Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Business trips can be a fun adventure but one that also needs to be treated with utmost care and thoroughness. Before traveling overseas for business, it’s imperative that you acquaint yourself with the procedures and customs of your destination. As a business traveler, you’re not only tasked with showcasing your country to the outer world; you are exemplifying your company as well. It’s therefore of great significance to be in the know about the country you’re traveling to as a gesture of respect. Besides needing authentic travel documents like visa and passport, there is a host of practices you need to cover before making the business trip.
1. Book a Hotel that Embraces Green Practices
Be a champion for environment by booking a hotel that adopts green practices. The hotel industry is conforming to the call for the preservation of Mother Nature by going green. Statistically, 64% of hotels globally are utilizing high-efficiency LED lights and the industry has witnessed a 34% increasing in recycling. A business traveler that wants the campaign to succeed must lead from the front by identifying greener hotel options and promote to other business travelers to empower the cause. Luckily finding these hotels is less of a hassle. You can leverage travel agency software to make hotel booking.
2. Contact Your Credit Card Company
Nothing spoils your business trip than technicalities in your credit cards or frozen funds. Ensure you have a quality conversation with your credit card company by informing them your departure day, time and destination so that you can insulate yourself from frantic phone calls to unlock or sort out other issues related to your card. Most credit cards bearing magnetic strips are frowned upon or nor entertained at all by most business and entities abroad. You must ensure that you carry along some cash to avoid these inconveniences.
3. Have Copies of Your Important Documents
Ensure you make copies of vital documents like credit/debit cards, passport, driver’s license, insurance cards and birth certificates. Leave a set of duplicates in your home or an individual you really trust with your life to retrieve the information in case of any eventualities. Take another set of duplicate with you nicely packed. You might want to access your security codes and credit cards instantly at a point, so take a picture of them.
4. Take a Photo of Your Luggage
Any traveler who has had the misfortune of losing luggage would tell you that describing it to airport authorities can be a nasty experience. On numerous occasions, a baggage claim tickets help, but they often get lost during layovers and flights. Take some time to attach something unique on your baggage and take a picture with your mobile phone. This way, you can effortlessly identify your luggage in case of confusions.
5. Set Up Your Data Roaming
Ensure your phone is correctly set to keep away from international data roaming. Most business travelers possess a data management and international calling plan. However, infrequent business travelers don’t. The heavy costs can accrue from conveying information from the outer ends of the earth. If you are an infrequent business traveler, organize with your provider for one, or better yet, shut off your data roaming if it’s not a matter of urgency.
6. Carry Appropriate Dress Code
As a business traveler, you’ll be the image of the company during the business trip. You are well aware that you’ll be mingling with financial king and queens and so you’ll not want your firm to fall short of required standards; which is why dressing the part is as important as the trip. Some firms have their official dressing codes for overseas business meetings, but if the firm doesn’t, suffice to carry the perfect dress code.
The whole process of business trip can be daunting but fun and fulfilling as well. If your schedule allows, make the most of your business trip by taking time to visit the city, learn the culture, meet up with the locals or relax in specialty coffee shops. Enjoy the splendors that the universe has to offer.
