If you travel a lot for business and are looking for a less stressful and more easy going hotel stay here are some valuable tips to use when planning your next trip.
1 – Join the corporate loyalty travel rewards programs
Most business travellers will find that booking flights and hotel stays will help them accumulate numerous reward points and dollars which can be redeemed later. These points can really add up fast, so begin the sign up process and don’t leave those dollars on the table!
2 – Annual travel or health insurance plans
If you do not currently have travel or health insurance with your company, you may wish to consider getting an annual plan that will give you a certain amount (x) of days n(30 – 45 – 90 days, etc) over the course of a year instead of having to purchase coverage every time.
3 – Get easily down-loadable mufti-language guides
It’s always useful to download basic language guides on your smart phone if you find yourself travelling the world for business and corporate events. Getting basic guides in Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Italian, or Chinese can not only help you when working with foreign business associates, but can also assist when dealing with hotel employees, cab and bus drivers, and even ordering food or finding a bathroom.
4 – Reduce any travel reservation problems
If the company you work for has no staff to handle your reservations or is not associated with a booking agent or travel agency, it’s definitely worth it to find a booking agent that you trust and work well with. This way, whenever you plan a trip, simply provide your agent the details and they will organize, plan and accommodate your travel itinerary for you to save you the time and stress.
5 – Have all arrangements ready before leaving – be prepared!
Whether you use your agent or book your travel yourself, be sure to reserve your subsequent flights and research the hotel amenities (like Wi-Fi,, office and desk area, pool or exercise room, continental breakfast) before departing so you don’t need to worry about taking care of it while you are in the middle of your trip with more pressing issues to deal with such as meeting with business affiliates.
6 – Cash & foreign currency
While it is nearly impossible to keep a supply of every foreign currency available, it’s usually a good idea and easy to have US dollars and Euros wherever you travel as these are widely accepted most everywhere. Also, be sure your credit card companies are aware of your travel plans and locations.
7 – Register for the quick-pass border security programs
In certain countries, frequent business travellers are allowed to sign up for programs such as NEXUS that pre-screen passengers so that subsequently, they can skip border security check points.
8 – Luggage, packages, and packing
The smartest travel tip for packing would be to not check in your baggage at all. Keep your packing simple. Bring a carry on bag, suit bag, and a laptop or purse bag.
9 – Show up early
Most travellers realize that by arriving early you can sometimes get an upgrade to business or first class. This is especially prevalent for frequent flyers.
10 – Emergency Preparedness
Always bring copies of your ID, passport, credit cards, travel and healthy insurance policy numbers, and any emergency phone numbers. Store these in your carry-on baggage in case you need them like if your wallet is lost or stolen.