One of the best things in life is travelling, especially to different counties. Visiting somewhere far from home gives you a new perspective and offers unique experiences, and even if you’re traveling for work, you can still get a lot out of the trip.
Traveling internationally for work is exciting, and it’s not something many people get to do. So if you’re visiting London for work, you might be excited. However, you may have questions about what to expect and how to make the trip as productive and pleasant as you can. These tips will help you navigate London and give you an idea of what to expect.
Ensure you’re eligible to travel
The first step in international travel is having your passport and other necessary documents ready. With COVID-19, international travel requirements are often shifting, and they can change rapidly. You’ll also need to plan further ahead than you could a few years ago.
If you don’t have a current passport, the process of getting one can take weeks. Be sure to give yourself extra time and have a contingency plan. You can look at the rules and regulations of the airport you’re leaving and the airport you’re arriving at. The UK government has some basic information for you here.
Make transpiration simple
If your company has sent other employees to London before, they can direct you on how to get around. You can use the tube in the city itself, but this isn’t always the most convenient or comfortable.
Instead, you could look into a chauffeur service and even see if your workplace will cover the costs. But, if you do want more of a local experience, taking public transportation is a good option. Having a private car service or chauffeur is especially useful if you go from place to place for your work.
Be prepared to walk if you want to do tourist stuff
While your work might keep you busy the entire time, you might be lucky enough to have some time to explore on your own. In this case, locals recommend that you be prepared to walk. You can enjoy many areas of London on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.
Just remember that it’s a large city, so you’ll need to do some pre-planning to ensure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Locals also say you should learn some about the Oyster card, which is how you’ll pay for the tube system. You can add money to it as you go.
Plan ahead with colleagues
Most likely, you’ll have people you meet up with in the city who can direct you to interesting sites and places to eat nearby. But, if you end up being your group leader, it’s valuable to have some places on your list to recommend. This guide goes over some of the common meet-up spots for business travelers, including places to eat, drink, and sightsee. Some examples are getting a classic, casual English meal of fish and chips at The Mayfair Chippy.
Ask your company for resources
Lastly, make sure to ask anyone else on your team who has made similar work trips in the past. They’ll have actual experience navigating London and the surrounding areas, and they can advise you on making things simple and pleasant.
Most likely, your organisation can assist you in making your trip as comfy as possible.
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