If you find that you’re travelling a lot for business reasons, then it makes sense to put in a bit of preparation. By investing just a little bit of time and effort at the outset, you stand to make your travels a great deal more enjoyable, and affordable.
Set a budget
You need to know at the outset how much money you have available to spend on things like travel and accommodation. This information will inform every other decision you make when it comes to your travel arrangements, so try to sketch it out at the start of the process.
Book early
Generally speaking, the earlier you can book your hotel, the better. This will avoid you having to deal with fully-booked hotels on the days you plan to visit. If you’re heading to a given city for a major conference, then you might anticipate the hotels coming under heavy demand.
The same goes for your travel arrangements. If you’re travelling to London King’s Cross, then book early to get ahead of the demand.
Get a passport
If you’re travelling overseas, then you need a valid passport. If yours looks like it’s about to expire, then you should start the renewal process as early as possible. You’ll need a certain amount of time left on your passport in order to enter most countries. This is so that you don’t end up stranded.
If you’re short on time, then there’s an urgent passport renewal service. There’s even a one-week service – but the less time you’re waiting, the more you’ll need to pay.
Travel Insurance
Run into problems during your trip, and you’ll be glad that you invested in travel insurance. Your employer might subsidise your insurance for you, so it doesn’t hurt to ask the question. Shop around for the best deal and make sure that you’re covered against medical problems and loss of earnings that might result from things like cancelled trains.
Pack light
You don’t need to take the earth with you every time you go on a business trip without reservation fee. Think about the supplies that you might pick up at the airport, and how you can economise on space. Liquids, for example, are sure to cause you problems. If possible, choose an adaptable wardrobe that you can mix and match to suit a range of settings.
Take a charger or two
The chances are overwhelming that you’re going to need to charge your phone and other mobile devices at some point. Having a spare charger will mean that you’re safe if you should lose the first. If you’re going to be making presentations, then other cables might be necessary. Colour-code them with electrical tape to avoid confusion.
Get a VPN
If you’re travelling, then you’re going to be using public WiFi. Get a VPN so that your data, and your company’s data, are protected.
