6 Things Needed for Successful Business Travel
Set A Trip Schedule Well in Advance
After you have scheduled your travel itinerary, you then must arrange your business schedule for your trip. Be sure to set clear boundaries for this trip on what you are going to do, when, and with who, if that applies. Decide what you need to make your business trip a success, and implement those items into your schedule. Think about your daily routine and rituals you have established in your life and carry them into your trip. For example, if you thrive at work due to exercising regularly, you should incorporate that into your business travel routine.
Create A Plan With Family
As managers and higher-ups, you do not want your employees to fret about getting approval for every tiny detail for every business flight. Give your employees the freedom and flexibility to make their travel arrangements to accommodate their business and personal schedules. Of course, you can set parameters like a set budget. Your employees will appreciate this autonomy that you give them, as well, as they do not have to have every travel decision such as flights needing supervisor approval.
Maximize Your Schedule
When your company sends you out on a business trip, you are representing the company on its dime. The company will look to utilize the majority of your time for business activities since they are paying the bill. As the work schedule begins to take shape for the travel planning in the weeks before the trip, do not forget to be assertive and have a say in your day-to-day routine of the trip. After all, you are taking the trip, so you should have some input into the schedule.
Send Meeting Topics and/or Agendas Before You Leave
Maximize your trip preparedness by sending meeting topics and agendas to various groups before leaving. This allows your meeting participants to prepare themselves for the topics at hand before the day.
Consider the Customs and Personal Security of Your Business Destination
As a corporate traveler, you are representing your business to the world. As a representative, it is a good idea to research the local customs of your destination before arrival. You will need to show respect to the local people and customs during your trip and will have to do what you need to assimilate into the culture. That last thing you would want to try and conduct business with people who you feel isolated from.
While you are traveling, don’t forget about your personal safety. Your well-being matters no matter if it is domestic travel or international travel. Do some research on your destination before your business trip. Find out what neighborhoods to avoid, as well as procedures for public transportation, where the closest police station is, and other safety knowledge. You should also have the contact information of your group travel management company in case of emergency. You should also have the phone numbers and emails of one or two trusted folks in your company on-hand at all times.
Prepare for Personal Hygiene and Preventing Sickness
It is important that you maintain your personal hygiene and wellness routine while on business trips. Many people get sick while traveling. This is a result of recycled air on planes, public ground transportation, a new environment, and the weather.
Consider all that you need for your personal wellness, and be sure to include all those items in your bag. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, plus all toiletries that you use daily.
Traveler’s Q can help navigate your business into the future of travel. Contact one of our experts in corporate travel services today to get started.
