Everything You Need To Know Before Your First International Business Trip

There’s nothing better than landing a job that will get you traveling across the world, seeing new places and meeting new cultures, all on the company’s expense. Many say traveling is the best part of their corporate job. But business trips don’t come without stress. Sure, you might be enjoying your time, but there’s still a meeting to prepare for and the uncertainty of going somewhere for the first time.

This is especially true for the first business trip you’ll take. Business trips are less spontaneous than traveling for leisure, as you’ll have to plan your schedule, what you’ll wear, all while fighting jet lag. Being prepared for is therefore key for any successful business trip.

That’s why, in this article we’ll share some of the most insightful business trip tricks and lessons we’ve learned over the years.

Plan Your Transportation

First things first: make sure you have everything in order for your first flight. Make sure to get a good travel insurance and keep your passport and other relevant documents well organized. Don’t forget to check your passport’s expiry date (you’d be surprised how often people don’t). Don’t forget to schedule your airport transport on time as well, as best car services like Stay Classy tend to be booked in advance.

Get Vaccinated

Traveling to remote parts of the globe tends to leave you vulnerable to various exotic diseases. That’s why you need to dig into which vaccines you need to take before a trip. Make sure to visit your doctor at least two months before your trip. Your body will need some time to build up its immunity after being vaccinated, so the sooner you do this the better.

Prepare Your Cash And Credit Cards

A lot of credit cards will charge you a high fee if used outside the country of origin. That’s why you’ll need to get a card with reasonable fees and transfer your money there. If you want to use your own credit card, make sure to let the bank know you’ll be travelling or they might flag your transactions as suspicious.

Even with a card, you should have some cash in the local currency before you leave. Sometimes you’ll run into a place that doesn’t take credit cards, which is local currency is necessary. Look around your city for the best exchange rates. Depending on the country you’re visiting, getting a good deal on exchange can save you a lot.

Pack A Portable Pharmacy

A lot of people have travel-related issues such as nausea, headaches or anxiety. To make sure these don’t distract you from your work, make sure to pack a small pharmacy and bring some essential medications. These include pills for stomachache, nausea or diarrhea, painkillers, antibiotics, anti-anxiety meds, etc. If you’re regularly taking any medication, make sure you have enough for the trip because you might find it difficult or impossible to find the same medication there.

Be Careful What You Pack

You might find it tempting to pack as many clothes as possible in a huge suitcase. However, a big suitcase can slow you down, especially in a crowded airport or the streets of the city you’re visiting. Make sure to only pack the essentials and clothes you actually plan on wearing during and out of the meeting.