You are on your way to the States and while boarding find that you are missing the important document required for an offshore meeting. An unsettling situation isn’t it? Business trips are high-priority activities that are facilitated by organizations to reach peers efficiently and in turn grow their clientele. Therefore, employees must be prepared while going overseas or foreign land on corporate trips. Besides the planning and budgeting, innumerable things can go wrong. Allow us to help you with 9 last-minute travel hacks for a secure, productive, and comfortable business trip.
Top 9 last minute travel hacks
1. Create a list
Start small but organize big. Getting started with a checklist of essential tasks and documents will help you remember things that matter. You can use various online list creation software and schedulers that will remind you about the due tasks of packables before and during the trip. As a pro tip keep the list concise and simple to understand similar to cue cards of TV show hosts.
2. Use incognito mode
If you are a person who believes in researching first and then making the bookings for any travel, you must use incognito mode. Most of the booking sites use cookies to provide better results. However, the issue is that cookies saved by websites send a signal of urgency to the suppliers. As a consequence, when you come back to finally make the bookings it is possible you see increased rates. Incognito mode doesn’t leave any footprints behind and allows you to search excessively without the side effects of dynamic pricing.
3. Opt for direct flights
While connecting flights can cost less than non-stop flights, it is better to book direct flights to maintain a high level of comfort. Connecting flights often have a considerable amount of layover time that may cause hindrance in the trip and lethargy in the travelers. It becomes almost impossible for travelers to land and join the meeting after a connecting flight. Therefore, direct flights are best to build a reputation among clients and remain productive even after the air time.
4. Save digital copies of receipts and documents
Carrying and preserving paper receipts can be a hassle. You will have to tag all the receipts while filing for reimbursements. It is a common sight to lose the receipts while on your way back to the office. Apart from the receipt most documents should be kept online on any cloud service that is necessary for your trip and meeting as it will save you much required space in the bag. All this will streamline the travel and help you travel light. Therefore, it is better to cut the clutter and save everything in a digital form.
5. Book co-working space in lounges
Traveling can leave your jobs on hold. However, it is often seen that last-minute work requests are fairly common. Though you would have informed key personnel, it may be difficult for them to remember the itinerary and schedule of every employee and make commitments to the clients. In such scenarios, you can make use of co-working spaces provided in various airport lounges. These spaces are equipped with study tables, wifi, and other accessories required to perform any remote desk job.
6. Look over your company’s travel policies
Travel policies are the reference point for any process in an official trip. From booking to reimbursement everything is written down by the management in these policies. Employees stuck in any situation like booking decisions, insurance claims, reimbursement, etc. can refer to the travel policy at any time and guide their journey accordingly. Travel policies should also have contact numbers of various support staff for easy resolutions of any issue.
Suggested Read: Business Travel Policy: Importance, Benefits & Implementation
7. Send your itinerary to someone you trust
Before heading on your business trip, it is a good practice to share your detailed itinerary with a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. In case of any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, having someone aware of your travel plans can be beneficial. This additional layer of security ensures that someone knows your whereabouts and can assist if needed. It provides peace of mind and support in situations where timely communication is essential.
8. Download necessary apps
Downloading relevant apps on your smartphone or tablet can aid in various aspects of your journey. From travel and navigation apps to language translation tools, having these applications readily available can simplify your travel experience. Additionally, download any airline or accommodation apps for real-time updates, mobile check-ins, and electronic boarding passes. Being well-equipped with the right apps enhances your ability to handle last-minute changes or requirements efficiently.
9. Use cab apps for reimbursements
To streamline your expense management, consider using cab apps that provide digital receipts. This not only makes it easier to track your transportation expenses but also simplifies the reimbursement process. Many ride-sharing services offer detailed digital receipts that can be easily submitted for reimbursement, eliminating the need for paper receipts and reducing administrative hassles.
Suggested Read: Everything About Mileage Reimbursement For Corporates
Incorporating these last-minute travel hacks into your business trip preparation can significantly contribute to an enhanced travel experience.
Last Minute Travel Hacks FAQs
How does incognito mode benefit last-minute travel bookings?
Incognito mode prevents dynamic pricing by not leaving footprints, allowing travelers to research without increased rates.
Why share your detailed itinerary before a business trip?
Sharing your itinerary provides an additional layer of security, ensuring someone is aware of your plans in case of emergencies.
Why use digital copies and cloud services for travel documents?
Saving documents digitally streamlines travel, saving space and avoiding the hassle of carrying and organizing paper receipts.
