5 tips for foreign business travels

The primary purpose of foreign business trips is to connect with clients or partners to build strong working relationships or to close an important deal. However, while travelling can help to find and cultivate new international clients, it is essential to spend your time planning before the trip to avoid ending up on the other side of the world in a bad situation. A successful business trip requires months of planning, and it is vital to make your trip comfortable. Here are tips for foreign business trips.

1. Prepare a well-planned itinerary. Your itinerary should reflect what your company plan to achieve. The goals and priorities of the organization should always be on your mind. Ensure your appointments are well confirmed and spaced in case you will have more than one appointment a day. This will be more productive than having overcrowded agendas that will force you rush from one meeting to the next. Make your schedule flexible to cater for to unexpected problem such as flight delay etc. Most importantly, drop a copy of your itinerary, passport, medical insurance and other vital documents with your family member, close friends or trusted colleagues so that they know where you will be at all time during your stay abroad. Ensure also to leave an emergency contact list with your travel planner.
2. Research options for Internet connectivity ahead of timeInternet connection is vital to your success of your foreign trip. Make sure you make detailed research on the internet connectivity option to be to ensure close communication with your business partners, company and family. A smooth internet connection will make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable. However, being proactive in planning can save you and your company a lot and can be a key tool in closing the business deal.

3. Learn the native tongueIf you are travelling non-English speaking country where your clients do not speak English or are uncomfortable speaking it, learning their native language can give you an upper edge as business associate tends to appreciate the sincere attempt. You can learn foreign a foreign language on YouTube or use Praxis Mobile Language Learning Networks, which provides podcasts for Chinese, Spanish, French and Italian.

4. Plan to stay connectedA plug or adapter may be needed to charge notebooks, cell phones, and PDAs while overseas. Not all voltage adapters are created equal; if you are traveling to a country that uses a different type of outlet, it is essential to get the correct type of voltage adapter. Contact your home service provider before you leave to find out about international options for business trips to know if you will be able to get a temporary pal while abroad. Another international call option is to use Skype on your laptop or a Skype iPhone app on your mobile phone. Skype is free and supports group call, online meetings and video conferencing. Keeping up with content generated in your home country is also very important. However, do remember that geo-blocking does occur, so you may want to consider using a VPN to unblock sites while abroad.

5. Eat smart and familiarize yourself with local customsNothing can ruin your trip faster than an intestinal parasite. You don't have to worry too much about the food quality in many parts of the world, but food safety can be a significant consideration in certain locations. Also, things that are perfectly acceptable at home can be extremely offensive in other parts of the world. It's a good idea to look into the local customs before traveling to an unfamiliar destination.

Hi, I am Terrel Watkins. I love reading and writing. I would like to read and share Business tips with others. Best regards.