If there was a list of ways to tell if a business is doing well, it will probably be a very long one. That said, a surefire way to find out if your endeavour is successful (and this goes for all types of businesses) is if you frequently have to travel for work.
Having to travel for work is a symbol of success for many entrepreneurs and executives who spend most of their days cooped up in an office. This is because travelling for business is a sign that your business is making the right impression, and companies abroad have a significant amount of interest in what you and your business have to offer.
For those who are new to extended business trips, however, it’s understandable if you don’t know where to start when you’re preparing for one. Especially if you’re going to an entirely different country, as most of the things you’re accustomed to may not be available there.
Confused on how to effectively prepare for an extended business trip? Well, then the first part of preparation actually entails reading up on how you should prepare. Read on and find out what you have to do to avoid getting caught off guard when you go abroad:
1. Brush up on the country you’re visiting
First things first, before travelling to any country for the first time, you should read up on it. Doing so will help you get a better grasp on how you should prepare and what you should pack. A lot of countries might surprise you the first time you visit them, as your lack of familiarity with what they’re like may keep you from packing what you need to survive there. That’s why it’s important that you do your research. That way, you’ll know what the weather will be like when you arrive, what necessities won’t be available there, and other bits and pieces of information you may need to ensure that your trip will go smoothly.
2. Pack according to the climate of your destination
Now that you’ve done some research on your destination, the next thing you should do is choose clothes that you will be comfortable in while you’re there. You won’t want to end up wearing shorts in ice-cold weather, nor will you be comfortable in thick clothing if you’re going to a tropical country. For colder destinations, packing an extra set of thermal underwear and suitable outerwear will suffice, while light and breezy clothing will help you stay fresh in places that get a lot of sun.
3. Stay in between underpacking and overpacking
When going abroad for a certain number of days, pack enough clothing that will last you the whole trip. You’ll want to have the right amount of clothes so you won’t have to stop by your hotel’s laundry shop for a rush job that might ruin your clothes. But if you’re going to a place that’s known as prime shopping destination, you can pack less and snag a few more pieces to fit your needs there! As long as you have the budget, that is.
4. Opt for a furnished apartment
For extended periods, going for an AirBnb or a hotel might be a bit too much for your budget, so it’s best to go for furnished corporate apartments that are offered at significantly lower prices, but provide the same amount of comfort. With the nature of most business trips emphasizing practicality and a “strictly-work” mindset, you might want to save the infinity pools, spas, and all-out buffets for a luxury trip next time instead.
Furnished apartments usually come with creature comforts like WiFi and a stove for cooking, so downtime will be no problem. Furthermore, a lot of apartments in your search results will be within walking distance to landmarks and city capitals, making for an easier commute and more convenient experience overall.
5. Calculate your daily budget for your visit
Based on the research you did previously, come up with a budget for your trip. Some countries and cities may have a lower or higher cost of living compared to your current location, so come up with a good estimate of your daily budget based on what you learned about your destination’s average cost for food, transportation, and other expenses you might encounter along the way. Be conservative in your computation to make the best possible budget that won’t leave you strapped for cash or open for regrettable expenses. This can also be done more effectively with the help of expense tracking apps like Spendee.
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