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Business trips today involve a multitude of experiences, catering to both seasoned road warriors and those taking their first steps into the corporate travel arena.
With many travellers charting their course without the confines of strict travel policies, the opportunity for personalisation abounds – but so too does the potential for overwhelm.
Consider this your compass to navigate the seas of business travel, from must-have apps and tech backups to choosing the best accommodation for your needs.
Networking in Advance: Prepare for Connections
It's great to network while you're away on business (in fact, that might even be a big part of why you're on a work trip in the first place), but what about networking before you go?
Lay the groundwork for valuable connections by networking in advance. Here's why it's beneficial:
- Establish Rapport: Reach out to potential contacts early to introduce yourself and start building rapport.
- Gain Insights: Tap into the knowledge of local professionals to learn about industry trends and cultural nuances.
- Schedule Meetings: Arrange face-to-face meetings or informal chats ahead of time to make the most of your visit.
This is also a great way to lock in appointments, allowing you to schedule other things around them and streamline your itinerary.
- Create Anticipation: Build excitement for your trip by connecting with local contacts and expressing interest in meeting up.
- Expand Your Network: Proactively reach out to broaden your professional circle and open doors to new opportunities.
This might look like an event that’s already selling out before you go on your work trip or a meeting that you can tee up in advance.
Networking before your trip sets the stage for successful connections and fruitful collaborations during your stay.
Use Travel Apps & Tools to Simplify Your Journey
Whether you're navigating airport terminals or exploring a new city, there's an app to help streamline every aspect of your business journey.
Flight Tracking Apps
Flight tracking apps provide real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, and delays, allowing you to stay informed and adjust your plans accordingly. Download the app for the airline you’re flying with for real-time updates and optimal user experience.
Business Expense Trackers
Forget about hoarding receipts and rushing back to the restaurant to ask for the bill – there’s an app for that. Track your business expenses easily with an app so you don’t miss anything. Some top apps include:
- Expensify (free version available)
- Zoho Expense (free version available)
- FreshBooks (30-day free trial available)
- Rydoo (14-day free trial available)
International Tools
If you're travelling overseas, or perhaps going to a conference that has a large international audience, language translation apps are ideal.
They can bridge communication barriers and help you converse with ease, which might just result in a lead you wouldn't have otherwise made.
Another useful one for international travel is a currency conversion tool, which enables you to quickly calculate exchange rates and make informed financial decisions while travelling for work.
Accommodation Check-In Apps
Now, this has to be one of our favourites (not that we’re biased, of course). More and more accommodation options are introducing digital or contactless check-in options, which not only helps the environment but also streamlines your travel.
Get rid of painful reception wait times and check into your room with a few easy taps on your smartphone. Check out the Rambla check-in app to get a taste of what you can expect when you stay with us.
Ensure Backup Essentials: Documents & Tech
When travelling for business, it's crucial to have backup copies of essential documents to ensure smooth sailing during your trip. You're likely aware of this, but maybe just in that back-of-the-mind 'I'll get to it later' way that causes you to, in fact, totally forget about it.
Start by making digital copies of your passport, driver's licence, and itinerary, storing them securely in a cloud-based storage service or encrypted USB drive. Even if you end up not needing them, it's always good to have peace of mind.
Following the above point, invest in a portable charger and extra charging cables to keep your devices powered up while on the go. There's nothing worse than having a flat laptop or device right before an important presentation.
Maximise Airport Lounges
Long layovers and flight delays are an inevitable part of business travel (even if you're travelling domestically) but they don't have to be a source of frustration.
Consider purchasing access to an airport lounge to enjoy a peaceful oasis amidst the chaos of the terminal. Most airport lounges now offer guest passes or access via credit card, so there’s no need to commit to an expensive frequent flyer membership to gain access.
Whether you need to catch up on emails, prepare for an upcoming meeting, or simply unwind before your next flight, airport lounges offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
Plus, the fees can be factored into your business expenses – it's a win-win!
Navigate Off-Peak Hours: Make the Most of Your Time
When scheduling meetings and appointments during your business trip, consider exploring off-peak hours where possible to optimise your productivity and efficiency.
By avoiding peak travel times and busy periods, you can minimise wait times, traffic congestion, and overcrowded venues, allowing you to make the most of your time.
Whether it's scheduling meetings in the early morning or late afternoon or planning activities during less crowded times, being strategic about your timing can help you accomplish more in less time.
It might also give you a little extra room to explore the city or enjoy some downtime in your accommodation facilities. More on that in the next point *wink wink*.
Choose the Perfect Accommodation
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a successful business trip.
Opt for somewhere that's conveniently located near your business venues or meeting places to minimise commute time and maximise productivity.
Consider factors like proximity to public transportation, amenities, and dining options.
Serviced Apartments > Hotels
You might run into a potential problem here – most of the above points will likely lead you to overpriced inner-city accommodation that might boast fancy lobbies and luxe hotel rooms, but that seriously lack in convenience, cost-effectiveness, and quietness (factors that are paramount to a good business trip).
Our solution? Choose a city-fringe serviced apartment over a hotel. Here’s why:
- You’re getting good convenience and proximity to CBD venues without having to put up with non-stop city bustle and noise.
- You’re saving valuable dollars by staying outside of the CBD confines, while likely getting a larger space to relax in.
- You can add personal touches to a serviced apartment and make it feel more like home.
- You can stay for longer periods of time, ideal for extended business trips.
- You’ll have more autonomy than you would in a traditional hotel.
- You’ll get features like full kitchens to make home-cooked meals, in-room laundry facilities, and on-site amenities like gyms and workspaces.
Master Your Work Travel With Rambla
Mastering business travel requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. By following these valuable tips and insights, you can navigate your next business trip with confidence and ease.
At Rambla, we know what’s important and what’s not for corporate travellers. Stay with us in Brisbane or Melbourne and reap the benefits of city-fringe living.
From our high-speed Wi-Fi and co-work spaces to our rooftop pools, saunas, and al fresco dining spaces, we’ve got everything you need for a streamlined business travel experience.
- Rambla @ Perry House is located in Brisbane’s Bowen Hills, just 10 minutes from the CBD and around 20 minutes from the airport.
- Rambla @ South/City/SQ is located in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba inside the dining and entertainment precinct of South/City/SQ. You’ll be surrounded by delicious restaurants and convenience outlets while also being 10 minutes from the city and 20 minutes away from the airport.
- Rambla @ Solarino House in Melbourne’s Brunswick is right near a city-route train station, around 15-20 minutes from the CBD, and 20 minutes from the airport.
Book your stay with Rambla and get ready to make travelling for work that much better!
Further reading: Your Guide to Accommodation Near the Brisbane Convention Centre
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