So, you’ve polished your shoes, had your suit dry cleaned, and persuaded your supervisor that you are the best employee to dispatch to the international expo conference, but now what? First-time business travel can be a peculiar mix of excitement and anxiety, as you are being paid to visit a new country but are also expected not to squander the opportunity. However, as with most travels, the key to simplicity lies in the planning.
Even in the era of the Internet, business travel is as popular as ever among all levels of employees, and the advent of new technology has made the entire process easier to organise and presumably more enjoyable as well. Ensure you have all the essentials before departing.
Book the hotel first (on the company credit card, of course) and ensure that it is both close to the conference facility for a simple morning commute and reasonably priced. Your company will undoubtedly claim the tax back on your trip, so don’t skimp just because you’re not paying for it. Attempt to get as much value for your money as possible, such as complimentary wireless internet, breakfast, and parking. Once you have located the ideal hotel, ensure that it is convenient to the restaurants and entertainment venues you may need during your stay.
Prepare your technology next. It almost goes without saying that locating a dependable internet connection overseas to transmit any necessary documentation will never be easy, so be sure to bring everything you need. If you don’t have a work laptop, try to borrow one, and always carry a compact USB flash drive so that you can transfer data rapidly if necessary. Similarly, ensure that your mobile phone is configured for international use. Lastly, save a copy of all of your bookings, boarding passes, and itineraries in your office e-mail so that a coworker can access them in the event of an emergency.
The day before departure, pack carefully. If your trip is less than two days, you may not need to check your luggage. This will save you time at the other end, and you won’t have to worry about missing your belongings. Pack minimally, with one essential item, such as a suit, and two or three shirts and ties to coordinate. The majority of hotels provide irons and trouser presses, but it is advisable to contact ahead and confirm.
Arrive at the airport early and promptly verify that everything is on schedule. Then, get online and begin researching the people you are likely to encounter on your business trip, and if you have time, attempt to locate a restaurant once you’ve landed. There are numerous hotels close Heathrow Airport where you can spend the day working or reserve a room for the night if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Always carry a pen and notepad with you at a conference or meeting, and do not be afraid to introduce yourself right away. If possible, always use a person’s name when addressing them, as this will help you remember who is who, and never forget that you are representing your company.
Find out more about hotels close to Heathrow Airport. Adam Singleton creates content for a digital marketing firm. This article was commissioned by a client of the agency in question. This article is not intended for promotional purposes and should be regarded as professional content.