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Surviving business travel: use this guide to avoid the pitfalls of corporate travel.

Article Excerpt
Murphy's Law says that if you drop the toast it's going to land jelly-side down.

Murphy's Law of Business Travelers says if you drop the toast, it's going to land jelly side down--on your shoes ... right before a big meeting.

As if business travel--with its whirlwind of airports, shuttles, taxis, hotels and restaurants--weren't tough enough, something always seems to go wrong.

That's why seasoned executive travelers are always prepared, packing everything from an extra pair of eyeglasses to a first aid kit.

But not every business-trip nightmare can be fixed with a Band-Aid. What do you do when you find yourself on a dark street with a creepy figure approaching? When a client offers you free Super Bowl tickets? When a customer puts his hand on your thigh?

We found the answers.

You've had only four hours of sleep and look like hell.

What's the best way to freshen up your appearance?

Of course, the best thing is to not get into this situation.

Even if you can't get a lot of sleep, avoid salty foods and alcohol while traveling, says Pat Bilek, aesthetics director for the Cleveland-area Mario's International Spas and Hotels. Also, drink as much water as you can to keep yourself--and your skin--hydrated.

Once you check into your hotel room, run the shower, even if you don't get in. That will cut down on the dryness in the room. Your skin will thank you in the morning.

If your reflection in the mirror in the morning still looks like the final scene of Rocky II, all is not lost, Bilek says.

"The best thing would be to take a nice warm shower, get a heating pad and put it on the trapezes area [upper shoulders/lower neck]," she advises. "Lie down for five to 10 minutes and put some cool pads on the eyes. Even just a cool wash-cloth on the eyes will take...