If you're renting a car: when you land head straight to the car rental desk. Luggage takes a while and the lines for car rental can get long. If it's a short work trip, skip checking in a bag and only bring a carry on, way less of a hassle
Edit: for work trips especially, people drink and eat way too much when they're on the road. Definitely look up some fun things to do in the area that don't involve eating or drinking. You'll have to get comfortable doing fun things by yourself if your work requires travel.
Edit2: if you're the one booking the travel and hotel, get an expedia account and book it through them. The points really add up and they'll subsidize fun vacations
I'll be here for the cm punk drama on saturday