Depending on your company and the industry you work in, you may be asked to embark on a business trip. Corporate travel differs from your standard holiday, so it’s essential to be prepared. Not only will this make you appear highly professional but it will also make your journey much easier.
We’ve come up with our comprehensive list of tips to help you prepare for your business trip, to ensure you don’t miss any important aspects and that it all goes successfully.
Check your business’s travel policy
Before organising your trip, it’s important to find out what is stated in your company’s business travel policy. This will typically contain the rules for travel, expenses, and safety measures. By following the procedures set by your organisation, you ensure you’re doing everything by the book.
If you do plan to work remotely while you’re away, it’s sensible to check with your IT department if this is possible. You may need to connect to a VPN to keep your private information safe or activate roaming on electronic devices. Some top tips to bear in mind are to always keep your firewall on if using a public network connection, ensure your antivirus software is updated, and use a privacy protector screen on your laptop.
Plan how you’ll get to and from the airport
In the UK, when we think of travelling abroad for business, London is the city that comes to mind. With a variety of airports to choose from that fly out to all major cities, it’s no surprise. While London City Airport is the closest to the city centre, it’s London Gatwick Airport (LGW) we recommend choosing. The airport tends to have better value for flights and generally sees smaller crowds, for a quicker check-in on the day you travel.
While you can take the Gatwick Express Service to the airport, there is secure Gatwick Airport Parking located a short distance from the terminal should you wish to drive and leave your car nearby for when you return. You can even choose a Meet & Greet service if you’d rather drive directly to the terminal and have someone park up for you.
Carefully choose what flight is best for you
When there are lots of flights available, it can be difficult deciding which time and day is best for you. One of the main things to keep in mind is to avoid indirect flights that include layovers. Not only do these take longer, but they also increase your chances of missing your connecting flight and being late for important business meetings.
If this is unavoidable, try leaving plenty of time in between these flights and make sure you have somewhere to stay if this is overnight. It’s also worth considering the time you’ll be arriving at your final destination. There may be a time difference, so be prepared for potential jet lag. You’ll likely want to avoid arriving late at night if you’re to be working the next morning.
Choose accommodation to suit your business needs
When travelling for work, you need to decide on accommodation that will make your trip as stress-free as possible. Firstly, see if your company normally collaborates with certain hotels or if you can get any free upgrades through loyalty schemes. Also, see if your travel policy has criteria to adhere to.
Additionally, look for somewhere close to where you’ll be having meetings or working, or choose accommodation that is near the airport. It’s also useful to see what facilities are available, such as free and reliable Wi-Fi, laundry service, and meals included. If in doubt, have a look at some of the reviews online.
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