The competitiveness of the company as well as its future depends on business travel. If this is your first time traveling for business or work, you must already be aware of how crucial it is to be well-prepared. And that’s precisely what this blog post covers. Below are the top 14 travel tips for first time flier, including packing advice and advice on what to bring and what precautions to take. Let’s get right to the travel advice, which will undoubtedly help you efficiently plan for this and future business trips.
14 best first-time business travel tips
1. Review your company’s travel guidelines
You must carefully review the company’s travel policy if this is your first business trip. The business travel policy serves as a manual for all the rules you must adhere to have a successful business trip and maintain your safety.
Additionally, reading the travel policy enables you to comprehend which costs are eligible for reimbursement. In this manner, you can budget carefully for your business trip without being concerned about expense report denials.
2. Create a checklist for travel
A packing list for travel can help you make sure you don’t leave anything important at home. You can review all the things you need to bring, such as travel documents, clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other essentials, by using a checklist.
By doing this, you can prevent the stress and inconvenience of finding out after you have left home that you forgot something crucial, which is a useful tip for first-time flyers.
3. Choose the proper luggage
Among the most practical travel tips for first time traveler selecting the right luggage for your business trip can have a significant impact on the convenience of your trip. Choose sturdy carry-on luggage that is lightweight, convenient to move around, and presents professionally for your first business trip. Make sure it complies with the specifications of your airline.
The typical dimensions of carry-on luggage are 22″x14″x9″. Many bags now have smart features like GPS trackers, integrated luggage scales, and anti-theft protection.
4. Keep your bags light
It’s crucial to bring only what you need on your first business trip to avoid being burdened by too much luggage. Not only this, but packing too much makes it harder to keep your bag organized, which reduces your productivity. You can travel light and leave room in your bag for last-minute purchases if you don’t overpack.
5. Bring vitamins with you
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet while traveling for business because it is exhausting. Some vitamins, like the B-complex, can aid in lowering stress levels while traveling. However, you are strongly recommended to consult with your general physician before taking any vitamin supplements.
6. Keep extra cash in your bag
It’s crucial to keep extra cash in your carry-on for a variety of reasons. For instance, your wallet might have been stolen, there might not be an ATM nearby, or your debit card might not be functioning.
Being stranded without cash in an unknown location is extremely uncomfortable and dangerous. Having extra cash on hand can give you security and peace of mind if an unforeseen circumstance occurs while you are traveling.
7. Take along a first-aid kit
It’s crucial to bring a first aid kit so you can be ready for any minor injuries or illnesses. It’s not always possible to have quick access to medical facilities while on business trips. But if you have a first-aid kit, you can relieve yourself right away until you get more expert assistance.
You can bring ointments, bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, etc. for cuts and scrapes. You must have medicine on hand for allergies, travel sickness, stomachaches, colds, and coughs.
8. Online check-in
When embarking on your first business trip, checking in online offers several advantages. You can get your boarding pass on your phone by checking in online, which will let you avoid standing in long lines at the airport. For business travelers with time-sensitive itineraries, this is very advantageous.
9. Use a travel apps
You want to maintain organization and control of your trip. A business travel management software solution can help you manage all of your reservations and itineraries from a single dashboard. Additionally, you can book flights and hotels at affordable rates based on your preferences and cancel reservations if your plans change at the last minute.
Furthermore, the software enables you to consolidate all of your travel-related documents into one location for simple access whenever you need them. This is a useful first-time business travel tip.
10. Bring travel accessories for a smooth trip
Electronic accessories like noise-canceling headphones, a power bank, and a universal travel adapter are things you can bring on a business trip to make it easier. A neck pillow, eye mask, and earbuds can all help make your flight more comfortable.
Suggested Read: How To Get A Frequent Flier Number And Its Benefits?
11. Take action to prevent cybercrime
Cybercrime is one of the main dangers that business travelers must deal with. You are more susceptible to nefarious online attacks when you use public Wi-Fi in hotels and airports.
To get around this, you can always access the internet by carrying a portable hotspot. An alternative is to use a virtual private network (VPN), which secures your internet usage by encrypting sensitive data.
12. Keep business cards with you
When you are at a business lunch or event, business cards are a useful networking tool that enables you to forge connections. After a quick chat, handing over your business card makes a lasting impression and makes it simpler for the other person to get in touch with you later.
13. Consider your options for ground travel
You need to research local transportation options before your first business trip. It enables you to budget your expenses and determine the most efficient route or mode of transportation, reducing the possibility that you will be late for meetings.
14. Store vital locations offline
When you travel for business for the first time, it is important for your convenience and safety. Using Google Maps to save significant locations offline is one way to accomplish this. Regardless of the state of your internet connectivity, this feature allows you to quickly and easily access your saved locations.
When traveling through areas with spotty or nonexistent network coverage, where it may be challenging to access online maps, offline navigation can be especially helpful.
Entertaining and nerve-wracking, your first business trip can be. However, you can make sure that it goes smoothly and is a productive experience by being well-prepared and having the right attitude. Furthermore, it’s critical to be open to new opportunities for networking and experiences because these can help you advance both personally and professionally. You can maximize your first business trip and position yourself for future success by adhering to these business travel tips for first time fliers and being flexible. To make the booking process simple, you can also use travel booking platforms such as Paxes. The platform provides easy comparison of booking options with efficient management of trip itinerary.
Suggested Read: Everything You Need To Know About Flexible Flights
Travel Tips For First Time Fliers FAQs
What should I bring on my first business trip?
Pack casual but appropriate attire, any tools you will need for the job, like a laptop and charger, and any personal items you might need, like toiletries.
How should my first business trip be handled in terms of jet lag?
Try to adjust your sleep schedule before your trip, stay hydrated, get some sunshine and exercise when you arrive to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
What should I do if I run into unforeseen travel problems?
Keep your cool and ask for help from your company travel department or a travel agency. In the event of postponements or cancellations, have backup plans.
Is it appropriate to mix leisure activities with a business trip?
The answer depends on the company policy and the trip objectives. Mixing leisure activities with business can be a beneficial way to network and discover a new location if there is time and if the company permits it.
