So the boss has decided to send you on your first business trip. The tickets have been booked and you have a week to get ready. So just what are the do’s and don’ts of business travel? How do you prepare for your upcoming trip?
What do you pack? Depending on the purpose of the trip, your wardrobe may vary. Are you going to meet clients or attending a conference or training session in another city? What is the corporate culture like at your firm? At the clients? Will a shirt and tie be required or if you are attending a conference or training session you may be able to dress business casual.
Who else is traveling with you? Co-workers, your boss, clients? This affects how you will dress as well. When in doubt err on the conservative side, take what you normally wear to work and some casual clothes for the flight and any down time you many have. Remember you are representing your company so dress appropriately.
How long will you be gone? A few days, a week, longer? Will there be an opportunity to do laundry if you are gone for more than a week.? Make sure you bring enough clothing to last the length of the trip but don’t over-pack.
Do some research on your destination. Are you traveling to another country or another city in your own country. Check out the weather channel to see what the temperature will be, it may be warm and dry in your home town but cold and raining in the city you will be visiting. Research the hotel, see what facilities are available. Will you need to book meeting rooms? Will you be entertaining clients? Check with the local tourism board for restaurant recommendations. The more you know about your destination, the better prepared you will be.
If you are traveling to another country, find out about their business culture. What could be perfectly acceptable behavior at home may offend someone from another culture.
Determine how expenses will be reimbursed before you leave. Will you be given a cash advance or a corporate credit card to cover expenses or expected to pay out of your own pocket and be reimbursed when you return. Also find out if there is a per day diem or maximum that you can spend on meals and other expenses. Some companies pay per diems while other reimburse on receipts. Save all your receipts. Make sure you know how the company wants to handle the expense before you leave, it will save problems and possible embarrassments when you return.
Leave your travel information with a co-worker so they can contact you if necessary. Also leave a copy with your family so they know where to reach you in case of emergency. Remember this is a business trip and you will be working probably longer hours that at home so try and keep the family calls to a minimum.
Find out what the airline regulations are for luggage and carry on. Most business people travel with a laptop, blackberry, PDA, cell phone and other various electronic gadgets. If you are traveling to another country, check to see what the electric voltage is as you may need a converter to charge up your electronic gadgets.
Business travel does not need to be stressful. Proper planning and a positive outlook will help make the trip stress free. By determining the purpose of the trip, evaluating the destinations specific requirements, preparing financially and packing accordingly, you can make your first business trip looking like an experienced business traveler.
For some helpful hints on international business travel:
http://www.inc.com/resources/travel/articles/20060401/wild.HTML
