Business travel is a crucial factor in a company’s growth, particularly on an international level.
Sending teams abroad can help with relational networking and employee development,
as well as gaining experience in conferences and industry events.
Besides the endless opportunities for enterprises to expand their capabilities,
corporate travel also offers benefits such as retreats and team-building activities,
where professionals can take some time off and experience new cultures.
However, this comes at a cost.
Hidden costs can accumulate in the final expense for the team’s business trip, including
booking fees,
airline baggage fees, and hotel extras.
At the same time, meals and entertainment without a clear company policy can also lead to unexpected budget changes, as well as lower productivity.
So, are there ways for corporate traveling to be efficient, affordable, and fun? Let’s find out.
Research flight opportunities
As always, booking flights early and researching different operators is key to saving money and starting the budget planning with a flexible plan.
Airline companies are becoming increasingly competitive in offering premium travel services at affordable prices.
However, to secure the best fares, your team must book flights at least two months in advance of the actual trip.
Reading travel
guides for different destinations
can help a lot in this respect.
Being flexible regarding the period of business travel can also help save money,
as some days will be cheaper than others due to lower demand.
That’s why some days of the week, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be more affordable than Mondays.
Traveling early in the morning or late at night can also be beneficial.
Pack for efficiency
Traveling for business means focusing on reaching the goals discussed before the trip, which minor distractions should not obstruct.
That’s why packing smart will leave your team with enough mental (and physical) space for only what’s necessary.
For example, packing a few versatile pieces will help you dress up efficiently and still make a professional impression.
Blazers, dress shoes, and shirtdresses are only a few of the numerous timeless clothing pieces anyone should have.
Efficiently packing all the necessary devices should also provide your team with enough time to work,
even during the flight, while benefiting from the comfort and quietness of the airplane.
Plan timetable for productivity
Corporate travel is less about being spontaneous and more about finding ways to unwind and relax.
Creating a thorough plan for your team regarding their free time can help them be on schedule at all times
while taking advantage of visiting a new place. Of course,
the schedule should also be flexible so as not to make them feel controlled or compelled to follow instructions strictly.
However, you can recommend choosing a hotel near numerous attractions, restaurants, or meeting sites so they minimize travel time.
Not all places need to be near the city center to benefit from these amenities,
but they can help them innovatively pick these spots.
Look out for dining opportunities
When traveling for business, teams might believe good networking happens in pricey restaurants,
but this isn’t necessarily true.
While high-end restaurants can offer unique experiences, be cautious of those that are scams,
which is why reorienting is a better approach.
If your team is into discovering hidden gems in new cities,
they can find dining spots that offer
amazing foods
at reasonable prices.
You may also look for hotels that offer prices inclusive of free breakfast, coffee, or evening snacks,
allowing employees to take advantage of complimentary meals.
However, remember that their health is more important, so having fresh and safe meals is more important than saving money.
Business travelers should have access to resources that enable them to
avoid foodborne illnesses,
which can disrupt their productivity.
Depending on how far your team travels, they might be prone to jet lag, a temporary sleep issue that can be as mild or serious as the number of time zones crossed. Symptoms of daytime fatigue are normal, but they can impact a business trip. Luckily, there are several ways through which jet lag can be minimized:
- Arriving a day earlier before essential meetings to help the body time to adjust;
- Resting properly before the trip;
- Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can intensify jet lag symptoms;
- Trying to time the schedule based on how many time zones passed;
How can your team improve their networking abilities during a business trip?
The most important part of traveling for work is the opportunity to make valuable connections with other individuals.
Attending industry events allows employees to connect with like-minded experts and engage in discussions with possible collaborators or clients.
That’s why it’s crucial to send teams to workshops, panel discussions, and similar events,
as they can spread the word about your brand image and extend the prospect of growth.
Training would be ideal in this direction, as people should be approachable and open when discussing with others.
Building authentic connections means utilizing skills such as
active listening,
maintaining confidence, and being aware of nonverbal communication to make a positive impression on the other party.
Following up is also necessary, even if some people tend to ignore the networks they’ve built during a business event.
At the same time, this depends on the team’s ability to be convincing and pleasant enough
to sell their products and services without coming across as desperate.
Additionally, employees can maximize downtime by leveraging the time they spend
at airports, hotel lobbies, and lounges through casual networking.
Sometimes, starting a conversation casually can lead to an amazing opportunity,
so your team should have their elevator pitch prepared at all times.
Final considerations
Business trips can bring a company numerous advantages if done right.
Sending a capable team whose skills lure in collaborators and customers is worth investing in,
but they still have to maximize their time spent abroad.
In addition, you may want to cut costs for the business trips, which can be pricey.
Blending both goals can be done by planning the trip thoroughly, packing efficiently, and improving sleep quality.
