Specialist Tips For Corporate Travel
Proper planning is the cornerstone of a successful business trip so, before you start researching itineraries, accommodations and means of travel, make sure to understand what the key objectives are for the upcoming trip. This is also the perfect opportunity to evaluate the travellers’ needs and establish whether you will need to take into account things such as accessibility, dietary requirements and any other special needs.
Once you have the foundation in place, it’s time to start tackling the travel itinerary. This should include things like flights and accommodation, meeting schedules, and important contact numbers. It’s also the right time to ensure that all the travel documents – such as passports and national IDs – for the employees going on the trip are up-to-date. Take the time to review any entry requirements of the country your employees will be visiting in order to have enough time to sort out Visas too.
When choosing accommodations, opt for places that are aligned with your business needs. Consider factors like proximity to meeting locations, access to reliable Wi-Fi, and comfortable workspaces. Most hotels nowadays offer facilities such as free Wi-Fi and on-site printing services, however opting for a more business-oriented hotel will grant your employees access to amenities such as conference rooms and business centres. Reliable communication is essential during business travel so, besides ensuring that free Wi-Fi is available at the chosen hotel, also spend some time understanding what roaming plan will be needed once the destination is reached. It’s always a good idea to equip the employee’s mobile phones and laptops with communication apps such as Skype or WhatsApp to allow them to stay in touch with colleagues and clients.
If planning international corporate trips, take the time to research the local customs and cultures as showing respect and adhering to these will go a long way when doing business. Having the travelling individual or team learn about the local customs and culture will in fact help build rapport with clients and colleagues and avoid any unintentional cultural misunderstandings.
One last bonus tip is to prepare packing lists. While the person organising the business trip isn’t exactly responsible for this, ensuring that your employees are packing everything they will possibly need to conduct business will ensure a smooth, hassle-free trip. Create a short “professional packing list” to hand out to the travellers. This should include things like business cards, chargers, plug adapters, laptop, business phone, and any tech accessories that they may need for their work.
What If You Need Help Planning A Business Trip
Planning a successful business trip goes beyond securing the right transport and accommodation. You will be in charge of keeping track of all travel expenses to make the reimbursement process smoother and more accurate. Time management also needs to be a priority when planning a business trip. Using time management techniques – like prioritising tasks, setting clear objectives for meetings, and allocating time for rest – will ensure a successful business trip.
Corporate travel can offer precious opportunities for growth and networking, however, the planning leading up to it can be challenging. If your business is often on the move, it's a good idea to have a trusted and efficient corporate travel agency by your side. Utravel is one of Dubai’s most trusted corporate travel agencies, specialised in crafting bespoke travel itineraries from start to finish. Whether you have a complex travel itinerary that needs careful planning or simply want a seamless travel experience, their team of efficient, responsive, and reliable corporate travel agents is dedicated to taking the lead and managing every aspect.
By choosing to work with a corporate travel agency, you can expect reduced stress, significant cost savings, and a highly enjoyable travel experience, while adhering strictly to your company's travel policies and financial constraints. With our specialist tips, you’ll be able to organise the most hassle-free trip possible for your employees and, should you need extra help, make sure to choose a reputable and trustworthy agency. This way, you’ll be able to take the stress out of trip planning, leaving all the organisation and bureaucracy to the professionals.