Business meetings require your complete attention, but if you’ve been called to another city for a business meeting, then you have to plan a business trip. If you don’t have a secretary to do this for you, then you need to consider what needs to go into planning your business trip so that you can ensure that the trip is easy and productive.
From researching Melbourne luggage storage options for day meetings to learning where to stay, your business trip needs to go without a hitch. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some tips to help you to make your trip productive one.
- Get your documents organized in advance. Creating a template for your upcoming travel will help. Are you travelling to a city in a nearby state, or are you travelling across the globe for it? For example, if you’re going to be travelling from New York to Melbourne for a business trip, then you need to really set up an itinerary so you know what documents, visas, passport information, etc. Visiting a new country means that you may have other documents that you may not be aware of, such as medical checks and visas. There are specific visas that allow you to work, so you won’t be able to just rely on a visitors visa.
- Get your accommodation booked in advance. The right accommodation is a huge factor in a successful business trip. For a short trip, book yourself a run between the airport and the place of business so that you can have a convenient but goodnight sleep. For a longer trip, try an apartment building or a hotel room that is central to dining and entertainment. For example, if you’re traveling to Melbourne, you’re going to need to know the places to drop off your luggage before your accommodation check in times.
- Think ahead for your transport. Depending on the number of people accompanying you on the business trip, you need to choose how you’re planning on getting there. If you’re travelling alone, then commercial flights are more feasible and you don’t have to necessarily travel in business class. Unless you have the mileage, then go for it. If you’re flying with your colleagues, you might consider hiring a charter plane if you’re going to be going locally. You also need to consider your travel when you get on the ground. Are you relying on the public transport system or are you hiring a car? Thinking ahead for this kind of thing allows you to get the best prices on booking. Consider parking while you are booking your car.
- Learn more about the destination. If you’re unfamiliar with where you’re visiting, do some research to familiarize yourself with eateries and the surroundings. Your safety is going to be a primary concern, so a business traveler in the wrong part of town may be a magnet for crime. If you must travel or work through a higher crime area, then make sure that you’re avoiding any public transport other than a cab and don’t walk at night.
- Write up an itinerary. We already mentioned an itinerary for your travel template, but this should include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anybody that you may need to contact. You should keep your itinerary in both digital and print format too, so that you can access this contact list at any time. Keep a schedule of your business meetings on your phone too, so that you’ll be able to see where you need to schedule in some leisure time. You should try and give yourself enough flexibility to take advantage of any unexpected advantages you might go on.
- Pack smart. Get a luggage scale so that you don’t over pack. Packing lightly even for a business trip is important. You need to place your belongings strategically so that you are able to access your things quickly and efficiently. Overstuffing your bags won’t help you and you may end up with overcharged luggage.
- Back up the important information where possible. Digitise all of the information about your trip on your phone and keep it on all the time. Cloud storage is great for a backup, but you should have the information directly on the device where you can access it. Otherwise you might not be able to access what you need if you’re in an area with no phone or Internet. Your driver’s license, credit cards, passports, etc. Should be kept on you at all times.Utilise the safe in the hotel for overnight storage.