Business travel is a divisive topic that excites some of us yet also is a topic of dread amongst others. For those of us who have never been on a business trip, we often envy these top executives who get such company perks. Yet, many who fly consistently for work would argue otherwise. In this article, we will be looking at the reasons behind this polarisation as well as the top practices for business travellers.
Fans of business travel enjoy the expense free opportunity to visit new destinations and to experience new cultures. Furthermore, they might also relish the luxury or positive image that comes with being a business traveller.
While some of these perks have been curtailed in recent years, business travel has been characterised by its luxury. From business or first class airplane seats to corporate limo service from the airport to the hotel. For some of us, outside of business travel, none of these experiences would have been attainable.
In contrast, detractors of business travel commonly include fatigued executives who have become dull to its perks. Rather, they see business travel as extra work while requiring them to spend time and energy travelling. Often times, they end up rushing from event to event and meeting to meeting. This leaves them with no time to clear work or to explore the destination.
For some, the transformation from an avid first-time business traveller to a fatigued employee is inevitable. Yet, with experience comes the know how to maximise the benefits of business travel and to reduce its downsides.
Tips For Business Travellers
Choosing a Preferred Chain Hotel
Upscale chain hotels are the preferred choice amongst business travellers for good reason. Many of these chains have membership partnerships with companies, thus giving their employees preferential treatment. For example, by being able to access your recorded likes and dislikes, the hotel can take care of the little details to ensure a great stay. You will probably also undergo a much less time-consuming check in or check out process.
Another perk of staying a chosen chain hotel is the familiarity of the environment and assurance of quality. These hotel brands strive to ensure a consistent and positive experience across all of their properties. As such, you feel like you are stepping into the same accommodation time and time again.
Get your Travel Visas on an Annual Basis
Business travel itineraries and plans can get very hectic, especially when you are flying during peak work season. Some countries have stricter and longer business visa application procedures. As a result, there is a distinct possibility that the visa may not be approved in time before your travel. Given the immense responsibilities and work involved, you certainly would not want the hassle of applying for a visa at the last minute.
We recommend that you get your company to apply for all foreseeable required travel visas on an annual basis. You would then have the freedom to arrange travels to these destinations on a more flexible basis. Some corporate travellers carry multiple passports in order to contain the various visas. However, this is largely dependent on your home country’s arrangements with the destination country.
When travelling for work, you will surely find yourself being bombarded by emails and requests. As such, having airport lounge access can be an absolute gem. Ensure that you have peace, comfort and a good cup of coffee while working on a stable internet connection. This is particularly important for airports that are not rated highly for their facilities.
Being able to remain productive even while waiting for your flight means more time to yourself during the trip. Moreover, you would reduce the overall fatigue involved in travelling. As such, do request from your company to help attain lounge access for you.
Always have a Mobile Charger
A must have for any business trip is an adequate portable battery for your mobile phone and other devices. You certainly won’t want your phone to go flat while you are in an important event or when you are commuting. Furthermore, there is a chance that the domestic charging stations do not fit your phone.
It is worth mentioning that it is better to have a single heavy-duty battery rather than multiple lightweight ones. Often times, airlines restrict the number of mobile chargers you can bring on your hand carry. Therefore, unless you have check-in luggage, a single heavy duty charger in your hand carry is the way to go.
All Essentials in your Carry On
If you do have check-in luggage, then avoid placing any essential items in it. Luggage do fail to make it to the intended destination on a daily basis, particularly if you are undertaking connecting flights. In which case, you could find yourself without its contents for the entire trip. This is why we strongly encourage having all your essentials on your hand carry.
Enjoy Limousine Transportation
A great perk to attain from your company would be limousine meet and greet service at the airport. When landing in a foreign country and being in a rush to get to a meeting, you definitely could use a friendly and professional greeting service. From the moment you exit the arrival hall, meet and greet services will escort you to your limousine. Thereafter, they ensure that you can comfortably rest and enjoy your ride to the first destination.
As a limousine service Singapore company, we have seen how executives massively benefit from limousine transportation. They arrive at the office looking fresh and well rested. Moreover, it removes the complication of language, unfair pricing and directions.
Trust Real United for All Your Transportation Needs
Real United is a chauffeur service Singapore company that is committed to providing the best quality chauffeur and limousine service to all our clients. We offer luxury transportation services at affordable rates, and are able to personalise your ride according to the size of your group and your transportation needs. We also provide concierge services to help you plan the best trip possible
Our fleet of luxury vehicles is ready to be deployed at your service. Contact us today to book your own personal chauffeur!