Decalogue for returning to work and reducing stress on business trips
Traveling, in general, involves a myriad of elements to take into account: time, location, documentation, stopovers, technological devices… If the trip is for work purposes, the elements increase considerably. Therefore, it is especially important to master all the factors in this game in order to travel in a calm, orderly and stress-free manner.
Thanks to its experience and dealing with business travelers on a daily basis, BizAway has defined in ten points all those tips and tricks that will help you in your business travel, paying attention to every little detail:
1. Business protocols are fundamental in large companies, but also in smaller ones that seek to create corporate structure and culture. Therefore, it is essential that prior to organizing any business trip, you should make sure you read and understand your travel policy. In it you will find the information you need to know where to book, who to ask for approval of the trip, how payments and reimbursements work. All of these details are essential in order to ensure that the timings of the agenda are met.
2. Local protocol in business. Formality in the business sector is very important. Certain customs can trigger awkward and unprofessional situations in other countries. For this reason, it is important to be informed and respect the local traditions and cultures of the country to which you are traveling. The previous documentation work must be an unavoidable step before any corporate relocation.
3. First aid kit. Although it may seem an unnecessary item, a basic first aid kit can be a real lifesaver in certain everyday circumstances, such as a band-aid on a shoe that hurts or an untimely headache.
4. Stylish yet fashionable clothing. It's best to mix and match in case something unexpected comes up. You may have to go elegant for an important meeting and informal for a dinner. Also, keep in mind that if you are traveling for many hours, combining comfortable, yet executive style is essential for these situations.
5. Loyalty program. If you are a member of any of them, don't forget to check if you have any advantages that will allow you to improve your trip. Especially for business travelers, many benefits are offered, from upgrades to promotions with different product and service providers.
6. Device charging. Always make sure you have all the devices you need charged while traveling, so you can take advantage of any time and travel to move forward or prepare the work of the meeting. In addition, a highly recommended gadget are the additional batteries for recharging, in case there is no possibility of access to any electrical network.
7. Room near the elevator. The unwritten rule is that rooms on higher floors are less prone to theft. In addition, it is advisable to request a room near the elevator so that you do not have to walk the corridors alone in the middle of the night. Also, it is ideal to keep the door of the room always close to open with agility and quickly during the night or early morning.
8. Plug adapters. Not all countries use the same plugs, so it is advisable to have adapters in order to be able to charge them, avoiding extra cost and waste of time.
9. Save receipts. If your company does not have automated expense management software, it is good to keep receipts and vouchers in a safe place, as you will need them later to claim reimbursement from your place of business. For convenience, you can also take a photo of all your invoices in case they get lost.
10. Security check. Checkpoints cause a lot of inconvenience to travelers. To speed up this process, it is useful to store items such as liquids, electronic devices and chargers together so that they can be removed quickly at the security checkpoint. The same goes for bracelets, watches and belts.