5 Tips when Traveling to Berlin for Business
Are you planning a business trip to Berlin? As Germany’s capital, it goes without saying that this is a great place to do business with many types of companies spanning a variety of industries.
Regardless of your departure airport or time of the year, there are a few tips you can follow when visiting this city. Here are five things to keep in mind at all times:
Book Your Flight in Advance
While it’s not always possible to book your flight to Berlin many months in advance, it’s good practice if you’re able to do so. Here’s why: international air travel can be expensive, especially if you’re looking to fly on short notice (or first class).
Make it a habit to book your flight a minimum of three months in advance of your departure date. Doing so will allow you to save money on the cost of your ticket.
Compare All Your Hotel Options
Finding the best hotel in Berlin is easier said than done, and here’s why: there are hundreds of options to choose from.
On the plus side, it’s good to know that you can choose from all types of hotels. For example, there are those that are close to the airport as well as those that are “off the beaten path.”
On the downside, the more choices you have the more difficult it can be to compare the finer details of each one.
Although it can take some time, comparing all your hotel options would be in your best interest. By using the internet, you can learn more about each hotel – from the price to the features – without the need to get on the phone.
Pack Accordingly
There is no denying the fact that you need to dress to impress. However, this doesn’t mean you can overlook the different weather patterns that impact the city throughout the year.
For example, Berlin is known for being a fairly warm destination during the summer months. In fact, many people consider it one of the sunniest cities in all of Germany. This is good news if you enjoy warm weather.
On the flipside, the winter months can be extremely cold. On top of this, don’t be surprised if you run into quite a bit of snow.
Do yourself a favor and take a close look at the weather forecast before you takeoff. This will ensure that you pack clothes that will allow you to not only look good, but to also remain comfortable at all times.
Use Public Transportation
If you want to rent a car upon touching down, more power to you. This is something you may need to do if you’re on a tight schedule and have many people to see during your time in and around the city.
If you would rather avoid the cost of a rental car, if you would rather avoid the stress of navigating Berlin’s roadways, it’s time to learn more about public transportation.
Fortunately, Berlin is well known for its public transportation system, allowing you to reach pretty much any destination without a hassle. From a train to a tram, there is always something that will suit your needs.
Tip: if you require more information on public transportation, don’t hesitate to consult with the front desk at your hotel or download a travel app. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
Be Friendly with the Locals
Have you ever visited a city where the locals are anything but friendly? Unfortunately, many cities throughout the world have this reputation. Berlin is not one of them.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll realize that the locals are interested in showing you a good time. This doesn’t mean you should trust everyone, but don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation and share more information about yourself (such as where you come from).
You never know when you’ll make a new friend. Even better, you never know when you’ll make a business connection that could pay dividends in the long run.
Don’t Do These Things
Now that you have a better idea of what you should do when traveling to Berlin for business, it’s time to review three things that you want to avoid at all costs:
- Don’t over pack. When you take too much “stuff” with you, it only costs you time and money in the long run. Do you really want to pay to check your bag? Do you really want to lug this around the airport? Pack light and you’ll soon realize that you’re trip is more enjoyable.
- Don’t forget to create an agenda. Berlin is a large and complex city, especially for those who have never visited in the past. For this reason, you want to create an agenda before you depart. Who are you visiting? Where will you meet up? How much time will you spend at each location?
- Don’t overlook any opportunity. It’s easy to remain in your comfort zone, but this isn’t the approach you want to take when traveling to Berlin for business. For example, a client may invite you to a restaurant that doesn’t sound appealing. While your first instinct may be to shoot down the idea, it’s best to go with the flow. You never know what you’ll find when you open your eyes.
Conclusion
As a growing business hub, there are many reasons to travel to Berlin in the near future.
If you’ve never visited this city in the past, you may be worried about planning your trip and enjoying your stay.
With the five tips above guiding you, you can travel to Berlin without a care in the world.
Have you visited Berlin in the past? What did you think of the city? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
