With the ease and range of travel options available to us today and with business becoming ever more focused on branching out, forming international trade relations has never been easier (or more important). All companies could benefit from going abroad to forge and strengthen ties with other businesses and the quest for growth could take you all over the city, country and then the world!
If you’re a regular business traveller, you will know how tiring and tricky the experience can be. Knowing how to be self-reliant and having your wits about you can be imperative. While some stress is inevitable as you try to navigate yourself in a foreign and large piece of land like the USA, there are some tips and tricks that could save you a whole lot of headache.
Be sure to take note of our business travel tips so that the next time you are send off to the states for business it should feel like second nature and be a far more relaxing experience too!
Make the right arrangements
With everything from car rental to hotel rooms, the longer you wait, the less likely they may be of being available and the more expensive they can be. Be sure to book as much as you can in advance to reduce the amount of stress you have when you land and save some money along the way too.
It’s always important to research around that religious or local holidays may be going on in the area you are going to around the time you are looking to visit as this could limit your ability to get around or you may even find that shops are closed.
Finally, get your ESTA visa in order at usvisa.org.uk as it allows you entry into the states for 90 days, which makes all the difference if you are likely to go back within that time frame too!
Assemble an itinerary
In your itinerary it is important to list flight information, ground transportation information, the names and addresses of hotels and meeting places as well as any important and emergency telephone numbers. It’s also a good idea to look at meal arrangements and scheduled entertainment too- you can’t have all work and no play when you’re in an exciting new city!
Make a copy of your plan
It’s good practice to always make a copy of your itinerary to someone at work like an assistant or employee and also give an additional copy to someone at home like a friend or relative. If something goes wrong or you end up losing your guide, someone will be able to relay the information to you in the case of an emergency.
Sort out your documents
Regardless of where you go, it’s always a good idea to take I.D with you that allows you to drive. Similarly if you are a frequent overseas traveller, you could consider an international driver’s license. Be sure you check the expiration date on your passport too, just to be on the sage side.
Pack only what you need
Packing a few days in advance of when you are due to travel is one sure-fire way to reduce stress levels and increase efficiency. You must carry your laptop, mobile phone, contracts, organiser, reports, clothes, currency, passport, pens and business cards- everything else is an added extra.
Be mindful of the length of time you are going for and what activities you will be participating in in order to pack the absolute minimum. Don’t forget things like prescription medication and glasses or contact lenses too.
