Performing well in a meeting is a challenge at the best of times. But it's even more daunting if you've just stepped off a plane or arrived by train or car. As with most aspects of business, arriving in good shape for a meeting is all about preparation.

When you're planning your trip make sure you have the best possible seat. If you fly regularly with one airline you may have your own favourite. Otherwise, consider where you'll have most legroom. Sitting near the front should mean you get off first - which is an important consideration if you're visiting countries such as the USA, where immigration queues are usually long.

Immediately weigh up your neighbour. If they obviously want to chat make it clear from the start that you'd love to talk but that you have to prepare for a meeting. Offer to swap with parents so that they can sit next to their child and you don't have to.

Think carefully about where you sit on a train and book a seat in advance. You may need a table for your laptop and papers, or perhaps you would prefer to be away from people. A seat next to the toilet will give you peace and quiet but is not the most fragrant place on the train.

If colleagues are traveling to the same meeting consider whether you want to travel with them. Don't be tempted to use the journey as an informal meeting and avoid drinking competitions or tussles over who goes to bed last.

Travel light

Try to carry only hand luggage. You'll save time when you arrive and you'll be safer with a smaller bag. Look for one with a handle and backpack and shoulder straps.

The bag you take on to the plane should include essentials for the meeting:

• Your laptop. It will be safer with you than be bumped around by baggage handlers.
• A clean shirt or top, underwear and washing essentials in case your main luggage goes missing.
• Notes, phone and laptop charger, memory sticks (in case your laptop won't connect with the projector).
• Business essentials - phone, chargers, notepad, pen, Ethernet cable for use in the hotel (in case they've run out of cables).

Arrive looking good

Travel in loose, comfortable clothes. One business executive buys cheap joggers and a T-shirt at the airport, wears them during the flight and discards them when he arrives.