Take Care of Business at Home

Whether you are taking a trip to make a foreign investment or to acquire a new client, preparation is key. This means planning trips before they've been assigned. If you know that travel is required for your job, make arrangements as if you are leaving tomorrow whether you have a trip scheduled or not.

One way to do this is to keep all your travel documents in a safe and easily accessible place. If you know that international travel is a possibility for you, your passport should be confined to one specific area such as a fireproof safe. That way, if you are called up for a whirlwind excursion outside of your country, you won't panic while you waste time looking for it.

This is the thought process behind buying extra water before hurricane season, as opposed to purchasing it when a storm is immediately impending. Similarly, make sure that you know who will take care of any kids, pets or plants well before any definitive trip. Many business travelers also apply for services that can help speed up the processes at airports such as the Global Entry program in the United States. Checking into flights online can expedite the operation even more.

Think About Your Luggage and Clothes

The less you bring, the better. Pack the minimum amount to get the job done. Avoid checking any baggage because this will cause you to stay longer at airports and increase the chance of losing your possessions. Make a checklist and go over it twice to make sure you don't forget anything. Prioritize critical items such as medications. It is easy to buy a toothbrush if you forget it, but insulin, for example, is another story. Gather your necessary electronics and chargers as well.

As far as clothing is concerned, what should you wear? Get on the same page with the people you are going to meet with. Formal meetings may require suits and ties, while more casual gatherings may only call for jeans and a collared shirt. Getting this information before you leave your house can help eliminate anxiety later on. As far as airport attire is concerned, be prepared to remove shoes, belts, jackets or other articles of clothing.

Recognize the Logistics

Are you leaving your time zone? Change the time on your watch if necessary. Thankfully, many mobile phones will automatically do this for you if you are connected to the internet, but you should double-check just in case. At some point in time, you will most likely buy something for yourself such as a meal. If you are going to a foreign country, be sure to account for differences in currency. Many places around the world accept major international credit cards, but just as many only take cash.

How are you getting there? If you are driving, especially to an unfamiliar area, secure a GPS navigator or pull up a travel app on your phone such as Google Maps. Punch the destination in before you pull out of your driveway so you don't have to fiddle with it as you drive. If you are flying, reserve a rental car before you leave if you intend to drive at your target.

Remember that no matter how much you plan, things will often go wrong somewhere down the line. Whether your flight is delayed or you forget your favorite shirt, stay calm by working on a solution instead of dwelling on the problem.

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