Going on your first business trip is a very exciting step for your new enterprise. At the same time, it’s also a daunting one. When starting out, most businesses need to keep a tight grip on their finances. Business trips can be expensive, and so it’s important for new companies that they avoid unnecessary expenditure and ensure that the trip is worth the cost. Read on and we will present to you four things you should consider before booking your first business trip.
1. The purpose of the trip
The first thing to establish is the purpose of the business trip. Some common motivations include a meeting or an event. Whatever the purpose happens to be, it should be one that will benefit your enterprise. The last thing you need is to return from the trip feeling as if you have gained nothing. Find out as much as you can before you agree to any meetings and book any tickets so that you can be absolutely sure that the trip is worth the time and cost.
2. The cost of the trip
You need to establish a budget for the business trip. Start with how much you can comfortably afford and try your best to stay below this figure. Search for deals on travel and accommodation online. It’s helpful to bear in mind that staying in hotels is not always the cheapest option, especially if your business trip is for more than a couple of days. Developments like Ultris Abbey Rowe have extended stay hotels that might provide you with a better deal than a standard hotel. If you are very keen to keep costs low, research cheap places to eat as well, or opt for self-catering.
3. The itinerary
It’s important to create a detailed plan for the business trip once all the arrangements are finalized. The itinerary should include travel information, start and finish times for meetings, contact numbers, etc. Do remember that it’s a business trip so avoid adding any events to the itinerary that might distract you from your purpose. However, do include some downtime in your itinerary. If you give yourself too much to do, you’ll become tired and stressed and, therefore, less productive on your trip.
4. Travel companions
If you are not the only one going on your business trip, you’ll need to communicate all the information required to your travel companions. They’ll need a copy of the itinerary in advance of the trip, so they can prepare. Provide extra information like dress code and names and backgrounds of the people you are meeting. You will also need to retrieve some important information from the other business trip attendees such as any dietary requirements or medical details.
Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, there is always a great deal of planning involved. For a business trip, it’s essential that you take care when organizing to make sure the trip is cost-efficient and worthwhile. You also need to pay attention to your trip itinerary and to the people you will be travelling with.
We hope you have a successful first business trip. Bon voyage!
