Every day, business people travel around the world for meetings, conventions, or related activities. To ensure the best outcome for your trip, it’s helpful to review tips regarding international travel, such as double-checking your itinerary, reservations, and meeting times, for example. The best international air travel tips include getting discount first class tickets from Executive Class Travel. Other international air travel tips not only advise travelers to ensure that they’re rested and comfortable during their flight but also advise people to book a flight that will arrive well before any scheduled meetings.
Check for Travel Alerts
Countries across the globe experience events that can prove dangerous to travelers. Check online for alerts and warnings about specific areas of concern before leaving for your trip. You can do this by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website. While both alerts and warnings inform travelers of concerns in a region, warnings speak of the more serious problems, such as frequent terrorist attacks.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccinations may not be one of the more talked about international travel tips, but they are a requirement for some countries and are highly recommended for others. Countries that require vaccinations may not allow entry without evidence in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which serves as proof of vaccination. Some shots are not required but are recommended to help prevent illness when traveling to certain parts of the world. Complete all necessary vaccinations several months before your trip.
Have the Right Documentation
Two of the top tips for traveling internationally are to have a current passport and appropriate work visas. Your passport is an entry requirement for most foreign countries. Travelers returning to the United States will also need it to re-enter the country by air. When returning to the U.S. by land or by sea, a passport card may be used as identification. If you already have your passport, check the expiration date, as certain countries may deny you access if there are less than six months before it expires.
Make Certain You’ll Have Access to Money
Some of the most important international travel tips focus on money. For the sake of safety, it is wise to limit the amount of cash that you’ll carry while overseas. The best way to pay for items during your trip is with traveler’s checks or a credit card. When using a credit card, first confirm that it is accepted in the country where you’ll be traveling. Also, alert the credit card company or your bank regarding your travel plans, as expenditures outside of the U.S. may trigger fraud alerts. If using foreign currency, check the country’s exchange rates.
Will Your Electronics Work?
Electronics are important for many travelers, particularly business travelers. Tips for traveling internationally with a cellphone include arranging for an international calling and data plan that will help save you money on costly roaming fees or opting for a pay-per-use phone. Electronics need power, but be aware that the country’s voltage and plugs may not be compatible with your devices. Check the region’s voltage and plug configuration and purchase a converter and/or adapter if needed.
Learn the Native Language or Line Up a Translator
Learn to speak a few key words in the country’s native language, such as “thank you,” “hello,” or “goodbye.” When pronounced and used in the correct manner, they can be helpful in business and generally polite. A few words, however, won’t be sufficient when conducting business with someone who does not speak English fluently. In cases such as this, make advance arrangements for a translator.
Study Local and Business Etiquette
Make the time to learn about basic international business etiquette to avoid insulting your host or embarrassing yourself. Different countries have different proper methods of greeting and engaging with one another based on their culture, while some American mannerisms may be inappropriate or unintentionally offensive. Just like international business etiquette, you’ll also want to learn about the regional etiquette and culture. This will help you avoid mistakes during your leisure time.
Know Who to Contact in an Emergency
Look up information about the local U.S. Embassy and keep it on hand. You’ll need this information if you should lose your passport or during certain emergency situations. You should also learn what the area’s emergency services number is. This is important should you need immediate help.
