Traveling abroad for business can be exciting and nerve-wracking. But if you plan ahead, you have nothing to worry about. You’ll have an incredible experience and be able to enjoy your time visiting new cultures.

5 Tips for Smooth Business Travel

An international business trip has the potential to be exciting and profitable. But before you leave, make sure you plan ahead. This will allow you to avoid potential mistakes, remove friction, and have a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Here are several tips for smoother business travel:
1. Get Your Paperwork in Order
 The very first step is to make sure you have all of the proper travel documentation and paperwork in order to prevent snags at airport customs. Every foreign country has its own rules and relationships with the United States, so you’ll have to research your specific destination to see which ones apply.

Rules change from time to time, so be cognizant of any kind of shift that occurs. For example, beginning in 2023, all Americans traveling to European nations for business purposes (staying less than 90 days) will need an ETIAS to enter. This document is easy and inexpensive to obtain, but you can’t get in without one. You’ll want to get your ETIAS online in advance of your trip.

2. Choose the Right Accommodations

The next step is to get your accommodations squared away. If you’re traveling as an employee of a company, they’ll most likely handle all of the logistical planning aspects for you. However, if you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or independent contractor, you’re the one calling the shots.

When selecting a hotel, try to choose something that’s within close proximity to where you’ll be doing most of your business activity. However, also give thought to any excursions or activities you’ll be doing in your free time. A convenient location saves a lot of time and allows you to experience more of the cities you visit.
3. Research Local Customs
 Never assume that your American way of doing business is the same way that someone does business in another country. Customs vary dramatically from one nation to the next. Doing some basic research ahead of time will prevent you from embarrassing yourself and potentially losing the sale.

It’s especially important that you select the appropriate attire for your international business meetings. A failure to do so could compromise your first impressions and limit the success of your trip.

“Take the time to review your itinerary and plan your outfits accordingly,” MentorWorks suggests. “If possible, it is wise to ask your contact or host of the country you are traveling to for suggestions of what clothes to bring. Consider all situations you might encounter while abroad, such as first-time meetings, casual events, cocktail parties, or black-tie gatherings.”

As unfair as it might be, women typically have it harder. For men, a nice dark suit is pretty much universally acceptable. For women, you have to consider how much skin is appropriate to show, the type of shoes you can wear, etc.4. Pack Accordingly
 When packing for an international business trip, try to keep things as light as possible. Ideally, you’d like to be able to bring everything in a carry-on and avoid having to check a bag. This simply reduces the number of things that could go wrong (lost luggage) and gives you more direct control over your baggage.
5. Maximize Your Free Time
 You may have a busy trip planned, but there’s usually some downtime. You may be tempted to sleep this time away, but consider pushing through. It’s not every day that you get to spend time in a foreign country. Fifteen years from now, you won’t remember the extra four hours of sleep you got. You will remember the time you spent an afternoon strolling around the streets of Pairs, Dubai, Mexico City, or Shanghai. Make the most of your free time and create a few memories to bring home with you!

Safe and Productive Travels!

A business trip abroad doesn’t have to be something that puts knots in your stomach. Instead, you should see it as an exciting opportunity to experience a new culture and forge powerful relationships with people that you don’t otherwise get the experience of interacting with on a regular basis. Take the trip seriously, but have a good (and safe) time!