Travel Tips For First-Time Business Travelers

Traveling for business for the first time might not seem easy at first glance. There are a couple of important details that must be put together before venturing yourself into the unknown: where will you stay? Where will your business meetings take place? How will you make it on time for all of them? Will you live up to your company’s expectations? Don’t worry - these concerns are perfectly normal, so here are some tips to overcome your emotions and make a real success out of your first business trip.

PLAN AN ITINERARY

First, your company will provide a business plan and will set clear objectives that need to be achieved. You will receive the meetings schedule with certain hours and locations, and it is crucial for you to be there promptly. Plan a strong itinerary based on this information: book a comfortable hotel and estimate your time well enough to be able to reach each meeting just as planned. If you are lucky and find some spare time, relax by introducing some visits to local attractions into your busy schedule.

TRAVEL WITH A LIGHT BAGGAGE

Flying might be fun, but airport protocol sure isn’t. Pack light and smart: accommodate your laptop, chargers, and other useful devices, your clothes, and personal hygiene products into the cabin luggage that you always carry by your side. You will save a lot of time since you neither have to wait for baggage claim nor worry about losing your belongings and showing up at meetings completely unprepared.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CAR SERVICE

Corporate transportation is a must when traveling for business for the first time. Our professional chauffeur will wait for you at the airport, will load your luggage into the car, and will escort you precisely to your destination. No worries about the right directions, heavy traffic, parking spaces, or running late. It will also come in handy if you have to relocate between meetings and you are on a tight schedule. Lift the burden off your shoulders and travel in style. In the meantime, sit back and rehearse your speech or just relax before rocking that presentation. 

LOOK INTO LOCAL CULTURE

Show respect! First impression is something that sticks with you for a long time, maybe forever. You will surely dress to impress but pay attention not only to your smart look and your perfectly coordinated business performance but also study local habits in advance and apply your knowledge when meeting potential business partners. Specific gestures, address forms, bringing certain gifts, or learning about different negotiating styles can make the difference between failure and success. Show your audience how much you respect them by investing your time in researching their culture.

MIX BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. You might remember this famous quote from the ‘80s horror movie ‘The Shinning’. And just like Jack Nicholson’s character on set, working around the clock and not enjoying some time off may not turn out as productive as you are inclined to believe. All companies have certain working hours, and most meetings should be over by 6 p.m., so you have plenty of time afterwards to wander around the city, explore and visit local attractions. Blend in with the locals and enjoy an authentic experience.

Business travels can get stressful; we know that. There is a certain pressure on you to rise up to the challenge and seal the deal on behalf of your company, but don’t worry. Follow these simple tips, and you will do just fine. Trust yourself and remember that only the start is a little rough; next time, you will handle it like a pro.