Preparing for travel requires paying attention to all the details including your flight itinerary, things to pack, culture, and proper etiquette of the destination. You also need safeguards if you are traveling to places experiencing political disorder or natural disasters.
Prepare your documents weeks or months before the scheduled departure date such as visas depending on where you are traveling to. Consult your physician for necessary vaccinations. For instance, adaptabletravel.co.uk advises that you contact the foreign office or state department to get specific information regarding travel alerts and other warnings that can make your travel dangerous and unstable. Get as much information as possible to help you in case there is a crisis to help you make an informed decision. For instance, if there is an earthquake and you can’t access your pertinent documents or get back to your hotel room. What does this mean? When you go for meetings or on a sightseeing outing, remember to take your passport with you. Carry the embassy contact information with you always and ensure your phone is fully charged.
1. Prepare a Good Travel Itinerary
Have a well-thought itinerary that reflects your aspirations. Consider your priorities and goals and confirm your appointments in advance. Space them comfortably to ensure you can attend to them all. Even spacing ensures you have an enjoyable and more productive agenda focusing on your goals in all the meetings.
A flexible schedule ensures there are no unexpected delays in transportation and opportunities like luncheon invitations. You can leave a copy of the itinerary with a trusted friend or colleague so that they know where you are every day. Give pertinent information such as medical insurance and passport copies. You can also leave an emergency contact list with the travel planner.
2. Inquire About the Culture
Invest time in learning the culture, customs, and history of your destination. You can attend cross-culture training or seminars. Brush up on their attitude towards punctuality, negotiation styles, proper use of titles and names, or gift-giving customs. For instance, the Japanese consider it rude for you to be late for the business meeting, but lateness is acceptable for social occasions. In the Middle East, it’s common to engage in some small talk before the beginning of a business meeting.
3. Learn Etiquette and Protocol Practices
Go ahead and study the general etiquette and protocol of the destination you are visiting. Know the proper way to manage appointments and great your counterparts. Check the normal business hours and workdays. For example, in the Middle East, they work from Saturday to Thursday and it’s uncommon for lunch in most countries to last for two to four hours. Inquire about foreign holidays, religious customs, business manners, and dietary practices, or acceptable dress code.
Misunderstandings over body language or gestures can be embarrassing and complicate your business. Therefore, find a local to help you with local customs so that you are well-informed about the ins and outs of that country.
4. Learn That Native Tongue
Business associates always love sincere attempts. You don’t have to learn the whole language but at least know something and hire a translator if you are uncomfortable speaking the language. You can learn a language using apps and online programs.
5. Check Travel Advisories
Government-issued travel advisories concerning safety can affect your schedule in that country or location. Travel advisories can be in relation to political unrest, natural disasters, crime or war outbreaks, and health emergencies. Your traveling decision should be based on solid information and always have a backup plan if things don’t go right. For instance, know where the nearest consulate or embassy is in that place and ensure it is functioning and fully staffed.
6. Protect Yourself
Have travel insurance on a trip-by-trip basis or a yearlong policy. This helps you out during a crisis like medical evacuations. The insurance mitigates financial loss you can incur. Remember, different destinations have different risks so ensure you choose a business travel insurance that covers you well in any circumstance. Check if you require another policy to cover y injury and medical costs.
7. Stay Connected Always
An adapter or plug helps you change your notebook, PDAs, or cell phone when you are overseas. Contact your mobile network service provider before leaving to give you international options for such trips. You can choose a temporary plan that is compatible with the host country. Consequently, the phone should be able to make international calls.
You can also use Skype for international calls and communicate using WhatsApp. You can also buy a local phone for making international calls as it may be affordable.
Ensure you plan your trip in advance before traveling to cater for every eventuality. Safety is vital and get information concerning travel advisories issued by the embassy or foreign office. Familiarize with local culture, etiquette, and language to know the dos and don’ts. Have an amazing traveling experience.
