9 Business Trip Mistakes You Should Avoid

Don’t make your business trip even stressful by committing these silly mistakes.

Being a business traveler is not fun. After all, it is not a leisure trip. The objective of the trip is to seal the deal or make a new client.

And there are many challenges that add to this stress.

From delaying flight or train, keeping the track of expenses, battling jet lag to finding good accommodation, business travel can take a toll on both the body and mind. According to a survey by Booking.com, 93% of business travelers admitted that they feel stress at some point on their tour due to missing flights, human errors and lost luggage.

Ironically, you are supposed to be productive and organized to give your best.

No wonder that many business travelers fell to certain mistakes before or during the trip. Maybe you forget to book a flight on time. Maybe you end up at a poor hotel. What if you accidentally leave your cell phone charger at home?

This is why you need to stay proactive and managed as well. And it is not that cumbersome.

All you need to avoid the mistakes given below while setting for your business trip.

1. Choosing the Plan Without Shopping Around:

Do you often book the flight or holiday package randomly? This way, you are leaving a lot of money on a table.

Haven’t you ever checked out the deals and savings available on the packages? Such things help you save significantly. The golden rule is that you should compare prices on at least 5 portals to find the best deals available on flight, hotel or travel package. Or you can talk to travel company’s rep to negotiate over the prices.

2. Not Making International Preparations:

Is your company sending you abroad? This calls for well-organized international preparations. First of all, make sure to buy an electrical outlet adapter that can be used in other nations. It helps you use your USA-shaped plugs in overseas. Secondly, inform your credit card company that you are going abroad. This is important as they may mistake foreign charges on your card to malicious activity. Last but not the least—ask your cell phone carrier if they can provide services at that international destination. Also, confirm the internal charges.

3. Choosing the Hotel Randomly:

You can’t afford to go wrong with your choice of accommodation. After all, a hotel ensures comfort, facilities, dining, and other things. There is nothing problematic than staying at a poor hotel for a week or two. It won’t kill only your comfort, but also affect your productivity. Remember, it’s your business trip, not an adventurous tour.

So it shouldn’t be booked in a hurry. While prices can be your concern, you should look for quality services in a hotel.

Compare the services and prices of three to five best hotels in your business destination. Many travel websites not only offer deals but also provide you with online reviews. Make sure to book a hotel that is convenient and easy to access.

4. Not Taking Your Travel Insurance:

Have you ever bought travel insurance before you depart on an expensive business trip with non-refundable trip arrangements?

As your trip is non-refundable, you won’t get claim if your trip is canceled due to bad weather or another emergency. Here travel insurance helps you get the refund of your travel costs. Also, consider opting for a travel credit card that provides several insurance plans for trip cancellation and baggage delay. See if your existing insurance provider can provide travel insurance. Some insurance companies or bank provide travel insurance to their clients at nominal charges along with the existing policy.

5. Taking an Unhealthy Diet:

While there is no need to plan out every meal beforehand, make sure you get healthy diet as you are away from home. Unhealthy foods or poor eating habits can take a toll on your ability to think clearly and decision making. Even worse, you may have to skip the meeting due to poor health. According to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association and American Express, unhealthy eating and drinking are one of the common side effects of business traveling on the road.

Make sure to have breakfast in the hotel for saving time. And don’t skip this important meal as you feel exhaustive for the busy day ahead.

Here are some tips for healthy eating for a business traveler.

• Avoid taking junk foods, sweets, and alcohol in excess.
• Take a balanced diet. If you will be doing outdoor activities, plan for high energy, protein-rich diet.
• Drink 8-10 glass of water a day to stay hydrated. Consider bottled water due to the unsafe water conditions in many parts of the world. If filtered water is not available at your accommodation, purchase a self-filtering water bottle for your traveling.
• Eat yogurt as it is a great source of probiotics which improves your immune system and benefit your digestive system as well.

6. Taking Only Business Clothing:

While your priority is to pack your business attire and shoes, keep in mind that there will be times when you are relaxing or exploring the city. Therefore, pack mindfully for your business trip. Apart from keeping formal business attire, pick some leisurely outfits like lounge pants, t-shirts, sweatpants, and jeans. However, pack only the clothes that can be worn and can be dressed up or down. Don’t shift the entire wardrobe into your bag.

(Tip: Roll the clothes as it not only saves you space but keeps them wrinkle-free. And choose a quality suite career for a suit and other garments to be hanged.)

7. Not Taking Packing Seriously:

Carrying a load of 3-4 bags on your business trip is not a good idea. Top of that, you may get stuck with high baggage fees for having more than the weight limit. Before putting the things randomly, I recommend you to make a list.

As I have told you before, pack your clothes wisely. Find out beforehand what type of weather will be there. Carry a jacket or shoes for the rain if the destination is tropical. Pack your toiletries last so that you can remove them while going through the security checkpoints. Some other travel essentials are cell phone charger, business cards, office supplies, small umbrella, and pajamas.

8. Not Taking the Receipts:

Generally, an employee has to cover his travel expenses. From flight, accommodation to local transportation, a business trip can be quite expensive. Therefore, make sure to get all the receipts so that when you get back to the workplace you can handover them to the accounts department. If your company can’t fully reimburse the travel expenses, they can still be used on saving on personal tax deductions.

9. Not Booking Transportation Services in Advance:

If your business tour covers the multiple points across the city, it is better to book local transportation services beforehand. Luckily, there are many business-specific transportation services like Private shuttle services for airport transfer, visiting multiple business points and sightseeing.

By eliminating such mistakes, you can make your business trip less stressful. This way, you can be more productive and focused on the important things. Best of luck!!!

 Author Bio:

I am Paulo PP, a marketing manager at Rapid Shuttle 247, in California – an industry leading in professional, courteous, affordable and private transportation services.

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