Preparing for a Business Trip Overseas
Good preparation for a business trip leads
to less stress, is better for your health, and it is also
a sign of an organised and alert mind. The businessperson
who is able to think ahead and prepare well for a trip not
only benefits them self, but also brings positive benefits
to the company they represent.
Allow a time of Preparation
Good pre-travel planning can mentally and
psychologically prepare you to deal with the stresses of frequent
travel. As soon as possible put together a schedule of the
intended trip. Plan the flight times with your travel agent
and have all of your details in writing. Check on the area
you will be visiting and start to collect information about
the trip and your destination. If visas are required get working
on sorting them out as soon as you can.
Clear Objectives - Deal with Fears
Dealing with any fears you might have in regard
to travel should ideally be sorted out while you are at home
in a calm and relaxed manner.
Checklist
For those who travel frequently it is a good
idea to keep a checklist in your scheduler or on the computer,
listing the items that need to be packed for a trip. This
will save much time searching for items or turning up half
way across the world without your toothbrush. It will also
allow you to plan for a trip in a calm and relaxed manner.
Family Concerns
If you are planning to combine the trip with
a family holiday, plan your schedule well before leaving,
thinking ahead about the needs of any children travelling
with you.
Visit Your Doctor or Travel Clinic
As soon as possible plan to visit your family
doctor, Practice Nurse or local Travel Clinic to discuss any
vaccination needs for your trip. If you are a frequent traveller,
often leaving for remote corners of the world at a moment's
notice, discuss the possibility of keeping vaccinations up
to date and attending regularly for boosters.
Ask for a vaccination card and keep a copy
of it at home when you travel. A good idea is to put a rubber
band around the spine of your passport and keep the card attached
to the passport - everyone loses their vaccination cards,
but who loses their passport?
Insurance Needs
Sort out your insurance needs, making sure
you have good cover for the trip and any other activities
you hope to take part in.
If you are disabled and will need any special
assistance at the airport or at your destination, plan this
in advance with the airline or through your travel agent.
Preventing Malaria
If you require Malaria tablets, allow time
to start the medication. Time schedules vary with different
types of medication so it is important to see your Travel
Health Advisor as soon as you are ready to leave for a trip.
Keep a supply of mosquito repellent at home
for use on trips where mosquitoes are a problem. Preventing
insect bites should always be remembered as the first line
of prevention for insect borne diseases.
Travel with Disabilities
If you are travelling and have a chronic condition,
find out if there are English speaking doctors in the area
you will be visiting. Don't forget to get repeat prescriptions
of medication to carry in your hand luggage and a letter from
your family doctor if you need to carry needles or suspicious
drugs. Always take a bit more medication than you think you
will need. If you suffer from asthma or diabetes, make an
appointment to see your Specialist Nurse or Doctor before
you leave.
It would be good to also have a note
with you outlining your medical condition and medication needs.
Some countries such as Japan, have legalities regarding bringing
medication into the country - check with the relevant embassy
about taking medication into the country.
First Aid Kit
Put together a personal first aid kit to take
with you for the small personal emergencies. A few Paracetamol
in your bag might "save your life" if you need to
rush to a meeting as soon as the plane lands.
If you travel frequently it is wise to arrange
to have a regular medical check up. Checking your weight,
blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly is always
good practice. If you are planning to catch a few days scuba
diving you will need to make sure you have an up to date medical
certificate.
Sun Cream
If you are travelling to a hot climate make
sure you take sun cream with you and are aware of the risks
of sun damage.
Time to Adjust
When planning your schedule, allow yourself
time to adjust on reaching your destination, especially if
you are flying across time zones. |
