Mind the gap: Navigating business travel uncertainty in 2025

As I sit here waiting at Eurostar Paris with two more hours to kill, I decide to let a few ideas out to breathe. I have nothing else to do anyway as I'm already 10 hours behind schedule. I’m currently trying to get to London for a once-in-a-lifetime event, something that will be both enriching professionally and a heck of a lot of fun, however some villians the night before decided to steal 600 meters of important train cable from somewhere in northern France overnight, and my entire plan is looking like it might go up in smoke. 

And I was angry this morning, I can tell you. As the 'your train is cancelled' message came through on my phone, I nearly spat out my coffee. I hate being late, and I hate missed opportunities even more. But what else can I do but surrender to the will of the universe and soothe myself with the old adage, “I guess it’s just not meant to be? “

Well, while that may be comforting. Quitting was never an option. Certainly not this time. But lets get to the issue at hand. Travel panic and uncertainty. I identify with all sorts of travel panic: getting stuck somewhere, lost hotel reservation, missing the flight because of traffic, colleague booking flight wrong day, getting lost in an airport and wasting silly amounts of time, some sort of hack on a network, extreme weather melting and freezing stuff…. I could go on. But, the solution for me, at any rate, is to not give up on travelling for business.

So, how do we ‘Mind the bloody gap?’ And travel better in this time of uncertainty?

I’m just gonna list a few thoughts and possible solutions, take it or leave it:

-Travel uncertainty is the new normal. Expect the unexpected at every leg of your journey and plan for it (or not).

-Give yourself even more time than you think you need (this works for me)

-Travel stress can rob us of our power. Bringing in creeping imposter syndrome. Very important to put things into perspective when nasty surprises arise.

-Enjoy the reflection and boredom. Travelling is a kind of ‘me’ time when I think about it.

-Keep key people informed. It’s good to get support when stressed. And it is stressful! Especially when we’ve only got 40 minutes left to check in to a non-refundable $2000 flight.

-Come equipped: chargers, charging station, adaptors, water, snacks, Passport! Apparently making a list is very helpful.

-Remind yourself that even a challenge is met with a calm response. An opportunity for growth.

So, that’s it. That took me about 35 minutes. And, frankly, it was a better use of my time than doomscrolling on X

So, embrace the new normal. Uncertainty needs agility. And travelling for business is immensely rewarding. I love it.