Thanks to the ongoing enterprise trend of globalization, business owners and managers are becoming more involved in overseas travel. In most cases, entrepreneurs and business associates go abroad for the purpose of visiting partners; however, attending training seminars and scouting new opportunities are becoming more common.
Whatever the purpose of your international business trips, you want to make sure that you make the most out of them and that they are always successful. With this in mind, here are some recommendations to ensure that you take full advantage of business travel.
Choosing the Right Place to Stay
Whenever possible, you should try not to stay at the express hotels near the airport where all the other business travelers stay. Let’s say you are heading to England to visit a business partner whose office is located in Westminster. As you prepare for the trip, you should ask yourself: where should I stay in London? The idea is to choose a quiet neighborhood that is just a short cab ride away from your partner’s office. In the case of London, you can find comfortable flats in quiet neighborhoods at prices that will rival most hotels.
Grooming, Styling and Hygiene
Be sure to pack all your personal grooming and hygiene items in your checked luggage; additionally, you should also invest in a very small and inexpensive shower kit to keep in your carry on luggage in case of emergencies. Whenever possible, pack darker clothes and try to iron them without creases. Don’t bother folding your clothes; you would be better off rolling them. A small travel iron with electrical adapters is an essential item to take when you travel abroad; alternatively, research the area where you will be staying and see if a household goods store is nearby so that you can purchase an inexpensive iron. For extended stays, visit the hair salon before your departure and don’t forget to pack a shoe care kit, stain remover and fabric refreshing spray.
Go Portable and Powerful on Technology
After choosing a multi-country AC adapter that lets you adjust the voltage and attach various plugs, you should pack your most powerful and most portable hardware. Everything should have a backup; for example, you should take your business smartphone as well as an affordable “burner” that you can use as an emergency replacement. Likewise, your business laptop can be backed up with an inexpensive Android tablet just in case. Take a couple of USB drives and connector cables with you and be sure to check all your cloud storage and productivity accounts before leaving. If you plan on using your personal computing devices at airports and cafes, be sure to use a VPN and set up all your lock screens with strong passwords.
Beating Fatigue and Jet Lag
One of the best things you can do to avoid jet lag is to get a good night’s sleep before your flight. Resist the temptation of getting work done aboard the aircraft; instead, read a book or browse an in-flight magazine and listen to relaxing music on your headphones. Try to take naps before landing; once you are in your flat or hotel room, enjoy light meals at restaurants instead of consuming everything in the mini fridge. During your stay, wear earplugs and perhaps and eye mask to bed.
In the end, you should get into the mindset of making your overseas trips productive by making listening and learning a priority. Try to schedule at least one recreational activity; even if it is a short stroll through the neighborhood and a quick visit to a sidewalk cafe.
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