Travelling is often a rewarding experience, especially when doing it for business. But it also can prove challenging if you do not plan and prepare adequately. Hence, we have compiled 10 tips and tricks on how you can make your next last minute business trip as smooth and prosperous as possible.
Table of Contents
1). Prepare
Proper preparation entails drawing your schedule and making sure you have copies in your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It should include emergency contacts, a copy of your itinerary, and other essential documents like hotel booking receipts or car hire details. It is best to keep a printed copy that you will have with you in case your phone dies or your laptop is not within reach.
2). Pack Wisely
Packing for a trip is never as easy as you might think, especially when traveling for business. Size does matter when packing for the journey; thus, pick a suitcase that will fit what you need without being too bulky for a short trip. It is best to consider the extra costs of a bag checking into the hold if you are traveling with lots of luggage. But it would be better to pack a cabin bag for the short business trips. Therefore, review what you want to pack for your travels and ensure it can fit into the bag that meets the airline’s luggage regulations. Also, confirm that you can board the plane with your laptop bag or handbag.
You will find yourself engaging in different settings on business trips – from evening events to corporate and formal meetings. Whichever the occasion during your travels, it is wise to make a lasting impression. Thus, pick a few choice garments from your staple wardrobe that you can use to create different looks. Also, try to choose clothes that allow you to transition from day to night with ease.
3). Visa Management
Weighing the changing costs of traveling with the need to get entry permits for every country on your schedule can be complicated and intimidating for those going on their first business trip. But ensuring your visa and other related papers are in order can make your travels prosperous.
4). Earn While Flying
Who doesn’t love freebies! It can be a supermarket loyalty card, shopping vouchers from your boss, or stamps at your favorite diner. We all love getting value for our money, which extends to booking flights. Frequent flyer points are nothing new to many travelers, and so is how to spend the point when booking new flights or upgrading to a higher class. However, few are familiar with airline membership programs, mostly offered to companies instead of individual travelers.
Some corporations opt to join these airline schemes if their employees travel a lot. And while it might require them to stick to one airline, these companies can earn significant points than when switching between airlines to bag frequent flyer points.
5). Accommodations With Extra Benefits
If their stay in a hotel was rewarding, most business travelers often pick the same hotels on their next trips. They can make the bookings themselves or request their travel management company (TMC) to do the same. Many business travelers do this because of preference and convenience.
It is an arrangement that can see them save money and enjoy different perks. Hotels often have loyalty programs that can also be partnered with airline membership schemes companies enjoy. Therefore, research potential places you can stay during your trip and determine if they offer loyalty programs.
6). Getting Around
Moving from point A to B in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when you must find a hotel to stay in and plan your schedule to determine the place you will visit. That is where you will benefit from working with a dedicated corporate travel agency. They will handle everything for you, from booking the flights, hotel, or even car hire. It means you will not have to deal with transfers.
You will avoid the stress of securing prompt transport when you arrive at your destination if you have pre-booked transfers. You can be confident that you will not have hiccups when going from the airport to the hotel or meeting.
7). Car Hire
If you stay in a town on your business trip for several days, you might consider driving yourself instead of hailing taxis. However, take the time to research the country’s driving laws and regulations. Also, check with the car hire agency to find out the type of equipment included in their rentals and any extra charges you might encounter.
Conversely, you can use a Business Travel Agency for your car hire needs. They can negotiate the terms on your behalf and ensure you get the vehicle from a reputable car hire company. You will have peace of mind knowing your budget and expectations are covered right from the start.
