21 Tips for Planning your Trip!

1. Put together your Itinerary as early as possible

Knowing where you need to be (and when you need to be there) during your trip can help you to make smart decisions when planning your trip. That cheap hotel really won’t seam such a bright idea anymore right before a 9am meeting across the other side of town.

2. Consider your different transport options

For domestic  travel, check out train times as early as possible (12 weeks beforehand if you are able to) as it can be cheaper and less stressful if you can avoid taking your car – especially when fuel and parking cost and taken into account. 

If you have to fly, try to be flexible. Travelling a day later or going a day earlier could see you grab cheaper seats and also allow you a little extra time to explore.

3. Never take hold luggage when flying

Checking in a bag when flying no only means a long wait at your destination airport for collection, but also sees you avoiding the nightmare that is lost luggage. With generous hand-luggage allowances for more than 10kg with most airlines, even on longer trips you’ll find you’ve plenty of space without needing to load up the hold.

4. Take scans of all documents

When travelling Internationally, spend half an hour before you go taking scans of your driving licence, passport, visa, credit cards, accommodation details and your trip itinerary. Store these on your phone, laptop or ‘in the cloud’ and they’ll be a life saver shoud happen to lose anything important. Use the ‘Tiny-Scanner’ app to use your device’s camera to scan all your documents straight onto your phone or tablet.

5. Set an out of office auto responder on your email account

Whilst it may sound obvious to set an auto responder on your email account to let people know when out of the office for a time, you’d be surprised at how many ‘forget’ to do so. It’ll not only give the chance to inform anyone who emails,  that you may take longer-than-usual to reply but also lets you provide alternative contact details for someone else in the office.

6. Buy a multi region power adaptor

Forget having a separate power adaptor for different countries you travel to. Invest in a multi-region plug and you’ll only ever have to carry a single adaptor with you wherever you go. Keep it in your suitcase and you’ll always know it’s there.

7. Invest in a mobile device power pack

There’s nothing worse than seeing your phone or tablet’s battery in the red wehen you need to make that all important call or sen an urgent email back to the office. A mobile device power pack needn’t break the bank and so long as you always keep it charged up, will provide that much needed charge when there’s no power around.

8. Pack a spare suit

Even the most careful amongst us still experience the odd spillage when eating dinner or doin the laundry isn’t always easy when away! Pack a spare suit and you won’t need it…don’t and you can guarantee you will!

9. Take an envelope to keep your receipts in

There’s nothing worse than getting back to the office and discovering you’ve misplaced the receipts you need in order to claim your expenses. Take an envelope and put them straight in to ensure they’re all kept together. As an alternative, try the ‘Smart Receipts’ app for your own receipt scanner.

10. Book your currency in advance for the best rates

Don’t wait until you get to the airport to get your foreign currency as you’ll pay a premium for it. Book your currency from your local exchange at least a couple of days before you travel to ensure you get the best possible rate.

11. Load up your money onto a travel money card

In addition to taking some ‘cash’ do the smart thing and load money onto a travel money card. These pre-paid cards work just the same as a credit card or debit card but you won’t pay a conversion charge and in the event that it’s lost, the provider will quickly replace it for you.

12. Apply for an International Driving Permit

If you’re planning on getting a hire car when abroad, do yourself a favour and apply for an International Driving Permit.  This internationally recognised permit will allow you to drive in more than 150 countries when accompanied by your own driving licence.

13. Understand Roaming Charges

Whilst roaming charges have reduced somewhat recently, it’s important you understand what it’ll cost to use your phone abroad and, if needs be, add a bundle from your service provider to save.

14. Call you Credit/Debit card provider

Don’t forget to inform your credit or debit card provider where you’re going and when to avoid your card being blocked due to a seemingly unusual transaction.

15. Prepare to go cardless with Apple pay

With the launch of Apple Pay, it’s now easier than ever to avoid carrying too much cash with you and it can be even easier than taking a pre-paid travel money card if only going on a short trip. Make sure you’ve set it up before you leave.

16. Whilst you are away (use the ‘free WIFI finder’ app to avoid an expensive connection)

Download the ‘Free WIFI finder’ app to find all of the free WIFI connections in the local area. Never pay for an expensive connection charge again to check your emails and avoid needing to use roaming data which can add up. The app works globally and is easy to use! Bonus!

17. Use Uber for easy taxi transport

Forget the days of searching for the local taxi firm. Download Uber, top up your wallet and book a taxi in 68 countries across the globe straight from your smartphone. Simple!

18. Use local hot desking facilities rather than your hotel room

Working in your hotel room is OK for a short period but if you’ve got a meeting-free day, consider using local hot desking facilities to ensure your time is productive and distraction free.

19. Play it safe with business expenses

Know what you can and can’t claim back as business expenses to avoid a shock when you get back to the office. Even if you work for yourself, know what the tax man will and won’t all you to claim.

20. Learn the local etiquette

Take the time to learn the local etiquette to ensure you play by their Rules! From knowing when and how much to tip to the more unusual laws in some countries, taking time to swot up can help to avoid awkwardness.

21. Enjoy yourself!

Last by not least. ENJOY YOURSELF! Try and find time to explore the city where you’re based and see a few local sights. After all, all work and no play is no fun for anyone!