Guest Author - Sacha Michelle Pilgrim

Before packing your bags and heading to the airport, do a little research on your business travel destination. Sure the business travellers life is hectic and the phrase ‘extra time’ is seldom used but having prior knowledge of your destination could save you time while keeping you safe and helping you make your business travel venture a success one.

Researching Saves Time

The internet is an amazing tool and for the second it takes to search your travel destination you can acquire a sea of information. For instance, use a tool such as google maps to locate the hotel you will be staying at, business meeting locations and nearby restaurants. Knowing the distance you will have to travel will make it easier to decide if a rental car is necessary or if it’ll be easier to take the subway, taxi or a bus. Be sure to calculate the time it takes to get from point A to B and factor in whether you will be travelling on a busy roadway. By viewing a map before you leave, you can plan your day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

While you are planning the business side of things be sure to note the location of any tourist attractions you are interested in seeing. By researching your destination and allotting your time, you may be able to fit in some extra exploration time.

Keeping Safe

Safety is always the biggest concern when travelling to a new place. Researching and familiarizing yourself with cultural differences, local crime statistics and reading travel advisories and warnings are ways to increase your safety.

There are many subtle cultural differences in the way people behave in other countries. By learning more about your destinations culture you are protecting yourself and it also ensures you don’t offend anyone. For example, if you are travelling to Dubai, where Islam is the official religion, you should dress conservatively and refrain from wearing tight clothing.

Travel advisories provide you with such information as crime statistics, road conditions, criminal penalties, and medical facility information. If travelling internationally, it is wise to read travel advisories and take precautions based on the information you find. For instance, if pickpocketing occurs frequently at your travel destination, you may want to consider wearing a money belt instead of carrying a purse. Travel advisories may also inform you of the location of your countries embassy which may be beneficial if you get into trouble.

Another way to increase your safety is to familiarize yourself with the streets around your hotel. By doing this you decrease you chances of getting lost and thus looking vulnerable. Having a feel for the city layout before you leave is better then learning your way around once you get there.


Business Etiquette

Researching a foreign countries business etiquette and learning a few key phrases in your clients language, will ensure your business meetings are a success. For instance in Japan the customary greeting is a bow. After returning the bow, you should exchange business cards (meishi in Japanese) before conducting business. If you greet your business partners appropriately and have an understanding of their culture, your strength and independence will show.


By researching your destination before you go you can learn valuable information to help you along the way. A few minutes of searching online can save you time, keep you safe and impress your clients.