Preparing for your first business trip can be daunting. If you haven’t done much traveling in the past, you might be very nervous. Perhaps you don’t know what to expect. Well, it’s the same with most of us. I remember my first trip. I was so overwhelmed by it all. It reminded me of the time when we were trying to choose which Internet service to opt for before finally settling on cox bundles. If that’s you, you will find the right help here.
These tips can help you prepare your trip like a pro:
Travel Light
Don’t make the mistake of packing your entire closet. You are traveling for work, not for vacation. Free yourself from the worry of carrying too many suitcases. Just one is enough.
Know the Dress Code
You must pack the business clothes appropriate for the trip. Not sure what to take? Contact some coworker who has already traveled.
When you are traveling for work, you are representing your company. Some even say dress professionally for your flight. You never know whom you bump into at the airport. If that happens, you would want to make a positive impression.
The more professionally you are dressed, the more you will be admired.
Prepare For the Down Time
You might have a lot of downtimes depending on your flight and time zone. Be prepared. Make sure your mobile devices and other electronics are charged. Download all the necessary apps in your mobile and make sure they are ready to use.
If you are visiting in Down Time, you should visit brunch downtown Orlando. Brunch allows Orlando locals to spend some time in bed and yet have breakfast dishes closer to midday, which is something they adore. As if that weren’t enough, brunch is frequently served with a delicious brunch beverage, making you feel you’re rewarded just for sleeping in.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
You never know how much you have to walk from the airport to the hotel or even city streets. To avoid stress, travel with 2 pairs of shoes. Keep the casual dress shoes for business events and a second pair to wear at the airport. You will be so relieved to have comfortable shoes.
Keep the Essentials in the Carry-On Bag
If you have traveled before, you would know that sometimes, the checked luggage does not always make it to the destination. How will you explain it to the officials that you left the company’s laptop in the suitcase and the suitcase didn’t make it through?
To avoid this drama, carry all the essential items in the carry-on bag. That includes a charger, toiletries, a pair of dress shoes, and a business outfit. You should also keep other essentials like your passport in your bag and ensure the visa is still valid when taking the flight; for example, if you’re on a business trip to Cambodia, you must have your Cambodia visitor visa with you.
Practice Your Small Talk
You are most likely to meet new people. Meeting new people means you will have to engage in small talk.
If you are not good at making small talk, it’s suggested to practice socializing. Consider it an opportunity to sell yourself. The better you communicate, the more people will remember you and your company.
Eat Cheap
It sounds great to entertain your clients at a 5-star restaurant. However, whenever you are eating alone, look for a reasonably priced place. Your employer will appreciate that you didn’t blow the cash for no reason whenever you were hungry.
Bring Your Business Card
Make good connections with the people you meet. Start by handing them a business card. Don’t have a business card? Before you leave for the trip, make sure you ask your boss to print some business cards for you.
Prepare Your Clothes for the Next Day
When you reach your hotel room, unpack your clothes. Iron them and hang them. Place all the necessary accessories nearby. In other words, prepare everything for the next day. As you organize everything the night before, it will help you stay top on the next day. Everything will run smoothly and you will have to worry less.
Don’t Drink Too Much
It’s hard to resist drinks at a high-class business event. It’s ok to have a drink or two but never overindulge. Don’t let your coworkers talk you into drinking more than normal.
As you are traveling for work, you are representing your company. No one wants to do business someone who becomes a center of drama because of over-drinking or passes out in the lobby. Plus, this could make you lose your job.
Hold On To Your Receipts
The business trip is on the company’s expense. Therefore, it’s important that you save all the receipts from the taxi rides, hotels to the restaurants you eat at. Not everyone offers receipts, you might have to ask in some cases.
Bring a Notepad
You will have to take notes more than often. It is rude to type notes on your smartphone or laptop when something is talking. The safest option is using a notepad. Use the old-fashioned way and earn everyone’s respect.
Have Fun
Yes, you have to be careful about many things on the business trip but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself. If there is room in the schedule, take some time off and dive into the city. You have the right to visit new places and see the attractions of the destination. You deserve to have some fun, too.
When everything is planned beforehand, nothing will go wrong or at least you won’t have to panic. I’m glad I took my time before that first trip. Even when my family made fun of me. Now they thank me for both the cox bundle packages and my planning skills!