If you are preparing for business travel, you may be in a quandary about exactly what you need to do and why. After all, preparing for a business trip isn’t quite like preparing for a pleasure trip. A business trip could be just the same as going to work with the added complication of being out of your office! Here are a few ideas to help you plan for your business trip in a way that reduces stress, supports productivity, and leaves a little room for fun!
Autumn is a great time to travel through New England. This is when the leaves begin to change into their beautiful golden color. The weather cools down, making the air feel refreshingly crisp. You no longer have to compete with summer tourists. This is the time when you can slow down your pace of travel and just enjoy the beauty around you.
If you are traveling into a malaria-prone area, in addition to anti-malaria pills, bring a mosquito net or find a room with a large ventilation fan. The net is best as it can almost completely stop mosquitoes from getting to you at night. The fan works because mosquitoes cannot fly as well into the wind, but it is not fool-proof.
When traveling in foreign countries, beware of police officers who ask for your ID. Make sure you ask them for their ID to prove they’re actually a cop. Instead of showing them your real passport, show them a photocopy instead. You don’t want to risk a thief running off with your passport.
Make sure you plan out your traveling ahead of time by checking the weather. You don’t want to travel on a vacation to somewhere where the weather is not favorable. Choosing what season to explore a city is crucial to taking in the true experience that particular city has to offer.
Travel agencies can sometimes clear out a specific airline or hotels inventory. Look in your local paper or other local publications for specials and sales. Sometimes these can be a great way to take a getaway on a budget. There will be limited amounts of these available, so act fast.
Before booking a trip, be sure to check whether a country requires a visa for entry. Different countries have different document needs and it can take some time to receive the proper ones. Please be aware that even with a visa in hand, it does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the country.
Take a look at the online reviews of other travelers to get an idea of what is best to do in the destination you are visiting. Take advantage of the fact that the internet gives you ultimate accessibility to insider information. Especially check out any photographs that have been posted, as they can speak more about a locale than words ever could.
If you are traveling by cruise ship, make your arrangements as close to the time of your trip as possible. Although the cruise industry used to advertise that you could only get exceptional savings if you booked in advance, things have changed and last-minute deals are usually better than advanced reservations. There is even a web site that shows cruises with up to 75% savings if you book at the last minute.
Read several reliable travel forums. These forums have come a long way in recent years and can be quite informative about the potential destinations on your list. Take some time to read many of the posts on the site to find out what to expect when you get to your travel destination.
When traveling with a baby or toddler, be sure to bring a couple of your loved one’s favorite toys as well as its favorite sleeping toy. This will help your loved one have a few comforts of home in completely unfamiliar territory. It will help a little with the distress that he or she will be feeling.
When on a plane with a child, give them a lollipop at takeoff and landing. The child will love the treat, however the main thing is that it will help with the ear pressure and will help keep them from getting too cranky during this time. Once the child is older you can use gum.
There is nothing that can derail your travel fun like a nasty sunburn. Sunscreen is a small expense that can help you avoid a painful vacation experience. You should also consider hats and protective clothing if you are going to spend any time in the sun. Outside temperature should be irrelevant in your consideration.
When traveling, try to learn the bus or subway system before even leaving for your trip. This saves the time and hassle of trying to figure out where you are going and how to get there. You can find the subway and bus system maps of many international cities online.
If you are traveling with your children in the car, give them the opportunity to sit in your seat. Your child will feel special and enjoy getting some quality time sitting with the driver. It will also keep the trip exciting for both the adults and the kids.
A great travel tip that can save you a lot of money is to do a little bit of grocery shopping while you’re on vacation. Having enough groceries that will allow you to make a few homemade meals can save you tons of money, because you won’t have to eat out every single day.
So remember, avoiding rushing is the key to successful business travel. By planning your travel well ahead of your meetings and obligations, you will be able to save some money, relax and have a good time. See if you can take a day off before and after the trip to avoid feeling pressured and rushed. In this way, you will have a productive and enjoyable business trip.
