Traveling for work can be great fun, whether you're jetting off for a trade show or packing your bags for a conference or client meeting. However, work trips can also present some drawbacks, including the potential awkwardness of being around your colleagues 24/7.

Erica Lamberg, a business, health and travel writer, says it can be a balancing act to remain professional and courteous without getting on your travel companions' nerves. Fortunately, no matter where you're traveling, you can cut back on the uncomfortable situations and make business trips more productive and enjoyable.

Keep reading this issue of Promotional Consultant Today for Lamberg's tips on keeping awkwardness to a minimum during work travel.

Maintain boundaries when going and coming. Lamberg says you shouldn't expect to be conversing the entire time you're en route to meetings. "If you're traveling on a plane or train, bring a book or headphones so you and your coworker don't feel obligated to hold a conversation the whole time," suggests Rhiannon Staples, chief marketing officer of Hibob, a leading online HR platform. "Use the time for yourself to relax or read materials you may need to familiarize yourself with ahead of the event you're attending."

Practice phone etiquette. Phones are quickly becoming a social barrier for people—and when you're traveling for business the same courtesy rules should apply. Lamberg says that if you're out for a meal with work colleagues to discuss the business at hand and one person is continuously scrolling on a phone, awkwardness can easily creep into the picture. It may be worth setting ground rules that phone use will be limited if discussing company business. "If you don't make a clear plan, one person could be playing with their phone when the other has expectations to chat, which causes a mismatch," says Michael Alexis, CEO of Team Building.

Establish some private downtime. Having an itinerary for business is expected but be sure to carve out private time during the trip to break up the together time, encourages Lamberg. "The key to traveling together without getting on anyone's nerves is to designate some aspects of your day to yourself," says Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation.com. "Stay in separate hotel rooms where you can head back for a break. If you're attending a networking event together, make it a point to split up and mingle throughout the space on your own instead of walking around glued to the hip of your colleague."

Limit the alcohol. It may be tempting to head to the hotel bar at the end of a long day of meetings, but reconsider that. After all, says Lamberg, you're there for work and don't want to give the wrong impression to a colleague. It's okay to meet for a drink, but don't let the bar tab get out of hand.

Don't be overbearing. It's not necessary to keep tabs on the person you're traveling with. They are an adult and can manage their own schedule, notes Lamberg. It can be insulting to hound them to make sure they are on time for the meeting or remind them of details. It can also be awkward to ask to spend all evening with them. Some people like to wind down after a day of meetings and welcome alone time.

Keep the time together professional. According to Lamberg, a prime rule is to always keep conversations professional and work-related. "Sometimes when colleagues are out of their usual office environment, conversation topics or tones tend to change. As a good tip, try and pretend as though you are still in that office environment and only mention or say things you would say around your manager or boss while at work," says Staples of Hibob.

Work trips don't have to be awkward. Whether you're traveling with your sales reps or senior leaders, keep the above advice in mind to make the most of your time away.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Erica Lamberg is a business, health and travel writer whose work appears in Gannett, U.S. News & World Report, Bankrate, MSN and others.