How to Have A Productive Business Trip?
Business trips are usually fast and can be stressful. In some cases, if we are not prepared ahead of time, we can suffer from negative external impacts such as flight delays, loss of luggage, jetlag, loss of time on transfers and waits in security lines. Knowing that these factors can hardly be eliminated, what can be done to minimize them in order to have a more productive business trip?
During business trips, people tend to deliver a lot of information and receive a lot of information as well. This process usually happens in a short amount of time. That is why being organized is crucial. First, it is important to make sure that the tasks you have at work are being taken care of by someone who will supervise them while you are away. Second, always know how to manage your time, have a planner and make sure everything is written down ahead of time. Do not only fill you planner with things that are work related, you can spare time for yourself and take a break. Finally, make sure you take with you all the digital information you need, your documents, insurance, flight information and all the presentations or what you need to meet with your customers.
When traveling for business, you may not always be able to choose when you have to travel but it is always wise and beneficial to look at the flight options the airlines offer and choose the one that will best fit with your timing. Therefore, it is a good idea to explore your options before the trip, investigate travel times from one place to another in order to schedule your tasks in the most efficient way and make the time most productive.
Frequently, companies look for the cheapest flights in order to save a little money but this may contribute to lost time and unnecessary exhaustion. If you've spent three hours at the airport, you made connections and the hotel you were booked at was also very far from the airport, you will surely arrive exhausted and might want to rest right away. Those are mistakes that can be avoided when trips are planned and the time is managed well.
Travel insurance is essential for any type of trip, so a business trip is no different. Having a good travel protection plan means that you have coverage for the unexpected. A travel protection plan may cover you in case you have a medical emergency or if you unfortunately encounter some kind of flight delay. For those who travel frequently, AXA Assistance USA offers a Platinum Plan which provides coverage of up to 100% of the insured trip cost for covered unforeseen events.
Another important aspect of business travel is to pack intelligently. Business trips can be affected if we take a lot with us, so consider packing only the necessary things. Check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly.
Don't forget to bring the electronic devices and accessories necessary for your trip, such as a computer, chargers, camera, if necessary, tablets, and electrical adapters. Make sure the electronics are fully charged before leaving your home that way you can use them without worrying about finding a power station during the trip.
If you have a long flight, take advantage of the time you have on the plane. Although you will probably not have internet, you can write emails to send later, review or finish presentations, check information, make notes, or simply bring an interesting book. If you travel at night, that is a perfect opportunity to rest and save energy.
If you are caught in unfortunate circumstances such as the delay of your flight, issues due to weather, or if you get where you need to be earlier than expected, don't worry too much, make the most of it! Take advantage of the extra time, catch up on personal aspects, take a walk or get to know the city, if time allows.
Of course, it is okay to do non-work activities during your trip, as long as everything is well planned and only if the timing works just fine. In that case, get some rest and clear your mind. Get some exercise, visit a park, try new food. Enjoy the little free time as much as you can and make the trip memorable, not only for business but also for the discoveries.
It doesn't matter if it is a business trip or not, traveling in general doesn't have to be stressful. If you know how to organize your time, your business trip will not only be an opportunity for career growth, it will also be an occasion for you to travel to another place, meet different people and make new discoveries.
We really hope you have an excellent and productive business trip; remember that AXA's trip protection plans can accompany you no matter what type of trip you are taking.
At AXA, wherever you go we'll be with you, quote your travel protection plan now.
https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/