Many times, your business trip starts well before you embark and end long after you return home (packing, unpacking, finishing up with work…) Why does it have to be this way? Do you wish to have a smooth and stress-free business trip for once? Well, the key lies in preparation, so here are a few tips that will get you ready for your work trip quickly and effectively.
Check your passport
You might think you can never forget your passport, but more experienced travelers made that mistake, so don’t be too sure of yourself. Make sure this is the first thing you pack in your travel bag and the last thing you check before you head for the airport or start your car. Also, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip—if not, you’ll need to make a new one ASAP. Using a passport photo app makes it easy to take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home.
Pack well
When meeting with clients, you’ll need to look professional, so make sure to pack at least one smart outfit. And expect your clothing to become creased in the suitcase, so consider packing a travel iron or check whether your hotel offers ironing services. While you want to have professional-looking clothing for meetings, you also need something more casual for your spare time or when you decide to hit the bars with your colleagues.
Check your car
If you’re traveling by car, make sure to check whether it’s in perfect condition. You don’t want to be late for your meeting or conference because you got stranded somewhere by the side of the road. Check everything—oil levels, brakes, battery—but pay special attention to your tyres. Make sure they are properly inflated and free of any cracks, especially if you’re driving a big truck or SUV (extra weight won’t do your tyres any good). If you notice any damage, it’s best to invest in new 4wd tyres just to be safe. New wheels will give you speed, traction and confidence no matter the road or weather conditions.
Have some local money in your pocket
As soon as you land or arrive otherwise, make sure to acquire have some currency of the country of your destination. Even if you’re used to paying with plastic, it’s good to have some cash with you for those little purchases like bottled water or road tolls. Make sure to check the local currency and put some change in your pocket.
Stay connected at all times
It’s very important to stay connected during your business trip, so make sure to invest in a portable Wi-Fi device. You will probably have internet access in your room, but with a wireless device, you can work wherever you are. This means you’ll get to work on the go during those long flights, airport waits and train rides and arrive at your destination 100% ready to talk business. Also, there will be no need for catching up with work as soon as you come back home and you’ll get to spent time with your loved ones.
Eat well on the road
Business trips are rushed, stressful and busy, and you might notice you only eat junk food and leftovers. Eating too much garbage and drinking too much coffee and whiskey with colleagues will make you feel tired and hazy—not a good look when you have to meet clients. And most of all, you don’t want to have an upset stomach when traveling. So, make sure to Google a few healthy-food restaurants in your vicinity and get at least one proper meal a day that includes fresh ingredients.
If you stay true to these travel tips, you’ll see that you can have a business trip that will not leave you exhausted, sick and stressed out. Pack well, eat smart and stay connected, and you’ll be home before you know it feeling ready for new business ventures!
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to marketing and latest business trends. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
