If you’re like me, business travel is a necessary but potentially frazzling experience.

Many things are out of your control, notably weather, flight scheduling, and checked baggage (only check bags if you absolutely must).

But some crises are within your control and can be avoided. Let’s take a look at four such potential business travel blunders:

1. Forgetting important items

There’s nothing quite as disheartening at the beginning of a trip as realizing you’ve forgotten your eyeglasses, a prescription or clean socks. When you can, leave extra sets of your most important personal items in a carry-on or briefcase you keep permanently ready to go. My carry-on always has a spare watch, a second PowerPoint file of my presentation, a swimsuit, duplicate power cords and cables and contact lenses.

2. Letting airport security slow you down

It seems like everyone today has TSA pre-check (similar to how everyone’s in Group 1 when boarding), so instead of taking five minutes to clear airport security, it can take thirty. So even though I’m a premier flier and have pre-check, I still purchased the CLEAR card(available in select markets), so I zip through security in no time. It’s well worth the small fee if you’re a frequent flier. The My TSA mobile app can also help you prepare for your next trip.

3. Falling off the health and fitness wagon

It’s easy to get out of the habit of taking care of yourself while traveling, so make a conscious decision not to let it happen. If your favorite gym has no locations in your destination city, make alternate workout plans. Check the hotels in advance to see what kind of workout equipment is available or plan your running route. Pack your workout clothes, stick to your diet, get your beauty sleep and drink lots of water, so you can feel your best at all times.

4. Getting lost in strange cities

Turn on your locations settings and Google Maps on your smartphone, and you won’t risk getting lost in L.A. or Houston. Or don’t rent a car and instead download the Über app, which helps you locate a nearby ride. Better yet, for practically the same cost as a cab, hire a car service in advance to take you where you need to go. I love getting off a flight and seeing a person at the bottom of the escalators holding a sign with my name on it. The last thing I want to do after a long flight is worry about where I need to go.

Action step

An alert, proactive approach to business travel will help you avoid at least some of the stress that comes with it. Focus on the things you can control, like the four factors I’ve outlined above, and don’t agonize over the things you can’t. You’ll save your sanity, cut down on confusion and feel better when the trip’s over.