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Business travel can be quite stressful. When
abroad, all you really want to think about is
making that presentation and closing that
deal.
A hassle-free trip is possible by
minding the following:
Pre-flight
- Always travel with a complete change of
clothes, toiletries, a spare shirt, shorts and
business documents in your attaché case. Pack
some aspirin, analgesics, cough mixture, and
antibiotics when visiting exotic places. Have a
return ticket, a passport that is not going to
expire within six months, the address of your
embassy and relevant vaccinations.
- Pack your exercise gear, even if only
running shoes.
- Travel insurance is indispensable. Choose
one that covers emergency evacuation and
repatriation to your country of origin, not only
to the nearest place with 'acceptable medical
facilities'.
- Check in two hours before your flight and
choose a good seat. Avoid using the city
terminal because three times as many luggage are
lost here than at regular airport check-in
counters (a little known fact).
On Board
- Eat sparingly. Watch out for the food loaded
on in countries where public hygiene is
questionable. Avoid alcohol. For every 10 grams
of alcohol consumed, you lose an additional four
ounces of body fluid. Drink more water.
- Fasten up in the plane and on the ground.
Sit diagonally across from the driver, as it is
statistically the safest place in a sedan.
On Land
- Minimize jet lag by staying awake after
arrival to get the maximum number of daylight
hours in the new location.
- Book a hotel within walking distance from
where you need to be. Inspect the room before
you take it. Check the nearest fire exit.
Remember that minibar prices are usually
exorbitant. Use ice made only from bottled water
where the water supply is suspect. Reduce
telephone charges by making calls from the
lobby, the closest PTT or use a telephone
calling card.
- In less developed countries, book a rental
car only after you have arrived. Check its
roadworthiness; confirm in writing those minor
accessories such as windscreen wiper rubbers and
a spare wheel. Avoid using your credit card as a
deposit as you may be billed for its imaginary
car deficiencies after you've left, with no way
of arguing your case.
Finally, buy something memorable and lasting
for the people who made all your arrangements or
for your family. Bon Voyage.
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