Savvy Tricks to Get You Prepare for Your First Business Trip

Savvy Tricks to Get You Prepare for Your First Business Trip

by Chloe Taylor 30/10/2020

Your first business trip can be a little scary and stressful. When you consider you have to navigate the airport, pack your suitcase, book transport and many other things, there’s a big possibility you’ll make a mistake. Add job performance pressure to the mix and you get a perfect recipe for stress. However, it’s not all so bad. To have a smooth first business trip, here’s a list of various tips and tricks that will help you impress your boss with your organizational skills.

Plan ahead

Every trip, especially the one you take for work, requires careful planning. When you have the eyes of your boss, coworkers and clients on you at all times, it’s extra important to come prepared. In order to be sure you have everything under control, map out the route to your accommodation, check all the dates and confirm your rental car reservation or book your airport transfer. If you don’t have quality luggage, make sure to invest in something new and practical, so your broken suitcase wheel doesn’t hold you back. It’s also smart to rely on carry-on luggage. It’s not fun to end up with lost luggage when you’re on a business trip.

Pack well

Naturally, you’ll pack plenty of business clothes, but don’t forget some other necessities. When traveling with coworkers, you might want to have some earplugs at hand, so you can catch some Zs and avoid jet lag. Make sure to stock up on face coverings, hand sanitizer and wet wipes in case you are traveling during the pandemic. Airports, taxis, office buildings and most other places require masks, so don’t risk being denied access to a place because you forgot your mask. Also, put a deck of cards in your bag so you can entertain your coworkers during a layover or delay.

Stay connected

When you’re traveling for work, it’s extra important to stay connected and online. You probably packed your laptop, work gadgets and chargers, but you want to have them powered and at your disposal at all times. So make sure to invest in a practical mini power bank that will provide you with a reliable energy source even on the road. These things are small and fit into any pocket or business bag, so there are no excuses not to bring it with you. Before you leave, check whether your destination has different outlets than those at home, so you can order an adapter in time. This way, you’ll never miss a business call or email.

Organize receipts

Don’t get your hopes up, expenses will be there when you return from your trip, so avoid digging around for lunch receipts while you’re catching up with work by organizing your receipts. There are two methods to consider—old-school filing in a folder and apps like Expensify. Since you need to keep all receipts from your business trip, make sure to include some notes associated with the purchase. Write down a note that states when, where, who and why you made the expense—this will make your expense report much easier to submit.

Plan for delays

It’s best to plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early to every important appointment, so schedule everything from airport travel to meals and client consultations. This will ensure you don’t run late for important meetings and always look professional, responsible and smart like a real female road warrior.

Schedule in some fun

Sure, the purpose of your trip is to focus on your job, but your business trip doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Every destination has a few things to see and try out, so gather your coworkers and go for some entertainment. Use websites like TripAdvisor to dig out local hot spots, best restaurants and fun events. This way, you’ll avoid boring chain restaurants and impress your office pals with your knowledge of the destination. Scheduling and organizing an outing will allow you to make better connections with your coworkers and bosses and turn you into the office hero.

Minimize drinking

While it’s good to relax and have occasional fun on your business trip, make sure to minimize drinking. By all means, if everyone is having a glass of wine with dinner or shots at a bar, join in, but make sure to stick to one glass. It doesn’t look good to linger in the bar or get sloppy on your business trip.

Final Thoughts

Don’t sweat it. With these tips up your sleeve, your business trip will be smooth, productive and even fun. If you’re hoping for a promotion when you come back, your impeccable performance on the road will certainly put some things in motion.

by Chloe Taylor 30/10/2020