Travelling for work can be a thrilling yet daunting experience. While it is a symbol of achievement to represent your company’s brand outside the four walls of its office, preparing for your first official trip could be overwhelming. From organising business travel insurance to choosing the right accommodation, this article will provide essential advice to help make sure your visit is a success.
Accommodation
When choosing your accommodation, one of the main things to consider is how conveniently you will be able to commute to the meeting venue. Ideally, if the meeting is in a hotel conference room, try to reserve your stay within that same hotel. You should also check if it provides facilities such as laundry and ironing, so you can be dress sharp and look the part.
Packing
The key idea is that packing for a business endeavour is different from packing for a holiday. Even if you are heading to a sunny destination, it’s ideal to dress smartly during work hours. Plan your outfits based on the number of days in your trip, adding some casual attire depending on the amount of spare time you’ll have to explore the destination you’re visiting. Remember to pack larger bottles of toiletries such as shampoos, shaving cream or moisturiser in your hold luggage, as liquids beyond a certain limit are not allowed in your hand luggage. This will make the airport security check more time-effective, helping you start your trip in a positive frame of mind.
Diet
Most international meetings and seminars have this in common – they offer a sumptuous food spread as well as plenty of alcohol. While it may seem like a luxurious treat, all of that rich food and drink may not be the best for your health and mental clarity. To keep up your professional performance and demeanour, try to make healthy food choices and remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energised.
Business Travel Insurance
Don’t forget to get yourself covered with a reliable insurance policy before you travel. Even on a work-related trip, it is important to protect yourself in case of any unfortunate mishaps. Try to choose a comprehensive business travel insurance policy that includes business-specific protection clauses. This will give you much-needed peace of mind when travelling for work.
Essential Documents
It’s essential to ensure your passport, visa paperwork and any other documents are kept in order, preferably in a folder which is always in the same place in your luggage. While this may seem like a no-brainer, a misplaced passport is often the source of last-minute panic for many travellers. Additionally, make sure none of its pages are damaged and there’s enough validity left, depending on the country you’re visiting. Slip your business travel insurance documents into the secure passport folder, so all the important documents are kept safely together.
If you diligently follow these tips, your trip will definitely be a success. There’s always a first time for everything, but with the right preparation and a confident attitude, you won’t risk making the common mistakes.
Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in single trip, annual and business travel insurance. The company offers great deals for various travel insurance policies, so clients can always rest assured that they’re fully protected no matter where they travel.
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