| So, you've polished your shoes, had your suit dry | | | | you need. Try and borrow a work laptop if you don't |
| cleaned and finally persuaded your boss that you are | | | | already have one, and always bring a small USB flash |
| the best employee to send to the overseas expo | | | | drive, so that you can transfer data quickly and easily |
| conference, but what now? Travelling on business for | | | | if need be. Likewise make sure your mobile phone is |
| the first time can be a strange balance of both exciting | | | | set for international use. Finally, make sure you save a |
| yet nerve-wracking, as you are being paid to visit a | | | | copy of all of your bookings, boarding tickets and |
| new country but are expected not to mess the | | | | itineraries in your office e-mail, so that a colleague can |
| opportunity up. Like most trips though, the key to | | | | access them in an emergency. |
| simplicity is in the planning. | | | | The day before leaving, pack with consideration. If |
| Even in the internet age, business travel is just as | | | | you're only going for a day or two, you might not need |
| popular as ever amongst all levels of employees, and | | | | to check-in any luggage, This would save you time at |
| the advent of new technology has undoubtedly made | | | | the other end and you don't have to worry about |
| the whole process easier to organise and probably | | | | losing anything either. Pack simple, with one key piece, |
| more fun too. Before you go, make sure you have all | | | | like a suit, and then two or three accompanying shirts |
| the essentials covered. | | | | and ties to match. Most hotels provide irons or trouser |
| Book the hotel before you do anything else (on the | | | | presses, but it's a good idea to call ahead and check. |
| work credit card, of course) and make sure it is both | | | | Arrive at the airport early and double-check everything |
| near the conference facility for an easy morning | | | | is on time immediately. Afterwards, get online and start |
| commute, and also mid-priced. Do not go for cheap | | | | researching who you are likely to meet on your |
| just because you are not paying for it, as your | | | | business trip and, if you have time, perhaps try and find |
| company will certainly be claiming the tax back on | | | | somewhere to eat once you have landed. If your flight |
| your trip, so don't rough it unnecessarily. Of course, try | | | | is delayed or cancelled, there are many hotels near |
| to get as much for your money as possible though, like | | | | Heathrow Airport where you can spend the day |
| free wireless internet, breakfast and parking. Once you | | | | working, or book a room for the night. |
| have found the perfect hotel, make sure it is close | | | | Once you are at the conference or meeting, keep a |
| enough to any amenities you might need during the trip, | | | | pen and notepad on you at all times and don't be |
| including restaurants and entertainment. | | | | afraid to introduce yourself immediately. Always use |
| Next prepare your technology. It almost goes without | | | | people's name when addressing them if possible, as |
| saying that being able to find a reliable internet source | | | | this will help you remember who's who, and always |
| abroad to send any necessary paperwork is never | | | | remember that you are representing your company. |
| going to be simple, so make sure you take everything | | | | |