Traveling on business can sound so glamorous! Warm tropical locations, luxurious hotels, wining and dining with interesting people ... However, the reality is more along the lines of exhaustion from driving or jet lag, scratchy bed sheets, and bad room service food in front of the TV.

Yet, whether you are lucky enough to travel on business to a resort in a sunny location or whether you are staying in a budget hotel in Sioux City, one thing remains the same: you are on company time. With that comes responsibility.

"When you are on the road, you literally become a one-person show, representing your entire company," notes Jodie Vesey, an etiquette expert who works with Laurie Richards & Associates, a professional training firm based in Hackettstown, N.J. "Your actions, words and general behavior are going to be judged by all of the people that you come in contact with during your business trip. Based on others impressions of you, you will either do your company and your self a favor, or you will be leaving a trail of negativity in your wake of poor behavior."

With that in mind, Vesey offers the following the tips for business travelers who want to greatly increase their chances of making the best impressions while on the road.

First and foremost, remember that you are on company time the entire time that you are out of the office. Don't put on your business face for the two-hour meeting, only to later go out to the pool in a skimpy swim suit and wave to your client! Act as though everything that you do will get back to your boss, because it just might!

Dress in clothes that are both comfortable and professional looking. No sweat pants or grungy weekend wear. Remember, if you are wearing a shirt with your company logo on it, everyone will know whom you are representing and will judge your company according to your actions.

If you are driving, make sure your car is clean on both the inside and the outside. The front passenger seat is the "seat of honor" and it should go to the client or the highest ranking person.

Carry plenty of one-dollar bills with you for tipping. You will look like a rookie if you do not have tip money readily available.

When it comes to tipping while traveling, who gets what? If someone helps you with your luggage, you should tip $1 per bag. The doorman at a hotel should get $1 if he provides a service for you, such as hailing a cab. Hotel housekeepers should get $2 to $3 dollars a day, and the room service delivery person should get $2.

When two people of unequal rank travel together, the person with the least amount of seniority is to take care of details such as making dinner reservations, hailing taxis, and so on.
When male and female coworkers travel together, each person is responsible for carrying his or her own luggage, and paying for their own meals.

Never over drink. It may be tempting to go with the "the company is buying" attitude, but this is a dangerous position to take. Maintain control and limit your self. Anything less will come back to haunt you!

Luggage does get lost and reservations do get messed up. Ranting and raving will not magically make your luggage appear. You will not have to sleep on the street. There is always a "Plan B" available if you stay clear-headed and flexible.

Business travel can be a great change of pace from the office and a wonderful opportunity for you to shine; take advantage of the opportunities that abound! Just remember, you never know the connection that a stranger may have to your company!